The Cleveland Gazette, 1883-09-15

OUR WASHINOTOX LETTER. Persona Deprived of KI retire Franchise lu the District of Columbia-Hon. M. A. Foran - The National Convention to be a Drand Success - Minister J M, Langston and Hon. Frederick Don*» lass - Howard University and Faculty- White Sulphur Springs - Major D. J. Chavers. WASHINGTON, D. C., Sept. 10, 1883. Many persons outside of Washington are not aware that in the District of Co-, lumbia the people are wholly deprived of the elective franchise. As citizens the only share they have in the Govern Government - ment Government is to obey the laws and pay taxes. Under the present system, inaugurated during Grant's second administratioM, three Commissioners are appointed by the President, with the approval of the Senate, who, under the direction of Congress, have exclusive control of all municipal artairs. One-half of the ex expense - pense expense incurred by the city is paid by the Government. All items of appro appropriation - priation appropriation are particularly specified, and the Commissioners in the expenditure of money cannot go beyond the letter of the law as expressed in the appro appropriation - priation appropriation bills. There is a good deal of dissatisfaction with the present order of things, and efforts are making to* have the ballot restored to the people. The claim is made, and we think with good reason, that although Con Congress - gress Congress has exclusive jurisdiction over the District, yet it cannot, justly de deprive - prive deprive the citizen of a right guaranteed to him by the Constitution of the United States. The right to rote is thus guar guaranteed, - anteed, guaranteed, .nd is held by citizens every every.riiereM - .riiereM every.riiereM among the most sacred of their rights. Some of the old Washing Washingtonians - tonians Washingtonians and the privileged classes are opposed to suffrage in any form. They say they are better governed now than they were under the territorial form when money was lavishiv expended and the city run in debt. Their real objec objection, - tion, objection, however, to suffrage is that they are afraid of the Negro vote. They them themselves - selves themselves would rather be deprived of the ballot than allow the Negro to share it with them. But there is a growing sentiment in favor of the restoration of suffrage. Many of the old-time Democrats have come to the front as advocates of a change in the form of government, and as the next House will be Democratic there are strong indications that the present system will be abolished or at least modified. Preparations are being made for a public meeting, when it is expected a committee will be appointed to mature a plan and present it to Con Congress - gress Congress at its opening session. The peo peofde - fde peofde here will feel themselves under ob obigations - igations obigations to Hon. M. A. Foran if, after investigation, he should find it consist consistent - ent consistent with his duty to become a friend and an advocate of suffrage for the Hon. Frederick Douglass has returned to the city much improved in health by his sojourn through Maine. He savs he has letters to the effect that already one hundred and seventy delegates have been appointed to attend the National Convention of colored men to be held in Louisville, September 24. Be Before - fore Before the present week closes the num number - ber number of delegates will probably reach three hundred. The secretary of the committee issuing the call has been in instructed - structed instructed to write to Louisville, and ascertain whether a suitable hall can be secured for the convention and accom accommodation - modation accommodation of three hundred delegates. A great mistake is made in supposing that the convention was gotten up in the interest of the present administra administration - tion administration or in the interest of any set of politicians. If there are delegates who have axes to grind, yonr correspondent knows nothing about it. The iaea of a convention originated in what seemed a necessity of the times. Prominent colored men from the South and other parts of the country, while in Wash Washington - ington Washington last winter, expressed the desire for a convention. It was the general opinion that the Nation's capital was the proper place to inaugurate such a movement. The committee of twenty twentyfive - five twentyfive in isssuing the call, did it as they supposed in accordance with the wish of the people as expressed by their representative men. It seems that we are about to reach a political crisis in this country, disguise it as we may. In our judgment, one of the most im important - portant important questions to be considered by the convention is, What policy shall the Negro mark out for himself, if there should be a general breaking up of political parties 'in 'B4? We are ready to discuss this question. What others are willing to do we cannot say. The time is past when we should fear to speak our opinion boldly upon political questions, or upon any ques question - tion question affecting the interest of the Negro. Threats should not deter us, and prom promise - ise promise of office should'not allure us from the path of duty. Let those who op- Sose the holding of a convention not eceive themselves. The people have this matter in hand. It is the politician who is trying to delude them, and this the people well understand. No, a con convention* - vention* convention* will be held under the call issued. Let no powder be foolishly wasted. Let us wait results. Readers of the Gazette have doubt doubtless - less doubtless seen the telegraphic announce announcement - ment announcement in the daily papers of Minister J. M. Langston's arrival in Washington. We trust Mr. Langston has come to re remain - main remain with us. We are opposed to*send to*sending - ing to*sending our leading men out of the country. We need them here. Mr. Langston's ability every one must recognize. His long and faithful services to the Repub Republican - lican Republican party entitle him to an important appointment at home. There is no place he is not qualified to fill. Miss Lulu Cook, Miss Alice Strange and Dr. J. H, Howard have returned to

Having shown in sketch first of part second the position of two classes of the early inhabitants of the province of Louisiana, it now remains to refer to a third class, of whom we have hitherto had but a few brief glimpses, namely, the slaves or Africans whom, at the Kriod of the French revolution of 1789, d become very numerous, and a reg regular - ular regular article of commerce between the white planters and their colored prog progeny, - eny, progeny, which, of course, rendered the social chasm between the blacks and their semi-colored free brethren much wider than that existing between the first two classes. In consequence of this state of social antagonism the friends of the slave in France applied to the National Assem Assembly - bly Assembly as early as 1783, for a charter es establishing - tablishing establishing schools in the colony for the education of the children of the slaves. Lafayette, Brissot, Gregoire and Bar Barnaire - naire Barnaire eloquently advocated the meas measure, - ure, measure, and were finally successful in ob obtaining - taining obtaining a decree to that end. Unhap Unhappily, - pily, Unhappily, before the system could be reduced to thorough practice, the revolution broke out in France, which threw the colony into such disorder that the schools were abandoned. Its friends in the mother country had either fallen upon the voracious guillotine or lingered in gloomy dungeons, and when the "Di "Divinity" - vinity" "Divinity" was established it was found that Napoleon Bonaparte had already made overtures to the American Gov Government - ernment Government for the cession of Louisiana to the United States. This negotiation was consummated in 1803, from whieh time American law became the sovereign law of the colony, and, of course, ex exerted - erted exerted its utmost power and influence to perpetuate the good seed which, had been sown for the elevation of its human property. In spite of the preventive measures enacted by the new proprietors, the slaves had, during the brief period of their pupilism, become sufficiently sensible of the value of education, and the advantages to be derived from it, to determine, the more daring among them, to obtain it at all hazards. For this purpose the plantations of a parish or township would be canvassed, and those in whom they could confide, were invited to attend a "School" in any location where secresy could be^ecured Sometimes these schools were held in remote swamps and cane-brakes, where, perhaps, the foot of the white man had never trod. In such cases, a number of logs would be formed into a hollow square, a pine fire built in the cen center, - ter, center, and the dusky pupils dis disposed - posed disposed around upon the log-seats, prepared for the purpose. "Le Maitre D'Ecole" would then engage in " teaching the young idea how to shoot," until "le Chaulicleer" an announced - nounced announced the approaching morn, when each scholar must be found at his post of labor, or receive a sufficient number of "Stripes," minus the "Stars," to in induce - duce induce an explanation of his delinquency. Whenever the weather or other cause prevented this nomadic "pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," the school-room would be removed to stable lofts, or other "eligible" locations, where, after duly chinking the seams between the boards, the pupils would seat themselves upon bundles of fodder, old harness, horse-collars or on the floor, as circumstances permitted. Then with a konk-shell filled with lard or oil, and a cotton wick inserted, as their only "chandelier," which was held in turn, the e outcasts would pore over their tattered "cnild's primers" until "one," "two" and "three" in the morning, and those who lived at a distance seldom closed their eyes on "school-nights," but spent the entire period of "darkness" in the clandestine pursuit of "light." For obvious reasons these schools never began before ten, eleven or twelve o'clock at night, nor in any event before the "santinels" on "picket "picketduty" - duty" "picketduty" reported at "headquarters" that every white man's eyes were closed in slumber.

vers is now living in Richmond, Vir Virginin. - ginin. Virginin. " Howard University will open its acad acadetnic - etnic acadetnic and theological departments on Wednesday, 13th instant. The total number of students in the University last year was 308. The prospect is good for a larger attendance this year. The Board of Trustees comprise twenty twenty&ree - &ree twenty&ree members. Of these Hon. Fredsr Fredsriek - iek Fredsriek Douglass, Bishop John M. Brown, of the A. M. E. Church; Hon. John F. Cook, Collector of Taxes; Rev. F. G. Grimkc, Pastor of the Fifteenth Street Fresbvterian Church, and Rev. Witl Witlfim - fim Witlfim Waring, of the Berean Baptist Church, are colored. It will be seen that the colored race on the Board is represented by some of our ablest men. In the theological and preparatory de departments - partments departments there are no colored Instruct Instructors. - ors. Instructors. Dr. C. B. Purvis is the only col colored - ored colored member of the large corps of med medieval - ieval medieval professors. He is also secretary of the faculty. James H. Smith, Esq., arising young colored lawyer, is a professor in the law' department and secretary of the faculty. There are two colored professors in the college de department, - partment, department, James M. Gregory, Dean of the college faculty and Professor of Latin, and Wilev Lane, Professor of Greek. Mr. Lane was elected to the chair of Greek at the last meeting of the Board. This is regarded as an important fact, since it is the lirst time in the his histwy - twy histwy of the University that there have been two colored professors in the col college - lege college department at the same time. At the head of the Normal department is a colored lady of great distinction. Miss M. B. Briggs. As an instructress and trainer of teachers she has no superior in either race. Of her four assistants tWb art: colored, Mr. George W illiam Cook and Mr. N. H. Ensley- The poli policy - cy policy of most of t he institutions est ablished since the war in the interest of the Ne Negro, - gro, Negro, lias been to exclude the colored teacher. They, like our enemies of old. say that we are not competent; that the pupils will not obey colored teach teachers; - ers; teachers; that, we would cause trouble in the faculty. Howard University has stead steadily - ily steadily pursued the opposite course. The Board is so constituted that there can be no departure from the established custom. , Several gentlemen.residing respect ive ively - ly ively in Washington, Baltimore, Richmond and Petersburg, are about to organize a joint stock company for the purpose of purchasing a desirable tract of land adjoining the White Sulphur Springs, to be used as a summer resort. The land is well supplied with sulphur, iron, magnesia and alum waters. The-scenery in the neighborhood of the proposed site is grand beyond description. In addi addition - tion addition to the buildings now upon the property, it is proposed to erect a com commodious - modious commodious hotel, grade the grounds and prepare the springs for the reception of guests iu June, 'B4. There is un undoubtedly - doubtedly undoubtedly a real demand for a place of this kind. Information comes to us that residents at the White Sulphur are constantly receiving letters from ladies and gentlemen in different parts of the country asking for accommodations in private families. Such accommodation can be furnished to a limited number only. If the contemplated enterprise meets with success, it is expected that the beauty, talent and wealth of the South and West will assemble in large numbers next season at the new resort. Capital.

COLORED VOTERS. sto ® wW s »RP«r* tM Mepub Mepub-11WM - 11WM Mepub-11WM FartyM Ticket In Ohlo-Jatlffe Foraker at Wesleyan Vnlver> sity-KeMM Rudll The colored men of Ohio are in a position to demonstrate their manhood in the campaign now going on, bettor than ever before, and it is better for the future of our race, that we do it. Let us look at this matter in a, practical way, and see just what is required of us, and how best we may do it. First: The Republican party, as a party, has always been loyal in the in interest - terest interest of the Colored man, no matter what the issue, and if individual mem members - bers members of the party have opposed meas measures - ures measures looking to the betterment of our condkion, they have either repented of their error, or else have drifted into that receptacle for all disaffected ele elementa - the - menta - the elementa - the Democratic party. Second: The Deffioeratic party has always enposed the rights of the colored man, and has steadily sought to impede ape - The A fro-American says the Republi Republican - can Republican partyhasnot been true to the col colored - ored colored man, and, therefore, the colored Voters should support the Democratic ticket this fall. ' WiTl Mr. Clark show us wherein the 1 Democratic partv has been of anv ben benfit - fit benfit to our race? 'Was it in their action in Congress on the Thirteenth, Four Fourteenth - teenth Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments? Did the Democrats of Ohio show it in their votes!oa the ratification of those amendments, or did they show their friendship in the very next Legislature after the Fifteenth Amendment had heed ratified, liyintroducing and voting for S resolution to withdraw the assent of the State, thus attempting to deprive us of the right to vote, after the Repub Republicans - licans Republicans had vouchsafed it to us? Or have they shown their great love for our people by appointing here and there, now and then, a colored man to some insignificant place? They may have done this. But compare that favor with the action of that party who made us the peer of any man any anywhere; - where; anywhere; who placed the colored man on the floor of the Senate of the United States - beside of Charles Sumner - where his voice could be heard not only throughout this land, but throughout every country on the face of the earth.

The Democratic-party fought the ad advancement - vancement advancement of our people step by step from the day the first gun was fired in the late Rebellion, until we had finally succeeded in securing our rights and became voters, when a "change came o'er the spirit of their dreams. ' The fact that the Republican party stood by us and fought for us when they were in the majority in Ohio and in the country, and did not need our votes, ought to be proof enough that they did it through a sense of right and justice. The fact that the Democratic party has fought us step by step in Congress, in the State Legislatures, in their conventions, when they resolved over and over again that "negroes were not the equals of white men, and unfit to exercise the right of suffrage," ought to be prooD'enough that at this time all they care for us is our votes. The rights of the colored people in the United States have been permanently established beyond all peradventure, and that too, by the Republican party. But suppose there should ever come a time when their rights were threatened, we ask any colored man to what party would we look for protection? The Afro-American says that the time has passed when sentiment should in influence - fluence influence our actions in any matter politi political. - cal. political. How many men have gone through life without having a sentiment of some sort to direct their conduct? Not one. The countless army of philanthropists, whose life's work attests the truth of their sentiment, prove beyond all ques question - tion question the fact that sentiment does and should guide us in all we do. Wendell Phillips, William Lloyd Gar Garrison - rison Garrison and scores of others whose lives and fortunes have been spent in the in interest - terest interest of our race, had an all pervading sentiment to guide them, and thus their efforts were successful. The fundamental principle of all mankind should be to ascertain what is right, and then act right, and any one who has suffered at the hands of the Democratic party as the editor of the Afro-American has should not advise those of his race who likewise have suf suffered - fered suffered to join with him in a crusade against the Renublicah Darty.

We are also prepared to prove the contrary of the charge made by the Afro-American as to the attack upon our race made by Judge Foraker, in the case of Gazaway vs. The School Board of Springfield, and we are also prepared to prove that instead of making the attack alleged. Judge Foraker moved for the admis admission - sion admission of Mr. Newberry, one of the coun counsels - sels counsels for the prosecution, to practice in the United States Courts, knowing him to be a colored man; and upon his mo motion - tion motion Mr. Newberry w^s admitted. Now, it is just to all parties concerned in this matter that these facts should be published, and for the purpose of vindi vindicating - cating vindicating a gentleman whose character has been assailed, we give them pub publicity. - licity. publicity. Now, what is the duty of the colored voter? If by any sort of reasoning it could be shown wherein the condition of the race would be bettered by an alli alliance - ance alliance with the Democratic party, we would not attempt to influence the action of any single individual, but when the fact is apparent to every man of ordinary intelligence that an alliance with the Democratic party would prove disastrous to the race, then we say let the colored voter in Ohio, as well as in every other State in the United States, prove his manhood and his capacity for self-government by his unfaltering sup support - port support of the Republican party that has always been true to us. There is but one thing for us to do in this campaigrf - and as men we should see to it that it is done - and that is, stand firm in the iDefense of the party whose record is not blurred by a single act in opposition to the rights of the Negro, but on the contrary, whose principles are as lasting as the Rock of Ages, and whose work in the interest of humanity is seen in every dark face throughout' the land and in every school-house where colored boys and girls are taught the lessons of honesty, virtue and sobriety. W. S. T.

Evening, eight o'clock - The Confer Conference - ence Conference assembled to hear the annual ser sermon - mon sermon by Rev. W. T. Maxwell, of Lima. Hymn No. 823 was sung. Scripture lesson, Isaiah 52. Text, Isaiah 52:8. Theme, Harmony of Agencies in the Salvation of the World. This sermon was one of deep thought. I. The agents, prophets they were, as agents in this great work, the philos philosophers - ophers philosophers to the pole, and messengers who declared the truth of God in demonstra demonstration - tion demonstration of the spirit and power of God, etc. 411. Their unity. "The watchmen shall lift up the voice, together with the voice shall they cry." Following this was clearly set forth the unity of God's watchmen. They are lifting up the gospel as the proper means of bringing the world to Christ. By this the mountains are being' leveled and the valleys are being filled up, so that in the future the difficulties to be over overcome - come overcome will be less. 111. The fact that this work will be accomplished, is indicated by what God has done in the past. Difficulties have been made to fade away under the poßver and preachings of the Cross of Christ as snow melts under the power and influence of the sun. The hearts of the brethren were made glad as the speaker referred to the great success with which God has been pleased to bless the Church and the preaching of its ministers. The speaker also con contended - tended contended the watchmen were of Christ, and hence the world must feel the power of that truth which they preach. At the close of the sermon an earnest and feeling prayer was offered by Rev. Silas French, of London, O.

Callender's Minstrels are in San Francisco. Johann Strauss, the eminent com composer, - poser, composer, had three wives. They sufficed to enliven his life, and he was enabled thereby to impart vigor and brilliancy to his compositions. Sometimes he wearied of writing, and then his spouses made music for him. But he did not like reel well for them to waltz him off on his ear; and as for a martial march, it soon got to be a gallopade. They were discrete and discerning women, however, and alwavs watched Strauss to see how the wind was blowing and to note if there was danger of their getting blown up. - Chicago World. The marrying of professionals on the theater stages is the proper caper now. The latest announcement in that direc direction - tion direction is that Miss Emma Hyers, of^ the Hyers Sisters, and Mr. George Free Freeman, - man, Freeman, both of Callender's, are to be married on the stage of the Baldwin Theater, San Francisco, to-night. A short time ago Miss Madah Hyers was married to Henderson Smith, of Warren, the cornet soloist. Miss Hallie I. Brown and the Wilber Wilberforce - force Wilberforce Concert Company appear in Springfield at the Opera House there on the 25th. Come to Cleveland. Read our "Chicago" letter for addi additional - tional additional Music and Drama Notes. Miss Amelia Tighlman, of Washing Washington, - ton, Washington, D. C., the singer, who sustained such severe injuries at Saratoga re recently, - cently, recently, is thought to be slowly improv improving. - ing. improving. Blind Tom is as enthusiastic over music as ever.