The Minneapolis Journal devoted the entire third column of Page One to a story on the plight of black Americans in the years after Reconstruction, and the response of the black community in Minneapolis.

NEGRO MOVEMENT

Meeting of Colored Men in this
City.

Formation of Plans for Helping
Their Brethren.

A meeting of the colored men of the city was held last night in Good Templar’s Hall, to consider by what means they could best obtain and send aid to the colored men of the south in their efforts to get to the north and west, and particularly to help those who are in Kansas now.

The meeting was called to order by the President, and the minutes of last meeting were read and accepted, and the reports of the committees were heard. Some very able speeches were made during the course of the evening, notably by Rev. Mr. Simons and Messrs. Sterrett and Hillyer, and many facts of a most startling nature were brought out. Instances were brought up, where credible witnesses had seen and knew of their own knowledge that negroes in the south were persecuted, and in many instances killed; that the same stocks, and whipping posts in use before the war were used for the same purposes to-day, and the negro had no means of redress.

As a general thing the negro in the south rents a small farm, and pays for it about $10 per acre, and this for land that is only worth about $20 per acre. Not having any capital of his own, he is obliged to buy goods on credit and pays for them two or three prices. Hence the importance of the “cross roads” store keeper. As the following scale of prices may be of interest, we insert them to show under what disadvantages the negro labors under. A bushel of corn costs $2. A plug of tobacco 50 cents. Molasses $1.50 a gallon and plows and other implements treble the price we are accustomed to pay for them. Under these circumstances what can the poor negro do except emigrate? The following resolutions were offered and adopted by a unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, By the right of might there were held in servile bondage in the southern states of this Union about four millions of human beings deprived of all human rights save that of life; and

WHEREAS, A kind and benficient Providence, through and by the means of a rebellion brought about the freedom of this people, and an acknowledgment of their claims to humanity – and by the endorsement of a majority of the people of these states, those people were declared to be citizens of the United States; and,

WHEREAS, Those rights have been abridged and in many cases totally denied, and when redress was sought and rights applied for, said people have been shot, butchered, burned, and property destroyed; and since these terrible afflictions, will indefinitely continue, these people have fled from their blood thirsty enemies to seek new homes in the western territories; and,

WHEREAS, From previous condition they are poor and penniless, and much suffering and want exists – even cases of starvation – and their wail has gone up to God and humanity for aid, therefore be it

Resolved, That we have heard their cry, and will respond as far as lies in our power.

Resolved. That we call on all Christian and charitably disposed people to help us aid them. That we give an entertainment in some prominent locality, to consist of speeches, music, and refreshments; the proceeds from such entertainment to be forwarded to the governor of Kansas for the relief of these suffering people.

John A. Dickerson in a kitchen, possibly at Dickerson’s Restaurant, 208 Hennepin, Minneapolis, in about 1890. (Minneapolis Journal photo courtesy mnhs.org)

The different committees then made their reports. The committee on invitations reported that they had canvassed the town, and some of our most prominent men had promised to attend their meeting and do all in their power to further the good cause, among others Gov. Pillsbury and Eugene Wilson.

Some discussion was then indulged in regarding the merits of various halls, and a committee was appointed to look into the matter. A collection of $10 was taken up, and refreshment and soliciting committees appointed and also one that should endeavor to induce railroad officials to transport all clothes, etc, raised for the emigrants in Kansas free of charge when a motion to adjourn was made and carried. A mass meeting and entertainment will soon be held and all people who are interested in this most righteous cause will have an opportunity of placing themselves on record as to how much they feel for suffering humanity.

Telegraphic Sparks.

A dispatch from Safed Tang says according to trustworthy information from Cabul, Mahamed Hasham, son-in-law of Shere Ali, now the only avowed clamant to Yakoob Khan’s throne, is endeavoring to excite insurrection, and has opened negotiations with England.

A correspondent in Berlin states there are twenty freetrade mechanics and petitions to one of the other side, but the government is obdurate.

LAST CALL.

One more entertainment by the Gale-Leib troupe to-night, at Association Hall, and H.M.S. Pinafore will weigh anchor and sail from Minneapolis. Among the many ships which are cruising about the world, that above mentioned is the finest. The favorable reception with which they met last week, and the way the tickets are going, indicate that they are appreciated.

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