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issues are presented by the question- whether social, political,
industrial, or economic, these the several states have power and
authority to settle: or if the power and authority of the states
be insufficient there resides in the social body a power which
may be exercised independently of governmental function and
authority for this purpose.

If the spirit and intent of the fourteenth and fifteenth a-
mendements are not to be solemnly regarded, and if a policy of
compromise and opportunism is to be adopted by the government, to
what extent are these amendments to be nullified? Where shall
the bounds of concession to race predjudice and race hatred be
fixed?It is a far cry from 'Negro domination' to the denial to
colored men of the right to hold federal office. The segrega-
tion of government employees is now justified on the ground
of social equality - that chimera of the fancy of the weak-minded,
the immoral and the predjudice-ridden. After fifty years it is
just now discovered that this is a measure of social separation
reasonably necessary for the preservation of the ethnic integri-
ty of the two races!

Nothing will be gained by compromising with those who preach
the gospel of hatred. The more the government concedes, the more
they will demand; and in the end, the ideals of the Nation will
be debauched utterly, and its principles of government subverted
forever. For a free government cannot be degraded to the ends of
race predjudice and race hatred, and survive. For seventy years
the Nation compromised with slavery, tampered with human rights;
and the life blood of six hundred thousand men was shed to expiate
the Nation's sin. Is the lesson thus dearly learned so soon for-
got? As the nation could not exist "half slave and half free,"
no more can it exist with ten millions of its people half citizen
and half serf.

There is a growing sense of discontent among colored men in
this country. The constant invasion of their natural rights and
abridgement of their constitutional privileges is rapidly driving
once loyal and patriotic people into a state of sedition and rebellion.
Who may answer for their conduct in the hour when the
Nation again shall need their services? If they be found dis-
loyal to their native country, who shall blame them? Our fathers
gave their lives for the cause of American independence and fought
to preserve the Union. We have helped to build up the industrial
greatness and prosperity of this country. We are Americans, and
we will never be content as long as a single right or privilege en-
joyed by other Americans is denied to us.

With assurances of the highest regard, we are

Respectfully yours,

United Colored Democracy.
Robert N. Wood
President.

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