USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Annals of Cleveland, 1818-1935 > Part 21
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1121 - H May 5; ed:3/1 - The colored people of Cincinnati have procured a very handsome pitcher for presentation to S. P. Chase, Esq. It bears the following inscription: "A testimony of gratitude to Salmon P. Chase, from the colored people of Cincinnati, for his various public services in behalf of the oppressed, and particularly for his eloquent advocacy of the rights of man, in the case of Samuel Watson, who was claimed as a fugitive slave, Feb. 12, 1845."
"And yet this class of citizens, who so justly appreciate philanthropy and moral worth, are not even allowed under the worse than barbarous laws of Ohio to testify in our Courts of Justice!" (2)
187
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1122 - 1125
NEGROES (Cont'd) 1122 - H Sept. 25; ed:2/1 - Among the prominent objectives of legislation to be accomplished during the coming winter is the repeal of the unjust black laws which now disgrace our statute books and the people of our state. These laws are mere nullities upon our statute books. They are never enforced, save in the trial of criminals, when the villain is allowed to escape because the law will not allow a colored man to testify in any case where a white man is a party. The Negro labors under diffi- culties enough, without being compelled to submit to the action of unjust laws.
We are for the unconditional repeal of the black laws. "Repeal these laws, which bear with all the weight of Egyptian oppression upon the colored population of Ohio, and the people of Ohio cannot be accused of being the enemies of the colored race."
H Sept. 30:2/2 - See Political Campaigns & Elections - Ohio (5)
1123 - H Oct. 24:2/2 . In a letter to the editor, "A Farmer" says: So much has been said against the Ohio black laws that I must speak in their defense. Do they not encourage the best population, and discourage the worst? Is it wise to alter them and to thus invite a larger Negro popula- tion here? Would that be justice to the whites of Ohio? Every principle of legislation answers no. "Where can be found an instance of a full blood negro purchasing a lot of timbered land, clearing it himself, and raising flour and pork for exportation, in this State ?... Do not the free negroes commit more than ten times the amount of crime, to those held in bondage? The prisons in all the States demonstrate this fact."
The black law is not a curse. "Can my abolition friends point to a single instance of serious evil growing out of this law? If not, why alter it? Does not the greatest good to the greatest number require the continuance of these laws? If it does, let them alone .... If the negro dislikes our laws, let him leave our State; no one compels him to stay. . If he came in under these laws, what right has he to complain? Can any one point to an instance of complaint until our modern Solomons, the abolition, liberty, amalgamationists taught them how to complain?" (15)
1124 - H Oct. 24; ed:3/1 - "A Farmer," it will be seen, has taken up the cudgels in favor of the Black Laws of Ohio, and asks a hearing, which we grant on the principle that free discussion and the truth make men free. "Farmer" has set his oar against the strong current of philanthropy and justice which is fast sweeping the distinctions of prejudice on account of color from statute books; and if we mistake not the signs of the times, the coming session of the legislature of Ohio will change our Black code to "White Laws." (verbatim) (2)
1125 - H Oct. 28:2/2 - In a letter to the editor, "A Colored Man" replies to "A Farmer." He says, in substance: In an article of yours in the HERALD of Oct. 24, under the head of "White Laws of Ohio," you attack the claims of the colored man to justice, villify his character, and boldly
188
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts - 1126
NEGROES (Cont'd)
avow yourself an advocate of the oppressive and unjust policy so long persisted in towards him by this and other states of the union. As to the slanders heaped upon me and my colored brethren, I shall say, first: If we are ignorant, look to your school laws that deprive us of learning, and to the groundless and unjust prejudices you would stir up and keep alive. And, if you feel that Ohio has flourished under her black laws, why have not Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, etc., progressed in proportion to the severity of their black laws? Some of these laws are dead letters, and their being on the statute book has not affected the prosperity of the state at all. You know that some of these laws cannot be enforced and that you have violated them yourself. You ask if these laws have not encouraged 1,500,000 of the best and most industrious in- habitants to settle in this state. I say no. The yankee is a money loving being and will go where he thinks it would be profitable. If he came here under these laws, the laws did not induce him to come.
"But you want to get rid of the blacks, and I will tell you the quick- est way to do it. It is this: Assist with all your might in doing away with slavery, and in obtaining the repeal of all the Southern black laws, and I believe that in 15 years after that is done you will seldom see a colored man; they will all migrate to the South." (21)
1126 - H Nov. 1:2/2,3 . In a letter to the editor, "A Colored Man" says: I wish to answer the recent letter of "A Farmer" who asks "Is it not proverbial that the negro is more indolent than any nation of white people?" You are pleased to call us the lowest and unhappiest of all people. Now let us look at other nations: It is commonly conceded that in Spain there are some 5,000,000 or 6,000,000 of the most wretched and indolent beings, and they are whites; in South America, where native Indians and Spanish descendants toil, the picture is even worse. I know, too, from experience that in the free States, the blacks, taken generally, are immeasurably superior in industry, and so forth, to the people of Mexico. In Mexico and Cuba and elsewhere, black men have distinguished themselves as artisans and mechanics.
"Every candid observer can see that the colored people of this State are alive with emulation. that they are. and have long been making praise- worthy efforts and sacrifices to educate themselves and acquire property. Surely, where such tidings are, there cannot be the extreme of indolence."
The Cincinnati REFORMER says the blacks are industrious, energetic, and self-supporting, immeasurably more so than three-fourths of the whites of Spain, Portugal, Russia, or Poland. The blacks in that city own prop- erty and support their own schools and orphan asylums. In industry they are more and more being recognized in their proper light. "Does this look like being more indolent and vicious than any other people?"
"These things are of themselves quite sufficient to disprove all you have brought against us. In my next I will enlighten you a little in re- gard to the condition of our people in this city."
(34)
189
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1127 - 1129
NEGROES (Cont'd) 1127 - H Nov. 1:3/2 - A proposition to the Clergy of all communities in Ohio: We notice that Thursday, Nov. 20, is set apart by the governor of this state as a day of Thanksgiving. As pastors of the city's churches, we, thie undersigned. suggest as a proper subject for consideration on that occasion, the state of the colored people in Ohio - particularly the liabilities by which in no small degree they are disfranchised and op- pressed. What nobler theme for an annual festival! What better can we offer the Lord for his kindness, than to make an effort to relieve his suffering poor? Signed - Rev. S. C. Aiken, First Presbyterian church; Rev. J. H. Walden, First Baptist church; B. K. Maltby, Methodist Episco- pal church; G. W. Walker, Wesleyan Methodist church; and S. B. Canfield, Second Presbyterian church.
The proposition is accompanied by a petition to the state legislature, asking for the repeal of all laws making distinction between the inhabi - tants of the state on account of color. (5)
1128 - H Nov. 5:2/2,3 - In a letter to the editor, "A Colored Man" says: In accordance with my promise, I continue my defense of the blacks of Ohio, and especially of this city. There are in Cleveland 20 blacks who, with their families, number 56. They own property to the value of $55,000, and occupy various useful positions, from that of canal boat owners to stewards on boats. All this property has been accumulated in the past 12 years. "It will be difficult to prove from this that slaves when freed become 'more indolent and vicious. '"
Read the account of colored people in Mercer county, in this state, where freed Negroes, under Augustus Wattles, have cleared and own 30,000 acres and have established a library.
"Will 'A Farmer' refer me to a single irstance in any age of the world where a white colony has lived under such disadvantages as the blacks of this State do, viz: disfranchised by law, deprived of their oaths in favor of themselves, or against malicious enemies; denied schooling; the citizens forbade (sic) by law to encourage or employ them; and proscribed by universal prejudice. I ask if I can be referred to a white colony laboring under anything like these disadvantages, and yet in eight years equalling this settlement ?... These things speak for themselves, yet this is but a single case ....
"Now we have confidence enough in the public to believe that all these things will be properly considered, and taken as proofs of progression never equalled in rapidity by any people circumstanced as we are. Be- lieving that the facts I have here adduced will to every calm and reflect- ing mind abundantly refute every charge brought against us by 'A Farmer, ' I respectfully submit them to a discerning public to read, reflect and judge between us." (21)
1129 - H Nov. 21:3/1 - An attentive congregation listened to an eloquent discourse on the disgrace of the Ohio black laws, at Dr. Aiken's church yesterday. Dr. Aiken pointed out that the laws oppressed the colored people and offended all precepts of justice and philanthropy.
Petitions to the state legislature for the repeal of these laws were circulated after the services and were numerously signed. (2)
190
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1130
NEGROES (Cont'd)
1130 - H Nov. 29:3/1-4 - Reverend S. C. Aiken, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, in an address delivered at the church on Thanks- giving day, denounced the injustice of the black laws of Ohio. He said: It is quite certain that the odious laws of which I am about to speak, the black laws, are but little known in detail by the people of this state. The most I can do, or attempt to do on this occasion, is to open the statute books, and read and comment on the reasons for their repeal.
Sections 1 and 2, page 592, require that every colored person, or mulatto, must, before he is permitted to settle in the state, obtain a certificate of freedom, attested properly by a clerk of the court granting said certificate, etc., etc.
"Now, the law of which I am speaking, is clearly a violation of the spirit, if not of the letter, of the Constitution. Why this certificate of freedom? Why this family registry, at an expense of one shilling for each individual, when, perhaps, their whole income would not purchase a loaf of bread ?... If the Constitution means anything, it means to con- demn slavery as a violation of the natural rights of men; but this law declares the claims of the slaveholder to be lawful."
Section 3 of the law provides a penalty for all who employ blacks or mulattos who have not a license of freedom.
What do the makers of this law mean? If a black, or a mulatto, hav- ing no certificate, in a state of want and distress, comes along, do they mean that we must refuse to feed or clothe him, or give him a day's work or a night's shelter?
"O, the comfort of having one's benevolence regulated by law and penalty, under a free government!
"Who would think that such laws had an existence in the 19th century, in the intelligent commonwealth of Ohio, and above all, that they have been sustained and sanctioned by her citizens for forty years?"
The same section of law forbids the admittance of evidence in a court by a black person, if a white man is a party to the controversy. "In arbitrary governments, we have heard of criminals being put out of the protection of law. This is called proscription; but here is a law that proscribes men, not because they are criminals but simply because of the hue imparted to them by the God of Nature. What an unblushing, legalized denial of justice to the free citizens of Ohio, black and white; for the law operates often times as severely against the one as against the other!" By this ambiguous provision, a white man may openly murder another white man, and yet walk a free man because the deed was seen only by a Negro!
"I have already said that these laws are contrary to the spirit of the State Constitution. I now go further, and affirm that the law touching evidence is a most palpable violation of that instrument. "This is in most open disagreement with Article VIII, Section 7 of the state consti- tution, and with the U. S. constitution, the highest laws of the state and the nation, which provide every man with "right and justice by a due course of law."
There are other features of the black laws which are obnoxious, but time permits mention of only a few. Section 5 of these statutes prevents
191
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1131 - 1134
NEGROES (Cont'd)
by a roundabout manner, any black person from receiving aid in a poor house, or from any sort of charity.
"I am far from wishing to impeach the motives of our law makers; but I am sorry to see in all these statutes a convicton of wrong-doing, and an effort to cover it up, unmanly, and inconsistent with the oath and dignity of rulers."
On the point of education, the state constitution provides common schools for all citizens, "of every grade." Yet these black laws of the legislature limit school facilities to white residents only.
"And what must become of the children who are shut out from the bene- fits of our excellent school system? There is but one alternative. They must either grow up in ignorance and vice. or be educated by private char- ity. Is it expedient, then, to establish separate schools for them ?....
"It requires no prophetic eye to see, that the black laws of Ohio must be repealed. The people of this State will not tolerate them much longer. We expect petitions to roll in upon the ensuing General Assembly. If our rulers are wise; if they mean to do justice and judgment; if they consult the wishes of the people and the general interests of the State; they will repeal without delay. But if they refuse, we shall appeal to heaven and the ballot-box and ask for men to rule over us who will dare to do right." (75)
1131 - H Dec. 18:3/1 . We notice that on Monday Mr. Harvey presented in the house the petitions of 400 citizens of Cleveland for a repeal of the black laws, and of 250 citizens of Cleveland to submit the decision of the license question to the people at township elections.
The petitions were referred to appropriate committees. (verbatim) (1)
See also Lynching; Mobs & Riots; Slavery
NEWSPAPERS
1132 - H Jan. 3; ed:3/1 - We copied a paragraph last evening from the Buf- falo COMMERCIAL, stating that the steamer UNITED STATES, Capt. Whit- taker in command, bad laid up for the winter, but early this morning we recognized the welcome sound of her bell in our port.
"We are again under many obligations to friend Winslow for a package of late Eastern papers, forwarded by the STATES, in advance of the mail."
(2)
1133 - H Jan. 3:3/1 - OHIO UNIVERSALIST AND LITERARY COMPANION is the title of a new weekly journal established in this city. C. W. Hudson, publisher, and George H. Emerson, Editor. The UNIVERSALIST is published at $1.00 per annum and is devoted to a dissemination of the liberal tenets indicated by the title. (verbatim) (1)
1134 - H Jan. 17; ed:2/1 - "H. E. G." - We welcome this gifted young poetess to the columns of the HERALD. The contributions of her muse to the N. Y. TRIBUNE and other journals have been much admired and exten- sively copied, and give flattering promise that ere long her name will rank high in the bright galaxy of lady authors in the West. (verbatim)
(1)
192
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts - 1135 - 1141
NEWSPAPERS (Cont'd)
1135 - H Jan. 22; ed: 3/1 - "Reminiscences Of New England History." - We commence today the publication of a series of Reminiscences of the History of New England, prepared for the HERALD by a worthy and gifted descendant of the Pilgrims. They will be read with lively interest by the people of "New Connecticut," very many of whom still cherish en- during regard and warm affection for the rugged, but dear old home-land. (verbatim) (1)
1136 - H Feb. 19; ed: 3/1 . "The New York AMERICAN has been united with the COURIER AND ENQUIRER, and we are pleased to see that the editorial services of Mr. King, of the AMERICAN are secured to the COURIER. With Webb, Daniels, Raymond, and King, the COURIER presents a strong array of editorial talent." (1)
1137 - H Feb. 24; ed: 3/1 - Cassius M. Clay, the philanthropist, has made arrangements with a number of anti-slavery Kentuckians, to publish a weekly paper at Lexington, Ky., to be called the TRUE AMERICAN, and to be devoted to gradual and constitutional emancipation. "Success to the AMERICAN and the great object of its establishment." (2)
1138 - H Mar. 25; adv:2/4 - Messrs. Mason & Tuttle, 123 Nassau st., and Mr. V. B. Palmer, 30 Ann st., New York, are duly authorized agents of the Cleveland HERALD. (verbatim) (1)
1139 - H Apr. 8:3/1 - Our enterprising neighbor issued the first number of the daily PLAIN DEALER yesterday, and a very neat, creditable sheet it is, too. (verbatim) (1)
1140 - H Apr. 10:2/3 - The following spicy love-passage is all in the same political family, and is of no moment to the Whigs save to enliven a dry, dull time.
The Cleveland PLAIN DEALER says: We regret, as all friends to us, and friends to peace must, the differences which unhappily exist between the State Printer and ourself."
The OHIO STATESMAN says: "Bah! We have other business to attend to than having differences with such a petty scamp as is used by others to abuse us through the PLAIN DEALER ... The PLAIN DEALER is in such odi - ous standing at home, that it could not get the printing of the City Council of Cleveland, though 10 of the 12 Councilmen are Democrats .. There is a day of rich retribution coming to rascals, and we 'shall be glad to see it,' as Mr. Clay said about the annexation of Texas. The editor of the PLAIN DEALER perhaps is now satisfied that we are at home!" (6)
1141 - H Apr. 10:3/1 - The readers of the Daily HERALD will be favored with a report of the proceedings of the City Fathers during the year. We shall also publish the Ordinances, &c. for public information. (verbatim) (1)
193
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1142 - 1147
NEWSPAPERS (Cont'd)
1142 - H Apr. 10:3/1 - To Produce Dealers, &c. - After this week, the proprietor of this paper relinquishes its commercial department to the charge of J. L. Weatherly, who will be solely responsible for its accuracy, with the exception of typographical errors. Mr. W. had charge of the same from 1840 to 1843 inclusive, and we believe all interested in the trade abroad had the same confidence in the daily reports that they placed in the letters of their correspondents.
The marine reports rest with the editor, as heretofore. (verbatim) (2)
1143 - H Apr. 10; ed: 3/1 - In an article in yesterday's PLAIN DEALER the editor states that he is grateful to his friends for the early installation of his young sheet to the official dignity of doing the city printing. The truth is the PLAIN DEALER is doing the work Gratis.
"This is decidedly 'great cry and little wool, ' and would not have been noticed by us, had not the 'official dignity' of our 'grateful' neighbor been vain enough to strut in public in false plumes!" (8)
1144 - H Apr. 11; ed:2/1 - Friend Lewis has again resumed the editorship of the OHIO STAR and becomes proprietor with Mr. Wadsworth.
"Like old Vermont he is a Whig 'Star that never sets. '"
It is stated, too, that friend Dewey, formerly of the OHIO STAR, is soon to take charge of the SUMMIT BEACON in connection with Mr. Elkins. "The BEACON will continue to exhibit the same true, unwavering Whig light that has been so long and brightly kept burning by his able predecessor, H. Bowman, Esq."
Judge Wilson, the veteran pioneer of the press in Ohio, has again re- sumed the editorial charge of the Stubenville HERALD, the popular organ of the Whigs in Jefferson county.
"Right welcome to the tripod again, good brothers of the 'art preser- vative of all arts, '"
(2)
1145 - H Apr. 12; ed:3/1 - John Jones, in his paper on Apr. 7, announces the sale of the MADISONIAN establishment to Jesse E. Dow and Theopilus Fisk, and takes an affecting leave of the Tyler mourners.
"Messrs. Dow & Fisk are able and spirited writers, and evidently aim to be not only the organ of Mr. Polk but also of the 'Young Democracy. '"
(2)
1146 - H Apr. 19:3/1 . The GLOBE of Monday contains the agreement entered into between Blair & Rives and Ritchie and Heiss for the transfer of that establishment by the former to the latter. The good will and subscription list are transferred without charge, the building, types, &c., being paid for according to the appraisal of disinterested persons. Blair & Rives assign as a reason for the transfer the known fact that the paper under their management has incurred the enmity of a portion of the party, and they remark that "it is the good fortune of the conductors of the new official organ not to have offended any portion of those whose adhesion to the party is rendered necessary to its safety and success." (verbatim) (2)
1147 - H May 2; ed:3/1 - Friend Dawson has just clothed his spirited Roch- ester DAILY DEMOCRAT in the prettiest Boston dress ever turned out by
194
CLEVELAND NEWSPAPER DIGEST JAN. 1 TO DEC. 31, 1845
Abstracts 1148 - 1153
NEWSPAPERS (Cont'd) that city of neat notions, and the borders of his sheet are somewhat en- larged. "Dawson is a thorough Whig workie (sic) on the stump and with the quill, and we rejoice that his talents and services are so well appre- ciated and rewarded by the true hearted Whigs of old Monroe." (1)
1148 - H May 5; ed:3/1 - Chillicothe GAZETTE. . This old and influential Whig Journal is now published by Mr. C. C. Allen, and is edited by Mr. E. G. Squier, late editor of the Hartford, Conn. DAILY AND WEEKLY JOURNAL. We welcome Brother Squier to a Western tripod, and congratulate him that he has chosen one so stable and honorable as the Chillicothe GAZETTE. (verbatim) (1)
1149 - H May 15; ed: 3/1 - The PLAIN DEALER of yesterday said: Important to advertisers - It may be known that in the six adjoining counties there is but one Democratic paper, that is the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Mer- chants who wish to secure the trade of all these six counties can do so only by advertising with us.
"Fair and honorable competition in business we expect and court, but such gross misrepresentations as the above by our neighbor, deceive pub- lic exposition. It is true that in the six adjacent counties named but one Democratic paper is now published. Democratic papers have been pub- lished in all of them except Ashtabula, and in Geauga and Lorain during portions of the past year. All have died for want of support except the PLAIN DEALER, while each of the counties named have for years supported well established and well conducted Whig Journals, and Ashtabula two." (4)
1150 - H May 24; ed:2/1 - Our friends of the SUMMIT BEACON have arrayed their capital Whig sheet in a suit of new type, an evidence of prosperity we are truly gratified to see, for there are no better and more deserving members of the craft than Messrs. Dewey and Elkins. (verbatim) (1)
1151 - H May 27; ed: 3/2 - The Toledo BLADE has just been completely fur- nished up at the armory of Bruce & Co., New York, and is now keen and bright, with the ring of the true Whig metal.
The editor, Mr. Scott, ranks justly among the ablest of the corps in the West, and Mr. Fairbanks leads the column of typos. Toledo is an im- portant and thriving business town, and we are glad to see so sterling a representative as the trusty BLADE upheld and flourishing. (verbatim). (1)
1152 - H June 12; ed: 3/1 - Editors' Luxuries. - Our location is precisely the point. Yesterday friend Winslow of the BUNKER sent us a deep water luxury from the West, and to-day Capt. Kelsey, of the CHESAPEAKE, a splendid live Lobster from ocean-ward. Cleveland, once the far West, has become the centre of gravitation! (verbatim) (1)
1153 - H July 1; ed: 3/1 - It is stated that Colonel Medary has sold the OHIO STATESMAN to the Messrs. Hazewell of Massachusetts for the round sum of $16,000 and it is intimated that the Cass interest in Ohio was mainly instrumental in effecting the change of ownership. The Toledo BLADE, a
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