emoving the bugbear
of Negro domination by means unobjectionable.

Of this class of opinion the "Nashville American," of the State of
Tennessee, was a fair exponent. In its issue of May 9, 1879, it had this
to say: "We rather rejoiced at a movement which will bring about a
better understanding and teach both races a lesson they ought to learn.
To the Negro it is simply a question as to whether he will be better off
there or here. If there, he ought to go; if here, he ought to stay; and
this simple economic proposition will settle it."

This, the sentiment of the best Southern thought, encountered an adverse
which, while unwilling to grant the Negro the right of an American
citizen, maltreated and imprisoned immigrant agents; desiring his
retention in a specious of serfdom. Such being the conditions existing
at the time of the meeting of the Nashville Conference in 1879, induced
it by resolution to request Senator Windom, Chairman of the National
Executive Committee, to appoint a committee to visit the Western States
to ascertain what inducement they offered for immigration.

In pursuance whereof I received the following, containing words of
wisdom warranting their insertion here:

"United States Senate,
"Washington, D. C., Jan. 10, 1879.

"My Dear Sir: In compliance with the resolution of the
Nashville Convention requesting me, as Chairman of the National
Executive Committee, to appoint a committee of three to visit
Western States and Territories and report, not later than the
1st of November, upon the health, climate, and productions of
said States and Territories, I have the honor to designate you
as one of the number of said committee. In doing so I may add
that the duty involves great labor and responsibility on your
part and requires the exercise of that sound discretion for
which you are noted among your friends. The exodus of the
colored people involves the greatest consequences to themselves
and should only be undertaken after the most careful inquiry
and preparation. If judiciously guided and regulated, I am
thoroughly convinced that it will result in great good. If not
so regulated, it may cause incalculable suffering to the
colored race, and work great injury to the industrial interest
of the South. If the Negro can have fair treatment as a citizen
and a man in his present home, he will probably