was constitutionally incapable of grasping the potentialities of co-operation and of turning them to advantage. To be sure, the great work to be done by the league remains to be subjected to the crucial test of practical demonstration; but, as a matter of fact, the victory is more than half assured in all such efforts when large masses of men, widely separated and differently circumstanced, begin to think in a given groove, and to declare their readiness to move together as one man, to accomplish a given result. That the race has reached this point to-day, and will meet in convention to perfect a permanent organization which shall put to the test its capacity for intelligent and uncompromising contention for absolute justice under the Constitution, marks a tremendous advance in all the elements of strong, resourceful and aggressive manhood."
In accordance with the call, the league convened in Chicago, January 15, 1890, and was an enthusiastic gathering. There were twenty-one states represented by a convention of one hundred and forty-one delegates. A national organization was effected, with Rev. J. C. Price, D. D., of Livingstone College, president; T. Thomas Fortune, Esq., editor New York Age, secretary; Lawyer E. H. Morris, Chicago, attorney; and George H. Jackson, Esq., treasurer.
The object of the meeting was clearly and forcibly made known when Mr. Fortune said: "We have met here to-day as representatives of 8,000,000 freemen, who know our rights and have the courage to defend them. We have met here to-day to impress the fact upon men who have used us for selfish and unholy purposes, who have murdered and robbed and outraged us, that our past condition of dependence and helplessness no longer exists." Thus the key-note was sounded which united the clansmen.
The work of the league organization is a very thorough and matured plan. It is divided into three sections, national
