Speech #460115226

I went there as an officer of the Army. I became identified with the interests of the colored people in that way. and am now. and expect to be for some time to coms. In point of fact General Conway is recognized as one of the most prominent men in the country connected with the agitation and promotion of negro emigration. When before the committee he stated that he was then on his way "to New Mexico to pioneer for about one hundred thousand of these people who are coming out of the South this spring and summer. with means to buy land in their own behalf." Bearing General Conways conspicuous position on this subject in mind. let us next see what his movements were almost immediately upon the delivery of the speech of February 7. 1879. by the Senator from Minnesota. Within less than a month afterward General Conway reached this city for consultation with the leaders of the republican partyin regard to the negro exodus.