When they appeal to the Federal government they are told by the Supreme Court to go to the State authorities--as if they would have appealed to the one had the other given them that protection to which their sovereign citizenship entitles them! Practically, there is no law in the United States which extends its protecting arm over the black man and his rights.

He is, like the Irishman in Ireland, an alien in his native land.

There is no central or auxiliary authority to which he can appeal for protection.

Wherever he turns he finds the strong arm of constituted authority powerless to protect him.

The farmer and the merchant rob him with absolute immunity, and irresponsible ruffians murder him without fear of punishment, undeterred by the law, or by public opinion--which connives at, if it does not inspire, the deeds of lawless violence.
Legislatures of States have framed a code of laws which is more cruel and unjust than any enforced by a former slave State.
The right of franchise[5] has been practically annulled in every one of the former slave States, in not one of which, to-day, can a man vote, think or act as he pleases.