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In the matter of the Street Car question in this city; we are utterly powerless. Since the grand jury have refused to find indictments against persons for the most flagrant violation of the civil rights bill, in the ejectment of respectable colored persons from the street cars.- Tis time they might commence an action for damages against the St: R.R. companies but this would consume time, make expense & still leave the result in doubt as long as the present class of men are in power. and after all this what would be the good [[strikethrough]]in this[[/strikethrough]] to the masses? Again these men committing violations of this law might be brought before the U.S. Commissioner under the Civil Rights bill (for we have just had one appointed) but this will subject us to the same delay though we might have more certainty of success. The commissioner could only send them up under bond to the U.S. Dist. Court for trial - In the mean time we must be deprived of our rights. And we ask ourselves the question, why? Is it because we have not the law to sustain us? Is it because we have not men clothed with sufficient powers to execute the law, or is because

Transcription Notes:
1-24-2021: Transcribed per guidelines and marking for review