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[[newspaper clipping]]

THE STREET CARS AND THE COLORED PEOPLE - Friday morning, James Turner and Lewis Read, colored men, living up town, wanted to go down the street, and got aboard of one of the street cars with the intention of riding.  The conductor not recognizing their right to do so, and acting under the order of the Company, would not allow them to do so.  Below we give a communication addressed by them to Mr. Mayo, and his reply thereto:

"RICHMOND, VA., April 19, 1867.
"MR. JOSEPH MAYO:

"Mr. James Turner and Mr. Lewis Read, we were going downtown, and we got upon the street cars, and they told us there was no place prepared for colored people, so we must get off.

"I appeal to you for protection and my rights as an American citizen, to be protected in my rights, you being the Mayor of the city.  I don't wish any more than other citizens, for my taxes in the city is the same as other citizens.  Please to answer as soon as possible."

Jim Turner came before the Mayor yesterday morning to get a reply to his communication.

His Honor informed him that he had no authority whatever over the street cars; that they were owned by a company, and run by it under rules and regulations adopted by the company; that he had applied to a tribunal to settle his difficulty; that had no jurisdiction in the matter.

Turner said he lived up town and wanted to ride down street, and thought he had as much right to use the cars as "any other man;" he paid his taxes, and thought it unjust that he should be deprived of any privilege allowed to others.

He asked if there was an ordinance on the subject.

He was informed that there was not, but that if one were passed by the Council its provisions would be enforced by his Honor.  He then left, apparently dissatisfied with the condition of things in regard to the street car arrangement.

[[/newspaper clipping]]

Bureau R.F. and A. Lands
Office Sub Asst. Comm'r 3d Dist. State Va.
Richmond Va April 20th 1867

Genl O. Brown
Asst Commiss'r, State of Va.

General,
Enclosed please find from the "Richmond Examiner". I have the honor to request instructions as to what action I shall take in the case.

I am of the opinion that it is a case which comes clearly under the "Civil Rights Bill."

Very Respectfully
Your Obed't Serv't
James A. Bates
Capt 43d Infty and Sub Asst Comm'r

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