New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-11-27

oeIieye was IN process oil incubation in
troduce caste among the colored people.
making the tint of the skin the standard oil
social position. He referred to persons by
fcutious names, rather sarcastically appro-
pirate to certain colorcd persons of warm
tinted skin that they were recognized. They
happened also to he members of the Clark
Literary Club, and so did DE Pugh. Such
expectations as Paughs for man with enor-
nous hands, the son of Pharoah the banker
and Cremona, did lie well upon the stomachs
OF those to whom they were administered.
DE Pugh found himself sailing in dangerous
seas. We will now proceed to subsequent
events, in which De Pugh, Paughs, Lathcrem
Cremona and the son of Pharaoh all figured.
The Clark Literary Society of young colored
men Is four years old. Its first President
was Mr.. Lewis Easton, who, up to its last
meeting, was an active member. Itnumbers
on its roll above thirty members, but has
twenty-three members in the city Of whom
all but fifteen are disqualified from voting on
account of not having paid up their dues.
The society processes to be purely literary
and entirely non-political. The fact that Mr.
Peter II. Clark, au honorary member for
whom 70 was named. and Mr.. Easton and
some Others of its members participated in
the Chillcothe Convention, may have sowed
other seeds of bitterness between the menu
bers of the Club. The main cause of trouble,
however, was the ridcule by ore OF the mem
bers, Mr.. Easton, Of the scheme among the
lighter skins to establish an aristocracy of
color, founded upon the amount of Caucasian
blood in their veins. These injured people
determined to have satisfaction. The first
scheme was to abolish the society-so it ap-
pears--and to leave Mr.. Easton (wlo is a
friend of Mr.. Clark out, together with his
supporters, should they not be brought to
terms.
Last Thursday week Il resolution to CEN
sure De Pugh (Eastonl was offered by an
injured man aud tabled. Last Thursday
night matters came to n head. Mr.. Easton,
critic Of the preceding meeting, failed to pre-
sent his criticism-a very frequent occurrence
in the history of that society-and a motion
was made by a brother TO fine him. This
motion was made in fun, but the enemy saw
their advantage and voted the fine upon Mr..
Easton, who arose and declared he would not
pay it because this rule of the society had
never been enforced. With view to obtain
a test vote, Mr.. Easton moved his own ex-
pulson, which was declared out Of order.
Mr.. Ross, one who took "Latherem" as ap-
plying to himself, now made the motion to
eXpel Mr.. Easton. At this iuncture the
forces were Easton party seven, five of
them voters. Opposition five, three of whom
were voters. Two on each side were dis
qualified on account of having unpaid dues
to the society. Mr.. Jones. Of the Easton
party, was called out to the sick bed of
relative, leaving the Eastons one majority.
The secretary paid the arrears Of dues of the
two anti-Easton members, giving his party
one majority. Only one resort was left the
EastOns. The President was against them,
and they were overpowercd. During the call
Of the vote the Eastons retired, the last man
leaving during the call before his name was
reached. Seven makes quorum, and only
six were in the hall. The chairman decided
the motion carried, and Mr.. Easton expelled.
The latter says that the President, Mr..
Jackson, now thinks he made a mistake in
his ruling.
1t is said that the victorious party had
threatened to resign in case of failure. A
fierce storm may be expected at the next
meeting. 1t is to be hoped that the action
of this body will not injudiciOusly affect the
financial situation.
The "Eaquuer," though Democratic
sheet, gives the truthful statement Of the
affair. On Thursday evening, by unanimous
vote of the "Circle," the whole subject was
eXpunged from the minutes. Even the very
parties engaged in it became ashamed, and
the rebuke given by the full vote of the club,
and joining with an ill grace in the indorse-
ment given by that body.
The Times considers the following sufficient
reparation for an injustice to a niger:
Easton's Reinstatement.
To tie Editor cfMs Daily Times:
l am in hopes that the reinstatement OF
Hon. l.. ID. Easton into the Clark Literary
Society will not affect the Cuba question, as
the country is congratulated on the result,
and Easton made happy and gone on his way
rejoicing. Notwithstanding, the National
Convention at Washington will not have the
opportunity of hearing the great constitu-
tional eXpounder on the present situation of
the financial question. G. STOUT.
HON. MURDOCH NJ. MCLEOD,
Secretary of State Of Mississippi, passed
through here on his way to Paris, Kentucky,
for the purpose of forming life partnership
with Miss Collie f. Resch. Mike is one OF
the "Old Guard" of Cincinnati boys, and OF
course was sure of a cordial welcome when
he returned with his fair Kentucky bride to
the residence of his former schoolmate and
friend, l.. ID. Easton, but, being a very
modest man, he declined to be lionized.
Through sterling business qualifications, OBJ
tanned by course of long and severe train.
ing in one Of the largest wholesale business
houses here, he has rapidly risen in the esti'
nation of his friends South, who have pushed
him forward, willy-nlly, because they appre-
ciated the habit he has of applying himself
wholly to the work in hand. No one evel
regrets securing his service in the way o.
business affairs. l was a little surprised tC
find him apparently so deep in politics, but
it was clear when learned that he had beer
promoted from chief clerk. Mrs. California
or Caledonia is handsome and amiable little
matron, and but for the fact Of her back
woods residence would have had to resist
many strong appeals to break the promise Il
wait for that particular representative, Por
kopoltan. Ifthis letter were not already tot
long, l should indulge your readers with {
description of the funny business like way
in which he took unto himself a wife. Mike.
modesty was not proof against all the goot
intentions of his friends; for while in Par
the members of the
CLARK LITERARY CIRCLE
enthusiastically voted him an honorary mem
har Thouuh n small honor liz