Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-09-12
Letter from Henry Casper to George 8.
Hayden.
KNOXVILLE, TENN. September 4, 1882

KNOXVILLE, TENN, September 4, 1882.
George s. Hayden, Esq. Memphis, Tenn:
My DEAR SIR-Feeling as do deep in
terest in the welfare and elevation of my
people, and being one of the 10000 colored
voters of the State of Tennessee who help to
constitute the Republican party of the State.
or, in other words, we are the party. Take
away the negro and but little is left to make
a party. Nay, not only in Tennessee, but
throughout the South. We are the strength
OF the party South, besides a balance of
power in several Northern and Western
States. With our suffrage we have Hawkins
as governor of Tennessee. But few of the
official crumbs fell to the negro. Seeing and
thinking over these things, the wrongs prac-
ticed on my people by party that we have
ever sustained in power, being always ready
and willing followers in every campaign, be
it national or local. We have supported at
all times the candidates brought out by con-
ventions, be they ever so acceptable or OBJ
noIious, 80 they were the nominee of the
party. That was sufficient guarantee for
our support. Men are grow g more eDlight-
ened. These things cannot always be.
The true situation being forcibly
impressed on my mind, /, in my weak and
humble manner, with the good of my people
at heart, feel it my duty 10 appeal to the
reason and manhood of my race. / exhort
them to think for themselves, not only think
but act. Act from pure motives. Be no
longer tools for those who ride into power by
our suffrage, and once safely anchored into a
fat Office know the negro no more. Remem-
Der that we have sons that we are edu-
eating, and for what purpose? Do they re-
ceive any encouragement? Is there a field
open to them outside OF teaching school and
waiting IN hotels? Nay, not in loyal East
Tennessee, where Republicanism reigns su-
preme. This is Republican county by at
least 800 majority. We have been true 10
the party, but there is not a single colored
man holding Office of any kind in our
county, and we are under Republican rule.
We have young educated colored men here
we'll fitted for any position of trust. Our
colleges and schools are turning them out
each year. They are compelled to seek other
fields for usefulness. In our large and fine
customhouse here in Knoxville, with its va
rious government departments and many
meut In II except one TO sweep it
out and wash the spittoons. Several
OF our educated young men, men bear
ing good moral characters, and in every way
competent, made application to our present
postmaster for clerkships, and at a time
when there were vacancies, but were told
to wait awhile. You are too soon. 1t is an
old story, too soon. Our postmaster is good
Republican, and will sooner er later run for
an Office, and of course the negro vote will
be wanted. Can't be elected without it. But
that is a question for future consideration.
My dear sir, You see the position l have
taken, and my reason for issuing my circu
lar, hoping by it TO accomplish some good.
So far / am concerned, am no aspirant
for Office. am proud that you, as well as
other thinking men, are engaged in a just
cause with me for the maintenance of that
which is right. The feeling is prevalent all
over the State, as is shown by the many let
ters l receive daily since my circular came
out. Again thanking you for your kindness,
will be pleased to hear from you at any
time, and give you any information in refer
ence to my people and their interest in East
Tennessee. L wish you success in your move
ments, praying God to prosper you in the
right. | am, yours truly, HENRY CASPER.