The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-09
FEATURES OF THE CANVASS.
G1impses of the Political Situation Here and
Outside of the City.

OUTSIDE OF the city
Col Alex A. Jones, colored speaker of edu-
cation. and who has for years lived in Virginia,
North and South Carolina and in other South
ern States, is in the city He intends making a
few speeches over the State, in which he will
show the political and social condition Of the ne
gro In the South. Colonel Jones is post-com-
mander of Robert A. Hall Post. No. 1884, G.. A.
r.. of Massachusetts, He was a member of the
Fifty fourth Massachusetts, that gallant regi-
ment Of colored men led by the brave and noble
Colonel Shaw, who was killed in the famous
storming of Fort Wagner in Charleston harbor
Il lived in Virginia two years and half, said
Colonel Jones, and took part with the Republic
ans in canvasses in that State and in North Car
DINA. l am thoroughly familiar with
the methods of the Democratic
party to-day in working elections
In Norfolk. two years ago, in Ward Four, there
were ], 800 colored Republicans. By consuming
time in asking silly and ridiculous questions, the
Democrats kept out more than half Of that vote
There are only two precincts in the ward, while
there should be eight l have seen the polls
closed with 400 men in line waiting to vote.
In South Carolina, instead of having one box
for all ballots they have several. AS the large
majority of negroes cannot read, they generally
put their ballot in the wrong box, and when the
vote is counted these are thrown out In this
way the State is made Democratic. although
with fair and honest election it would be over
whelmingly Republican
The Southerners still practice the old method
Of paying colored laborers in store orders, and
by that means keep them in such circumstance
that they are really slaves to the soil. They
cannot leave the State or help themselves. In
spite OF this bondage, however, thousands are
now determined to leave, if they have to walk
away empty handed. Their treatment is getting
harder and harder. They cannot be made into
Democrats by this method.
There is now an organization in Washington
with ErA6arick D0urlaSs q nroaidaDt
Editor Cromwell, of the Peoples Advocate, as
secretary and A. NJ Clapp, ex government
printer, as treasurer known as the Exodus So
ciety 1t has been formed within the last two
months. for the purpose of getting my
people away from their oppressors the Bourbon
Democrats. / am member of the society and
doing all l can to forward it's interests We are
receiving letters from Louisiana, Mississippi
Alabama, North and South Carolina, and Vir-
GINA, asking aid in getting. away from the
South. Our purpose Is TO get these people away,
and we will do it.
In the conversation that followed, Colonel
Jones said he knew General Bytler, of Hamburg
massacre fame, now Senator Huter, of South
Carolina, very well, as he, the Colonel, was
teaching school at Hamburg village, when the
gallant General led the charge against the
colored men. The Colonel is disposed to think
that the methods even now pursued in the South
toward negroes will not transform them into
Democrats. He will speak within the next week
or two at Greensboro. Lisbon, New Castle,
Beech School-house and Rushville He will also
speak once or twice in this county.
T. G. Worthington, chairman of Clay county,
was in the city yesterday. I'VE are" he says,
call right in Clay to date. Our county ticket is
of unusual strength. and we haven't any doubt
of electng it. if We get fair, square deal. The
opposition to Lambs candidacy Is the most con-
spicuous issue with us, and some of the leading
Democrats are openly fighting him like mad.