The state capital., 1892-02-27

hon. y. w Il. IHUMAS.
We present to our readers the |
excellent likeness OF Hon. j. W..
E. Thomas, who is fayorably men,
toned for delegate-at- large to the |
Republican National Convention.
As there are eight delegates-at-
large to be selected by the repub-
lican state convention, which will
be held in this city, ION May 4th
there is little doubt that one OF the
eight selected will be colored
man.
The colored voters are naturally
very modest in their demands for
political preferment, and in the
next state convention it is not very
likely that a colored man will be
nominated. for an elective place on
the ticket. although we hear on
every hand, the claims of the Ger
mans and other nationalities In the
republican ranks set forth, and
recognition vigorously demanded.
AS the most faithful element OF
the republican party, we feel that
the colored voters are entitled to
consideration, and that delegate
at-large is the least that the repub-
lican convention can consistently
give us. 1t will be the first time
in the history Of this state that
colored man shall have received
this honorable distinction, and we
know Of 10 man in the state of LII
inois more deserving Of the honor
than the, Hon. j. w. y, Thomas.
| Mr.. Thomas has been resident
Of Chicago for over twenty years,
and during all that time his career
has been one that reflected credit
on his race, and no doubt contrib
uted greatly toward bringing about
, that spirit of justice and fair play
for which Chicago is noted. AS
school-teacher, tradesman and law
yer, he has been uniformly success
full, and can produce title deeds tc
: valuable real estate i'll Chicago to
! show for his labors. In 1876 he
4 was nominated and elected by the
:, republicans of the Sd senatorial
1 district as member Of the leglsla
. ture, being the first colored MAJ
:, ever elected in this state to tha
g position. Tn 1882 he was again
$ elected to the same position, ant
4 again in 1884, having for his run
e ming mate the last time, Col
It Abner Taylor, the present membe
IL of congress from the lst district.
l. It was during Mr.. Thomas las
t term in the Legislature that he be
d came conspicuous as one OF tn
7. famous 1O3 who finally electe
a. a.. John A. Logan United States sen
ie ator, after one of the most excltln}
y, contests this country has ever wit
ie messed. It is in such a crucibl
= that the pure metal proves Ii
ee worth and comes out untarnlshe
ee and resplendent At that tim
n, when doubt and distrust pervade
Is the very atmosphere, j. W. /
On Thomas pursued the even tenor
1d his way, and not whisper WI
es heard expressive of doubt as to b
n. n. loyalty, no matter to what leng'
he he the struggle might have been pr
he tracted. He emerged from tt
lit contest unscathed, and his cour
. did more to command respect Il
the negro in this state than al
event in its history.
When we remember how MAJ
- leaders have proven recreant
N N their trusts; when we reflect up
~ ~ the fact that so many who ha
~ been elevated by aud through l
~ ~ have forgotten the interests OF t
9io neople in their mad scramble
"a. personal gain and self aggrandi;
l0n o. ment, it is refreshing and inspiri
r. r to find one who has always be
ID D true to the people. Such man
D. Hon. J. W. E. Thomas, and
= challenge contradiction, when
ele- e say that the colored people all o.
y ~ this state SO regard him. Our p
" pie, regardless Of section, are C
1uh 70, daily for him, and the state c
he vention can make no better sci
i'y ton In this matter, nor one m
. : satisfactory to the colored vot
0o' Of Illinois than the election OF
anu W. E. Thomas as delegate-at-la
. for - .t.o -
5 de- s0n'ioh'