Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-10
THE PRESIDENT AND THE NEGRO.
COlOred Candidates Say They Are Not
Dissatisfied-Mr. Astwood's Position,

There has been considerable talk among
colored democrats about Offices and about
the failure Of some who aspire to office
through the opposition or indifference of
the Senate to attain the object of their
desires. The statement is made that 1t is
the Presidents intention to insist on the
appointments which have failed so far to
obtain the approval of the Senate. Some
colored men were reported as being dissat-
isfied. and inclined to believe that the ad-
ninistration had not treated them fairly.
The unfarness alleged was in giving col
ored men nominations which were not likely
to be confirmed, and thus obtaining credit
for attempting TO appoint colored men with
out being required to actually deliver the
goods. Among those reported as dis
gruntled was Mr.. James A. Ross editor of
the Freeman and chairman of the National
Negro Democratic Association, who was
said to have left Washington, with a con-
siderable load of ndigna ton aboard al what
he regarded the treatment of the colored
democrats. Mr.. Ross, however. has not
gone from Washington, and denies that he
Is disgruntled In fact he regulates the
statements credited to him on that SUBJ
ject.
The Senate" said Mr.. Ross to a Star re-
porte, has undoubtedly tried to humiliate
the President and the negro race as we'll
1t is absurd to say that l regard the Presi-
dents appointments as anything but the
right thing"
Mr. Ross denied emphatically having
criticised the appointment of Messrs. Van
Allen and Roosevelt, and said Mr.. Roosevelt
was of his best political friends and
well wishers THE President is l believe"
said Mr. Ross. conscientious in his actions
toward my race. and think many other ap-
pointments would have been reported had II
not been for the action of the Senate. Any
how, | have the most explicit confidence in
the Presidents Judgment and while l may
,r,,l do,
/ believe my race will be given just repre-
sentation. Every applicant cannot be ap
pointed and while | have hopes for my per-
sonal success, the success of my race is
paramount with me-
MIR. AstwOod's Faith.
Mr. H. c. G. Astwood, whose nomination
for the Calais consulship was rejected by
the Senate, denies being d!sgruntled or in
any way dissatisfied with the administra-
ton.
He says he has no cause to be. as col sid
cradle. recognition has peen given u the
rank and file of the colorec democratic
league Mr. Astwood, speaking Of the
matter to a Star reporter said: Il scout
the idea as mean and contemptible, born of
republican political intrigue. that the ap
pointments of Mr.. Taylor and myself were
not made in good faith. The President is
above such petty methods, and in his own
time and way will give evidence of his
good faith and friendship for our :ace. l
have not seen the President and have no.
authority to say what he will do regarding
the nominations.
Il have no criticisms 10 offer upon the
action of the Senate, as neither MIR. Taylor
nor myself was consulted by the commit
tees to whom our nominations were refer
red. l think it was a mistake, brought
about by miSunders landing of facts, which
when understood will be corrected / have
absolute confidence in Mr. ClevclanG's sense
of justice. that neither Mr. Taylor nor
l. was given a hearing before the Senate,
he will return our names, ands still
have faith in the Senate TO act Justly by
us as negroes, we'll as uy white men No
criminal, no matter how base, was ever con-
demned unheard."