The Washington bee., 1897-09-04
THE BLACK PRINCE OF THE SOUTH,

HON. HENRY DEMAs APPOINTED MA
VAL oFFICER-PRESIDENT M'KINLEY
LOYAL TO THE NEGRo-A JUST RE-
coGNITIoN OF LOUsIANA'S FORE
MOST LEADER.
Henry Demas, one OF the best known
men in this country, and one of the best
known politicians in Louisiana, has
been APPOINTED naval officer Not
| withstanding the fight that was made
| against Mr.. DemaS, which was per-
sonal, he won.
Mr. Demas is one of the most posi-
tive characters in public life, and a
negro who verv seldom loses a fight
when he enters into it. No man is
more respected by the prominent men
of this country than MIR. Demas, and
no doubt his appointment will give en-
fire satisfaction to the people of the
South.
Mr.. Demas is a polished gentleman
and a man of honor and integrity.
Ex-senator Henry Demas is young
man, comparatively speaking, al
though for nigh thirty years he has
been active in the politics of the State.
The '"Black Prince" as Demas is
termed by his intimates, was born in
the Parish of St. John, where he now
resides. At the age of I6 yesrs he was
mustered into the Union army as pri-
vate and received an honorable dis
charge as a corporal Returning home
he was elected constable" " la 1868.
In 1870 he was elected a member of
the house of representatives, serving
four years. In 1874 he was elected
State senator and served continuously
for a period of eighteen years, and in
the election of 1892 was counted out by
the democrats, who were instigated by
certain Federal officials whose enmity
Senator Demas had incurred.
For ten wears Mr.. Demas served as
treasurer Of the school board of St.
John parish, in which position he ham
died thousands of dollars. When the
democrats came into power they thor
oughly examined Demas' accounts for
the period of his treasurership, and,
against their will, were compelled to
dollar, and recommended that his
bondsmen be relieved from all respOn-
sIbility. For a number of years Mr..
DemaS was a member of the hoard of
trustees of the Southern University,
the State school for colored youth. In
1879 he was elected a member of the
constitutional convention, and was one
of the leaders of the republican minor
ity. In 1874 he was commissioned a
captain in the State militia and ap-
pointed an aide-de-Camp on the staff
of Gov. William Pitt Kellogg. Has
been a delegate to five national con-
ventions of the republican party.
In 1896, in the state election of that
wear, Mr.. Oemas was candidate for
election to the general assembly of
Louisiana, from St. John parish. He
was elected, but the democrats intend
ing to count out the republican ticket,
Demas determined to prevent the out
rage. Rallying the republicans to his
support, for three days and as many
nights he prevented the consummatiOn
OF the crime. SO determined a stand
did Demas make, that the democrats
called upon Gov. Foster for aid, and
he responded by sending a company
of militia to protect the election
thieves. Under such protection, and
Demas recognizing the majesty OF the
law, even when engaged in an ignoble
cause, St. John parish for the first time
since the war, was "carried for the
democrats.
In the contest leading up to the NOM
ination of Major Mckinley, the SEN
ator from St. John, along with Capt.
Wimberly, was foremost in Louisiana
in advocacy of the candidacy Of Gov.
Mckinley.
Mr.. Demas has been sugar and rice
planter for more than twenty-five years,
Vice-Chairman of the Republican State
Central Committe, and Chairman OF
the Second Congressional District
Committee.
The position to which he has been
appointed is naval officer at the port of
New Orleans, and is one of honor and
dignity, paving $1,000 per year.
This is a just recognition of the
"Black Prince" of the South.