The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-01-12
MAJOR KEARBY SET RIGHT
As to the Intimidation of Negroes NJ
the Recent Election.

A. to the Intimidation Of Negroes Mt
the Recent Election.
To the Editor of The Post.
read In the Galveston News OF Dccem-
ber 10. 1896. an article written by Major
J. c. Kcarby, in which ne attempts to tell
why he was defeated at tho recent cleo
ton. ! want to ask forbcarance from the
citizens OF Texas to allow me TO set the
major right as to some Of the alleged
causes. am aware, however, that it Is
human. when smarting under disappoint-
ment. to, appease chagrin and rcmorsc by
the heaping upon the victors the venom"
OF splecn-so / think 1t is with the major
But there are several charges he makes
which ! deem proper TO answer. He says
that the negroes in the black belt were
intimidated and misled by forged tickets:
that is, they were made to believe that
they were voting for republican electors
and the popuist State ticket and that Mr.
Mcdonald was the only negro ally to that
party which made such intlmidations and
forged such tickets. Now 10 the first, /
want to say to the major and citizens OF
Texas, that 1t is true the negro has been
duped and misguided by many of those TO
whom they have looked for guidance and
correct teaching heretofore. and that 30
doing he was led blndly against his own
welfare and interest. hut having learned
the real course they were pursuing they
called a halt and refused to be further
dragged. Truly, the past ELECTION was ono
of the most exciting and holly contested
| that the State has seen for years. and II
was so because every man was up and on
I 81 h.. ats4 Ill lit
aid and strength TO that party that would
best subserve his each and several inter-
| ests. Close and succinct discrimlina tons
were made and in that discrimination the
negro played his mart lie did not sit inert
and unconcerned and allow those whom he
had trusted to shape and arrange his
course of action. The fact is. the negro
has been schooed and has learned to
great degree, that 1t is his duty well
as his privilege to give his support and
allegiance to that party that has befricnd-
ed him in tho past and has made every
| advancement he has made in the Stale
| possible.
The major Is certainly laboring under
| a delusion IL he thinks the negro did not
vote his sentiment. The principle of flu
| sion, though advocated by his former
| party leaders. did not meet the approval
OF the negro and therefore did not enlist
his support The principles OF the popu-
| list party are too new for negro co-opera-
ton. The negro is fast learning that he
can not afford to be ungratetnl 10 that
| party that has given him his schools that
so legislates that he has the opportunities
of enjoying citizenship and is recog-
nized force In the State.
Has the major forgotten that the public
| schools organized and maintained by dem
| ocratic legislation are shorn OF their In
flucnce and power? Can he not see that
l.l.. to ht.lf ctt
with independent thinking negroes? Has
defeat so confused his intelligence that he
does not know that where men think they
are no longer slaves. but free men?
The trouble with the major is. he placed
too much confidence In those have been
leaders" They promised fusion but the
negro did not.
Again. the past administration of Gov
ernor Culberson was before us, and we
made subtle comparisons, siftngs critical
and minute were made, prosperity ana
contentment which were the direct off,
springs of that administration, had their
| influence upon us as well as upon the
whites. Can the major expect more from
the negro than from his own party1 lie
claims that many OF his own party deserted
him at the perilous hour then what must
he expect from those who claimed no al
legiance.
1t has been and Is the spirit and pur-
pose Of the negro to be loyal to his own
interest as far as he can see and under
stand it, He has not as yet seen in the
populist party any salvation or betterment
of his condition He has been loyal Ia
the republican party since his birth into
freedom. but as he becomes enlightened
and fully comprehends his own surround
ings and sees TO what party he Is 1ndehteo
for his direct sustenance and support ana
continued prosperity, he looks beyond tnat
~ bav frepd him and did
vote and will vote for that party that has
done and is doing the most for him.
Now for the other charge OF the major $
that Mr.. Mcdonald was the only negro
ally who worked for the defeat OF the
populist party
/ think the major failed TO move around
during the campaign and therefore ava
not know who was at work against him.
For his information. l say To him that
there was host OF earnest, ardent and
sincere workers Of negro animation thal
toiled day and night to place tho present
condition Of affairs before their people
and warned them OF the consequences OF
policy or administration. j. myself, IL
you please, am cognizant OF the ehersy
ard activity Of more negro leaders than
Mr.. Mcdonald.
In the district where | worked we had
the corporation and unerfing support OF
school teachers, preachers ana men OF
other professions ana pcueVe eon a,
I sure the major that from this time iorth
the negro will be loyal to his own interest,"
and will give his support 10 ,nat paep
whose principles and policies mean pros
perity and continued peace to his stat'
and country. and that when those whom NJ
has trusted TO lead for him, go so far as t'
lose sight of their constituents interest
and adopt plans OF action for selfish ant
individual gain. he will rise up IN MI
might, depose them and eplist win tnos'
who are fighting for his and his own.
A. l.. Smith, OF Galveston
wharton Pythiau Hall.