The evening times., 1900-10-16
AN APPEAL TO REASON.
Address to Negro Voters by Moses
Ii. Bentley, of Georgia.

Moses H Bentley, a prominent negro
politician ia Georgia, who announced HIM
self as a supporter of Bryan and Steven
son few weeks ago, has issued an ad-
dress which is being given wide cireula-
tion by the Democratic campaign manag-
ers among the colored voters in the
doubtful States; 1t follows:
"A few weeks ago 1 tried to answer the
many questions as TO why l was for Hon
". J. Bryan
4 wish 10 repeat, with an appeal to
reason, Does il not seem clear and reason
able that what would be beneficial for
one man of a certain section would be the
same for all men OF the same section If
it be just, whether il be religion, poll
tics. or he development of the resources
Of that section? Does not reason teach Us
that if q man needs you he will protect,
keep, and comfort you 10 the extent OF his
ability? This is too plain TO deny.
What l want to see done is TO see my
people do what would be best; which would
result IN the most good for the negro and
the country. We have been a bone Of con-
tention between the two parties ever since
the war. Neither have been fond enough
OF Us 10 have eaten US up; and yet il is
said that the negro is the balance OF pow
era bone of contention a victim OF lynch
law. Now If that be true, could ii be any
worse for the negro as the balance of
power. IL he should fall into the hands OF
another party for a while and Try the viz
tue Of a chaags2 Would it not be very
ungrateful in any party that would not
protect its constituents? Has the Repub
Hcan party done this? No. not single
cry from the negro for protection has ever
attracted MI McKinley's attention nor
disturbed hi tranquil repose. Is it rea-
sonable that We should stick to such a
party?
1T is said that we are lynehed by our
enemies. Well, if that be true We have
enemies North aud South, for negroes are
being lynched in every section of the
country Bur let US leave the sectional
question out OF the matter and return to
the consideration OF party treatment. Since
the Republican party has Gone nothing. let
US try another party and settle the respon-
sibili:y of protection upon them.
AS I have said before, We need to
change the Administration. We want pro-
lection of our lives and property as far as
possible. according to our Constitution.
This is my position I shall contend for
it in a spirit Of peace and union. Let US,
as men who can act from reason, do what
we think is best, regardless OF what any
party or parties may think or say.
Many of our people have been quite
apprehensive in regard to this question
but I am glad to say that has about blown
away. and sure if either of the great par
ties want the colored man disfranchised
it is not the Democratic party.
The colored man knows what is best,
Just as other men do but when he is ham
pered by party prejudice and blinded by
false doctrine he can only reason 1t out
for himself
This appeal is to my brethren of those
States where the negro is indeed The bal
ance of power; when by his actions a vi
wear the yoke of an ungrateful party, OF
shall we pull it off? I don't believe tfat
the intelligent tcolored men Of Kentucky.
Maryland, Indiana, New York, West Hir-
ginia, and other States where the negro
is a material factor will stand this reg
lect any longer, and in plain and simple
words, we want to make better friends
of these Democrats, who say that they are
our friends, but have the excuse that we
will not agree and go with them When
this is done, we leave them without an
excuse. Can't the brethren of the above
named States see and agree with me along
this line? I believe in taking advantage
of opportunities.
$50 l believe this year offers US the best
opportunity in the history OF our emanci-
patton for a change for cur betterment-
am an old eX-siaye. I know the feeling
| that used to exist between master and
servant and | know something OF the
| feeling that is now existing between white
and bIacll citizens 1 wishI could come to
| you and speak to ycu face to face. / might
| be able to make you see the reasonable
ness of my argument and position. II
! could I would come to you soon and tell
you of the many good things that await
US in this change With coed will to all
| and malice toward none, let US follow our
| conviction. And from standpoint of ga
| son, let us act as men worthy OF the
! name in every sense ef the word am
yours for good laws and peaceful govern
meut-"