The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-11
SWEENEY RESIGNS.
He VIII Hereafter Cast His Lot with
the Republican Party.


w. Allison Sweeney, colored, we'll
known Democrat, who has been the GUS
todian of Tomlinson Hall since the begin
ming Of Mayor Taggarts term, has be-
come disguised with his party Affiliations
and yesterday severed his connection with
the Democratic party and rendered his
resignation to Mayor Taggart in the fol-
lowing letter:
todian of Tomlinson Hall. the same to take
effect from this date. In taking this step.
contemplated for some time, but at the
solicitation of party associates and per-
sonal friends deferred at different times,
feel that il is unnecessary TO assure you
il is in no wise a reflection upon the I'M
official consideration and kindness that
for many years. and up to a very recent
date have received at your hands.
The big heart, the humanitarian i'm
pulses OF Tom Taggart, as your thousands
of friends, black and white, delight TO
speak of you, are proverbial and could not
be impunged in my presence. Officially,
you have during the years l have served
under your administration of the affairs
of the city of indianapolis, treated me with
all the consideration due me. You have
given me a white mans chance more l
have not asked nor would have accepted.
When some years ago, in great part
because of my esteem for you, but mainly
because L hoped the Democratic party
might begin to be trusted by colored men
to recognize the logic of events following
in the wake of the great conflict for the
perpetuation of American slavery, 1 cast
my lot with that party; / believed l was
making no mistake, and upon the strength
of that belief up to the present time, L
have not wavered, in the new course, po-
litically speaking, l had marked out for
myself. During the nearly six years of the
Democratic administration of the affairs
of the city of Indianapolis now drawing 10
alacrity the interests of that party when
ever called upon TO do so. 1t is, therefore,
with much regret and sincere chagrin.
that 1 am at last driven to admit time has
convinced me of my error.
THE Democratic party seems not as yet
ready to extend the colored man the con-
sideration due him as an American citizen.
and | scan its horizon in vain for a sign
indicating when IL will begin TO do So At
front within it's ranks, who. like yourself.
is disposed to ignore the traditions and
tendencies that have made. and daily
adding TO the infamy of the Democratic
colored man, in his reasonable desire TO
enjoy like other men his rights within the
law, but the mere individual is powerless
in the premises. and is not TO be considered.
The spirit of Tillmanism, which is spread
ing daily, and has already fastened its
tentacleS upon the internal affairs of a
great portion of our common land. is too
much for me, and / no longer possess the
courage nor the argument 10 look intelli-
gent members of my race in the face and
ask them to vote the Democratic ticket
What is known as BungaloOism In our
own city and TO our growing disgrace
abroad, found its inception and Inspiration
in the teachings and doctrines of the South
Carolina ruffian and blatherskite. TO wit:
'Niggers must be kept In their place. but
when such a person is hailed the leader
of the Democratic party in deciding its
policies and encompassing their ends and
is even invited by 1ndana's central Demo
cratic committee 10 address the voters of
the State, there is little wonder at the
presence OF the Bungaloo and his apparent
immunity from Interference upon the part
OF those clothed with authority to do so.
such are a few OF my reasons for, at
this time, returning TO you the position
which by the grace of your consideration
have for some years attempted TO fill. In
the capacity of custodian l have sJriven
cOnscientiOusly TO serve the public regard
less of race, politics, or creed, and | take
my leave from you on the eve of the con-
hict incident TO the selection by the voters
of Indianapolis of your successor in Of
flee. wishing that IL might have been other
wise. but with no regret that IL is as il is.
/ can no longer serve you nor the party
whose ranks you honor, hence will no
| longer break its bread"