Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-12-01
PRITCHARD WILL DEMAND
REMOVAL OF A NEGRO

CHARLOTTE, N c., Nov. PA special
from Ashevllle, N. c., says:
Those who have regarded with interest
the varying phases of the lilly white
movement in the south, and have en-
deavored to form a current idea as to the
relations which exist between President
Roosevelt and Senator Pritchard, may
soon discover an additional reason for
keeping an eye single TO the situation.
Something is impending which will call
for a showing of hands on the part of
both sides in the conference.-the con-
test over the postoffice at Wilson. which
IS now in charge of a negro by the name
of Wick. Senator Pritchard will return
to Washington In a few days, and ac-
cording to those who stand close to the
senator, he will at once recommend the
removal of Wick, the only negro now
in Office in the east, and request the ap-
pointment of a white man This is to
be the supreme test, for If the lily white
movement means anything at all, 1t
means that negroes are no longer to be
chosen to fill such offices in the southern
states The issue is clear cut. Negroes
generally including that eminent figure In
latter day Republican politics, Booker
washington, are demanding Vick's reten-
ton In office, while Senator Pfitchard is
demanding his removal, for those who are
familiar with that wonderful factor, sena-
torial courtesy" know that a recon-
mendation is tantamount to demand.
And then it is the supreme test again for
the reason that there are no charges of
official unfitness against Wick, the issue
being the color of his skin. and it is this
issue that will be carried directly to the
white house. In view of the presidents
oft-repeated declaration, and in view of
Postmaster General Payne's recent per-
formances, it is difficult to see how the
senator IS to compass Vick's removal.
1t Will readily be understood, however,
that should he succeed, II will be regard
ed as a great personal victory, and for Il
long time to come will effectually estab-
lish his supremacy in southern patronage
matters. But. say his friends, whether
or not he IS successful makes little diff
ference insofar as the senator is person.
ally concerned, for he will hold the long
end of the "swingle-tree," and greatly
strengthen his hold on the party organic
alton in the state whether the decision
of the administration be for or against
the Wilson postmaster, as the people Of
the state, regardless of party, will ap-
prove of his course. Therefore, in de-
manding Vick's removal, the senator, 1t
would seem, has all to gain and nothing
to lose. Senator Pritchard will put the
matter on the high ground that while
he has no personal or political interests at
stake, the negro, generally speaking. be-
ing out of politics, he believes that the
negroes, for their own good, as we'll as
the good of the commonwealth, should
cease to hold public offices in the southern
states. At the same time, Senator Pritch-
ard will say to the administration that
he is opposed to the proposition to deny
the negroes their rights under the consti-
tuition when they present themselves at
the Republican conventions as properly
accredited delegates. 1t will, therefore. be
extremely interesting to observe what ac-
ton the administration will take when the
matter is presented in this light by the
North Carolina senator.