Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-03-21
THE MODE APPOINTMENT TO
OFFICE.

pIdck man from al Offices In the south
ern states has naturally led many to en-
quire by what method is this to be done.
1t is plainly apparent that Mr.. RooT
expected this result to be accomplished
under Republican administration.
1t seems that it has been the custom
from time immemorial for the Chair
man of the State Republican organiza-
rion in conjunction with the member
of the National Republican Committee
from the state to name the members of
the party who were to fill the Federal
offices in the state.
In other words. without the mystic
ehdorsation of these two Individuals an
office seekers ''cake was all dough"
from the start. There was slight va
ration from this policy in certain con-
gressional districts, for if Republican
was the candidate for congress from the
district, whether he won or lost, if the
Republican Party was in power at
Washington, he was consulted with
reference to certain local offices in his
district, and especially about the post
maSterships.
The white Republicans of the South,
who controlled the party lines, accord
ingly, had monopoly of this kind of
business and it was not long before they
were having trouble with the colored
brethren, who constituted the bulk of
of the party and fraction of the office
holders.
No one who was iii Virginia then will
fail TO remember the absolute sway of
Gen. WILLIAM MALONE, an ex Confed-
crate, who out-witted the regular Re-
publican machine in this state, secured
the ear of President ARTHUR and be-
came the political autocrat, whose
slightest will in political matters was
law. Even then as now, it was held
out to the northerner, that through the
avenues of politics and the by-ways of
otfice-holdino. break conld hA made
in the "Solid South"
Their hopes were shattered and MA
HONE went down to defeat and in due
course of time dissension in his own
ranks arose, his enemy secured the posi-.
ton as National Committeeman and a
division of the Federal offices followed.
This was in the realm of white men.
The colored men in the other south
ern states, notably III Texas, Louisiana
and Mississippi were not slow to profit by
the experience of others. The meteoric
rise of N. WRIGHT CUNEY, now deceas-
ed, gave the colored man practical
of his power. He was
Chairman of the Republican Party of
Texas and h 2sp,ed The colored man
who was to serve as the member of the
National Republican Committee. The
chain was complete and the Federal
patronage Of the Lone Star state was in
he hands of one of the ablest politicians
If color that the Southland has ever
The result was the appointment of
'olored ment the best positions in the
south. Be it said to the credit of the |
'olored leaders that the men recon-
nended by them We're well qualified TO |
discharge the duties of office. Then
anne the persistent fight of the anti |
Negro elements in the Republican Par
y. A combination was formed made |
Up of white men and treacherous color
d ones and as it is alleged, hacked by
ecret influences at Washington, which |
esulted in CUNEY'S overthrow.
The effect was felt elsewhere, al /
hough the colored men continued to |
xercise their influence ON the Republi-
an machines of the several states |
hen came the MCKINLEY policy, like a
frost. Then began the quiet
york of insidiously ignoring, to a limit
extent, the recommendations of the |
len who had hitherto been consulted /
bout such matters. But Mr.. MCKIN
Ely was diplomatic and to our personal
he possessed a magnetism
hat was truly marvellous.
His soothing words and promises for
ne future would serve to 'scharm the
lNoSS OIcdSI Us ne assumed an air
mystery and assured you that your
esires would be, if. not now, finally
Mr.. RoosEvELT's advent upon the
cid of action was signalized by the ut
er ignoring of colored men, who had
ontrolled the politics of the southern
tates. He has established Democratic1
eferees throughout the South. and it is
them that he looks for advice in
ealing with party questions in that
ection so far as they relate to public
flee. 1t is but fair to say of him that
i states, further south, the white Re
ublican managers have been ignored
nth practically as much regularity as
ne colored. He has repeatedly assert
that his policy would not be based ON
olor and he has apparently kept his
vord. But the colored brothers offic-l
Il head has dropped into the official
asket with tolerable regularity.