The broad ax., 1914-01-17
JOHN R. LYNCH
AS HISTORIAN
Retired Army Officer Writes an
Interesting Book
HIS RISE TO PROMINENCE.


Has Rendered Valuable Services to
HE Country and Raes-WsII Known
In Military and Political Circles
Throughout the United States.
By CHARLES ALEXANDER.
One Of the unique characters In
the history of political life among
Afro-Americans h John R. Lynch, q
singuarly gifted speaker, who was re-
tired from service as paymaster In
the regular army Of the United States
in 1911 with the rank Of major. Our
people are justly proud Of his many
conspicuous and honorable achieve
ments in national politics.
As national committeeman In the
Republican party he established the
reputation Of high minded statesman
ship. while his splendid record as an
army officer has brought him the sin
cere congratulations Of some Of the
greatest men OF the present day. In
this last office he deported himself
with dignity and unrivaled courage.
Major Lynch was born on a planta-
ton in Louisiana Sept 10. 1S47. he
suffered in his childhood all the seri-
Gus handicaps OF the awful system OF
enthrallment peculiar to the time No
opportunity was afforded him for the
acquisition Of a common school edu-
cation. But he cherished, neverthe-
less. lofty aspirations, and immediate
II after the emanciation OF the slaves
he began to apply himself diligently
to the study Of books.
At q tremendous sacrifice to himself
and mother he engaged a private in
structor and for a season attended
night school, working during the day
in order that be might properly equip
himself for some high and useful
place in the body polite. Even while
quite a young man he had formed
opinions Of his own. and he took his
stand on the important public ques-
tons and showed a fortitude Of spirit
to support his own convictions.
Many books have been written about
the civil war and the reconstruction
period, some in the form Of historical
narratives. others as mere fiction, TAX
ing advantage Of the thrilling episodes
Of these books racial characters ag-
ure, but up to the present time there
is not a single book, as far as i can
now recall, that has been written by
member Of the race which adequately
sets forth the Negro's viewpoint re-
garding that stirring epoch.
Major Lynch appreciated this fact,
and so upon bis retirement from the
army. realizing that he owed It to his
generation to tell OF his remarkable
experiences, he addressed himself to
the task of writing a bOOk-a much
needed boOk-dealing with the days
that tried mems souls. he has finished
the work. and IT will soon make its
appearance from a publishing concern
in New York city. This book, Facts
About Reconstruction" contains much
valuable information bearing on the
great political questions Of today.
From 1862 to 1861 the questions
which engrossed the attention Of pO-
litical leaders in both parties were:
shall the Negro have the right to
voter" shall the Negro have the pro
lection OF the law?" shall the Negro
enjoy the accommodations, advantages,
facilities and privileges Of inns, public
conveyances on land and water, the
aters and other places Of public amuse-
ments?" shall the Negro have the
right to serve as a witness and as a
Juror in the courtsI" "Shall the Ne
gro be provided with free public
schoolsg'
Upon all these questions Senator
Charles Sumner took the lead. he was
In favor Of our race having every right
and privilege which others enjoyed.
He was at the time our Moses In the
United Stntes senate. and Thaddeus
Stevens was the boldest champion OF
the BLACK mans rights in the house.
The question which Major Lynch's
book settles Is this: which political
party took the wiser course, the Dem
Ocratic or the Republican partyT
The fact Is. In this remarkable book
the major has answered hundreds OF
important questions regarding the sta
tus Of the Negro In the United States.
and he has answered them wisely. The
book viii be eagerly read by every
man who Is'in search Of the truth and
who is looking for clean. clear. sane.
practical view Of the NegrO's past 20
litieal activities. This book should
have a place In every mans library.
Major John R. Lynch Is now a resi-
dent OF Chicago and resides at 1921
ForestviIle avenue
E-.-.f-.sf.. No. n phffadafnhfa.