Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1917-11-24

The outstanding feature of the
great Municipal election OF this city
last week, was the election of e. A.
Johnson, as the Negro member of the
Assemb y of the Nineteenth District
ana mus ends one of the most noted
political fights ever waged by Negroes
III thc city for elective Representations.
The election Of Mr. johnson has
brought forth wide comment from
vhe daily newspapers of this city, and
the large co ored population of this
city, has rejoiced over his election
and 1t Will mark tho fisst time In tho
history Of I,he Negro in this city when
they will be represented by one of
their own in the legislature. Ever
since Mr.. Johnson was nominated in
tho Primary he has been the center
OF attraction III this election and his
election was regarded as an impcssi
bility on the part of clever politicians
OF this city. He won in one Of the
largest districts in New York, tho
majority of voters, being white He
polled 1853 votes, and won over his
white opponent by 1923. The entire
voting strength of the district is 10.
700, 5000 of them being co,ored, and
while 1t is safe to say that tho bulk
OF the colored voters went 10 Mr. John
son 1T was the assistance to a large
degree or the white votes thaJ made It
possible for him to win. Mr.. Johnson
goes to his new office with a noted
record and has received fine back
ground for the office. He has long
been foremost in the national life of
the race and long before he came to
this city his reputation as an
author, educator, and juri.t was we'll
known. His career which has been
varied is inspiring to the youth of
the race and he has won his present
place In life thru the sheer strength
OF his ability and character. He was
born in Raleigh, N. c., and wass educat
cd III the public schools of the" city,
ana In Atlanta and Shaw Universities
After his graduation flom the raw
school of Shaw he became teacher
or law and rose to the office of dean
1t was while serving as dean that he
came to prominence as q. lawyer. He
WaS acHEe in the pS iticai life Of that
State and served as Alderman in the
city councils of Raleigh, and was elect
cd assistant district ATTORNEY of
that State. He was formely principal
of the Washington Stress School in
that City, and his Jhool book of tho
Negro has been adopted b, the educa
tional authorities for use In the pub
Tic schools. II'e came to tins city in
1906 and ha4s since been active In the
civic life OF the race here. He lives
at II West 1872 stree in the heart of
the Negro population, and his interest
in the race will cause hin to- take
keen interest in ell matters relating
to their interest. He made his appeai
to the voters OH platform that was
BASED upon Square DEAL" for the
working man and promises to work
for legis htion that will be of aid to
the laborer. He has also made close
study of the food question in this di
rection he will be of great / id to the
interest Of the women of the race.
The election OF James G. Thomas,
Jr, who ran for Alderman in the &c
District Is still In doubt. The Negro
population Of this big city which mas
rose to its best self h done q maeni
ficent history event, and November
., 1877 ought to be held sacred by
the Negroes Of America. 1t was the
persis;ency of the United Civic Lea
que fcmnded by John NJ. RoyaN and
made up OF a group Of we'll known
business and professional men, that
sible for the eection of Mr..
Johnson. Since 1918 the league has
been waging q fisht to have m IL Of
the race ected to public office.
Since Then they have kept a colored
candidate in tine field. 1t Is hoped
that at the next writing a moro favor
abe report will be made concerning
young Thomas.
REV. DIR. G. G ALLEYNE MAX
ING GOOD AS GEN. OFFICER.