Milford chronicle., 1918-07-05
KENT COLORED VOTERS
ARE OUT FOR HARMONY
Meet in Dover Last Week and Adopt
Resolutions FaVOring Harmony
and Pledge United support

In regard to a call by Alfred Raikes
cOlored member of the Republican
State Central Committee from Kent
county, Tor the purpose of discussing
matters regarding the interests Of the
Republican Party, especially matters
which vitality concern the interests
OF the colOred race, meeting OF col
ored citizens was held at Dover last
Friday. Every district in Kent coun-
ty was represented.
The meeting was called to order by
Councilman Raikes. After stating
the objects of the meeting. the Rev.
j. Albert Sterrett, pastor of Calvary
Baptist church. was chosen chairman
and the Rev W. II Murphey, of
Smyrna, named as secretary.
The address of Alfred L. DUPONT
made before the state and harmony
committees in Wilmington in April
last. was read by Rev. l.. 5. Moore
and unanimously adopted
A committee on resolutions was ap-
pointed, consisting of Alfred Raikes.
the Rev. W. c. Jason. Noah Riley.
James d. Prattis, Amos F. Johnson.
Greensboro Ridgeway. Jefferson Bee
kett. The report of the resolutions
committee follows:
we recognize that union and har-
mony mean success while division al
ways spells defeat and disaster.
Therefore we, as cOlOred citizens of
Kent County, Delaware, in convention
assembled, heartily approve the move
ment to harmonic and unite the di-
vided elements of the Republican Par
ty. and. regardless Of previous fac
tional afiliation, unanimously pledge
our cooperation and best efforts to
the accomplishment Of the desired
end.
while sincere and loyal in our al
legiance to the Republican Party, we
realize that as a distinct element we
have peculiar claims for recognition
in the various departments of our
State government which have not
been met. We shall request and seek
that the nominees of our party for
political Office shall be clean and hon
orable men who are broad-minded and
patriotic enough to stand square for
real democracy in our state.
"No negro has ever been chosen to
represent his race in the General AS
sembly, none holds any office in the
executive department, no member of
the race serves on the jury when our
people are accused of crime. no ne
gro attorney appears for us in the
courts.
I'VE believe that excellence of char
acter and proficiency of attainment
should be the only test of fitness for
public service, both in theory and in
practice. Men of like sentiments
shall have our unqualified support.
LAS Americans above the suspicion
of any trea sonable interest or desire,
we hereby pledge our loyal support
to the President of the United States.
to the Secretary of the Navy. to the
Secretary of War, to the Food Admin
istratOr and to all National and State
officials in the great work of conduct
ing the war to a successful issue.
We realize that the liberties of hu
manity are at stake and that is is the
duty of all citizens to make the ne
cessary sacrifice. even to the giving
up of life. to save the world from
such a calamity as the domination OF
Prussian militarism.
In adjourning the members left
with a determination to work hard for
party harmony. The spirit of the
meeting was wholesome.