Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1921-11-05
THE VIRGINIA NEGROES
HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE
SAVE THE COLORED
REPUBLICAN
TICKET
Hon. J. Thomas Ncwsomc Clc;nly
Diagnoses the Political Status
of tho Virginia Negro.

Dear Sir: AS the campaign draws
to close there Is marked falling
off in personalities among the lead
ers and clearer understanding of
the real purposes and aims Of tho
political movement III Virginia that
has stirred the whole State as never
before in It's history.
1t turns out that, after all, there
Is very little difference of opinion
among us. The whole trouble has
grown out Of o. difference of means
to the same end desired. Some think
that there should be division of
our vote at this time, while others
hold to the view that, inasmuch as
there is a real ticket OF Colored
Republicans In the field, it should
be given the support Of all Of us so
as to dignity the protest
| cannot sec how we can afford to
divide our forces at this time. True,
there are two parties Of white voters
in the field at present, but both hold
to the same view OH the race Ques-
ton. Neither processes to believe
in the political and civil equality of
the Negro and each Is equally loud
in protest that it will have none of
him.
Just at the time when some of
our best men were inclined to stand
with the Lily White organization.
came Col. Anderson with tho most
bitter attack on the Negro as man
and q citizen that has found utter
ances from the lips Of any candidate
for high office in the history of the
State; His appeal to prejudice took
the lowest form that could have
been conceived by the smallest ward
heelcr that ever prated before Il town
meeting.
He would not allow Negro Judges
in election, forsooth! The consti-
tuition directs that they shall be APP
pointed if they represent the minor
ity party, but what is a little thing
like the Constitution when 1t stands
in the way OF keeping the Negro in
his place! or course. no Negro can
swallow that medicine.
And Mr.. Trinkle would treat the
Negro fairly and Justly, so ho says,
and so he really believes. But how
about his political equality? How
can any Negro afford to vote the
Democratic ticket when tho law OF
the party governing primary election
forbids any Negro from participating
therein? How can Il Negro vote to
agree that he Is not 1T to enter a
booth that dominates candidates?
How can you repudiate Il party
and yet vote for its nominee? How
can Il Negro be an Independent,
voting for men and not for their
party when those very men tell him
to his teeth that they plant both
feet squarely on the party's record
and will uphold its principles at
whatever cost?
1t seems to this writer that much
Of the talk about voting for men
and not for parties is in line with
the sophistry that you can serve the
devil without becoming imhued with
the spirit Of his satanic majesty.
The Republican party was con-
ceived in justice and Is dedicated to
the doctrine OF the absolute civil and
political equality Of all men ire
spective Of color or previous condi-
lions Of servitude. That is the Re-
publicanism Of the ticket nominated
on Labor Day. There Is only one
other party In Virginia and that is
the Democratic party. The other
thing is a monstrosity.
Choose ye, this day how you will
vote.