The Ocala banner., 1922-08-11

The following rs text of an ad-
dress BY w. G. Lawson, Independent
candidate for United States senate, de-
nning status Of organization and set
aims forth Us purposes:
The Independent Republican party
a. not a new party. IL simply COM
prlses that element in the existing
party which Is in favor of eliminating
the so-called negro question" as a
recoenized party policy. The people
of FLORIDA have grown tired of this
nenseless and useless handicap to
proeress, They see that it not only
imposes an unnecessary hardship on
the negro race. but that IL has cor
Fupting influence on the political life
of the entire state. II Is the enemy
% every interest, and OF every class
of people-except the professions,,
politicians-and II is our purpose to
eliminate Il by Incorporating into our
state platform the declaration that:
We are unalterably opposed to
fhe election. OF selection. of any per-
son 20 public Office. or position of
public trust. who is not a White
American citizen"
Until this Is done the prefix "Inde-
pendent" viii be used for organiza-
tion purposes: after this is done. the
prefix win OF course be dropped, as
there win be no further use for it,
cur efforts 20 accomplishe this pur-
pose are being opposed by certain
democratic Influences" on the alleged
Nround that II might stir up strife in
the state; and We are also opposed,
"a course. by republican politicians on
fhe ground that such action might
seriously embarrass the republican or
nnnisation In many northern states,
where the negro voters are supposed
a. hold the balance OF power"
car answer 10 both of these "sug-
neaiions" "a will not call them argu-
menfsl. IL. that instead of stirring
40 strife. the action contemplated will
prevent strife. by effectually and per-
mananily removing the chief. cause
thereof And 80 far as embarrassing
nofthefn republicans Is concerned, we
feel that the embarrassment of Flor
"a republicans has been so COM
Dlelely dlsregarded. in formulating the
ppliey of the regular organization in
fhIs state. that the rank and file of
lhe party Is now amply justified in
SAILING an Independent effort to bet
ter their own political conditions.
in view Of the fact that the repub-
iI1an organization leaders. (aided by
norlons Of the Democratic Press)
have repeatedly declined 10 make any
NnoFt "a eliminate the negro question
fef the past half q century. and would
probably continue the same policy for
anoiher halt century, for reasons
uhleh 1 win later discuss) thes Inde-
Hendenf republicans have determined
Ihas me matter shall be submitted to
= vote ~ the people. We contend that
o. - sheer folly-that IL is rank hypoc-
Flsy 40 assert in one breath the prin-
tirls ~ majority rule" and in the
neki breath declare that no attempt
should BE- made 90 ascertain the wish
ea ol the majority because of the idle
nnd nlmsy suggestions that ii might
~Htlr up strife" or "embarrass" party
lsaaefs In one Of President Buchan.
ans messages 20 congress, he used
these words NO other authentic
and satisfactory mode exists of ascer
fnlnlne the win OF a majority of the
reople on any question except by leav.
lng Ii a. a direct vote"
FFom the same joint sources just
menfloned. the argument is also ad
tanced that even though substan
flal majority Of Florida republicans
az express themselves as desipine
nat me partys negro policy be re
nounced IN this state. the national or
Hanlsation might decline to recognize
ihfm ~ regular organization repub
Ii1ana
This regular organization" stun is
thn trump card Of the professional
politician. and Il - played on every
man Who l. supposed TO have any
separations TO serve his country in
an ofhciai capacity. Il is the politi
slan's business 90 groom" men fol
once. and he does this by the adroit
suggestion that they must keep in
iIne"-a suggestion he tries to impart
in one Way or another. 20 every polit