The monitor., 1928-11-02

IHe reverence anu AAHS NOhA'NSASS
which we have in the man Herbert
Hoover, it has been next to impos-
sible for us to put the usual pep and
confidence into our work.
'Tn times past, the democratic par
ty has been an ogre and there seemed
absolutely no reason to support it.
But this year, with the republicans
bidding for the solid south, with our
bewilderment at their program of
white leadership in Dixie and with a
growing sense of helplessness in a
situation where both parties were
bidding for our support above the
Mason and Dixon line, and both of
them using every type of scurrilous
propaganda calculated to incite ra-
cial hatred below it, we seemed ito
be between the devil and the deep
blue sea-
"Those of us who live in Washing
ton know that the present lily white
program started two years ago I'M
der the leadership of former Senator
Irvine Lenroot of Wisconsin, and
bore fruit at the Kansas City conven-
ton. Hoover personally, probably
does not believe in it, but many of
the advisors about him are stepped
in it deeply. Under the circum-
stances, Chairman John r. Hawkins
and Secretary A. L. Holsey, together
with their associates from top to bot
tom, have done an exceptional piece
of work. Not only have they dis
enlargement with the republican par
ty on the part of the colored people
to fight, but also apathy on the part
of white officials who were willing
to let the Negro run his own little
circus over in the corner, so long as
he did not spend too much money or
get in anybody's way.
Campaign Activities Guarded
"On both sides campaign activities
among Negroes were carefully guard
ed. Four years ago, Clarence Mat
thews worked directly under Chair
man William NJ Butler of the ma
tional committee and conferred with |
him frequently. This year Chairman |
Hubert Work, whose detractors say |
he has little liking for close contact |
with Negroes, has had practically no |
conferences or direct associations |
with colored workers. Walter F. /
Brown of Toledo, Ohio, master STRAIT
egist of that state and high-caliber-
ed gentleman, assumed the post Of |
contact man between the colored d.
vision and Dr. Work. Under his d.
rection it was organized and fupc-
toned capably. Later, when his 9TH
err duties made the difficulties at
tendant thereon too numerous, the
load was shifted to Ray Benjamin Of
California, friend Of Bob" Church
and former state chairman of Cal
ifornia and an assistant of DR.. Work. /
"The democrats operated in the
same way. On account of the solid
south, they scarcely dared own that
they had a colored division. 1t had
separate quarters from the national |
committee and assumed the name,
Smith for President C or e d |
league 1t was financed by William !
CASTOR of Boston, young blueblood I
who actually had charge but who
brought as chairman of the organi-
cation committee, his friend and |
Julian D. Rainey. Lester |
A. Walton of the New York World, |
was drafted as publicity man. The
result was two Negro divisions made |
up of competent men, who, putting |
forth their best efforts for their re- |
spective causes, were at the same |
time conscious Of entirely different |
activity insofar as their racial groups |
were concerned, in the south where |
frank appeals to hillbillies and red
necks were being made in the only |
language those gentry understand,
that Of Negro hatred.
Party's Future in South Puzzling
Southern democracy of course
had nothing to offer the Negro. Per-
haps they were little more vicious
than usual, if that is possible, be-
cause their territory was being in
vaded. Republicans, however, set up
separate campaign organization and
wherever there was Negro control or
influence the regular republican
groups were ignored or turned aside
How much of this has been abetted
by the selfishness of our Negro lead
ers there by their attitude in the past
we can only conjecture. Perhaps the
white republicans cannot be blamed
for desiring to see vigorous repub-
lican party in the south by whatever
means they might obtain it. If sue
eaccfuI aoI ~ IaaJe q 4..,o