The Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1931-1952, 1936-04-17
COY. LANDON

could have, because Of his Indian
blood, repudisted the contract that
had been in existence for years
and thereby benefited greatly as
well as ruined the white oil man,
but refused to do so, living up to
the spirit of the agreement and
signing a valid contract to replace
the old one. The character shown
made profound impression on
young Landon and left him with
genuine respect for the inherent
fineness Of the Negro race.
Today many colored Kansans
are on relief. But instead Of con-
sidering this tn : result of shiftless-
ness, it is interpreted as a natural
result coming from the races linn
tied opportunities. These can be
improved, however, the governor
believes, by Negroes taking advan-
tage OF every educational oppor-
tunity in order to act nationally
and intelIigently IN affairs per
tanning to social and economic ad
vancement.
Fair Play for Negro
Gov. Landon's sense of fair play.
his understanding of the colored
race and his record dealing with
Negroes indicate he would be just
interpreter of issues and problems
Of special interest to Negroes. His
courage indicates he would be able
to meet fairly lily-white republi-
canism in Dixie as well as the evils
Of lynching. Landon's insistence
of efficiency would make civil SER
vice examinations the means of
selecting the best qualified en-
ployees without discrimination.
Kansas today has one Of the ma
TONS most stringent anti-lynct;ing
laws which is of itself significant.
Gov. Landon believes strictly in adj
herence to all provisions Of the
constitution without neglecting a
few as has been common practice
by many previous administrations.
Gov. Landor's record in Kansas
shows he has accomplished much
of significance to Negroes. In
1928 when ne was elected chair
man Of the Republican State Cen
trail committee, he named William
Bradshaw assistant state chairman
being the first Negro ever SO hon
ored. Mrs. Orpheus Towers was
put in charge of colored women's
activities, Mrs, Ida F. Bates made
national organizer and Miss Esther
James appointed stenographer. Due
to Landon's influence, Bradshaw
was named assistant attorney gem
eral Of the state where ne served
until October /, 1885.
In 1929 Landon secured the ap-
pointment of Chester Gaslzin as
sampler in the state grain depart
ment and Bennie Robinson was
named deputy state oil inspector.
In 1880 David Henderson was APP
pointed special assistant attorney
general Of the U. S. by President
Herbert Hoover through the influ-
ence Of Landon, Sen. Henry j. AL
len and william Allen White.
When Landon became a guber-
material candidate in 1882, Brad
shaw was selected vice-chairman
of the state campaign committee.
the first recognition Of this sort
ever given a colored Kansan. Mrs.
Lode Hutton headed women's ac-
tivities in the primaries aided by
staff of three stenographers.
Bradshaw was also chosen vice.
president of the state committee,
which he retained until 1884 when
he was succeeded by W. E. Gray,
another colored man and present
incumbent. Three women were
also selected.
Soon after his Inauguration in
1888, Gov. Landon appointed Miss
Martherine Hicks and Miss Iva M
Dixon as stenographers in the state