St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1942-09-04
Letter
August 81, 1912

midst preparing the usual primary campaign
dorsemen the Negro and their friends in the county,
you candidate for County Attorney, two
important things:
yOu elected prosecute Minnesota Civil
Rights Statute 1921 which reads:
person excluded color from
full and enjoyment of accommodations advantage
privilege furnished by public theatres other public
places hotels barber shops, saloons
other places of refreshmen entertainment
modations. Every who violates provision of this section
aids inctes another shall be guilty of
addition the penalty therefore, shall be liable
civil action to the aggeved for damages not exceed
ing $5OOOO"
Will be willing give representation staff to
qualified Negro?
On to these two questions will be able to
your program the rights of the minority
group which o the mouthpece
Our deadlne is 600 Wednesday, We will appreciate
your early reply.
truly,
MINNEAPOLIS SPOKESMAN.
candidates. Henry Johnson Maxwell
and Frank Collins replied Two candidates. Lndhom and Michael
Dillon did reply and should not be considered by
Tuesday the polls In these times who seek public office
speak democracy public
ferment and election to public office.
Johnson First To Reply
Henry the candidate reply Monday he
hond his the two questions Later he wrote the following
letter:
September l. 1912
have your August nquiring my
points.
I wish to say respect point give
people will to all and all naonaies the full bene
fit of the law has been enacted by the Legislature There will
Partially for discrimination against
the second point will that there colored
attorneys Minneapolis that qualified to assistant
in the County Attorneys office shall them the consider
alton any other person.
wish to thank you your your
Yours very truly,
HAJrs Henry A. Johnson.
Maxwell Next!
Earl Maxwell phoned the Wednesday and said Te Mr.
Newman that with qualifications answer both questions yes
Flakne Will Issue Complaints and Prosecute
Fane another candidate who poed thousands of
answered the first question by he would
complaints civil rights
quired by
question replied would Negro
torney qualified Negro office worker qualified
in his office if elected.
Collins Replies
Collins, candidate reply the follow
ing:
September 2, 1912
Gentlemen:
of August 81 1912, you inquire,
you elected, prosecute violators of the Mime
Civil Rights Statute 1921"
setting forthve verbatim said statute
foregoing question is the fact that
Special Assistant Attorney General of the State Minnesota
Attorney Agricultural Society," have prosecuted
violations assured that such statutes and
Code strictly enforced become
your County Attorney.
You further inquire in said communication
"Wil be willing to give representation on your staff
qualified Negro?"
opinion Committee the provisions of the Corrupt
Practices Act preclude making promises Of political
ponment you and think members of
confirm, persons, regardless of
firm belief the soundne Of the principles
18th the Constitution of the United
States providing specifically there shall be discrimination
creed color in this Democracy of
Very truly yours,
FJC:LA Frank J. Collins
candidates people
consideration.
Editor.