1115

(2)

For twenty eight years, we have stood in the front ranks
advocating the utter disruption of the solidarity of the race
which characterized them in their political affiliations, while
others who have been rewarded were pleading the cause of Repub-
licanism and advocating the candidates of that party. We did
not become allied with the, Democracy from the fact that we held
grievances against the Republicans, as did those who have been
rewarded with office and whose Democracy is of recent growth,
if at all. And pardon me for this allusion--the writer's record
is on file in the Executive Office of the President. To aspire
to political office is, I believe a laudable ambition, especially
when one has merited recognition based on ability and loyalty
to principle. And, Mr Secretary, as a life-long Democrat, to see
recent converts given high places, colored Republicans promot-
ed and retained in the consular service and in other departments
of the government, while loyal colored Democrats, who year in,
year out, when the party had no rewards to offer, loyally fought
the fight for Jeffersonian Democracy, are given no recognition,
is to say the least disheartening. Mr Secretary, if you would
but read the colored press, you would have real sympathy for
us; it alone would cause you to lay our pleading before the Pres-
ident. The embarassing position we occupy would move you to our
side and convince you of the fairness of our appeals.

Do we not deserve some assistance from those we
have counted as friends? My vision may not be clear on this
point but I cannot see wherein those who have continuously sup-
ported Democracy, should be punished and neglected for those who

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