The Athenaeum. (Atlanta, GA) 1898-1925, November 01, 1924, Image 20

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52 THE ATHENAEUM States Senators: H. R. Reeves, Mississippi, and B. K. Bruce, Missis sippi. There were also twenty-one representatives. This progress was too sudden and since it was not based on the foundation of training and experience it naturally fell. With the rare exception of such offices as Registrar of the Treasury held by J. W. Lyons and a few municipal positions, the Negro was no important figure in politics. But a new type of Negro has sprung up. One who has been trained in the best colleges and universities of the country, a Negro who has sat at the feet of some of the Country’s greatest politicians. This type of Negro politician has come forth from the dark pit of prejudice, race hatred, and vile propaganda, caused by the rapid advance of his forefathers in the field. He has come forth to prove to the world that the; Negro is capable of holding his own in politics In 1912 we find a country-wide movement urging Negroes to register and vote. As a result of this sixty-five delegates were elected to the National Convention. In 1916 there were thirty-five delegates. Such appointments as these show us the consideration that parties are giv ing to the Negro: the appointment of R. H. Terrell as Judge of the municipal court at Washington, D. C., in 1918; that of J. L. Johnson, minister resident and consul general at Monrovia; J. F. Carter con sul at Faintave Madagascar and that of Emmet J. Scott special as sistant to the secretary of war. This present day Negro has not solely followed tradition with re ference to party affiliations but shapes his policy according to the circumstances. The Black and Tan Party in Texas in 1920 put out a full state ticket. In Louisville, Ky., a ticket composed entirely of Negroes from mayor down was voted on by Negro voters. Because of ill treatment from the Republican party the citizens of Baltimore ran W. A. Hawkins for congress with seven thousands votes. J. R. Pollard of Virginia; in 1920 ran for U. S. senator receiving seventeen thousand votes. Although no Negro has reached congress in recent years quite a few have gone to state legislatures. The following are a few during the years 1919-21. N. Y., J. C. Hawkins; Ohio, Henry Higgins; Missouri W. M. Moore; Penn., J. C. Asbury and A. Stevens. This present year marks a great advancement in Negro politics. The re-election of H. Lincoln Johnson as National Committeeman from 1 Georgia. The election of A. B. George of Chicago as its first Negro Judge of the municipal court, the successful term of Walter Cohen as collector of Revenue at New Orleans, the prominent part played by Negro women with special refrence to the Women’s Fed eration of Clubs—all of these points are manifestations of the place held by Negroes in politics of the present day. The Negro must fast realize that he occupies a unique place in American politics. To a very large extent, he holds the balance of power. The sooner we educate our masses to the point of registering and voting the sooner will political parties be forced to pay obeis ance to the Negro population.