THE VOICE OF THE NEGRO The Negro cannot trust the Democratic party on the vital questions of his
rights. The Southern Democracy, where lies the main strength of the party, is
frankly hostile to his rights and would if possible limit them still more.
Thinking colored men can only view with apprehension the prospect of a cabinet
dominated by the Gormans, Tillmans, Vardamans, or others of their kind. With all
its shortcomings the Republican party, by virtue of its traditions, and in view
of the large Northern colored vote, cannot afford to be actively unfriendly to
the Negro. It might be still more indifferent and still be the lesser of two
evils.
But the chief reason why colored men who vote will support the Republican
ticket in the coming campaign lies in the personality of the candidates.
President Roosevelt and his appointees in the Federal Courts have made a strong
effort to break up the new slavery ere it became firmly established, and in many
other way the President has endeavored to stem the tide of prejudice, which,
sweeping up from the South, has sought to overwhelm the Negro everywhere; and he
has made it clear that he regards himself as the representative of the people.
The influence of the executive is greater in the nation than ever before. The
opponents of President Roosevelt criticise him as impulsive; his impulses are
friendly towards the colored race. He is said to be impolitic in his attitude
upon the question; his impolicy in that regard has been in the line of justice
and generosity. We have nothing to hope for from the national Democratic party;
its success in the present campaign would be a menace to our liberty.
Chesnutt, Charles W. "Peonage, or the New Slavery." Voice of the Negro, 1
(Sept. 1904): 394-97.
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