Black Republicans
Had a “Speechifying” Time
at Courthouse Last Night
|
Twin-City Daily Sentinel
Winston-Salem, NC
Oct. 7, 1898
The colored band attracted about 100 negroes and a few white men to the courthouse last night, the
occasion being speech-making by four or five representatives of the Republican party.
A reporter dropped in long enough to see who was “boss.” Julius Hawkins, who is one thing today and
something else tomorrow, called the meeting to order. He stated that the man selected for chairman had not
arrived, therefore he suggested that one be chosen until the other fellow came in. Albert Penry and Tom
Hairston were elected, but both declined. Turner Peddiford was persuaded to accept the empty honor. He
announced that there would be speaking by “different sources.”
Several white farmers who went in the room, thinking white men were to speak, became disgusted and left.
Hawkins, who fought the white bosses for several years, is now with them. It is easy to explain why he
changed. He fought Prof. Willis, principal of the colored graded school, and used his best efforts to have
him downed. Hawkins stated some time ago that if he lost this fight his influence would be gone. When he
began his speech last night several colored men in the gallery left. This was an indications that they have
no confidence in Julius now.
Alderman Sam Hargrave was the first speaker. He said he had no aspirations to be a politician; that his
party had as good Anglo-Saxon blood as can be found in the United States. He asked if any Negro present
wanted to be superintendent of the white graded school. Many answered “No” but one or two said “Yes”.
J.S. Lanier appealed to his race to go to the polls and vote in peace and not have any difficulties. He did not
know anything about the report that he was cheated out of the nomination for the Legislature. However, he
proposed to vote with his party.
The reporter left before Henry Neal made his speech. One who heard him says he stated that the issue two
years ago was 16 to 1, but this year it is who shall rule -- white man or black man.
Hawkins said the the white people had not been as loyal to the Negro as they should be. He wanted the
Negro encouraged.
A.R. Bridges said the Democratic party had abused the Negro in order to get the white Republicans who
have been voting with the Negro to leave them.
It was about 11 o’clock when the last speaker closed.