Situation at Norfolk
August 4, 1894
Summary
After black men are elected to replace white men in Norfolk’s city council, the Democrats are taken aback and backlash.
Transcription
The Democrats of Norfolk, assisted by those in other sections of the state are endeavoring to make party Capital because 22 white men were discharged and 22 colored men put in their places as a result of the recent election in that City.
These discharge white men went so far as to parade the streets of Norfolk with a banner calling attention to the fact that Negroes had been appointed to take their places. It seems strange that this should be when these Democrats were making overtures to be the same Negroes in order to secure their aid in carrying the election, and no doubt would have pledged what the Reform-Prohibitionist are carrying out.
Remember the time when Democrat of this state wouldn't think of having anybody but Negroes to do that kind of work.
We see it announced that an Excursion is to be given in order to raise money to assist these white men who were discharged, it being alleged that their families are in a destitute condition.
From the above it would seem then that the city of Norfolk is expected to furnish work for one set of men during their lifetime, because they fail to save up anything for a “ rainy day,” while the Thousand who never have had a chance at the public crib are to suffer, and their families want, in order to benefit this favored few.
It seems to us that these 22 white men should be thankful that they have been retained so long and proceeded to find some other employment rather than sit upon the curbstone sucking their thumbs, and yelling because they have lost .
We think that the recognition given the colored brother is of the most moderate kind. He has as yet secured the most menial positions, To which the positions of janitor to the City Hall, and Keeper of the cemetery have been added.
Mr.William Thorogood, the Intrepid leader of the colored forces has not as yet been provided for.
Dr. Bowen is a candidate for the position of physician to the poor and there are numbers of colored men who would make efficient, sober, and conscientious police officers who could be relied upon not to sleep upon their beat or go in to see the white elephant, when they should be attending to the duties of the office.
We think the colored Brethren have been very modest in their request and are only surprised that there should be any hesitation in granting them.
These discharge white men went so far as to parade the streets of Norfolk with a banner calling attention to the fact that Negroes had been appointed to take their places. It seems strange that this should be when these Democrats were making overtures to be the same Negroes in order to secure their aid in carrying the election, and no doubt would have pledged what the Reform-Prohibitionist are carrying out.
Remember the time when Democrat of this state wouldn't think of having anybody but Negroes to do that kind of work.
We see it announced that an Excursion is to be given in order to raise money to assist these white men who were discharged, it being alleged that their families are in a destitute condition.
From the above it would seem then that the city of Norfolk is expected to furnish work for one set of men during their lifetime, because they fail to save up anything for a “ rainy day,” while the Thousand who never have had a chance at the public crib are to suffer, and their families want, in order to benefit this favored few.
It seems to us that these 22 white men should be thankful that they have been retained so long and proceeded to find some other employment rather than sit upon the curbstone sucking their thumbs, and yelling because they have lost .
We think that the recognition given the colored brother is of the most moderate kind. He has as yet secured the most menial positions, To which the positions of janitor to the City Hall, and Keeper of the cemetery have been added.
Mr.William Thorogood, the Intrepid leader of the colored forces has not as yet been provided for.
Dr. Bowen is a candidate for the position of physician to the poor and there are numbers of colored men who would make efficient, sober, and conscientious police officers who could be relied upon not to sleep upon their beat or go in to see the white elephant, when they should be attending to the duties of the office.
We think the colored Brethren have been very modest in their request and are only surprised that there should be any hesitation in granting them.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Carlos Serrano
Citation
“Situation at Norfolk,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed June 17, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1516.