A Strong Endorsement
June 13, 1896
Summary
A reader submitted letter endorses a candidate in an upcoming election.
Transcription
New Hope, Va., May 18, 1896
Mr. Editor:
Please allow me space in the columns of your valuable paper for a short letter, as the contest among various candidates is waxing warm. We meet many we never saw before. We see in the papers announcement of C. H. Hill for County Clerk. We have been personally acquainted with Mr. Mill for a great number of years. We are glad to see him in the race for the nomination that he so justly deserved. The county could not place a better man in this office. We have known him long enough to know that he will be of great service to the colored people and I have said before, he is no stranger to them He is well-known throughout the whole country, and is appreciated for his many personal excellencies, his mental ability, social integrity and business attainments and enjoys the unqualified respect and esteem of all the people.
There is not a colored man in the county but what can support him with a clear conscience. We are reliably informed it was the great pressure of his score of admiring friends and their repeated solicitation that caused Mr. Hill to very reluctantly consent to enter the race at this time. This is certainly the people wanting the man, not the man seeking an office. It is safe to say that few men are better qualified for the position than Mr. Hill. His faithful discharge of his duties pertaining to the office he now holds on the C & O gives us a sense of pride in the election of such a man. A man who is the successful conservator of his private interest will make an efficient manager for the interest of the county. We urge upon all the colored voters lend him your assistance.
Now is the chance to strengthen our people in this county. Mr. Hill is not one of those class that comes to the colored people in the time of the campaign and shake his hands for support, but he has always been a friend to the Negro. His thirteen years' acquaintance among them bespeak him to be one of those that are always ready to break down the high walls of hatred and let every man have his rights We believe the time is that our people are tired being led about for a little trifle, as we are bound to exercise a right of suffrage, we are bound to vote, it is a duty which we must not omit, a right which must not be overlooked. Being citizens of America, we should seek to place that man in office who will impart to it dignity, discharge faithfully its duties and best promote the interest of our people.
I don't seek to Infringe on any one right holding an office or wound their feelings, we should defend our people from the assaults of their foes. No danger must appall us, no bribe must tempt us, no power must awe us, no opposition deter us from a fearless and patriotic duty which we owe to om race. It is our duty to seek by all means to reform all abuses which the white people say we are guilty of. When abuses have arisen from the low class all have to bear it. We have men in this state who are aspiring to enter the legislative halls, John Mitchell Club brought out Rev. J. W. Patterson, Justice of the Peace. At Fire Creek G. W. Weaver has come out. At Stone Cliff they speak of bringing one out, all in the same county. The John Mitchell Club meets once every week and have interesting meetings.
I am yours for success, W. P. Smith
Mr. Editor:
Please allow me space in the columns of your valuable paper for a short letter, as the contest among various candidates is waxing warm. We meet many we never saw before. We see in the papers announcement of C. H. Hill for County Clerk. We have been personally acquainted with Mr. Mill for a great number of years. We are glad to see him in the race for the nomination that he so justly deserved. The county could not place a better man in this office. We have known him long enough to know that he will be of great service to the colored people and I have said before, he is no stranger to them He is well-known throughout the whole country, and is appreciated for his many personal excellencies, his mental ability, social integrity and business attainments and enjoys the unqualified respect and esteem of all the people.
There is not a colored man in the county but what can support him with a clear conscience. We are reliably informed it was the great pressure of his score of admiring friends and their repeated solicitation that caused Mr. Hill to very reluctantly consent to enter the race at this time. This is certainly the people wanting the man, not the man seeking an office. It is safe to say that few men are better qualified for the position than Mr. Hill. His faithful discharge of his duties pertaining to the office he now holds on the C & O gives us a sense of pride in the election of such a man. A man who is the successful conservator of his private interest will make an efficient manager for the interest of the county. We urge upon all the colored voters lend him your assistance.
Now is the chance to strengthen our people in this county. Mr. Hill is not one of those class that comes to the colored people in the time of the campaign and shake his hands for support, but he has always been a friend to the Negro. His thirteen years' acquaintance among them bespeak him to be one of those that are always ready to break down the high walls of hatred and let every man have his rights We believe the time is that our people are tired being led about for a little trifle, as we are bound to exercise a right of suffrage, we are bound to vote, it is a duty which we must not omit, a right which must not be overlooked. Being citizens of America, we should seek to place that man in office who will impart to it dignity, discharge faithfully its duties and best promote the interest of our people.
I don't seek to Infringe on any one right holding an office or wound their feelings, we should defend our people from the assaults of their foes. No danger must appall us, no bribe must tempt us, no power must awe us, no opposition deter us from a fearless and patriotic duty which we owe to om race. It is our duty to seek by all means to reform all abuses which the white people say we are guilty of. When abuses have arisen from the low class all have to bear it. We have men in this state who are aspiring to enter the legislative halls, John Mitchell Club brought out Rev. J. W. Patterson, Justice of the Peace. At Fire Creek G. W. Weaver has come out. At Stone Cliff they speak of bringing one out, all in the same county. The John Mitchell Club meets once every week and have interesting meetings.
I am yours for success, W. P. Smith
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Liam Eynan
Citation
“A Strong Endorsement,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 17, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1631.