Republicanism in Virgnia

The Republican Convention at Lynchburg votes in favor of having separate meetings and delegates for blacks, but it does not seem to give them any more say in the government.

Colored people will read with surprise the report of the meeting of the alleged Republican Convention at Lynchburg last Wednesday, where colored delegates were howled down and ousted and every appearance of a colored man as a speaker excited derision. It can be readily understood by the recollection of the fable of the jack-ass clothed in the lion’s skin. The men composing this convention are Negro-hating Democrats in disguise, many of whom have become disgruntled with the Democratic management and now find it more convenient to get even with their former opponents through this medium than by organizing independent Democratic organizations outside of their own parties. To indicate the spirit permeating these newly made Republicans, who do not seem to be acquainted with even one of the fundamental principles of the Republican platform, it is only necessary to quote from the admirable report of Mr. Walter Edward Harris, a gentlemen of high standing and unimpeachable integrity. Here is what he says: “Some of the speeches made in opposition to allowing the Negroes to be seated would have aroused applause in a Virginia Democratic convention in the days of Reconstruction. But the convention adopted without dissent the report of the committee seating the contesting Negro delegation from Lynchburg. This action was undoubtedly due to the fact that the city chairman in the call for a convention directed that separate conventions be held. Naturally, the whites in their convention chose white delegates, and just as naturally the Negroes chose Negroes. Under these conditions here was nothing to be done by the State convention but seat both delegations. “The platform adopted tonight is very brief. It simply endorses the administration of Roosevelt and instructs the big four to Chicago to vote for Secretary Taft for the Presidential nomination. Just the ideas of holding two meetings, one for white men and another for colored men and calling them Republican meetings. The absurdity of such a plan must be apparent to everybody. But here is another exhibition of feeling against the colored voter as manifested in Republican Convention. Mr. Harris says: “Just after the committees were announced a Negro contesting delegate from the First District arose and addressed the chair. Chairman Noel saw over the darky’s head or some time, but finally recognized him. The Negro was proceeding to say that he understood there was no race prejudice in this convention. ‘I do hope,’ he was saying, when there was a storm of jeers, cat calls, “Sit down!’ was the business-like exhortation of a husky delegate from the Second District, seated pretty close to where the Negro was standing demanding recognition. “Delegate Carico from the Fifth District addressed the chair. “Does the gentleman arise to a point of order,” suggested the chair. “I do,” said Mr. Carico, and calmly proceeded to make a motion concerning the places of meeting for the committees just appointed, something about as far removed from a point of order as could be imagined. The Negro remained standing. A motion to adjourn till 7 o'clock was made and put and carries, and the Negro was not heard from further. Now this is the Republican Convention, so-called operated by white gentlemen, holding federal offices under President Roosevelt and pledges to the support of Hon. William H. Taft, Secretary of War. They consider that they have “elbow room” to do what they please, inasmuch as President Roosevelt has set the example by “kicking” innocent colored men out of the army and barring them from re-enlistment. This is the logical result of such a course. We have cited the fact so he, who runs may read. For our part, we are perfectly willing to remain at home on election day or to support some other party or candidates, before we will suffer the humiliation herein portrayed. This will be disheartening news to many, but we suggest that colored folks carry their troubles to Jesus, work hard, save money and vote when they feel like it. Between bourbon Democracy in a Republican convention and bourbon Democracy in a Democratic convention, we will take the genuine article for ours or go fishing on election day. Colored men should lay low and move in that direction that will inflict the greatest degree of punishment upon false-hearted friends.

“Republicanism in Virgnia,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed December 7, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/542.