African Americans--Politics and government

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

William H. Taft shares commentary on William Allen White’s letter with President Roosevelt. In his upcoming speech, Taft does not address the “negro question” but plans to do so later. Taft enjoyed the speeches of Secretary of State Elihu Root and Representative J. S. Sherman. In a postscript, Taft believes in the necessity of renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes. He shares misgivings about his election prospects and wants to give speeches in several states.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-20

For president Senator J. B. Foraker

An editorial congratulates the Cleveland Gazette, a prominent African American newspaper, for its role in Theodore E. Burton’s electoral defeat and theorizes that the African American vote was crucial for Tom Loftin Johnson’s reelection as mayor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-17

Taft speaks to the South

The Lexington Leader prints Secretary of War William H. Taft’s speech at the Lexington, Kentucky auditorium in its entirety. He discusses at length the question of race and its relation to political participation. Taft details the differences between President Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan and appeals to Kentuckian Democrats to evaluate their party alliance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-22

Letter from Booker T. Washington to Theodore Roosevelt

Booker T. Washington, head of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, reports that the African American community agrees with President Roosevelt that it is too late to assemble an exhibit at the St. Louis Exposition concerning African American progress and accomplishment since emancipation. Emmett J. Scott, Washington’s secretary, is going to Washington, D.C., to help with William Demos Crum’s confirmation as U.S. Collector of Customs.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-25

Letter from Edward N. McDaniels to Theodore Roosevelt

The Colored Baptist Ministers Conference of New York voted that a telegram be sent to the two U.S. Senators from New York, Thomas Collier Platt and Chauncey M. Depew, asking them to vote for William Demos Crum’s confirmation as Collector of Customs. If the Senate does not confirm Crum’s nomination, McDaniels suggest that there will be “general dissatisfaction among the colored people” of New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-26

Letter from Booker T. Washington to William Loeb

Booker T. Washington wants to know if Roosevelt approves of an enclosed statement indicating that President Roosevelt may temporarily appoint a “white man” as Minister in San Domingo, with the possibility that a “colored man” may be appointed permanent Minister. If approved by Roosevelt, Washington will send a statement to the “colored papers.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-28

Letter from Booker T. Washington to Theodore Roosevelt

Booker T. Washington, the head Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, sends President Roosevelt a copy of the Outlook containing an account of the Congressional Convention in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-16

Letter from Alexander Walters to Theodore Roosevelt

Alexander Walters, the President of the National Afro-American Council, endorses James S. Clarkson as the spokesman for the Roosevelt administration. Walters also encloses a circular and requests President Roosevelt’s approval.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-18

Letter from Booker T. Washington to Theodore Roosevelt

Booker T. Washington writes to President Roosevelt regarding the visits he made to many United States senators during his trip to Washington, D.C. Washington states he will continue to visit senators in person as he believes it is the best way to influence them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-21

Letter from Jacob H. Gallinger to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Gallinger is taking up the “Crum case” during an executive session, with the hope of settling the matter. Gallinger asks President Roosevelt to notify certain senators of the importance of the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-22

Objects and plan of organization

The National Afro-American Council has removed the nonpartisan clause in its constitution and is now the National Republican Afro-American Council. The change was necessary because retaining African American civil and political rights will be through partisan action. The council encourages support for Theodore Roosevelt’s election and the creation of local councils throughout the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904

The “Lily White” movement in Alabama

The “Lily White” movement in Alabama is a Republican faction that seeks to exclude African Americans from the Republican Party. The movement caused considerable resentment and confusion but recent district conventions have seen cooperation between black and white delegates, including the selection of African American delegates to the Republican National Convention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-16

Letter from John Watson Yerkes to Theodore Roosevelt

John Watson Yerkes shares his study concerning the Republican vote in 1900.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-01

Letter from Francis Bennett Williams to Theodore Roosevelt

Francis Bennett Williams reports on the Republican Party organization in Louisiana. The State Central Committee started by Emile Kuntz has recognized Williams as legal chairman. The party will send a strong delegation to the Republican National Convention, including some African American delegates. Walter L. Cohen continues to cause trouble for the party, but Williams opposes removing Cohen right now.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-28

Letter from Cecil Andrew Lyon to Theodore Roosevelt

Cecil Andrew Lyon reports on the results of the Texas Republican State Convention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-24

Letter from Booker T. Washington to Theodore Roosevelt

Booker T. Washington thanks President Roosevelt for the letter he sent to Mr. Williams in Louisiana, as it seemed to cover every point in a way that could not be misunderstood.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-25

Note concerning “colored” delegations in North Carolina

North Carolina Senator Jeter C. Pritchard says that “colored representation” can be on District delegations, but to expect opposition if they are put on state delegation at large.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-29

Letter from Roscoe Conkling Simmons to Theodore Roosevelt

Roscoe Conkling Simmons sends an editorial from Mound Bayou Demonstrator concerning status of the Republican Party and discord within it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-16

Letter from Isam G. Wynn to Theodore Roosevelt

Isam G. Wynn calls attention to the serious political climate in Louisiana involving the Lily White movement within the Republican Party.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-11

Letter from Walter H. Johnson to Theodore Roosevelt

Marshal Johnson reports on recent District Conventions held in Georgia and tense race relations at one such convention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-05