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R. Goodwyn Rhett of Charleston, South Carolina, protests the appointment of William Demos Crum, an African American, as collector of customs in Charleston, South Carolina. He reviews the status of African Americans and the Republican Party in South Carolina and believes that the removal of African Americans from politics would be best for everyone.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-07
Frederic Speed questions President Roosevelt on what he sees as inconsistencies between Roosevelt’s actions and his words regarding African Americans. Speed is primarily concerned with Roosevelt allowing Senator McLaurin and Governor Longino to control federal patronage in Mississippi because Speed believes them to be ardent racists with a history of allowing mob violence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-09
Newspaper article arguing that Southern Democrats need to support a presidential candidate that can win a national election. If they do not, continued Republican control of the national government will lead to more anti-Southern policies. The only nationally viable Democratic candidate is Grover Cleveland and the South must decide between “Clevelandism and Rooseveltism.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-13
The Executive Committee of the Afro-American Council is concerned about attempts to remove African American delegates from Republican state conventions in several southern states. They would like to discuss the matter with President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-06
Norman Walker clarifies that Judge Charles Porter does not work out of New Orleans and explains why white southerners object to meeting African Americans socially.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02
Newspaper article defending a statement from a southern judge that the race which denies social equality must demonstrate its superiority by upholding law and order.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02
E. C. Branson understands why Dr. Butler could not provide a letter of introduction to President Roosevelt. Branson’s committee was able to meet with the President and discuss the South’s reaction to the Booker T. Washington dinner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-25
General Rosser thanks Senator McLaurin for the letter concerning the 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution. Rosser hopes to call a conference to discuss “negro suffrage” which he believes will inevitably be limited in the southern United States. He suggests altering the 15th amendment to prevent discrimination in federal elections but allowing states to handle their own affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-18
Senator McLaurin attempts to clarify his views on African American suffrage. McLaurin supports states being able to restrict suffrage and thus prevent “negro domination.” A small “intelligent electorate” of African Americans can effectively protect their race and serve as a balance of power in the South. McLaurin wants “division of thought” over racial divisions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-19
Francesco Carignani di Novoli complains about the judicial process surrounding the lynching of persons of Italian descent in Erwin, Mississippi.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-14
James Sullivan Clarkson encourages and advises President Roosevelt on the treatment of African Americans in the South. He describes his experiences with the Underground Railroad and his efforts in the Post Office Department to further the cause of African Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-15
Ambassador Meyer has been an opponent of John Edward Charles O’Sullivan Addicks and approves of President Roosevelt’s refusal to recognize the Addicks faction in Delaware. He also approves of Thomas G. Jones’s appointment as judge. Meyer was very surprised at the South’s reaction and criticism of Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-15
Thomas Lafayette Rosser believes that Mr. Braxton is perfect for the work they are planning and, since Braxton is a Democrat from a good family, he can reach the class of men they need. There must be an understanding that work will only be done if lynching stops in the South and African Americans are treated kindly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-20
John St. Loe Strachey thanks President Roosevelt for his invitation to be his guest if Strachey were to visit the United States. He apologizes for an article concerning the “Negro question” that he published in The Spectator which, unintentionally, reflected poorly on Roosevelt. Strachey explains that he merely wanted to express his strong feelings that African Americans must be protected from violence and have justice. He states that Roosevelt is undoubtedly better educated on the topic; however, he felt it necessary to explain his intentions concerning the article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-06
Murat Halstead encloses some clippings from the London Times. He has been saddened to see the negative reaction to President Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington. Halstead recalls a dinner he had with Frederick Douglass who was a very “interesting gentleman.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-18
R. J. Belzer chastises President Roosevelt for dining with a “negro.” It is even worse because Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was also at the dinner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-18
Booker T. Washington has investigated the conditions in Georgia and concluded that attacks against African American office holders are based on race and not character or ability. Washington also provides advice on government appointments in Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-04
General Funston thanks Vice President Roosevelt for the congratulatory letter upon Funston’s commission as a brigadier general. He regrets that his military service will prevent him from “whooping it up” for a Roosevelt presidential campaign in 1904. Funston reports that the situation in the Philippines is difficult and he wishes the army could use an “iron hand.” He has a low opinion of Filipinos and does not believe they are currently suitable for self government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-02
Claris Yeuell is the editor of a Republican newspaper in Alabama and a supporter of Vice President Roosevelt. He believes that efforts are being made to raise public sentiment against Roosevelt in the South in light of Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to the region. The scheduled visit with Booker T. Washington is receiving a great deal of attention. Yeuell requests an interview with Roosevelt and is willing to publish anything to help Roosevelt’s candidacy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-08-28
T. R. Campbell owns and operates a mill in North Carolina that is being boycotted because he hired African American employees and treated them well. He argues in favor of better treatment, but not social equality, for African Americans. Campbell requests funding so that he can continue his work and “make a great success for Christ and the Party.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-08-24