Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 220, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1912 — FAIRNESS TOWARD NEGROES [ARTICLE]

FAIRNESS TOWARD NEGROES

Taft’s Attorney General Stands for the “Square Deal.” Attorney General reflects the broad American spirit of himself and his chief, President Taft, in his splendid fight against the dropping from membership In the American Bar association of his able colored assistant, William H. Lewis, It is needless to say that every supporter of Woodrow Wilson and every sympathizer with Theodore Roosevelt in his refusal to recognize the citizenship of the southern negro, is opposed to Mr. Wickersham in his battle for equal rights and fair treatment for colored Americans. The action of the executive committee of the Bar association in revoking the election of three colored members, gentlemen of spotless professional standing and excellent personal character, by their local committees, was outrageously, cruelly unjust and ought to be repudiated by every reputable lawyer in the United States. It was a concession to that southern' Democratic prejudice which seeks to crush the spirit of manly aspiration in the negro’s breast and to tolerate him only as a laborer on the plantations and for the households where his ancestors were slaves. It amounts to an attempt to nullify the constitution of the United States, as amended after the rebellion, by men whose sacred obligation and welcome duty It should be to support that Instrument in their every act as lawyers and as citizens. In their resolute backing of Assistant Attorney General Lewis against the assaults of rank Bourbonism and racial prejudice. President Taft and his attorney general have the godspeed of every American who believes in the principles for which Lincoln died, and who is determined that the sacrifices which the nation offered up dn the altar of freedom and equal rights for all shall not have been made in vain.