The Colored American

Library of Congress The COLORED American A NATIONAL NEGRO NEWSPAPER VOL. IX, NO. 36. HERO OF THE PLANTER REFUTES SLANDERS PUB LISHED BY THE NEW YORK EVENING POST. General Robert Smalls Explains The Circumstances Surrounding Some Ancient Political History in South Carolina—His Hands Clean of Bribery—The Fight in Congress. Editor Colored American:—In the Boston Transcript of the 15th inst. appears an article from its Washington correspondent, entitled "A Fortunate Negro." I am at a loss to know from what source the correspondent obtained such false, malicious and unwarranted interpretation of the records in the case. Humiliating as it is, knowing that every syllable of the production is fraught with falsehood, I still have no objection to the truthfulness of the democratic version of the case, whenever it pleases any one to make these infamous charges for the purpose of injuring me. I state emphatically that I have never in my life, either directly or indirectly, knowingly defrauded the State of South Carolina or the United States out of a single dollar. I did capture and take the steamer Planter out of Charleston harbor in May 1862, which vessel together with her armament and war munitions, I turned over to Rear Admiral Dupont, Commander of the Federal Fleet. This steamer with her equipment was worth at least $75,000 and at war valuation upwards of $100,000. This is to say nothing of the Planter's subsequent four years service to the Government, for all of which a generous Government through Secretary Gideon Wells, of the Navy, paid me $1,500 and Congress after more than twenty years of pleading on the parto f my friends and myself, passed a dill appropriating $5,000, but deducting the $1,500 paid me in 1862, thus making the entire amount received by me $5,000. Upon what semblance of truth did the correspondent base this infamous calumny? Assuredly not upon the official records. Were it not that he was the correspondent of such a valuable paper as the Transcript, I would be forced to conclude that he was suffering from a violent attack of delerium tremens, especially when he says that I was aided in my troubles by Gen. M. C. Butler. Gen. Butler has never in his life aided me, or attempted to do so to my recollection, except in 1876 at a meeting at Edgfield, S. C., when I arraigned him as the leader of the Hamburg riot or massacre, he threatened to and would have taken my life, had it not been for the fortunate intervention in my behalf of the U. S. troops stationed there by order of Gen. Grant. Gen. Benj. F. Butler of Mass., then a member of Congress WASHINGTON, D. C., JANUARY 1. 1903. J. with myself, at his residence, did instruct his law clerk to draw up the petition that is inclosed at the bottom of this article for a change of venue, and it is he, Gen. B. F. Butler of Mass., who rendered me assistance in getting my case before the U. S. Supreme Court. contribute a portion of his large salary to aid some of our industrial schools for Negroes in the South, and if he is at a loss to know which one to help, I would refer him to Prof. Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee, Ala., or some of the Washington schools near there. Is it because I am an ardent supporter of Dr. W. D. Crum for the Collectorship of Charleston, or because friends of mine have forwarded a petition to the President asking that I be appointed U. S. Marshal as a promotion for valuable services rendered the Government in the war of the Rebellion? It is stated in that petition that it should not effect the appointment of Dr. Crum, leaving the entire matter to the decision to the President? Are these the causes for this uncalled-for-letter of this correspondent? It is true that the office I now hold pays a small salary of $1,000 per annum, with fees amouning to practically nothing. The statement that I have bought a lot of land is, like the rest of the publication, absolutely without foundation in fact, which I greatly regret is not the case. If I am the richest Negro in the South, God help the Negroes of the South. I hope this correspondent, Mr. Linclon, when he finds that his article is absolutely unfounded, will contribute a portion of his large salary to aid some of our industrial schools for Negroes in the South, and if he is at a loss to know which one to help, I would refer him to Prof. Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee, Ala., or some of the Washington schools near there. I know of no stronger argument and the truthfulness of the same, than my speech in Congress which is in the Congressional Record and was evidently either intentionally or ignorantly overlooked by this correspondent, which is submitted herewith. Also see clipping from the Charleston News and Courier which was published subsequent to my reply to Senator Tillman in November, 1895, at the Constitutional Convention, which is similar to the speech which is on page 472 in the Journal of said convention. The clipping referred to is here given: "No one can, fail to be impressed with Gen. Smalls's earnest protestations, before God, of his innocence of the charge of bribe-taking of which he was convicted in 1877. He alone knows whether he was justly convicted or not, but we think that it is due to him to recall to the public knowledge the fact that he demanded a Continued on fourth page. PRICE, FIVE CENTS. HISTORY FTHENEGRO RACE PROGRESS SHOULD BE TAUGH . This Contention Ably sustained Before Bethel Literary an Historical Association by Prof. E A. Johnson, Author of Two Comprehensive Chronicles of Negro Progress. Prof. Edward A. Johnson, of Raleigh, N. C., author of "The History of the Negro Race," and "Negro Soldiers in the Spanish-American War," read a paper on the important subject of teaching Negro history in the public schools, before the Bethel Literary and Historical Association Tuesday evening. His paper was interesting from start to finish, and held the closest attention of his audience. It was withal one of the strongest papers that have been delivered before Bethel Literary Association in a long time. Prof. Johnson showed that history is a culture subject; that mathematics appeal to the reason, the sciences to the observation, but history appeals to all the senses. He also pointed out that many of the histories now taught in our public schools do not mention a single creditable act of a Negro, either in war or peace; simply referring to us as slaves; not even remarking that we made good slaves. Some of the pictures of groups representing the races of men shows the Negro as the worst of all, with rings in his nose and ears, and a lion's claw necklace around his neck, and only half clothed. This, he contended, was not the American type of Negro and to thus represent the race to the children was simply to teach them their own inferiority. He showed also that New England sought to stimulate her youth with a recital of the nobleness of her people, and that the Southern people would not allow any history taught their children that referred to the Southerners as rebels. This, he contended, was an example for ourselves, and couched his argument in most telling phrases. The discussion which was one of The discussion which followed was one of the most brilliant and instructive series of talks to which Bethel has ever listened. It bristled in historical references, and amply justified the contention of the essayist that the race is stronger, more self-confident, and more thoroughly imbued with the spirit of aspiration through a knowledge of his own capabilities and achievements. Those who took part in the debate, all of whom heartily endorsing the remarks of the speaker of the evening were Messrs. R. S. Smith, T. M. Dent, G. G. Richardson, M. Wheeler, J. W. Cromwell, E. H. Hunter, and R. W. Thompson, and Mrs. Annie E. Hicks. Prof. Johnson Continued on fourth page. THE COLORED AMERICAN. WASHINGTON, D. C. 16 Prof. Roscoe C. Bruce is in Boston. Rev. E. W. Lampton is to return soon. Send in your news notes early in the week. Mr. Harvey Wilson and Miss Ethel Scott were united in marriage last Saturday. A "wild" capital traction car did $25 worth of damage to Israel C. M. E. church last week. Rev. R. S. Rives is doing good work at Union Wesley A. M. E. Zion Church, on 23d street. Miss Wilhelmina Tate, of the Treasury Department, has been visiting relatives in Indiana. Joseph H. Douglass played a successful engagement at Richmond, Va., on the 15th. Mr. Fred D. Barrier, of Detroit, Mich., is taking a course in dentistry at Howard University. Washington is taking her Negro theatrical performers in homeopathic doses this season. Work has been commenced upon the new Berean Baptist Church, corner 11th and V streets, northwest. Mr. J. E. Crawley is assistant custodian of the Marian Apartment House, 20th and H streets northwest. An enjoyable "Old Folks' Concert" was given Monday evening in the parish hall of St. Luke's P. E. Church. Mr. J. A. Page, of the Pension Office, left this week for his home in Topeka, Kans., to spend the holidays. Assistant Register of the Treasury, Cyrus Field Adams, is absent from his office, on account of serious illness. Miss Estella O. Hall, of Atlanta, Ga., will be the guest of Miss Ida Washington, 336 Spruce street, during the holidays. The Asbury Choir goes to Baltimore tomorrow to sing for Rev. I. L. Thomas, at the Sharp Street Memorial Church. The wife of Col. William Murrell is suffering from typhoid pneumonia, and her case at one time was regarded as critical. Madame Anna Lee Slade, vocalist, and dramatic reader, is giving a very satisfactory series of recitals in Richmond, Va. The Coates and Grundy team, five in number, was the strongest card in the vaudeville show at the Empire this week. Dr. William Demas Crum, of Charleston, S. C., spent several days here, the guest of Mr. Whitfield McKinlay, of 1818 11th street. Mr. H. H. Maynard, brother of Mrs. L. M. Garner, is to come on from Knoxville, Tenn., to take a course at Howard University. Messrs. Walter Montgomery and Edward Syphax rendered some fine musical selections last Sunday at the Second Baptist Lyceum. Mrs. Harriet Hutton, wife of George W. Hutton, was buried on the 11th from Ebenezer M. E. Church, 4th and D. streets southeast. Miss Katie J. West, of the bindery division, is one of the most capable of the many lady employees of the Government Printing Office. The Blaine Invincible Club paid a handsome tribute to Justice Harlan, in commemoration of his twenty-fifth anniversary on the Supreme Court bench. Mr. Robert Hill, who has been ill with typhoid fever, has gone to Rapidan, Va., to recuperate. His sister Mrs. Marie J. Carver, who accompanied him there has returned. Editor W. Calvin Chase, of The Bee, will read a paper on "The Tattler" to-morrow afternoon at the Metropolitan A. M. E. Zion Church, D street southwest. Mrs. Emily Jackson, of 1711 19th street northwest, and who has been confined to her bed for several weeks is improving. She is the mother of Mr. James Jackson the popular mixologist of Gaskins and Gains. Messrs. J. W. Jones and W. H. Henderson were in Richmond last week. at- tending the wedding in which Miss Cora E Smith and Mr. Paul E. Winfield were the high contracting parties. Mrs. Betsy Rollins died Sunday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Maggie Johnson, 406 4 1-2 street southwest. Funeral services were held Wednesday, at the Second Baptist Church. Mr. Jesse W. Gregory, who has been spending the season in New York, passed through the city en route to his home in Franklin, Va. While in the city he was the guest of Messrs. Green and Cherry. Mrs. J. C. Cunningham, formerly of North Carolina, presented her husband with a pair of fine twin boys last Thursday evening. Mrs. Cunningham can now boast of being the mother of two sets of twins. The funeral of Mr. Robert Williams took place last Saturday, the services being held at the 19th street Baptist Church. The deceased resided at 1015 4th street northwest, and leaves a widow and four children to mourn his loss. Several of the colored clerks in the Pension Office were promoted December. 15. John H. Cook of Minnesota and John B. Hyman, of North Carolina, went from $1,200 to $1,400, and Edward S. Wood, of Mississippi, was raised to $1,200 per annum. Rev. L. C. Sheafe drew the largest house to the People's Literary that it has enjoyed this term, and his theme, "God's Hand in the Rise and Fall of Nations," was handled in an eloquent and instructive style. His singing was a happy feature. The violin selections by Mr. Barnadine Smith accompanied by Miss Bessie Smith, were heartily enced, and Miss Florence Randolph's piano solo was warmly received. Supplementary talks were made by Messrs. L. M. King, R. S. Smith and R. W. Thompson. The introduction of Music every Saturday night at Gray's Cafe and Banquet Hall, No. 1606 M street, n. w., is highly commended by the many patrons of that excellent establishment. I will be continued every Saturday night from 8 to 1. Special dinn re every Sunday from 1 to 4 p. m. 25 cents Special suppers every Sunday from 6 to 10 p. m., 25 cents Meals cooked to order from 7 80 a. m., to 11 p. m. BLACK SKIN REMOVER REGISTERED IN PATENT OFFICE U.S. BEFORE AFTER A.Wonderful Face Bleach both in a box for $1, or three boxes for $2. Guaranteed to do what we say and to be the "best in the world." One box is all that is required if used as directed. A WONDERFUL FACE BLEACH. A PEACH-LIKE complexion obtained if used or directed. Will turn the skin of a black or brown person four or five shades lighter, and a mulatto person perfectly white. In forty-eight hours a shade or two will be noticeable. It does not turn the skin in spots but bleaches out white, the skin remains beautiful without continual use. Will remove wrinkles, freckles, dark spots, pimples or bumps or back heads, making the skin very soft and smooth. Small pox pits, tan, liver spots re-moved without harm to the skin. When you go 7' the color you wish, stop using the preparation. THE HAIR STRAIGHTENER. that goes in every one dollar box is enough to make anyone's hair grow long and straight, and keeps it from falling out. Highly perfumed and makes the hair soft and easy to comb. Many of our customers say one of our dollar boxes worth ten dollars, yet we sell it for one dollar a box. THE NO-SMELL thrown in free. Any person sending us one dollar in a letter Post-Office money order, express money order registered letter, we will send it through the mail postage prepaid; or if you want it sent C. O. D. it will come by express. 25c. extra. In any case where it falls to do what we claim, we will return the money or send a box free of charge. Packed so that no one will know contents except receiver. CRANE AND CO. 122 west Broad Street RICHMOND, VA. M. WAITERS' & COOKS' OUTFITS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION ALSO State St. Chicago, Illinois. TALOGUE Twentieth Century Negro Literature WRITTEN BY 390 S. State S SEND FORCATALOGUE Twentieth Century Negro Literature This book contains One Hundred Treatises on Thirty-Eight General Topics in which the negro problem is viewed from every possible standpoint. No work could more fully represent the higher stratum of negro citizenship. It will furnish the basis of future calculations on all race subjects. There are 100 PORTRAITS AND 100 BIOGRAPHIES of the writers. To see the pictures and read the lives of the hundred most prominent negroes is to have a fair knowledge of the entire race. Over 700 large pages and retails at $2.50 in cloth, postpaid. AGENTS. We want 5,000 canvassers at once to introduce this great book. Highest commissions paid. Books on credit. Agents' magnificent sample book for $5c. to pay mailing expense. Write for our proposition at once. This is the opportunity of your life. This book contains One Hundred Treatises on Thirty-Eight General Topics in which the negro problem is viewed from every possible standpoint. No work could more fully represent the higher stratum of negro citizenship. It will furnish the basis of future calculations on all race subjects. There are 100 PORTRAITS AND 100 BIOGRAPHIES of the writers. To see the pictures and read the lives of the hundred most prominent negroes is to have a fair knowledge of the entire race. Over 700 large pages and retails at $2.50 in cloth, postpaid. AGENTS. We want 5,000 canvassers at once to introduce this great book. Highest commissions paid. Books on credit. Agents' magnificent sample book for $3c. to pay mailing expenses. Write for our proposition at once. This is the opportunity of your life. Banks and Company SINCE 1867 Trains for the Holidays... A short time left in which to complete the holiday purchases, shopping is the place that has most intelligently comprehensors needs and provided the best assortments. What here is the best opportunity to "remember" the men since we have succeeded in holding up to the maximum of some time keeping the prices down to the lowest point. Theoes fartherest here, consequently. W House Coats, worth nearly double the prices asked. Choice at.....$2 85 and $4 85 Bth Blankets, in striped effects; cut long and flowing; worth $6 50.....$4 95 Men's Holiday Slippers are the "burnt effects" Brian, Stag and Horse-head designs. Special at.....$2 35 Huspenders, with strong mountings; durable as well as effective; each pair in a box.....50c As Holiday Neckwear; extraordinary Bulks and all new effects; each boxed separately.....$1 00 Press Suit Cases, made over steel frame, brass trimmings both 23 and 24 inch. Special.....$5 00 Water-proof Cush Rain Coats, tailor-made and cut in regular Overcoat style.....$15 00 Hats, French springs, but an American made hat; worth $7 50.....$5 75 From hints, there are hundreds of other available givables sensible and servicesable, swaiting your coming. LEADERS Saks and .. Bargains for You've only a short time left The place to do the shopping is the hended the gift givers needs and We feel sure that here is the folks. 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Special.....$5 00 Men's Guaranteed Water-proof Cush Rain Coats, tailor-made and cut in regular Overcoat style.....$15 00 Silk Opera Coat Hats, French springs, but an American made hat; worth $7 50.....$5 75 These are just random hints, there are hundreds of other available givables touching the sensible and servicesble, swaiting your coming. Open Evenings Until Christmas. Saks & Co & Company Saks & Company DR. D. W. OULP MANUFACTURER OF OF EVERY DESCBIPTION Barber's Coats Barkeepers Coats Vests and Aprons ONE HUNDRED OF AMERICA'S GREATEST NEGROES and Edited by DR. D. W. CULP. J. L. NICHOLS & CO., Naperville, Illinois. DDITHUY NUMBER