Things would undoubtedly be different for the colored people in those states had they though slight, some positive and appreciable influence at the polls.
Archibald Henry Grimké: “Things would undoubtedly be different for the colored people in those states had they though slight, some positive and…”
Editor's note · Context
Grimké speculates on how political influence could change the situation for African Americans in certain states.
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And this one thing needful, I believe, the Progressive Party brings to the solution of the problem, and that it formed the underlying motive and the statesmanlike purpose of the action at Chicago last August of Theodore Roosevelt.
Colonel Roosevelt, as the leader of the new party, recognized at his full political value the Negro in states where his vote is counted, and perceived the very slight value, potential and actual, as a party asset of the Negro in states…
But to do this, to realize on their party promises and pledges to the people, they must have votes, not mere good will which can not translate itself into effective support on election day.
White and black party following with white leadership is therefore the only feasible proposition, which stands any show of success as a party of opposition in that section under existing conditions.