The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol.4, page 259, Feb. 1897, U. of Illinois Press

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FEBRUARY · I 897 Negroes'' and of the control of the ballot by the white oligarchy: ''It is to-day as impossible for the opposition majority of whites, without including the blacks, to overthrow this political despotism of the minority in the state of Alabama as was it impossible for the Negro in that state to free himself from the manacles and chains of chattel slavery.'' (National Negro Conference, Proceedings, 1909, cog.) In 19~9, obviously swept up in the Red Scare, Manning charged the NAACP with Bolshevism and expressed fear that socialism would attract blacks. Manning's relationship with BTW was stormy. On Jan. ~6, 1897, he wrote BTW indicating his desire to be register of the Treasury and urged him to enlist the support of blacks on account of Manning's work for equal suffrage rights. (Con. ~3~, BTW Papers, DLC.) Thinking that because he supported equal rights BTW would support him, Manning was disappointed when the only federal job he could secure was the postmastership at Alexander City, his home town. Manning often attacked BTW's accommodationism, and it was obvious that ideologically the two men had little in common. 2 Canton, Ohio, home of President-elect William McKinley. From Blanche Kelso Bruce Washington, D.C., Feby ~ ~ 897 My dear Mr Washington, I highly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness in sending me the enclosed letter. It puts me on my guard and indicates the character of contest we must make. Bishop Annette son is, as far as I know, the only colored candidate for the place, but he can hardly be considered in my way. Of the white candidates, a dozen in number, Col Buck is the most formidable. He is a strong friend of McKinly, having given him loyal support at St Louis. I believe, nevertheless, with a little judicious management on our side, we shall succeed. I am not idle. I shall have strong support from the Senate. I look forward with interest to your visit to Canton. You are, for the best reasons, the only colored man that I desire to speak to the Maj in my interest in person, before his inauguration. You will tell him what we want, and why we want it. Sincerely Yours B. K. Bruce ALS Con. o7o BTW Papers DLC. ~ Benjamin William Arnett, an A.M.E. bishop, was a staunch Republican and adviser to President William McKinley on black political appointments. Born in Brownsville, Pa., in 1838, Arnett taught school there before becoming active in politics and religion. In 1879 he was appointed chaplain of the Ohio House of Representatives, and he served as a member of that body from 1885 to 1887. He fought to repeal discriminatory laws, and sponsored the Civil Rights Act of 1886, 259