American , and that a copy of this paper was in Congressman Cresswell’s hands. Cresswell lost no time in calling on Senator Smith and pointing out to him that Bles Alwyn was a dangerous Negro: seeking social equality, hating white people, and scheming to make trouble. He was too young and heady. It would be fatal to give such a man office and influence; fatal for the development of the South, and bad for the Cotton Combine.
Senator Smith was unconvinced. Alwyn struck him as a well-balanced fellow, and he thought he deserved the office. He would, however, warn him to make no further speeches like that of last night.
Cresswell mentioned Stillings as a good, inoffensive Negro who knew his place and could be kept track of.
“Stillings is a good man,” admitted Smith; “but Alwyn is better. However, I’ll bear what you say in mind.”
Cresswell found Mr. ¬ÝEasterly in Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool‚Äôs parlor, and that gentleman was annoyed at the news.
“I especially picked out this Alwyn because he was Southern and tractable, and seemed to have sense enough to know how to say well what we wanted to say.”
‚ÄúWhen, as a matter of fact,‚Äù drawled Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool, ‚Äúhe was simply honest.‚Äù
“The South won’t stand it,” Cresswell decisively affirmed.
‚ÄúWell‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù began Mr. ¬ÝEasterly.
‚ÄúSee here,‚Äù interrupted Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool. ‚ÄúI‚Äôm interested in Alwyn; in fact, an honest man in politics, even if he is black, piques my curiosity. Give him a chance and I‚Äôll warrant he‚Äôll develop all the desirable traits of a first class officeholder.‚Äù