"Zephyrs from the Gulf"
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Title
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"Zephyrs from the Gulf"
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Description
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Interesting Chat about Mobile and Prominent Mobelians. Huntsville Gazette and other Newspapers. Republicanism.
To the Editor of the Huntsville Gazette:--
Mobile is now the hotest [sic] city in the State. Yesterday the Thermometor [sic] was up to 99 degrees in the shade, and they say it is destined to go still further. If it is thus in June what may we expect in July and August? There are not enough ice and melons here to keep the people cool.
Many have left for the different watering places, but they are scarcely missed.
The sanitary condition of Mobile is good now. No one fears the yellow fever or any other epidemic this Summer.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Huntsville Gazette reaches this Post Office every Sunday morning, and is read with much interest. If not the sole strictly Republican newspaper in Alabama, it is certainly the oldest living. There was not a paper in the State to represent the party when the Gazette was issued in 1879. There are now two or three others published in the interest of certain schools, another in the interest of the temperance cause, and very recently one devoted to religion and politics, whose editor, as shown by his paper is a Stalwart Republican. With perhaps one exception all these papers are edited and controlled by colored men, and are devoted, in truth, to the elevation of the race.
When the State government, but a few years ago, was in the hands of the Republican party there were more than one or two papers to advocate its principle. They passed away with Republican ascendency. The white editors who controlled them seemed to think them necessary only so long as the party was in power - forgetting that principles outlive parties, and that -- Truth crushed to earth-shall rise again. But how many men adhere to principle only so long as it is to their personal interests to do so, and deny and forsake it when it ceases to benefit them! How many of those who called themselves Republicans in the days of the party's prosperity have gone the ways of those newspapers - denied the faith because there were no spoils of office, leaving the Negro and the faithful few of white Republicans to uphold the Republican banner and advocate its principles - principles that must ultimately trumph [sic] in every Southern State. It is a sad fact that there is not a Republican paper in the State edited and controlled by a white man! Thank God and the Republican party that the Negro has advanced in education and intelligence until he is able to take the post deserted by his white brother - speaking out in thunder-tones, through the press and on the rostrum, in advocacy of the principles of the party to which he and the whole country are indebted for Liberty, peace and prosperity. Only two newspapers are published here now. The Register and the Mobile Gazette. The Register is at the head of the Democratic press. The Gazette is a Greenback-Republican paper. It is edited and controlled by Phillips Joseph, an intelligent and influential colored man. He is an applicant for
THE POSTMASTERSHIP OF MOBILE,
in which office he was once a Deputy Postmaster. It is not denied that he would make an efficient Postmaster. Editor Joseph has been in Washington since the fourth of March and seems determined to fight it out for the Post Office if it "takes all summer." The present incumbent, Col M.D. Wickersham, has held the office for four or five years. It is acknowledged that he makes a splendid officer. His personal appearance is fine, and he has a reputation second to none in the State. He is kind, polite and very pleasant and frank in conversation. I know nothing of the causes which induce some Republicans here to try to effect his removal; but I do see one evidence of his Republicanism, in his office, which many perhaps who claim to be better Republicans would do well to imitate; that is the number of
COLORED OFFICE-HOLDERS
appointed by him. Of his sixteen employees seven are colored. Allen Alexander, a very intelligent and a leading colored map, is one of his mailing clerks. He fills this honorable and responsible position with credit himself and race.
W.O. Taylor is a box clerk and Superintendent of that Department, with several men under him. No one in the office is better versed in his duties. At the General Delivery he delivers mail to all class with as much ease, grace and celebrity as any one I've been waited upon by at any post office. Five of the seven mail carriers are colored. It is true that seven is not the half of sixteen, but if we had that proportion of all the Federal positions in the South would we not have about seven-sixteenths more than we now have? I think Col. Wickershain deserves the respect of Republicans for his liberol [sic] recognition of the Negro in his appointments.
CUSTOM HOUSE
The most important office in the State as well as in Mobile, and the one with the most patronage is that of Collector of Customs. Gen. J.W. Burke has held that position for about ten months. It is already evidence that he is the best Collector this port has had for many years. He is a practical business man and thorough Republican and recognizes the fact that as the Negro advances in intelligence he should be advanced in positions of honor and trust. At least one half of his force is colored. Owing to an increased in the business of the Port an increase of of [sic] the force of the Custom House was required last winter. Four of the ten Inspectors are colored. When he (General Burke) came into office there were only two colored, viz: Walter Braziel of Madison, and Charles D. Nicholos, both of whom had been in the service for a number of years. The two new appointees are W. B. Taylor of Mobile county, and D.S. Brandon of Madison county. Your county is also ably represented by Dr. Justian Romayne and William M. Bradley. It is anticipated that as soon as the Cedar Point Railroad is built it will be necessary to enlarge the force still further Gen. Burke is interested in this road, which helps largely to insure its success. It will be a great benefit to Mobile.
Mr. Morgan, the polite and gentlemanly Collector of Internal Revenue for this District has Mr. H.J. Europe in his office as Ganger. Mr. Europe is one of the most intelligent colored men I have met in the city. He has held his position several years and is thoroughly fitted for it by qualification and experience. In fact, all the colored office holders here are representative men, and were, at the time of their appointment, if not now, the ones best qualified by education for their positions.
CONCLUSION
All the Negro wants is an equal chance in the race of life, and he has come to the conclusion to have it or make a mighty big fuss about it.
I believe we will come nearer getting an equal showing under a Republican Administration than under a Democratic one.
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Date
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June 23, 1881
