A two-page essay espousing the merits of the Southern Democratic Party, a third party breaking away from the regular Democratic Party that opposed President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal, and black membership in the Democratic Party.
A letter from South Carolina attorney Charles A. Young concerning a news story reporting that Senator Maybank might not attend the South Carolina State Convention in Columbia. Young expresses his opinion that the convention will be a "red hot affair."
A copy of a letter from Senator Maybank thanking Ransome Williams for his unanimous election as Chairman of the South Carolina Delegation to the 1944 National Democratic Party Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
A letter concerning Senator Maybank's plans at the South Carolina State Convention including his desire to vote for an uninstructed delegation and to oppose the election of Eugene S. Blease as Chairman.
A telegram from the Chairman of the Speakers Bureau of the Democratic National Committee requesting Senator Burnet R. Maybank's availability for speaking assignments just prior to the General Election on November 7th.
A copy of a three-page letter from Senator Maybank written in response to questions posed by M. B. Barkley. Senator Maybank comments on activities at the South Carolina State Convention, the vote of the Charleston delegation, the "two-thirds rule," the election of Eugene S. Blease as Chairman, and the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A 27-page typed transcript of a meeting of the Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina with a sub-committee of the Democratic National Committee on July 17, 1944, at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting was held to hear the contest of delegates that had been selected by the convention of the Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina to be seated as delegates from South Carolina. The committee consisted of Oscar R. Ewing as Chairman, David Kelly (North Dakota), Tracy McCracken (Wyoming), Ida Kayser (Minnesota), Jenny M. O'Hearn (South Dakota), and Mary S. Kelliher (Iowa). Delegates of the Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina were represented by founder John McCray. The delegation certified by the Democratic Party of South Carolina were represented by Senator Burnet R. Maybank.
A copy of a news release from Columbia, South Carolina, listing the 36 delegates selected at the state democratic convention to be sent to the Democratic National Party convention in Chicago, Illinois. Six delegates from each congressional district with three alternatives for each.
A letter from John H. McCray (Chairman of the Progressive Democratic Party) to Oscar R. Ewing who served as Chairman of a meeting of the Progressive Democratic Party with a sub-committee of the National Democratic Committee on July 17, 1944. McCray thanks the Committee for hearing their case and expresses his party’s desire to continue fighting for their cause.
Lists of state primary elections for 1944 listed alphabetically by state and then by date. Also listed are Senators who terms expire from those states, the type of election, and the filing date. Also included is a description of the rules and regulations for each state.
A telegram from Winchester Smith suggesting early closing of entries in order to expedite the printing of county tickets and mailing them to members of the armed services.
Correspondence concerning a resolution from Sumter, South Carolina, to re-adopt the "two-thirds rule" and the possibility of instituting a preferential primary.
Correspondence concerning a Charleston, South Carolina, democrat's opposition to the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt for a fourth term in office. The constituent is concerned that South Carolina delegates sent to the 1944 Democratic National Convention will not fully represent those democrats who oppose the re-nomination of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Senator Maybank responds that he understands the constituent's views and that although he himself does not always agree with everything the Democratic Party does, he is a "party man" and will always stand by his party.
A copy of a letter from the Chairman of the Southern Democratic Party expressing concern that black voters will outnumber white voters. Richard M. Jeffries responds coldly and expresses his opinion that the Southern Democratic Party is actually aiding the black vote in South Carolina by continually stirring up trouble in South Carolina.
A four-page letter from the County Chairman of Newberry, South Carolina, requesting consideration of a number of newly proposed rules and regulations governing the primaries, including the need to maintain the white primary.
Correspondence concerning Senator Maybank's attendance at the South Carolina State Convention. Senator Maybank stated that he would not be able to attend if he was still needed in the poll tax debate.
Lists of state primary elections for 1944 listed alphabetically by state and then by date. Also listed are Senators whose terms expire from those states, the type of election, and the filing date. Also included is a description of the rules and regulations for each state.
Correspondence concerning Senator Maybank's transfer of excess campaign funds to the Democratic National Committee as a credit from South Carolina's Democratic Party.
A letter concerning a South Carolina constituent’s disapproval of the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Senator Maybank responded by voicing his support for the President's re-election and his opinion that the war would have lasted longer without the President's re-election.
Correspondence concerning the need for a meeting of the South Carolina Delegates prior to the 1944 Democratic National Convention to discuss the Progressive Democratic Party.
A letter from the Director of Publicity of the Democratic National Committee concerning his new appointment and a request for the forwarding of all opposition literature to his office.
A letter concerning the selection of a Chairman and National Committeeman for the South Carolina delegation to the 1944 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Smith states that he will try and get Senator Maybank appointed as Chairman.
Correspondence concerning an offer of support from Jennings Cauthen, of the Charleston Evening Post, to Senator Maybank in his struggle against the Progressive Democratic Party's attempt to be seated as delegates from South Carolina at the 1944 National Democratic Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
A telegram from an Illinois newspaper requesting Senator Maybank's position on the United States' membership in an international organization. Senator Maybank responds expressing his support.
Copies of two letters sent by Secretary of the Senate Edwin A. Halsey to Senators Scott W. Lucas and Alben W. Barkley concerning a check of $500 contributed by Senator Maybank for their re-election campaigns.
A message from the mayor of Sumter, South Carolina, requesting support for the nomination of James F. Byrnes as Vice-President to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A telegram requesting Senator Maybank's views on moving up the Democratic Primaries in South Carolina to permit soldiers to vote. Senator Maybank responds with his belief favoring this idea.
A letter from the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee thanking Senator Burnet R. Maybank for his contributions to the 1944 Democratic Presidential Election Campaign.
A letter announcing the passage of a resolution to allow Democrats of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina to select a replacement candidate for the late Hampton Fulmer to run in the General Election on November 7th.
Correspondence concerning a South Carolina constituent's Boll Weevil poison. He is offers to give it to either the Democratic Party or Republican Party.
A transcript of an address given by Senator Edgar A. Brown, over the Columbia, South Carolina, Radio Broadcasting System Station WSPA, in favor of the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and in opposition to Republican nominee Thomas E. Dewey.
Correspondence concerning race-related photographs mailed to many of the delegates of the South Carolina State Democratic Convention. The photographs are not present as they were returned to Director G. Heyward Mahon.
Correspondence concerning the activities of the rival Progressive Democratic Party and the need to have a meeting of South Carolina delegates of the Democratic Party of South Carolina before attending the National Democratic Convention.
A letter of praise concerning a speech given by Senator Maybank in Indepdendence, Missouri, in support of newly elected Vice-President Harry S. Truman.
A copy of a two-page letter from Senator Maybank written in response to questions posed by T. R. Waring of the News and Courier. Senator Maybank comments on the re-nomination of the President, speculation on the Vice-President, the "Two Thirds Rule," the platform, the Progressive Democratic Party, and Eugene S. Blease's election as Chairman.
A copy of a three-page letter written by Senator Maybank, in response to a South Carolina constituent, primarily concerning Senator Maybank's appointment as National Committeeman over Governor Olin D. Johnson. Also discussed is the impact of the coming invasion of Europe by the Allies.
A copy of a letter containing excerpts from the Democratic Manual for the 1944 Democratic National Convention requested by John H. McCray of the Progressive Democratic Party. A copy of the letter was sent to Senator Burnet R. Maybank.
A letter from Governor Olin D. Johnston concerning the need for a meeting of the South Carolina Delegation a few days prior to the 1944 National Democratic Convention to discuss the procedure the delegation will follow to combat the seating of delegates from the Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina.
A letter containing a resolution to be submitted to the Greenville County Democratic Convention that is in favor of sending an unistructed delegation to the Democratic National Convention.
A copy of a two-page letter from Senator Maybank concerning Senator Maybank's political enemy Judge Eugene S. Blease and Senator Maybank's decision to support an uninstructed delegation.
Correspondence concerning a request by T. R. Waring of the News and Courier for a statement by Senator Maybank on his support for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's nomination for a fourth term. Senator Maybank responds that he will vote for Roosevelt.
Correspondence concerning Senator Maybank's election as National Executive Committeeman. Governor Olin D. Johnson states that he will be glad to cooperate with Senator Maybank.
A copy of a letter from the Chairman of the Progressive Democratic Party to the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee concerning the seating of delegates from the Progressive Democratic Party. Included is a list of 18 delegates and alternates elected by the party.
Correspondence concerning a request from a South Carolina constituent that the Democratic Party select a running mate for Franklin D. Roosevelt that is a World War veteran. The constituent suggests Louis A. Johnson as a possible candidate. Senator Maybank replies that he believes Henry Wallace will be re-nominated.
A letter concerning the coming South Carolina State Democratic Convention including support for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, changes to the rules of the convention, and the selection of a National Committeeman.
Correspondence concerning a request by the National Democratic Committee that the President of the South Carolina National Bank take over a needed position in support of the party. The bank president expresses his support for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but he regrets that he cannot take on any additional duties.
A letter from Senator Maybank concerning the impact of a recent Supreme Court Decision (Smith v. Allwright) concerning a Texas state law authorizing the Democratic Party to set its internal rules, including the use of white primaries.
A letter from the manager of a film company asking Senator Maybank if he was interested in showing the campaign film "Lest We Forget" in South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a request by the Chairman of the Speakers Bureau of the Democratic National Party asking Senator Maybank's availability as a speaker in the coming months. Senator Maybank states that he would primarily like to speak in South Carolina, but will be of assistance elsewhere if he can.
A letter from Senator Maybank concerning the development of a third party in South Carolina. Senator Maybank argues that the creation of a third party is folly and that Democrats should instead either work toward correcting the faults of their own party or join the Republican Party instead. The newspaper clippings referred to in the letter are not present in the file.
A letter written in response to Judge Eugene S. Blease's urging that the South Carolina Delegates meet prior to attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Winchester Smith does not agree with the need for this meeting.
A copy of a resolution, adopted at the bi-annual convention of the Democratic Party of South Carolina on May 17, 1944, pledging to continue the South Carolina Democratic Party as a party of and for white Democrats only and that "no negro shall be admitted to membership in our party." The resolution is written in direct opposition to the formation of the rival Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina that sought permission to send delegates to the 1944 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The resolution has been annotated and a section that states that "electors shall not be chosen by the State Executive Committee as they had been chosen in the past" is underlined.
A certified copy of a resolution, adopted at the bi-annual convention of the Democratic Party of South Carolina on May 17, 1944, pledging to continue the South Carolina Democratic party as a party of and for white Democrats only and that "no negro shall be admitted to membership in our party." The resolution is written in direct opposition to the formation of the rival Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina that sought permission to send delegates to the 1944 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Senator Maybank requested a certified copy of the resolution.
A copy of a drafted resolution for the South Carolina Democratic State Convention to go on record as instructing the delegation to renominate President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A copy of the statements and views of Senator Burnet R. Maybank including his support for an uninstructed delegation from South Carolina to the 1944 Democratic National Convention and the need for a resolution protesting the interference of the Federal Government against the South Carolina State Election Laws.
A copy of the instructions given to Senator Maybank to read as Chairman on behalf of the South Carolina Delegation at the meeting of the Progressive Democratic Party of South Carolina with a sub-committee of the Democratic National Committee on July 17, 1944.
A release from the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee concerning resolutions adopted at the 1940 Democratic National Convention and their effect upon the upcoming 1944 Democratic National Convention.
Two essays espousing the merits of the Southern Democratic Party. A third party breaking away from the regular Democratic Party that opposed President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the New Deal, and black membership in the Democratic Party.
An edited listing of members of the South Carolina Democratic Convention. Likely used to keep track of thank you letters sent out to the attending members.
A three-page essay written by the Georgia State Commissioner of Agriculture expressing concern that the Democratic Party had changed and no longer represented the South. Instead the Commissioner expresses the need to form a new Southern Party to replace it. The Commissioner especially condemns the New Deal plan implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
First elected in 1970, Lonnie Hamilton was the first African American to serve on the Charleston County Council. In this interview Hamilton discusses teaching at Bonds Wilson High School in North Charleston, his decision to run for Charleston County Council, subsequent elections, and his daughter. Audio with transcript.
