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MSGenWeb Library Slave Narrative Project - Louis J. Piernas - Harrison County
http://msgw.org/slaves/piernas-xslave.htni
I have been Chairman of the Republican Party in this county for 40 years and have voted in every general election. I may not live to see it, but I believe the time will come, when colored Democrats, will be allowed to vote in the Democratic primaries. I am a Republican, but if a man wants to be a Democrat, that is his right.
The last election was so one sided and now there are divisions in the Democratic party. I think perhaps by 1940 there will be a new party, composed of dissatisfied Democrats, most of the Republicans and other elements.
This man Lewis has it in his head to be President. I feel that he is a very dangerous man, and in a place of power would turn out to be another Hitler.
(Would you mind telling me whether the offices you held, yielded you enough to provide for your old age?)
They did not. I am right now receiving State Assistance. When I was in office emoluments	were not what they are	now.	As	postmaster,	I
had to employ three clerks, and the government paid only one. Salary for the other two had to come out of	my	pocket.	When	all
expenses were paid, I had little left. I own this little house, and a good sized truck patch, where I raise vegetables. I only get $4.00 a month Old Age Assistance. Louisiana does much better. It does seem that with her sales tax and other taxes, Mississippi could do better for her old people and her schools. There is too much wrangling going on. If Harrison and Bilbo would stop scrapping and work together, they might get us in better shape.
He showed me through the tiny house, with its three tiny rooms one behind the other. Rather shabby rugs and matting covered the floors, chairs and dressers were quite worn. The wife was at a sewing machine in the middle room, working with some dainty summer material, probably a dress for some neighbor.
In the front room was beautiful four poster bed with canopy. Piernas said that he had bought it in the early days of his marriage, and that many people had tried to buy it from him but that he did not intend to sell it.
Leaving, he gave the writer a cordial invitation to return, and said he would be glad to give	any further information.
Interviewer's Questions in ()
Interviewer: Unknown Transcribed by Ann Allen Geoghegan
Mississippi Narratives Prepared by
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