Giles v. Harris, 189 U.S. 475 (1903), was an early 20th century United States Supreme Court case in which the Court upheld a state constitution's requirements for voter registration and qualifications. Although the plaintiff accused the state of discriminating in practice against black citizens, the Court found that the requirements applied to all citizens and refused to undertake overseeing the state's process.
Booker T. Washington, although he was publicly known for an accommodationist stand for black advancement, secretly arranged for funding and representation for Jackson W. Giles in this lawsuit and the ensuing Giles v. Teasley (1904). He worked extensively behind the scenes to direct and raise funds for other lawsuits and segregation challenges as well.
Read more about Giles V. Harris: Facts, Issue, Result, Dissents, Aftermath
Famous quotes containing the words giles and/or harris:
“I still feel just as I told you, that I shall come safely out of this war. I felt so the other day when danger was near. I certainly enjoyed the excitement of fighting our way out of Giles to the Narrows as much as any excitement I ever experienced. I had a good deal of anxiety the first hour or two on account of my command, but not a particle on my own account. After that, and after I saw that we were getting on well, it was really jolly. We all joked and laughed and cheered constantly.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“Many the hopes that have vanished,
After the ball.”
—Charles K. Harris (1867–1930)