The Marrow of Tradition · Chapter
XXIX: Muttering of the Storm explained
The white conspirators, led by Carteret, Belmont, and McBane, finalize their plan to overthrow the city government and suppress the black population.
What happens
The white conspirators, led by Carteret, Belmont, and McBane, finalize their plan to overthrow the city government and suppress the black population. They discuss which black citizens to expel, sparing Dr. Miller due to his perceived harmlessness, while arming themselves and inciting racial tension. The chapter ends with the conspirators overlooking a higher power that may intervene.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Power
The conspirators orchestrate a political coup to wrest control from Republicans and black citizens, using racial fear as a tool.
Violence and Mob Rule
The threat of mob violence looms as whites arm themselves and plan a 'revolution,' with McBane advocating for murder and intimidation.
Class and Privilege
The conspirators target black professionals like Watson and the real estate agent to protect white economic interests, while sparing Miller due to his wealth and perceived docility.
Characters to notice
- Major Carteret
Leads the conspiracy, advocates for a 'revolution' rather than a riot, and opposes unnecessary bloodshed but is personally conflicted about Dr. Miller.
- General Belmont
Proposes a swift takeover modeled on Central American revolutions, argues for sparing Dr. Miller, and orders cocktails from Jerry.
- Captain George McBane
Openly advocates for violence against blacks, dismisses Dr. Miller's value, and expresses contempt for 'smart niggers.'
- Jerry Letlow
Servant who delivers a message from Mr. Ellis and schemes to cheat General Belmont on the cocktail order.
- Mr. Ellis
Sends a message to Carteret via Jerry, interrupting the conspirators' meeting.
- Dr. William Miller
Discussed as a target for expulsion but spared by Belmont and Carteret due to his perceived harmlessness and community contributions.
Key passages
“To meet words with words upon such a subject would be to acknowledge the equality of the negro and his right to discuss or criticise the conduct of the white people.”
Responding with debate would imply that black people are equal and have the right to critique white behavior.
Highlights the white supremacist refusal to engage in dialogue, framing any response as a concession of equality.
“A revolution, and not a riot, was contemplated.”
They planned a political overthrow, not a spontaneous outbreak of violence.
Distinguishes the conspirators' calculated coup from mere mob action, though violence remains implicit.
“There are several negroes too many in this town, which will be much the better without them.”
The town would improve if certain black residents were removed.
Belmont's casual dehumanization of black professionals reveals the economic and racial motives behind the purge.
“I ain' gwine 'cross de road fer nothin', not ef I knows it.”
I'm not going across the street for nothing, not if I can help it.
Jerry's dialect and cunning reflect his resistance to exploitation, even as he serves the white conspirators.
