Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1862-10-04

1
ard is now, as the letter shows, vol
unteer in one of the new regiments
CAMp SrkoSe, Oct. l, 1862.
JoHs MAHIs, ESQ:
By the Journal OF Ibis morning /
learn that a committee has been form
ed IL Muscatine, whose ayowed object is
the importation of coatrabands into
Iowa, where they are to be used as la
bcrcrs, to supply the places Of volun-
teers now n service. | wish to inqnile
If this scheme ia endorsed by the Re-
publican party Of Muscatine county, ard
also if you,ae an acknowledged expound-
er Of Republican doctrines, endorse the
formation and action of this commit
| tee!
The soldiers now in camp near your
city, Justly view with alarm the move
ment just inaugarated. They regard
the introduction Of the African element
into our society as one of the worst OF
measures, and will condemn any and
every party which approves and favors
the Importation of contrabands on the
soil Of Iowa.
l have been, as you are doubtless
aware, member Of the Republican or
ganization since its Foundation. | am
in favor of, and Will cordially support
any emancipation scheme which will
rid our country Of the curse OF African
slavery, providing the slaves are colon
'zed in some portion of the country
especially set apart for their benefit
But, sir, | am now, and always shall be-
uncondl,ionslly opposed to any system
attic effort to introduce the black bane
of our land into the free, educated soci.
ETY. of the North.
The effect of the importation Of ne
grocs into the North Gas they ccrtainIy
will be if this movement is not immedl
ately frowned down by the people, viii
be the reduction OF wages, and tie white
Iabo,iDg classes will be compelled tt
enter into competition with the black
and the eud will be a state OF affairs t.
VII Oh almost anything is preferable.
may be said tina: these contrabands vii
be returned at the close of the war, ant
that things will return to their orig'na
condition. Such statement will de-
ceive no one. Where will they go to, ant
what will be done with them F! Moth
ing. They will remain where they arr
first located, and the white soldier
when he throws down the sword for TIN
J spade and plow, Will find his old situa-
ton occupied by burly AfAlcan, VIII.
will work for at least fifty per cent. low
er wages than he possibly can do. Their
l is no denying the truth Ct this propose
ton it will follow the present move
ment just as certainly as night follow
day.
You may ask ''What shall be done
with the large number of contrabapd
that will now fall into the hands OF til,
government % There can be but on
!, answer, and that is, put arms into thei
hands and compelthem to fight. VIVA
policy is that which takes frse, whit,
American citizen from bis comfortable
home. carries him to the field of battle
aud fills his place on the farm or liz tb,
shop with the negro, who has been re.
leased by his efforts from the chains o
bondage? There is not soldier in th
army who would not prefer to fgh
, the war through by the side of the Al
rican, rather than to labor by his sid
for The balance of bis life time. TIL
Mr.. Mahin. is fact, and one, too, tha
parties, and leaders of parties, will d,
well to remember.
There may be those who will laugh a
the fears entertained by us on this mat
, ter. To those people | can only say
wait aud see.
The question now brought up by tn
, eight negroes who arrived yesterday
will become one Of the most importan
| to be settled in camp. Hoping that yor
will explain your position on the sub
ject,
am Very Respectfully Yoars,
EMERSON ,. UPHAM
MERR1MAC No. 2 A HUMBuG.-Refu
reoS from Richmnnd nronnnnca the re.