New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-12-14
fragrant Rebels 10 the ballot-box. yfhe Rebels
themselves uniformly contended that they had

fragrant Rebels 10 the ball0t-bOx. un9 BeDclS
themselves uniformly commended that they had
forfeited their rights in the Union, and must be
subjugated to it if brought back into it at all.
As subjects, they haze returned; and now
we ask only that they receive the loyaliSts Ct
their respective States as their political equals.
Did ever a Government, completely triumphant
over gigantic Rebellion, require less than thisf
They who mainly keep up the clamor against
Impartial Suffrage in tho South protested quite
as vehemently and screechily that zoe had no
right to proclaim Emancipation. We did never
theless, and won by it; our success made good
that proclamation. Was our right exhausted at
precisely that point
We admire magnanimty, and do mt want
even unreconstructcd Rebels kept long out OF
Congress. Our policy is inclusion, not erclu-
sion. But, before we can be mognanimous, We
must be honest and just. This day, the Blacks
of the States lately in revolt have no rights
which vanquished Rebels are at all inclined to
respect They are hunted with dogs they are
shot by scores; their arms are stolen by whole
able service in the Union armies; their school
houses are burned; their teachers are driven
off; they are not allowed TO sue or to
testify in the Courts Of several Southern States;
and it is to-day only at the peril Of his life that
a Black Union soldier ventures TO return to tho
home of his family throughout great portion
Of the South. Can we afford to admit exRebels
to seats in Congress without some guaranty for
the lives and liberties of the Black Unionists
of the South Would it not DO perfidy to
do So
As we write, letter is handed us from a
Uhife Unionist-Mr T. w. Sumner, of Texas
known TO thousands in this City as a worthy,
truthful man. II is rtrbotim as follows:
SHERMAN. Grayson County Texas Oct. 81. 1865
Hon. HORACE GBEELEr.-Dcdr TrieHd' l was In
hopes by this time that should have good news FOR
your readers But alas for Union and the returned
refugees In this part Of Texas for unless get some
protection from the Federal army, will al he
assassina,ed driven out OF tic country. arrived
here safe on the l2h of July last and found my family
oil we'll and managed to stay here unmolested til
lately, by staying at home and keeping in the house
pretty much Of the time my life had been threatened
In the event could be caught away nom home.
Last Saturday evening OF the desperadcos tHous'
ton Eoli) came round to my house with doublebsr-
relied gup, and sworo he was going to kin me because
was u Federal
We both fired about the same time. Ny shot took
effect in his breast but owing 10 hei light charge, lie
was 10, MORALLY wounded His shot struck me in the
head and one shot struck In the left eye and four
or FIVE others entered my face. am not dangerously
wounded. bu. an fearful will Lose ny eye.
Since was wounded the rovdies have cut mp great
deal and threatened 10 assassinatc every Union msn
in the vicinity. II IL with tho utmost difficulty thnt
wriie this. would Ike to write more hu, for tho
present it is impossible. Oh Why don't tho Govern.
neni send US protection l am. mosi respectfully.
=. W. SraNrE
Such is the plain letter Of plain, honest man,
who barely escaped with his Life from these
ieuds three or four yoars ago. Thousands llks
him have been murdered in Texas alone; and
thousands more have suffered toTtures that we
dare not describe.
-" What has all this to do with Negro Suf-
| fragc 2" just this, Sir: vhsRrd he Blacks
rote, The South NIL Be prepondeanay loyal and
hearty Unionists wiR haze ssa~f protection
not till then.