Maryland free press., 1866-07-05

We 6ad in the Cumberland (Na.) All
leganian the following address Of Gen. ) :;
@. Sullivan. in reference te the political
topics which are now agitating the State
and nation. It sets forth briefly, but
clearly, some important truths.
TO the Voters of AUegaay County: As
lind by tho proceedings of the conven-
tion of the radical wing of the Union party,
lately held in Cumberland, that my name
was placed on the list Of alternate delegates
to their convention in Baltimore, and that
convention having explicitly asserted, in
one ofits resolutions, that negro suffrage
is not an issue in tile State of Maryland" l"
aud having endorsed the basis of represen-
tation as presented to the State by the con-
stitutional amendment, to which am ut
tsrly opposed-and believing that the one
involves the other deem it right to briefly
define nay position to the people. 1.H
The Constitutional amendment to be
submitted for ratification to the States for
ees upon us the direct question of negro suf-
rage. No matter how persistently it may
be denied, the fact remains that represen-
tation must be based upon granting to the
negro the elective franchise. The infu-
ence State has in our legislative halls is
measured by the number Of her reprcsen-
tatives;, and we should be careful that we
do not blindly surrender our present
strength we must either accept negro
suffrage or reduce our present representa-
tion. -. gr- .
u
Maryland was first requested to abolish
slavery to prove her loyalty to the Union;
now, to retain her rights in the Union,
she is required to grant to the negroes for
merly held as slaves, the right of franchise.
First requested to give up her slaves
now required to surrender the rights of her
white citizens. u, ..4 ..re. a..
Grant to the negro the right to vote, and
as long as we have politicians, there will
be among them those corrupt enough to
legisla.e the negro into office. Grant the
negro the right to vote, and there will be
Legislators corrupt enough to break down
barriers which have existed from the crea-
tion-of IA social inequality. Equal rights,
equal suffragc-equaiity follows naturally.
Are you prepared to meet this question?
Arc you willing to do yourselves this
wrong, following the lead of few crazy,
one-idea philanthropists, who think they
are elevating the negro when they reduce
the white man to his level?-White emf
grafton is pouring into the Southern States.
A few years will settle ull questions that
now agitate this country. [ caution you
again, be careful how you place barrier
in its way. and give perpetually to the
negro the fairest land in the universe
The right of suffrage is the right to make
laws-and the party or class that makes the
laws always make them for their own bene-
fit. r.s
Shall we, then, give to the negro the
right to legislate for the white man? Class
Legislation is always wrong, as we may see
in our owu State Hedged around by laws
of their own making, class of demago-
CUES keep themselves in power against the
interests of the State aud the happiness
and contentment of its people. Enforcing
the most rigorous measures in the most ty-
ranical manner, all who dare raise their
voice against them are met with deuuncia-
ton and abuse No way can be proposed
to settle our difficulties that is right, unless
supreme junta wills it. No one is to be
recognized as loyal unless he swallows all
their nauseating stuff; no one can be eligi :
ble to Office unless hesendorses their odious
doctrines. We have ubmitted to one cl,,ss
legislation; are yon willing to try another?
Loyal soldiers of Allegany county you
have been used long enough. The time
has come when the leaders of the ruling
party must be checked, or they will bring
upon us wholesale ruin. After sacrificing
everything at the call of your country are
you willing to raise to power more dan
gerous element, and place our future we'll
fare and prosperity in the hands of corrupt
politicians, and an ignorant and debased
race.
j. G. Sullivan.