The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-26
THE COLORED MEN Of ALABAMA.
FLORENCE, Ala,

FLORENCE, Ala, April l6.
Hon. William d. Kelley, Philadelphia Pa
Dear Sir:-I see in the Washington Chronicle
that a fund is being raised by members of Con-
gress and others for the purpose of sending
South, during the summer and fall, radical Re-
publican documents, for the instruction and
guidance of colored voters and Southern 10y
alists. This l regard as a highly desirable and
necessary movement Down here those who
do not take Northern papers get but little relia-
BILE information as TO the political situation.
II should be understood that such documents,
circulated among the freedmen. would be read
either by them or to them. If they even
thought they contained any political informa-
tion, nine out of ten would walk five miles to
have them read.
1 am q colored man, a native of Pennsyl-
vania. Have charge OF large school of freed
men at this point Am supported by Penn
Sylvanla Aid Society. Was educated at Oberln
College. Aside from my occupation, L wish to
do what can in this section towards enlight-
ening the newly entranchised in regard to
/ can from the North.
1t is really amusing to see the wonderful
| change in the demeanor of the whites towards
| the blacks since the passage of the Reconstruc-
tion bill. Let the North not be mistaken on
| this point. Southern politicians are, without
doubt, going to use every eXertion to secure the
aid of the freedmen in their efforts again to
| raise themselves into political power.
Everything here indicates that the late
| Rebels VIII bring to bear upon the colored
ceitful manifestations of kindness. They have
commenced already. Their strongest argu-
ment at present is something like this:-"We
! are better friends to you than the North. Why
| do they not give their own negroes political
| rights ?" etc. You can hear this argument fall
| ing from their lips everywhere.
Intelligent Southern coored men will, of
| course, vote the straight radical Republican
ticket l am confident that they will lead the
! remainder in the right path. But TO do this
| successfully, they must have the cooperation
| of friends at the North. If the issues are fairly
| presented to the freedmen of Alabama, have
no fears as to the results but If they are to re-
! ceive their political instruction at the feet Of
| their old masters, then we may fear the worst.
| The SympathieS of Southern colored men,
| ignorant as they are, are with the North The
! slave always did believe that his freedom lay
! somewhere beyond the snow clouds OF that
| section; and, now a freeman, he still turns
Jhither his eyes for protection in his new'found
| liberty. Run out for President any radical
! Republican, man whom, down here, we can
conscientiously call Lincoln msn," and the
blacks would vote for him to man. None
| other need apply"
But your pardon, dear sir only wished to
| ask if you could put me in way to get such
documents as would aid me in the work OF
| enlightening these people In regard TO thelr
new obligations as citizens. Hoping to hear
from you at:an. early day, am, dear sir, yours,
| ETC., OSCAR M. WARING,
| Box 26, Florence, Ala.