New-York tribune., 1867-08-15
THE vIcEPREsIDEScY AND THE coLoRED VOTE


SIR: Shall thoughtful colorcd men claim the
vcePresdrncy for one Of race l have been for
nearly 80 years studying American theology and politics
IN their bearing upon the rights and welfare Of people
Most of that time have been in advance Of many of my
brethren in my efforts vndcate the civil rights OF the
And for the idea Of our being separate, Dis
country those who have heard my lectures ana read
my writings, know that have constantly fought these
delsons and maintained our chim 10 homes cltHthshIp
aud equal rights this soil Nor have my views under
gone any change whatever upon this general subject but
have rather been confirmed.
on the subject Of the VicePresidency beg TO De heard
briefly. n my humble Judgment we should hot press 's
claim for the following, among other reasons:
10 Is not necessary that we should press TINS cam IN
order to secure the full acknowledgement of our right
We are now succeeding MtH Tue Work oi euucsuGh ls
gong on handsomely. Free labor IL gaining glorious
control hOmestcads and lands for religious ana educa
tOnal purposes j. conceded Workshops, business places
high schools colleges aud universities are open to our
youth, inviting US 10 enter upon the dutes oi 0eiu'
preparation for the auspicous future &c.
2 II Is not desirable that should press this claim at
this time American theology together win Our ednca,
tona and industrial systems have undergone changes OF
great magnitude But our politics Is yet problem We
ar a srniniitary Government the late war; and,
Ike ancient Rome, We are SIN drifting emplreWaru.
Nothing but the hand of God at the helm or Government
can say us from the breakers OF anarchy or military
dcspotlsm The next Presidential term OF TINS Govern
will be the most important since u began 10 De
the Executive and Congress Shall we see the Executive
asserting h constitutional right 10 command the army
and navy, &cf We may Have we the 1esliap,e Pocst
experience To entltle us 10 press TINS can au we not
in our rel gious benevolent, and other like institutions
There j. much preliminary political work TO be done be-
tween the baOt-bON and the NicePresidency We nave
unrecognzcd claims IN our towns, cities, ana states
There are many political positions far more important
and desirable % us than the Nlcc-Presldency.
g. IL Is not rse to press the claim at this me because
IL will distract and divide friends and VIII enable
our enemies TO place In ridiculous position
And beside all this mot sufficiently united our
selves to 20 into this movement
Throughout the war, and since the commencement OF
the work reconstruction, have been an active Oh,
server North, East, South and West and am satlshed
that have not man whose political influence Woul'i
unite Of the cOiOrcd men for that oce COloen
men are like others Every smart writer, orator. OF law
ver Is not he trusted politiciani speak WIN all
kindness but am bold Ia say that have no cOltIOng
confidence the political Judgment OF those friendly
whites who iIrge to make the claim. But VIII oe
said Why. even Of those paperswhich have mere
tofore been opposed rights, advocate the ideh
This would only make me the more cautious 1 40 not
treat this subject joke or as matter OF
but treat IL matter Of serious import when cals Io
the most prufond reflection and forchought our civil
die Is fairly cast; in entering upon political career
should be not 10 he dragged into false ana
ridiculous pOstiOn by mistaken friends ana enemies III
disguise Nothing would do more TO damage the dignity
OF our cause. 49,. 4, oro
We are young In the political arena our materials are
new and fresh They have not yet cullnhaeu 10 peVO
tion While the whites rec0nstructlng et US reutS
reorganzc and educate famllies ana prepare wen
for The discharge OF political duties when necessity re-
quires. - l. W. " 1 N''''"iV''