The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-11-10
M4RSHiL EPPINGS views ON THE
CITT ELECTION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS.

I desire the use of your columns to bring to
the notice of the public some facts that deem
worthy OF attention. About two months ago
l made speech at the Club House, which was
reported in the city papers at that time as al
''incendiary harangue." 1t was said that adj
vised the colored people to arm. and to mako
resistance to lawful authority. I denied the
assertion at the time, and deny it now. 1t IS
q notorious fact that the colored people, and,
indeed justice compels me to say, the white
people, too, we're never more peaceable-never
in more perfect harmony than now-ai!d the
promotion of this end has ever been my object
and desire. I felt it my duty at that time, as
United States Marshal, to warn the people
against any steps that would lead to breach
OF the public peace, and simply discharged
that duty. trust that the result has amply
proved that my teaching: we're not SO ''ipcen-
diary" as has generally been believed; for in
both parties peace and order has prevailed ever
since.
The fears Of the colored people, which had
been excited, have been allayed By my assur-
ances, and those steps on the part of some
white people, which were calculated to lead to
this excitement, have ceased. This desirable
state of harmony having been brought about,
think it time now that the political ditferenc-
es which have divided us should be at an end;
should not be carried into our municipal cleo
tion.
The local election is entirely devoid OF poll
tical issues, AMI in relation thereto heartily
endorse the sentiments OF Rev. R. II. Cain.
do not think THIS election I political contest;
on the contrary, l 49,. TIA; every citizen,
white and coored, should lay aside party poll
tics to-day, and vote for the candidate who is,
in his opinion, best adapted to subserve the in
terests OF the community in which we live.
trust my colored friends will not consider them
selves bound to vote for any party man, be-
cause, as have already said, do not regard this
canvass as a party contest. By their eff
Republicanism has been firmly established in
the General Government for four years. They
have accomplished great victory. secured
their rights to themselves, and it behooves
them now to pause in the fash Of victory and
see where they stand; to be magnanimous; to
MaCluCl luC NCd1lu iuu VI
the city is not entitled to representation in
the city government. Let not the colored peo-
pie be forced by part: ties into voting biindly,
bat let every Que vote the ticket he deems best
adapted to our common prosperity, indepen-
dent OF party politics, and be assured good
government will result. Absence from the
city on Official duties will prevent ME from ex-
ercising my suffrage, but I would here again
admonish my Republican friends to be ham,
pered by no party ties, but to choose such men
from among the various candidates before
them as will, in their judgment, do justice to
all and promote the public welfare.
We need now city government composed
of respectable and responsible men identified
with the interests of the city; it matters not
whether they be white or colored, Democrat or
Republican. Responsible men are needed to
restore our city to her former standing and
credit, and the election of such men. believe,
will concliate all, restore confidence, bring
back prosperity, and promote the interests of
the laboring man, as we'll as of every other
class of the community.
J.P. N. EPPING, U. S. Marshal.
Charleston, S. G., November 9, 1863