The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-03-21

The following letter from NJ. R. Delany, an
intelligent and well educated colored man, who
lately held the commission of Major in the
United States army, and who is now, We be-
lieye an auache Of the Freedmen's Bureau,
has been sent to us for publication. AS
manifesto from negro leader, disc losing au-
tboritatively the purposes Of the RADICAL party,
with regard to the black race in the tuture' 1t
is very interesting and significant:
BuREAU SUB-DIsTRcr. CHARLESTON,
HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD,
HILTON HEAD, S. c., February 5th: 1865
L. s. Langley. Esq, Member Constitutional C0nren'
tom So,ult Carolina, Charleston, s. G.:
DEAR SIR Your favor of the Sd inst, in re-
ply to my letter to you OF the 2otn ult., was
received by last nights mail.
In reply to your request to permit my name
to be put in nomination as candidate tor Con-
gress from the Second Congressional District,
Composed of Charleston, Beaufort, Coueton
and Barnwel, permit me to offer you my un-
feipned and heartfelt thanks for the comph-
ment thereby paid, confidence reposed, and
Difference shown, because prompted oy motives
in strict accordance (as know your delegation
ia aware) with my sense of propriety and fitness
of things; acquired ability, qualified by adapta-
ton, age and experience.
It is scarcely necessary for me to repeat
what you have frequently known me to e1,
press, the greatest possible discretion and
prudence in these first steps In the inc!piency
of the enfranchisement OF our race IN tms
country. Every step taken by US should be
fraueht with prudence and caution, lest there
hv an er1 or prejudicial to the efforts of our
friends in and out OF the councils Of the nation,
and fatal to our cause, might be committed.
II is not necessary to our claims as American
citizens, nor important 10 the Accomplishment
of that end, that black man at this period be
representative in the nstlona! halls OF legis-
Iation. This, let me insist with emphasls, the
nation (the American people generally, are
not ready for. And this sentiment, however
undesirable, must be yielded to by US. And
when they ara ready for it, Of course there will
he no objection, and consequently NO harm
done: and should they never become ready,
then that will be the end Of the whole matter.
Let our great and good-hearted friend wen.
dali Phillips, outside Of the councils, claim
what he pfeases-it is right. His sentiments
are as essential to the political Life OF the ma
tion. as oxygen to animal life. And the same
slso with the great and good statesmen inside
of the councils. But too much OF the one at
the wrong time, would assuredly produce the tn
extinction of animal life; and too much OF the
other at an improper time, IN nke nannel ma ne
prove the destruction of our hopes ana tne
| cherished political issue of our friends.
Whatever they may claim at present as oui
rights, they do so as white men, apart ana par.
eel of the dominant race, who desire to express
for the nation, sentiments of generosity towarc
the black race, for their fidelity, PATRIOTISM ane
deeds Of military valor in the recent LIE strug
gle of the country. This they can afford u
do; but we should not presume by reason O.
this or our numbers, to assume these positions
to ourselves.
repeat the expressions of appreciation II
my letter of the 2Sth of January, OF your anc
Mr. Whipper's course in convention, OF hoer
ality and leniency toward the late oppressorf
of our race; but am as / was in regard to the
Vice-P Presidency, entirely opposed at this perl
cd Of political experience Of the country, II
any person identified with the black race enter
ing any council of the nation as q member.
a legal objection to myself would be, that
am not a resident of South Carolina. conse
ouently ineligible; and therefore most respect
fully decline the profered honor Of your noml
nation-an honor as complimentary to me al
it is liberal aud generous in you to offer it.
Be pleased 70 make known my views in full
to vour delegation, with my heartiest thanks
for their high consideration, and accept th'
warmest regards, with which
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
II. r. DELANY.