Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-10-29

The following is Horace Greeley's letter &c
cepiing the Republican nomination for Comp
troller of the State Of New York:
To The Hon. HAMILTON HARRIS and associates
Republican State Committee:
GENTIENEy; Absence in the interior Of oul
State precluded prompt response to the nomi
nation you have seen fit to tender me. | i'm
prove the earliest moment TO reply to your kind
mod.
You DO not need to he told that | did NOT
want the nomination any more than expected
1t, and that do not desire the office. But
clearly comprehend that political life has its re-
sponsioillties and its duties well as its oppor-
tunities and its honors, and accept without
/ hesitation, thanking you for the faith YOU have
evinced in my devotion to the Republican cause.
| trust that some friend may be able to saw with
truth at my grave that my political friends
never were asked by me for any favor and never
required Of me any honorable service that did
not cheerfuly render.
There are those who would persuade us that
the Republican party has finished its work, and
should now dissolve and pass away. They saw
this IN full view Of the XVIII Amendment, where
OF the ratification by the States is still pending.
and BY no means assured. They say il in de-
tense Of the fact that We are called TO vote This
Gall directly to abolish or retain the Propertv
tualiicStion; whereby part of our Own citizens.
who are required to serve, and did serve, in the
armies OF the Union, are yet denied the Right of
Suffrage. Four colored men from the township
adjoining mine fell dead on the single field of
Olustee, fighting bravely for freedom and their
country, and now their sons are denied a voice
in the government of that country by the efforts
and votes Of men who have -
and 10 better education than they, and who took
excellent care never to risk their lives in defense
Of the Mon. If there be one Union soldier
even oHe-who votes 10 deny the Right of Suf-
irage TO the sons Of those who fell fighting for
the life Of the Republic, must believe that he
was impelled TO enlist rather by love of bounty
than love of country.
For myself, having all my life done what
could to secure legal and practical recognition
Of the Equal Rights of American citizens, having
on two occasions stood at the polls, as | usually
d. ou election days, and distributed ballots in
favor Of abolishing this most invidious and in
iquiious property qualification, | rejoice in the
third opportunity now afforded me for so doing.
aud shall thankfully improve it. In the course
Of nature, cannot expect 10 live many years
longer; but hope to be spared long enough to
see this relic Of slavery erased from the fInda-
mental law OF our State. Ii unsuccessful now. |
shall urge submission of the question at the |
earliest day. and so again ard again until Sham /
Democracy shall be wearied or shamei into saw I
ing, like its prototype, the unjust Judge of old.
- Though fear not God, neither regard man,
yet ~il do justice to this poor sutton, lest by |
continual coming he weary me" In no State
within my knowledge has this question of impair
tial suffrage been repeatedly submitted that 4
large gain of votes to the right side was not real
lied at each successive trial until victory crown
Ell the exertons of the champions of equal rights.
Let us never doubt that such will be the result
in our State. aud with steadfast faith in the
ultimate triumph Of justice, let US thank God
and take courage.
This is the oh-year in politics Men whose
patriotism barely suifices to take them to the
DOLLS when a President, or when at least a
Governor and Members Of Congress, are to be
ihosen, will not come out this fall The great
lrmy Of disappointed offce-seekers and selfish
spirants to live on the public will also contrib