New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-10-11
Mr.. GREELEY,S RESPONSE.


can State Committee:
GENTLEMEN Absence in the interior of our
State precluded a prompt response to the
nomination you have seen fit to tender me. l
improve the earliest moment to reply to your
kind notification.
You do not need to be told that I did not
want the nomination any more than expected
it, and that do not desire the Office. But
clearly comprehend that political life has its
responsibilities and its duties as well as its op-
pOrtunties and its honors, and l accept with
out hesitation, thanking you for the faith you
have evinced in my devotion to the Republican
cause l trust that some friend may be able
to say 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 cheerfully render.
There are those who would persuade us that
the Republican party has finished its work,
and should now dissolve and pass away. They
say this in full view of the XVIII Amend
ment, whereof the ratification by the States is
still pending and by no means assured. They
say it in defiance of the fact that we are called
to vote this Fall directly to abolish or retain
the Property Qualification whereby part OF
our own citizens, who were required to serve,
and did serve, in the armies of the Union, are
yet denied the Right of Suffrage. -Four Col
ored men from the township adjoining mine
fell dead on the single field of Olustee, fight
ing bravely for freedom and their country;
and now their SONS are denied voice In
the government of that country by the
efforts and votes of men who have
no more property and no better education than
they, and who took excellent care never to
risk their lives in defense of tho Union. If
there be one Union soldier-even One-who
votes to deny the Right of Suffrage to the
sons of those who fell fighting for the life OF
the Republic, must believe that he was inn
peled to enlist rather by love of bounty than
love of country.
For myself, having all my life done what /
could to secure a legal and practical recogni-
ton of the Equal Rights of American citizens,
having on two occasions stood at the polls, as
/ usually do on election days, and distributed
ballots in favor of abolishiDg this most invidi-
Gus and iniquitOus Property Qualification, L
rejoice in the third opportunity now afforded
me for so doing and shall thankfully improve
it. In the course of Nature, cannot expect to
live many years longer; but l hope to be
spared long enough to see this relic of Slavery
erased from the fundamental law of our State.
If unsuccessful now, shall urge resubmis-
sion of the question at the earliest day, and so
again and again until Sham Democracy shall
be wearied or shamed into saying, like its
prototype, the Unjust Judge of old, Though
I" 1 fear not God, neither regard man, yet will
/" / do justice to this poor sutton, lest by con-
q tinual coming he weary me-" In no State
within my knowledge has this question of I'm
4 Ca hoap ronaafa6lv euhroitta1
that large gain of votes to the right side
was not realized at each successive trial until
victory crowned the exertions Of the cham
pions of Equal Rights. Let us never doubt
that such will be the result in our State, and
with steadfast faith in the ultimate triumph of
Justice, let us thank God and take courage.
This is the off-year in politics. Men whose
patriotism barely suffices to take them to the
polls when a President, or when at least a
Governor and Members Of Congress, are to be
chosen will not come out this Fall. The great
army of disappointed ofice-seekers and selfish
aspirants to live on the public will also con-
tribute vastly to the legions of sulky stay-at-
homes. Gen. Grant, lacking the miraculous
power which fed multitudes to repletion on
few small loaves and fishes, has offended these
patriots beyond the hope of present forgive
ness. Let me- therefore, entreat them to go to
the polls, and there work and vote simply for
the Constitutional Amendment securing I'm
partial Suffrage They will thus proclaim that
their personal disappointments have not af-
fected their principles and that their past pro-
LESSONS of Republicanism were not insincere.
They shall be most welcome to vote against
me, and still claim to be better Republicans
than am, if they will thus evince undated
devotion to the cause. 40
congratulate you on the assured triumph
of Equal Rights regardless of Color in flu
ture by no means remote. The general adhe-
sion of the South to this principle insures its
success. There will be, as there has been, a
great party throughout the South which calls
itself Conservative and stigmatizes its oppo-
nents 40 Radical, but the former claims to be
as heartily and thoroughly for Equal Rights
as the latter, puts Colored men on its tickets,
and in every way manifests its faith by its
works. Even though this position were reluct-
antly taken, do not believe ii insincerely
held, and clearly see that it can:inlno case
be abandoned. Nor can great National
party base itself on EQUAL Rights in the South