The Portland daily press., 1872-08-01

nothing in hate nothing in vengeance.
Never have l asked for punishment. Most
anxiously l have looked for the time which
seems now at hand, when there should be
reconciliation, not only between the North
and South, but between the two races, so
that the two sections and the two races may
be lifted from the ruts and grooves in which
they are now fastened, and instead of irritat-
ing antagonism without end there shall be
sympathetic cooperation. The existing DIFF
ferences ought to be ended. There is time
for oil things and we are admonished by
widespread popular uprising, bursting the
bonds Of party, that the time has come for
arrangement to cease between people who,
by the ordinance o. God, must live together.
Gladly do l welcome the happy signs, nor
can l observe without regret the colored peo-
lpe in organized masses resisting the friendly
overtures even to the extent of ntimidating
those who are the ether way. 1t is
for Them to consider carefully whether they
should not take advantage of the unex-
pscted opening, and recognize the bail bond
given at Baltimore as the assurance of peace,
holding the parties always to the full per-
Torrance of its conditions, provided always
that their rights are fixed l am sure It cannot
be best for the colored people to band to-
gether in hostile camp, provoking antagon-
ism and keeping alive the separation of races.
Above all there must be no intimidation, but
every voter must act freely without constraint
from league or lodge Much better will it be
when the two political parties compete for
your votes, each anxious for your support.
Only then will that citizenship by which you
are entitled to the equal rights of all have its
natural fruits; only then will there be that
harmony which IS essential to q true civiliza-
ton. The present position of the colored
citizen is perilous. He is exposed to injurious
pressure when he needs support. But 1 see
no early extrication, except in the way pro-
posed. Let him cut adrift from managers
who would WELD him solely as a political
force, with little regard to his own good, and
bravely stand by the candidate who has stood
by him. ga
If the Democrats are with him, SO much
the better. The association once begun must
naturally ripen in common friendship and
truth. I am for peace in reality, as in name,
from the bottom of my heart. am for peace
and welcome all that make for peace with.
deep-felt satisfaction. remember that no"
citizen who drew his sword against us has
suffered by the hand of the executioncr. In
Just association with this humanity will be the
triumph of equal rights, when the promises of
the great Declaration are fulfilled, and our
people are united as never before, in the en-
duriug fellowship of o common citizenship.
To this end there must be reconciliation. Nor
can l withhold my hand. Freely accept the
hand that is offered, and reach forth my own
in friendly grasp. 1 am against the policy of
hate. am against tanning ancient flames in
to continued life. l am against raking the
ashes of the past for Goals of fire yet burning.
Pi e up the ashes; extinguish the flames
abolish the hate. Such is my de-
sire. And now, turning to the Dem
ocratic party, hold it to all the
covenants solemnly given in the adoption of
Republican platform. With Horace Greeley
as candidate, there can be no backward step.
With no common sympathy have observed
that Mr.. Hendricks, leading Democrat,
whom l knew and esteemed in the Senate, has
recently announced his acceptance of the con-
stitutional amendments, with their logical re-
suits he proposes as proper keynote to
the extraordinary movement now swelling to
a sure triumph, just laws and public virtue.
This is a worthy aspiration, entirely fit on this
occasion. My keynote is: "The unity of the
republic and the equal rights of all, with
reconciliation" '-'t "-7'" =
Such is my cry; and wherever my voice
can reach, there do 1 insist upon all these,
humbly invoking the blessings af Divine Piov-
dence which am sure must descend upon
such a cause. Accept my best wishes for your
selves personally. and for all the people you
represent, and believe me, gentlemen, your
faithful friend,
(Signed) CHARLES SUMNER. j
To A. I. Augusta, VIM. H. Wormley, and
others. ID