The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-08-03

Cl8ueu: a. L. Augusta, III. D., David
Fisher, Sr., John 81. Smith, Edward
Cruiser, Wm. 81. A. Wormley, VIM. P.
Wilson, R. w. Tompkihs. John II.
Brown. Henry Lacy, w. b. Bell, J. L.
n. Bowen. NJ. D., Jacob Dewitter,
Samuel Proctor, J. J. Ketchum,
Charles N. Thomas, VIM. II. Shorter.
Henry Hill, Turman J. Shadd, Geo.
u. johnson. Christopher A. Fleet
wood, Charles F. B,uce, David Fisher,
Jr, David King and VIM. Polkney.
To Hon. CHARLES SUMNER.
WARRINGTON, D. G., July 90, 1872.
GENTLEMEN AND FELLOW. CITIZENS: II Ihavo
delayed answering your communication OF
July 11th, which was duly placed in my hands
by your committee, it is not because the pro-
per course for you seemed doubtful, but be-
cause wished to reflect upon it, and be aided
by the information which time might supply.
Since then have carefully considered the in
auirles yoa hsye % az addressed s me Ear ana listened
now is In harmony with my early conclusion.
am touched by the appeal you make. It is
true that am the friend OF your race, and
am glad to be assured thst in your opinion
have held a consistent course in the Senate
and elsewhere as the special advocate OF your
rights. That course, by the bleseing OF God,
mean to hold 80 long as life lasts. know
your infinite wrongs, and feel them as for my
you add belief that my counsel, at this oriti-
cal juncture Of your citizenship, would be free
from personal feelings and partisan prejudice.
In answering. your inquiries, I oan have no
feeling except for your good, which most
anxiously seek; nor can any prejudice OF any
kind be allowed to Interfere. The occasion is
too solemn. Especially is there no room for
personal feeling or for partisan prejudice.
No man or party can expect power except for
the general welfare; therefore, they must be
brought to the standard OF truth, that they
may be seen in life and act. You are right in
esying that the choice for the Presidency is
Horace Greeley. One OF these Is to be taken;
and, assuming my acquaintance with both.
and my observation OF their lives, you invite
my m Judgment & :: between .S them, aaking me espe.
antecedents. as we'll as present position,
would enforce the Constitution and laws, se-
curing. your civil and political rights, with the
most heartfelt sympathy and the greatest
you naturally. put your yighta In the fore
ground. So do believing most sincerely
that the best interests OF the whole country
are associatedwit the oompletest recognition
OF your rights, so that the two races shall live
together in unbroken harmony. also re-
mark that you call attention to two things,
the "snteceaents' O. the two candidates; and
secondly: their present position" You wish
to know from these which gives assurance Of
the most heartfelt sympathy and greatest
vtgor in the maintenance OF your rights; in
other words, which, judging by the past, will
be your truest friend.
The communication with which YOU have
honored me Ia not alone. Colored fellow.citi-
zens in other parts Of the country, may say
In nearly every State Of the Union, have made
similar request, and some complain that
have thus far kept Silent. I am not insensible
! to this appeal. But il my opinion is given, it
must be candidly, according to my conscience.
ln this spirit answer your inquiries, begin
| ming with the autecedents Of the two candi-
dates. a. 49,.
!. Horace Greeley was born to poverty and
educated himself in printing Office. Presi.
| dent Grant. fortunate in early patronage, be-
came o. &c cadet @ st West Point, and was eduoat-
| nothing but industry and character; the
| other started with q military commission.
One was trained as civilian; tho other as q
soldier. Horace ss,,. Greeley stood forth as re.
listed as pro.slavery Democrat, and, at the
| election Of James Buohanan, fortified by his
vote all the pTetensions OF slavery, including
the Dred SCOTT deoision. Horace Greeley
from early life WAS earnest and constant
against slavery, full OF sympathy with the
oolored race, and always foremost In the
great battle for their rights. President
Grant. except as soldier, summoned by the
against slavery. nor has he at any time
| shown any sympathy with the colored race
Horace Greeley earnestly desired that colored
citizens should vote and ably ohampioned i'm.
the other side. Beyond these contrasts, which
are marked, 1t toannot be forgotte that Grace
Greeley is person Of large heart and large
understanding, trained to the support OF
human rights. always benefcent with the
poor. always ready for any good cause. and
| never deferred by opposition or reproach, as
when for long years he befriended your peo.
pie. Add to these qualities, conspicuous in
his life. untiring industry, which leaves no
moment without its fruit-abundant political
neutrality-suspicious. with history-tho
instinct and grasp Of statesmanship-an
amiable nature-a magnanimous soul, and,
above I'LL, an honesty which no suspicion has
Of what are the anteoodents OF Horace GREG
ley. Few Of these things appear in tho Pre-
| sident. His great success In war, and the
honors he has won, oannotlchange the record
OF his conduct toward your people, especially
in contrast with tho lifetime fidelity OF his
competitor, while there are unhappy "anto.