New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-05-02
A Crisis.

WASHINGTON, D. c., April 81, 1872.
To the Editor ofhe Neac National Era:
A crisis is approaching which deserves the
steady observance of every citizen, who in any
manner reioices in the prosperity of his coun-
try. In an especial manner should the col
Ored citizen watch with diligence the approach
ing crisis of Presidential election.
The past four years have been the most
eventful in the history of America and Ameri-
can Government. Most eventful in the history
of the negro race. A retrospective glance at
this time will confirm this assertion. In short
the present Administration found the country
STEPPED in national debt. Under efficient
hands, guided by integrity, it has been greatly
reduced, to the interest of every citizen ir-
respective of race, color, or past condition, as
well as to the honor of the country. Taxa
ton has been burden easier to be borne in
this than during any Administration just fol-
lowing civil war. Rebellious States have
been reconstructed into state of conformity
with law and order. The negro has received
his rights, protection in his citizenship,
and fuller representation in this than
during any past Administration known or
ever dreamed of. This is not saying that we
are to-day fully in possession of all our rights,
equal with other men. But eight years ago
where was a vestige of any one right which
we now possess? Not dreamed of in the
philosophy of the best statesman, and but OBJ
scurely seen even by abolitionists. If this be
true-and who can deny it Pit is our bounden
duty, not only as citizens, but as once OPP
pressed race, to see to it that our steps are
not backward, and furthermore, let every
thing tending to lead us backward be dis
countenanced and meet our stern opposition.
And this brings me to the Cincinnati Con-
vention, which, if supported by single col
ored man, proves him unworthy of the rights
he now enjoys, and unfaithful to his race, as
well as friend to the power which once en-
shaved him. What more can you make of the
Cincinnati Convention, if successful, than
Democratic triumph? Every man has some
darling passion which generally affords intro
duction to vice. In the language of Patrick
Henry, every colored citizen, when asked
about the Cincinnati Convention, may ex-
claim " 1 have but one lamp by which my
feet are to be guided, and that is the lamp of
past experience. know no way to judge of
the future but by the past. And judging by
the past, wish to know what has there been
in the conduct of the Democratic party to
Justify any proceeding which will again give
the reins of Government into its hands.
Trust it not, it will prove snare to your feet.
The Cincinnati Convention, when probed to
its core, is found to be the outgrowth of dis
affection between individuals. 1t is anti-Re-
publican. We are not diffident in our graft
tude to the great benefactor of the negro race,
the friend of humanity, and the cOuntry's
patriot-Hon. Charles Sumner-yet may we
cease to move when we forget the struggles
in putting us in possession of our rights as
men-as citizens. Error is within this party.
But show me the party in which it did not
exist? We mean to demand our unqualified
| rights. We mean to ask for larger and
juster share of representation. But until
time justiies refusal, no syren song shall
charm us into the Democratic party. OF the
present Administration L unfinchingly say,
"Our friends and their adoption tried grapple
them to our soul with hooks of STEEL" If
office-holders are the supporters of the Phila-
delphia Convention, office-seekers are, to a
great extent, the supporters of the Cincinnati
Convention. l make no appeal in favor OF
MISUNDERSTANDING men.
d. AUGUSTUS STRAKER.