Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-08-17
SUMMERS LETTER.

The letter of Hon Charles Sumner,
Of Massachusetts,, advising the colored
people to vote for Horace Greeley,
closes with these eloquent words:
THE DUTY OF THE coLoRED MEN TO
UNITE ON GREELEY.
Gladly do welcome the happy signs
nor can | observe without regret the
colored people in organized masses re-
sisting the friendly overtures, even 10
the extent of intimidating those who
are the other way. 1t is for them to
consider carefully whether they should
not take advantage Of the unexpected
opening and recognize the bail bond
given at Baltimore as the assurance OF
peace, holding the parties to the full
performance of its conditions, provid-
ed always that their rights are fixed.
| am sure it cannot be best for the
colored people to band together in a
hostile camp, PROVOKING antagonism
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 il be when
the two political parties compete for
your votes, each anxious for your sup
port. Only then will that citizenship
by which you are entitled to the equal
rights of all have its full fruits. Only
then will there be that harmony which
is essential to true civilization. The
present position of the colored citizen
is in peril. He is exposed to iniurious
pressure where he needs SUPPORT; but
| see no early extrication except in the
way now proposed. Let him cut adrift
from managers who wicld him merely
as a political force, with little regard
to his own good, and bravcly stand by
the candidate who has stood by him.
If Democrats unite with him, so much
the better. The association once be-
gun must ripcn in common friendship
and trust. l am for peace in reality
as in name. From the bottom of my
heart | am foT peace, and welcome all
that makes for peace.
UNITY OF THE REPUBLIC WITH EQUAL
RIGHTS AN RECONCILIATION.
With decp-felt satisfaction | remem-
Der that no citizen who drew his
sword against us has suffered by the
hand of the executionor. In lust as
sociatiOn with this humanity will be
the triumph of equal rights when the
promises of the great declaration arc
all fulfilled, and our people are united
"a = navar hafnra -, ~ n ouJ,,;,. r. II -.
ship of common citizenship. To
this end there must be reconciliation
nor can withhold my hand. Froel,
| accept the hand that is offered and
reach forth my own in friendly grasp
l am against the policy of hate; | am
against tanning ancient flames into
continued life am against raking in
the ashes of the past for Goals of fire
yet burning Pile up the ashes, OK.
tinguish the flames, abolish the hate
such is my desire. And now turning
to the Democratic party, | hold it tC
all the covenants solemnlygiyen in tn,
adoption of Republican platform
with Horace Greeley as its candidate
There can be no backward step. Will
no common sympathy | have observed
that Mr.. Hendricks, leading Demo
crat whom l knew and esteemed il
the Senate, has recently announced
his acceptance of the constitutions
amendments with their logical results
He proposes as a proper keynote to The
extraordinary movement now swelling
to sure triumph Just laws anC
public virtues" This worthy aspir
alton, entirely fit on this occasion
My keynote is: THE unity of the Re
public and the equal rights of all
with reconciliation" Such il my cry
and, wherever my voice can reach
there do | insist upon all these, hum
bly, invoking the blessing of Divin,
Providence, which, l believe, mus
rest upon such a cause.
Accept my best wishes for yourselve,
personally, and for the people you re
present and believe me, gentlemen
to be,
Your faithful friend,
CHARLES SUMNER,
To DR.. Augusta, VIM. II. A. Worm
ley, and others.
I