Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-04-10
DEMANDING TIIEII: RIGHTS
sNIEH no FsgI; REAIsy

The matter of color promises to be
come an important element III the com
lug campaign and one fruitful OF mucl
dlscord i'll the Radical camp. There
is trouble ahead, and it grows ont O
the fact that the "cOlored element O.
the Radical party has become tired OF
serving simply as hewcrs Of wood anG
drawers of water, and have determined
to become, if not heroes in the strife, al
least office holders, with good comfort
able perquisites thereunto belonging.
The North Carolina correspondent
of the New YORK Times, CRadicaD wrii-
ting from Raleigh presents the ease
with much force. It says
1t is possible the Republicans NAV
lose votes in the east and centre unless
the demands of the colored people are
acceded to. 1t is notorious fact that
the patronage of the State and Federal
Governments has not been distributed
as it should have been among all classes
of competent Republicans. The col
ored people have submitted quietly.
while they believed their rights were
In danger, rather than defeat the party.
But they come to the front at this time
and demand q prOportionate share of
the public patronage, and they present
competent men for the various posi-
tlons which they desire shall be filled
by colored men. If these demands are
not satisfied, and the colored men are
beaten in the various nominating con-
ventiOns, lukewarmness will I'M
doubtedly spring up, and the colored
element will not turn out and vote. A
delegation of colored men are now in
Washington City, demanding the re-
moval of Mr.. Rumley, Collector of the
port at Wilmington. They denounce
him as drone, and demand the an
polntment of live, energetic Repub-
hcan. Should the President see tit to
continue Rumley as Collector of the
Port, in all the large counties, where
the colored vote preponderates, the
offices will be filled by colored men at
the August election. The effect of
such policy will be to weaken the Re-
publlcans III counties where the whites
predominant and many men who are
on the verge of allying themselves with
the Republican party will "halt," and
wait for another campaign. If these
obstacles can be removed, The Repub-
hcans will go into the campaign pre-
sent1ng solid line of battle determin-
ed to win triumphant victory.
It seems, therefore, ii the Times be- !
correct, and we know of no better au-
thority in Radical matters than the
New York Times, that the result in
North Carolina hangs upon the reno
val of Mr.. Rumley from the Office of
Collector of the port of Wilmington.
II he shall be removed Radicalism
will be jubilant, if lie shall be retained
n Office the party will mourn.
MIR. Rumley carries pretty broad
shoulders physically. but whether he
vii be able to stand up under the
leavy weight of responsibility thus
tut upon him, remains to be seen.
His position is a conspicuous one,
nd indeed may be said to be unen-
liable one, but to do him Justice we !,
elieve it may be said that he is one of :
hose men who have had their great
ess thrust upon them. Indeed we +
oubt not that his daily prayer, that is
Collectors of Ports ever pray, is :
let us unload! q
What will be the result Of the con- t
'st we cannot say. It is very pretty e
uarrel as it stands and We are not T
lsposed to interfere in it. h