New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-09-24
EG.ln Virginia.

To the Editor Of the NeW National Era:
1t is we'll known to YOU and doubtless to
many of your readers in Virginia, that am
an earnest advocate Of the Civil Rights Bill,
for reasons which l have already given in
the press of this State. am more than ever
convinced that to the failure to pass that
measure the last session OF Congress Is due
many of the recent Outrages in the South
but would exclude from them the late trou-
BILE in Louisiana, because there the colOred
people were treated as they should always
be-as the innocent parties to acts COM
planned of by my own race.
In this district have some warm friends
among the colored people to whom l would
send words of cheer through your columns;
and it would not damage white men, who are
interested in the material prosperity OF this
part of the State, to consider what l write.
am here to ascertain, if possible, the feel
ings of the people toward him, and the
chances of Hon. James B. Sener's reelection
to Congress. AS his friend, and the admirer
of his talents and abilities, | am satisfied
with the investigation so far, and that he
|
the ablest men in Virginia, (his competitor,
Beverly B. Douglas, Esq.D is part of the
'good cheer" would send my colored friends
along the eastern shore, and throughout
this district.
1t is true Mr.. Sener did not vote as would
have him when the civil rights bill was
before Congress; but there were reasons of
patriotic character which influenced his
actions, l am sure, and it ill becomes me or
you at this important crisis in the history of
Our party to fall out with him for acting as
he did.
At this time there are more important
questions to be considered, and they are more
vital to the colored people than any that
affect their civil rights. Among them may
mention ''life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness" That these may be secured to
the colored people of this nation, the next
Congress and the next National Administra-
ton must be Republican and while do not
fear but that they,will be of that political
complexion, to remove all doubt, we must
elect such men as will be in accord with a
Republican Administration will vote
with our party in Congress, even though
they may not be in as advanced positions as
we would prefer to have them.
One not in the next Congress may deter
mine the character of its legislation. Let us
not then take any risk by failing to elect
men, if possible, who will stand by us on all
questions of general character.
OF humble origin, and with the disadvant-
age Of being raised in one Of the most aristo
cratic communities Of our arstocratic State,
james Il. Sener has risen from the poor and
friendless boy to be the peer of the ablcst
and most brilliant men of our State. His
ability is Of the first order, and needs must
be, to enable him to command the respect of
more than the average bar Of this place.
1t is not eXtravagant to assert that he, as
the representative of this district, has accom-
plshed more than did his predecessors COM
bined although for many years they had the
ear Of the Administration under which they
respectively served. He has aroused the old
first district from her Rip Van Wrinkle sleep.
and taught her people what an energetic,
wide awake, and industrious representative
can do. The increased mail facilities the
dancing lights that guide the mariner along
our sea coast-the provisions made to save
the valuable lives so much endangered by our
rugged coasts in uncertain waters, and the
employment given men by the Government
through Mr.. Sener's influence, combine to
commend him as the most faithful and sue
cessful representative this district has ever
had.
To these results point the white men of
this section; but this seems unnecessary
!, since they already appreciate his efforts, and
many of them declare their preference for the
, man who has SO added to their prosperity, to
his competitor, who would be powerless at
Washington to aid them ever, were he so dis
, posed. Only the prejudced and foolish
over Mr.. Sener, who has accomplished and
will continue to accomplish so much for his
, district.
, An effort is being made, insignificant it is
true, to foment dscord among the colored
people. | am glad to know it is confined to
, the chronic GROWERS, who, were they in
Heaven, would inaugurate rebellion if their
. views were opposed. The colored men soon
will learn ,(and congratulate them that they
, acquire knowledge so rapidly that our party
: in the South would not be recognizable to our
? friends without this mscheivous element.
, implore you not to jeopardize your inter.
e ests and future welfare by encouraging any
t attempt to divide our forces. We must be
, united to succeed, and success in this district
e means to secure representative just and
4 impartial, whose highest ambition is to gain
til: appreciation of the whole people, and tc
: bring prosperity into our impoverished ant
1 almost ruined community. .
Yours respectfully,
JOHN W. WOLTZ,
RICHMOND, VA, Sept. Is, 1874.