New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-26
Continued from first paqe.

contingency they are going to support him for
office, he will be most wofully deceived.
They are not going to do it. l read the re-
ply TO the memorial of the Taxpayers Con-
vention, and when the committee of distin-
guished gentlemen reach the National Capt.
tai and present their memorial, they will
lind that President Grant and Congress have
already received Mr.. Cardozo's paper. and
already understand the situation, and will
be able to make up just judgment l do
not want any one to misunderstood me.
That believe there is a necessity for cor
rection of abuses in the State as have all
ready stated. l have already said we could
have done better; that l believe we have
elected some men to position who are cor
rupt, and who hold offices now to the dis
grace Of the party and to the injury of tn
State. We cannot and must not repeat
TINS thing. My hopes and aspirations are
wrapped up in the race to which belong.
L want to see it live and prosper as be-
lleve God intended that it should. The
country may hold the colored people in
South Carolina responsible for bad govern
ment, want to say, in the name of that
Republicanism which 1 represent, that the
country would be justified in so doing by
virtue OF the fact. that the colored people in
south Carolina are in the majority-the
white vote being 5000 and the colored vote
$4,000; therefore, the colored people would
justly be held responsible for the affairs of
the Government and, to that extent, they
ought to feel the necessity of wiping out
every stain and Of removing every wrong
from self-interest, from a sense of decency,
from the love of good government.
But to return to the subject: There are
those who have devoted their lives to the
doctrine of civil and political equality, and
have given their time and labor to the pro-
motion OF the cOlored men, who are anxious
~ watching us, and bid us do our duty; who
would feel modification and regret should
we trifie with our vast responsibility as cit-
zens. l believe that there is sufficient viz
tue common sense, pride of race,
and love of country in the breasts of the
colored people to secure to us an improved
condition of affairs. Let each man in our
primary meetings, and in our conventions,
feel that his country's welfare, and his own
political salvation depend upon his actions
and vote; and as have previously exhorted
you act as if by your individual vote you
could effect the reform so much needed, so
much desired. And now, gentlemen, in
conclusion, let me thank you most hearth
ly for this compliment. AS long as 1 am in
possession OF my senses, shall try to de-
serve your confidence and support, and to
the extent of my ability to work for your in
terests and your welfare. And when, in the
next campaign you are called upon, as you
will be, to select men for our important
offices, see to it that they are men whom
you can trust-men who will not deceive nor
disgrace you. AS to myself, l shall go
against any man, be he black or white,
whose past conduct in Or out of Office does
not give us the assurance of better govern
ment, cost me what it may. Again, gentle
men. l thank you for your more than kind
and cordial welcome.