The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-05-06

A Letter to the Colored People Of Virginia.
We publish, by request, the following cores
pondence, which will explain ITSELF
EAsTvILLE, NORTHAMPTON Co.. VA,
April Is, 1873.
Mr.. Jao. ". WoHz, Washington, d. c.:
DEAR SIR: You are doubtless aware that we
have issued IA call fora convention to be held
at Richmond on the 10th day Of August. the
object of which is explained in the call itself.
We feel as il we have some grievances to re-
dress and some evils to correct, and we believe
now is the proper time to lay our complaints
before our fellow citizens and the Adminstrl-
ton at Washington.
Recognizing you as one OF the lirmest and
most consistent friends OF our race i'll the Re
publican party in behalf of the sgners of the
call most respectfully invite you to give lis
your candid opinion OF the effects of our meet
ing.
Awaiting an early reply, and asking that
your letter may be published if regarded desif-
able, have the honor to be your obedient ser
want.
PETER J. CARTER.
REPLY OF MIR. WOLFF.
WASHINGTON, D. c., April %, 1915.
Hon. Peter J. Garter:
SIR: have received your letter. inviting my
attention to the proposed convention Of color
cd men. to be held in Richmond on the 10Th
day Of August coming, and asking my opinion
of its objects. ! thank you for the kind eN
pressions which your. letter contains, and feel
that the confidence reposed in me by the color
ed people of Virginia is due more to the open
manner have expressed myself to and OF
them. than to any beneficial results they have
received from my efforts in their behalf. If
should fail now to be perfectly frank, it would
be the first time, and as the present is Taught
with grave import to yonr people. | would be
worse than criminal did hesitate to deal with
vol in that spirit of candor which has clarac-
terizcd me in the past. | sincerely hope. there
fore that every colored man in the State who
reads what | now write to you. will remember
the fact that he is Il better friend
WHO TELLS YOU OF YOUR FABLES.
than he who selfishly fatters you. The call TO
which you refer is not sufficiently explicit to
enable me to express an Intelligent opinion as
to the amount of good or harm which may re-
suit from your action; but. assume to speech
late as to what ynn should do. and give You my
view upon the assumption. Ii the coored
men, who represent large per centage of the
Republican voters of Virginia, will send to the
proposed convention their most intelligent men;
men of conspicuous qualities of heart; men of
thought and resource; men whose political Ken
is not essentially duh and contracted; men who
entertain the most unaffected anxiety for the
welfare of the Safe and country; men who
will examine the importance OF the questions
which may be presented for their consideration
under the guidance of Il broad and enlightened
patriotism; then, much good may result from
your deliberations and action.
Heretofore i'm similar assemblages. though
representing Il large majority of the Republic
cln strength Of the State. you have been
BOUGHT AND SOLD POLITICALLY,
as you were bodily in the days of slavery. You
have been the tools of political tricksters to
shape their own ambitious. schemes, and in q
majority Of eases men of Z our own color have
been the s.middle-lnen'~ or agents through
whom these pernicious contracts We're made
You have been persuaded that certain indivd-
nails were your best friends, When, really, you
,,rere the very best friends Of the individuals