National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-08
PERSONAL.
Senator pipOhhaOk Rises to Exnlain.

Senator Pinchback Rises to Explain.
The New York Herald recently published
special dispatch from this city, in which it
was stated that Senators Conkling, Freling-
huysen and Howe were opposing the admis-
sion of Mr.. Pinchback to a seat in the Senate,
and setting forth the reasons that prompt
those Senators in their alleged opposition.
That dispatch was copied by the Progressive
american of New York, with editorial COM
ments. In reply to the editorial comments
Mr.. Pinchback has written the following letter
to that journal:
John }. Freeman, esq, Editor ''Progressius Amer
lean, - NeIo York:
DEAR SIR: have received through Mr.
George T. Downing copy of your valuable
paper of February 4, 1875, and have noted the
article entitled "Senator Pinchback, !" in which
you suggest and call attention to the supposed
unreasonable opposition that have met from
Republican Senators in securing Senatorial
recognition. You state:
"Senator Conkling objects because as he saya
II will recognize the validity of the election or
1872 But upon that election Governor Kellogg
holds the reins Of the State, and Senator Uonk-
ling recognizes him as the lawful Governor. If
his election was lawful, then Pinch backs was
lawful; If It was unlawful, then why is he recoz-
mixed as the legal Governor Of the Slater FIRE.
linghuysen says he is not 1T 70 sit among Sen
ators. Why not? Has anything been proven
against him? We haven't heard OF it; and If
there has, why don't they say SO? Senator Howe
says be would not on any account vote for him."
l appreciate not only the motive which
prompted the article, but the evidence of in
terest manifested therein by and in the interest
of colored men. l presume that your refer
ence to the supposed utterances relative to my
case Of Senators ConkliDg, Frelinghuysen and
Howe are based upon incorrect Information,
and does those Senators injustice. l question
whether Senator Conkling has expressed any
such opinion as alleged upon my Senatorial
contest. Senator Frelinghuysen has repeat
eddy assured me that his action would not be
based upon personal considerations; and
esteem him too honorable to have made the
ungentlemanly remark attributed to him.
| discTedit the remark attributed to Senator
Howe, because have reason to believe that,
afte- mature consideration Of the subject in
| all Of its bearings, he has so far modified his
views that he will recognize and sustain my
claim as Senator elect from Louisiana.
1t is possible there may be Senators sufi-
GENTLY narrow minded to be governed by their
| personal prejudices on this question, supposing
that might desire to take advantage of nv
official position to force myself masked upon
| their social life. Such a superstition would
not only proceed upon an unjust estimate of
| the purposes of ny race, but would be in oppo-
sition to my own personal respect and manli-
ness, which would prompt me as sacredly to
respect the social sanctity Of Others as it would
to protect the integrity Of my own.
But hope better things Of Republican Sen
ators than this, and therefore shall await, as
calmly as may, the final settlement of my
case, when the votes of honorable Senators,
with the reasons therefor, shall be placed be-
fore the country
Confident that you appreciate the motives
that prompt me to suggest the corrections in
reference to the gentlemen named, and thank
ing you heartily for the interest manifested for
me, have the honor to be your much obliged
and obedient servant,
P.B. s. PINCHBAcK,