Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-09-22
a Political Letter from Vim. Lloyd
Garrison.
HE ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OF HAYES
AND WHEELER.

AM W hbELhh
The following letter i, in reply TO one re-
celysd from colored voter at Springfield,
Illinois, who acted A. Corporal in Co. +,
5jlh Massachusetts Volunteers, during the
Rebellion;
BosToN, September 0, 1870.
Dear Sir; | have received letter pur-
porting II como fIom you, stating that you
are "a colored voter who fought for his
country in the gallant old 55th Massachu-
sets Regiment" during the late'Southern
rebellion, aud also TO my surprised that
you have concluded to vote for Samuel
j. Tildcn," the Democratic candidate for
the next Presidency, "feeling that the con-
dition of the country demands III" yet,
not wishing to make a mistake you appeal
TO Inc as the friend OF your people, and
ask; "Do you believe that the colored
man can vote for and help elect the re-
form % ticket, aud he safer IL Samuel j.
Tilden trusiworhy?"
thank you for thus honoring me with
your confidence, aud he assured that,
making the case of the entire colored pop
ulation Of the country my own,-as have
always Hitherto dOne,-I will answer your
questions in accordance with my profoun-
dest convictions, and as one occupying a
thoroughly independent position in the
matter Of politics.
Let me premise, that l began the agits-
ton of slavery as early as the year 1873
probably before you were bOrn-and con-
tinued it until the last boudman was set
free; since which event / have watched
with the greatest svliciiude every move
mcnt likely to affect the safety, welfare and
elevation Of the millions thus signally
em1ncipated from the most crue! and de-
grading bondage the earth has ever wit
messed. And / confess that nothing has
occurred to ill me with such grave appre-
tensions for the security Of tho Sc millions
in the exercise Of their civil and political
rights, and for the peace Of the country, as
the approaching Presidential election. II
| Samuel j. Tilden should be elected, il will
be the restoration Of the Democratic party
to power and place as before the rebellion
"A party overwhelmingly composed oil
those who are deadly hostile 10 your race
in all that pertains 10 equal and exact jus
| tice-a party that, during the rebellion, de-
nounced every needful measure OF Mr.
LincOln's administration for its suppress.
ion, and in its spirit and attitude was a
constant menace in furtherance of the trea.
sonable designs Of the South-a party that
since the Rebellion, has opposed every
constitutional amendment aud every legis-
lalive act designed to destroy the last YES.
tige Of chattel slavery, and establish uni.
yersal freedom, irrespective of complex.
ional distinctions-a party that now EN-.
bodies and is controlled by all at the South
who glory in the perfidious attempt at Sc
cession, and only lament that they did no
succeed, and whose yillainous determine
ton it is, by the iercest threats, the viles
ru flianism and the most revolving slaugh
ter having already slain their thousands
virtually to disfranchise the whole body o
| colored voters, and reduce them to a STATE
of abject vassala2e. Such is the Democrat
ic party to-day. Sooner than cast you
vote for its Presidential candidate-for th,
man is worthy Of the party aud the party
of the man, aud they are zone aud INSOFAR
able"- cut of your right hand or plucl
out your right eye! II ,edS the Repubiicd,
party that put dorm the rebellion, that car
| IIed the constitutional amendments, and thd
means to enforce them 10 The ertent Of IL
| possibilities. VoTE FOR HAYES AM
| WHEELER.
| Your friend and advocate,
WM. LLOYD GARRISON.
Cyrus Danagan.