The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-06-15
FHE VIEWS OF A COLORED MAN.
To the Colored Voters Of Anderson
County.

us proper pOlltlcal Sentlment SeelnS W
be highly important and necessary to the
colored element of Anderson County, we
deem it our duty to discuss briefly the
most important and prominent points
which concern us as race. Therefore,
we sincerely hope that it will not incon-
venience you in the least to give publi-
cation through your valuable columns to
few timely and much needed remarks
upon the political situation Of both
County and State.
My colored friends and countrynien,
when in the year 1865 we were freed or
emancipated by the great and strong
hand of Providence, which all consistent,
conscientious and good-thinking men
believed then (but scarcely so pow) to be
an act of pure justice, there was given to
us an important and political problem to
solve, which we have failed to perform
satisfactorily thus far.
The question may be asked, what is
that problem of which we have failed to
give a proper solution? 1t is true the
answer to the query is so obvious that
the most careless observer could answer
it, but for fear of misconstruction being
placed upon the true intention of the
writer by some, it may be prudent and
wise to discuss plainly wherein we have
almost made failure politically.
Well, we are all mindful of our having
been granted certain political and civil
rights, which placed us on the level with
those who were once masters and rulers
and good number of whom accepted
the results of things and the then situa-
ton, while there were others, both North
and South, who doubted the propriety of
such sudden elevation; also intimated
and believed that the granting of full
political rights to a race of people whose
chances had not been favorble in the
great struggle of life, and procuring a
common education, which is the only
true foundation upon which these rights
could be properly maintained to the in
terest of all concerned, would, beyond a
doubt, end in failure and not success.
However, almost twelve long years have
elapsed. Each in its turn bade US God.
speed in the great political race which
we began in 1865. Now, have we been
diligent in trying to remove such doubts
as may have existed in the minds of
many? Have we even kept up or in
sight of those who were our great beacon
lights? who in the beginning pointed
out our pathway, and showed us the
many dangers thereof, among whom was
the lamented Horace Greeley. Have we
perpetuated the confidence once placed
in us by our many friends, both North
and South? Have we removed the
doubts which were entertained by the
majority of the Southern people and a
goodly portion of warm friends elsewhere?
Have we reflected credit upon those who
strove to confer this right upon us? Can
they appreciate the manner in which we
have used them? In the face of great
and persistent blunders, can they con-
tinue to support and defend US? And,
above all other questions, have we been
very careful as to how we cast our ballot
and for whom we voted? All, my colored
friends, we should give serious thought,
especially to the last query, and ask our
selves the questions, What is the impor-
tance of vote? Of what does vote
consist? and how and when to use it
There is no little value placed upon the
right of suffrage. We must impress it
upon our minds that the welfare of the
American Nation depends entirely upon
the manner in which her citizens, both
white and colored, cast their votes. In
short, our political destiny lies within
our votes. We can easily preserve or
destroy our rights and the rights of others
by our actions. In answer to some of
these questions, we must admit that we
have committed some gross errors in
elevating to high and honorable positions
miscreants and unscrupulous men. We
have also made some fearful blunders in
continuing in Office men of known and
ill-reputation. Thus, our problem seems
to be more complicated than it was in
the commencement of our political jour-
ney. Now, we believe that there is yet
a sufficient space of time given us to give
proper and judicious solution to the
problem. In other words, We have some
time in reserve to make good and correct
some of our glaring errors, and once
more gain the good confidence of our
American friends. Some of you may
ask how are we to go about correcting
the blunders which we have made. AS
this is q very easy question, ond does not
require logician to answer it, we only
propose to answer by way of discussing
some of the most important and promi-
nent duties which will devolve upon us
in the ensuing campaign, in which we are
to figure as American citizens.
Now, my fellowmen, it is scarcely
necessary for me to say that the cam
paign of 1876 is to be more important to
the American people than any that the
historians of America have or ever will
place upon the political record of this
country. Yet the same is true. The
most important issues which will be
brought to bear will directly concern us
as race, and will no doubt settle a great
political question which is just coming to
the surface property or an educational
qualification before you can vote for a
man of your choice for any public posi-
ton.
Believing strongly in the popular
adage, eight fire near home first then go
abroad to help the neighbors," we pro-
ceed to discuss County affairs first, which
Immediately concern us. We have every
reason to believe that the County is in a
more healthy condition than our State.
The majority of our County offices are
generally filled with tolerable good men,
and for the most part reflect great credit
majority of the Offices are. filled with
Democrats, yet they got considerable
number of colored votes, the reasons of
which are very obvious to political
observers. Notwithstanding all this, we
must protest against the manner in which
some of these officers manage to gain the
votes of the people. There are certain
Democrats and so-called Republicans
who, while the offce-fever is on them,
come to us with seeming high-howlng
- 4o1 into tho i6ao Of vOt-