The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-11-20
Secretary Sherman Writes Letter
Declining to Take Part i'm the LOU
isiana Campaign.

isiRna Campaign.
New Orleans journals print the following
letter from Secretary Sherman, addressed to
the chairman OF the Louisiana Republican
State Committee:
WASHINGTON, D. c., November 10, 1872
Dear Sir,-Your letter OF the 9th instant, in
yiting me to address the Republicans Of
your State on the national issues involved
in the canvass pending, is received. II my
official duties permitted would gladly &C.
cept your invitation, but at this time, above
all others, am fully occupied, especially in
the preparation Of the annual report Of the
Department, which cannot be delegated to
others.
have strong faith that il Republican
principles were fairly presented to the peo-
pie OF Louisiana and other southern States
much prejudice that exists against that
party would disappear. While we intend
firmly to maintain the right OF every man
to vote and enjoy equal civil and political
privileges according to the constitutional
amendments, and while we intend to pre-
serve and enforce every right OF an Amerl-
can citizen with all the means and agencies
conferred upon the National Government
by the Constitution and laws OF the United
States, it is not the design or purpose OF
the Republican party to deprive any citl-
zen OF the South Of any right which he may
properly enjoy, or to discriminate against
him, or to be unfair OF illiberai in any
respect in developing the resources or any
State or section. 1t Is equal rights for all,
and not injustice to any, that we seek to
accomplish. 1t is shown more than ever
in the recent elections that the Republican
idea prevails in every one or the northern
States.
The same class OF men who in the South
are Democrats are Republicans in the
North. They are Democrats in the South
because of feelings and preiudices that
grew out Of the issues made by the war,
and IL they will forget these and accept in
GOOD faith the constitutional amendments,
and all that they import, their interests
and feelings would incline them to act
with the Republican party.
More important than all else is the right
OF free discussion. Every citizen OF the
United States should be free in public and
private, either verbally or in writing, to ex-
press his opinions upon all political SUBJ
jects. This is the first element OF republi-
can government. There has been feeling
throughout the North that this right is dis
regarded 10 the South; that turbulence and
violence and many forms Of intimidation
occur at Republican meetings to prevent
the free and full discussion OF public mat
tiers. this is tolerated republican gov
eminent is impossible. 1t would be to
test this allegation that would like N.Y.
self and to see Others participate freely
and frankly in your canvass, making
Just such speeches on national issues in
Louisiana as would be made in Ohio. The
effect Of such discussion would probably
be to show that there are more points OF
agreement between citizens OF the different
States than OF disagreement. Itwould tend
to lessen party animosities. and to bring
prominently forward national issues and
interests rather than local feeling and preiu-
dlce. ! hope such q discussion can be had
and will be maintained both this year and
next IN Louisiana, and that in this way all
classes OF citizeas WIN become accustomed
TO examine both sides OF political questions
and be tolerant IN the free EXPRESSION on
opinion. Very trnly yours. Il 13l1sS' 6
@S'tsr ,-FsE JOHN SHERMAN: So
Il. J.-Dan,ont, Esq, !, Chairman Republican
State Central Committee, New Orleans,
IA