The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1879-11-22
Suggestions rrom Sherman.
The Secretary Of the Treasury Reals ;
Lesturs On Politics in Louisiana.


The Secretary Of the Treasury Reals .
Lesturs On Politics in Louisiana.
The following letter from Hon.
John Sherman, secretary of the
treasury, addressed TO the chair
man of the Republican State cen-
,ral committee, gives that gentle
mans reasons for not participant
ing in the Louisiana campaign, and
states further what the secretary
deems necessary to tho lessening
of party animositics in that State:
Washington, ID. c., Nov. 10. '7s.
Dear Sir Your letter Of the 9th
inst, inviting me to address the
Republicans Of your State on the
national issues involved in the
canvass pending, is received.
fmy official duties permitted
would gladly accept your invita-.
ton, but at this time, above all
others, am fully occupied, cspeci
ally in the preparation Of the an
nual report Of the department.
which cannot be delegated TO 9th.
ere.
l have strong faith that II Re-
publican principles were fairly
presented to the people Of Louisi-
ana and other Southern States,
much prejudice that exists against
that party would disappear.
While We intend firmly to main.
taiu the right of every man to
vote and enjoy equal civil and po.
litical privileges, according TO the
constitutional amendments, and
while VIC intend to preserve and
enforce every right Of an Ameri.
can citizen with all the means and
agencies conferred upon the ma
tional government by the conslitu-
ton and laws ofthe United States.
II is moi the desig,, or purpose Of
the Republican party to deprive
any citizen of the South Of any
right which he may properly en-
ioy, or TO discriminate against
him, or to DO unfair or illibcral In
any respect in developing the re-
sources ofnny State or section.
II is equal rights for all and not
| iniusliccto any that We seek to
accomplish.
! 1t is shown moro than ever In
The recent elections that the TO-
publican idea prevails IN every
one OF tho Northern states.
The same class Of men, who, "
the South are Democrats, arc Re-
publicant in the North.
They arc Democrats in the Soutl
because Of feelings and prejndicc'
tina, grew out of the issues made
by the war, and If they will forge
these and accept in good faith th'
constitutional amendments aud al
that they import. their interest
and feelings would incline them Il
act with the Republican party
More important than oil else Is tn
right of free discussion. Ever.
citizen of the United States shoul'
be free In public and private, citll
or verbally or IN writing, to ex
press his opinions upon all poliii
} cal subjects.
This Is tho first element Of Re
publican government. There ha
: been n feeling throughout ih
North that this right is disregard
cd IN the South; that turbulenc
and violence and many forms Z
I intimidation occur at Republica
] meetings to prevent the free an
tull discussion Of public matters.
Q II this is tolerated, rcphbllcn
d government is impossible.
a would be to test this allegatio
Q that l would like myself and SC
g others participate freely and franl
s ly in your canvass, making ju'
r such speeches on national issu'
Q in Louisiana as would be made
# Ohio
o The effect Of such 4 iiscussio
i. would probably be 10 show th'
is there are more points OF agrccme'
I. between citizens Of the ditferel
}. States than Of disagreement.
It would tend TO lessen par
animosiIies, and to bring prom
nently forward national issues Al
cntcrcsts rather than local fcclil
l. and prejudice.
a / hope such a discussion can
le and will be maintained both tll
Is year and next in Louisiana, al
10 that in this way all classes Of eli
/. zens will become accustomed
70 examine both sides OF polite
8 questions and be tolerant IN q
Ia free expression Of opinion. We
d truly, yours,
10 John Sherman.
d A. J. Dumont, Esq, chairm'
le Republican eta,e central colnnil
ID tee, Now Orleans, La.