New-York tribune., 1880-02-17
ooLoRED MEN FOR SHERMAN

REPUBLICAN MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA LEoieIn
TURE PROMISE HIM sUPPoRr-sEcRETARY sHhh-
MANS REPLY go,
RICHMOND, Va, Feb. 16.-The Dispatch VIII
publish 10 morrow the following letter to secretary e'
man, dated Richmond. January 81
DEAR SIR The undersigned Republican Represens ~ es
tend to you their sincere over ~,
universal sentiment among the ~ be United
IN favor Of your nomination as PRESIDENT Oh 'ho 0
states ,,,crron
your many public acts In the defence OF our N
assured our people that in the event Of your hsy
the high office OF Ohlef Magistrate OF this NatOn' h &
will ind you their friend ever ready 70 req, Ievos sn' ~
claims aud rghtfully defend their interests ,ora
the RepHbIcan party They have faithfully supported
# under the most trying circumstance 10 t1e , ~
We feel Soweyer that our race has been neglected OF
late years by the Republican leaders OF tne & ybe
We place our confidence In you ana hH'o "OP' '''
We have determined give you most cordial ana
active support. and therefore Deg 10 tuosci''
sincerely your friends. =, ,.r,s
D. NJ Norton state Senator G. L. Paige ~ LeCaI CaI
lins a. d Smith. Litron owen. Members oil the HOUSE
Of Delegates ~ ,.o
Secretary Sherman replies as follows IN eter ua'e
Washington February IA
GENTLEMEN: have 10 acknowledge receipt OF yI your
letter OF me 3ls ult, conveying TO me the KINDLY SEMI
ments OF the colored representatives, IN the neeIa,
Assembly, of Virginia the assurance OF which gives me
Rho sitnaton in which YOU are now placed, not only
as voters and equal citizens but part OF the law
makers OF the .ancient Commonwealth OF Vlr2lna.
where your race for long time held IN sla'eI! 10
one or peculiar interest and importance -, ,
You are now invested with all the rights hed by an!
other citizens Virginia, ana you should ana no oouo'
do feel the full responsibilities OF your position
You NAV rest that so iHr ~
my limited influence goes Will seek 10 SUSTAIN
you in the enjoyment of full civil and pOntlcal hoerV
and equality. - .. l., ,ou,,ao,
Tie principles upon which our Government Is foundep
were never more eloquently expressed than Dy lne
great men Of Virginia during the Revoluuohary
struggle and the rights which You ENJOY are Dut tho
logical sequence these principles.
hone and believe tba while securely enjoying these
blessings you will remember that they are only 10 ue
preserved by lawful regard for the equal rights OF
Others by contributing yOur ful snare 10 inc eu"
cation. development and progress OF oil. -,
The influence OF the habits and customs OF genefaos
cannot be In day. bat the advance on puuHc
Opnion I'm the right thas been 80 marked since
the emancipation OF your race at we may Dcast th,,
in n brief period the distinction between races ~ All
questions OF civil and political rights will lie ignored
as fully as the distinction between religious scctS OF
notiJnaiIes has been. ,,
All are alike citizens OF common country equally
entitled TO It's privileges and equally bound TO obey lts
laws INV JOHN SHERMAN.
The Dispatch states In addition that OF the tour re-
maining coIored who dId not sign the above
letter two are yet committed to anyone the third
Is not friendly 10 Sherman and the fourth declined to
sign but he Will do more for Sherman than VIII
any man IN Virginis