The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-02-17
LOCAL MATTERS.
, co,orea Members for sherman

rho CoIored Members Tor SherW"h.
,vrrgR PROM NINE or THE THIRTEEN CO.
topvD MEMBERS OF The LEGISLATURE EN-
,,oRsIxG HON. JOHN SHERMAN FOR PRESI-
nYNT-REsPONsE OF MR.. SHERMAN.
The following letter and reply constitute
., interesting CHAPTER of current political
b'.,orv. The former indicates that the CO.
iorCd people intend to support Republican
olectoral ticket, ard that their preference is
for John Sherman:
RICHMOND, Va, January 81, 1880.
HIM. John Sherman:
Dear sir,-Tbe undersigned. Republican
representatives in the General Assembly OF
Virginia. desire 10 extend 10 you their SIN
core congratulations over the almost uni
versql sentiment among the Republicans Of
mis- state in favor Of your nomination as
President OF the United States. All OF us
are colored representatives, and relying
unop your many public acts in defence OF
our race. have assured our people that in
the event OF YOUR election to the nigh Office
~ Chief Magistrate Of this nation that they
will find YOU their friend, ever ready TO
recognize their claims and 10 rightfully de-
fend their interest. II Is needless 10 say to
van that the cOlored people love the Repub-
ieon party. They have faithfully supported
II under the most trying circumstances IN
the past. and IL is our determination to do
likewise in tbe future.
We feel, however, that our race has been
neglected Of late years by the Republican
leader, Of the country; but we place our
confidence in you, and have hope for the
fnture. We have determined 10 give you
our most cordial and active support, and
therefore, beg 10 subscribe ourselves
sincerely your friends,
lSlgnedl
ID. NJ. MORTON, Senate:
R.G. l.. PAIGE, House OF Delegates;
y. LEWIS, House OF Delegates;
:. DUNGgE, House OF Delegates;
GEORGE \. COLE. House Of Delegates;
ARCHER SCOTT. House OF Delegates;
JOHNSON COLLINS, House of Delegates
II. ID. SMITH. House of Delegates;
IITTLETON OWENS, House OF Delegates.
WASHINGTON. d. c., February IA, 1880.
Hon. D. ". Norton, Il. q. l.. Paige, "
Ls,ciS. and others, Republican Repre-
SentdtiueS in The General Assembly, Rtcn
mond, Va:
'Gentlemen,-I have 10 acknowledge th'
receipt Of your letter Of the 3lst ultlmo
conveying TO me the kindly sentiments o
the colored representatives in the Genera
Assembly OF Virginia, the assurance o
which gives me sincere pleasure.
The situation in which you are nov
placed, not only as voters and equal citi
zcns but as part Of the Lawmakers OF th
ancient Commonwealth Of Virginia, wher
your race was for a long time held il
slavery. Is one Of peculiar interest and i'm
portance. You are now Invested with al
the rights held by any other citizens OF VII
ginia. and YOU should, and no doubt do, fec
the full responsibilities OF your position
You NAV rest assured that so far as my lin
tied influence goes will seek to sustain 70
in the enjoyment OF full civil and politics
liberty and equality. The principles upo
which our Government is founded wer
never mole eloQuently expressed than b
the great men OF Virginia during the Rey'
lutiOnary struggle. ana the rights you EMO
are but the logical sequence OF these prime
pies.
| hope and believe that while securel
ENJOYING these blessings you VIII remen
Der that they are only TO be preserved by
careful regard for the equal rights OF other'
and by contributing your full share 10 tn
education, development, and progress OF al
The influence Of the habits and customs
generations cannot be overcome in day
Dul luC duNduSt vi BuDiiO VDihiOu III IL
4 right direction has been so marked since th
emancipation OF your race that we may hop
that in a brief period the distinction b'
tween the races in all questions OF civil an
political rights will be ignored as fully
the distinction between religious sects
naliOnalities has been.
All are alike citizens OF common cou
try, equally entitled to its privileges, al
equally bound 10 obey its laws and usage
Very truly yours,
Fl [Signedl JOIN SHERMAN.
OF the four colOred members who did n
\ sign the above Senator Davis and Delega
Evans are not committed to any one ye
Delegate Bland. Of Prince George, signt
F. the letter TO Mr.. Sherman, but erased b
name because he had written letter to
friend in favor OF Grant. He is not u
I. friendly to Sherman. Delegate Ross Hal
81 !ion declined to sign the letter, but says
Fl will do more for Sherman than will any mi
IN Virginia.