The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-03-16
| can only be scared by denial OF the rights
and privileges OF others, aud It IL only upon
this theory that we can comprehend that,
l ~ hot thor

tnc aggression OF passion, preIuu'ce, ah'
wrong
Happy for us. as citizens, that we eau ap
peal from these narrow and benighted poll
ticans to the broader gauge and more lib
eral people known as the Readjusters
whose movement has so speedily shet
abroad It's benefcent reforms and influence:
throughout all our public affairs and through
all classes OF our citizens.
This Is the party OF progress; the party
which neither in law nor practice makes
any distinction in civil rights or political
privileges on account Of race, color, or pre-
yious or present condition and the party
which encourages aud protects tree
schools, free speech. free suffrage, and
au honest count. The Readjuster party
does more than tbis-it cuItivates re-
spect and attachment for the Union-that
Union which we lJvc so much and TO which
we are so firmly attached obedience TO the
Federal Constitution-goodf faith In observ-
ing the conditions OF reconstruction and
1t opposes the Bourbon element OF implaca-
BILE hostility TO the National Government.
IL declares for the repeal, and has taken
legislative steps for The repeal Of the poll
tax restriction on suffrage; and IL Is fore
most, and diligent and untriDg in its efforts
to lessen and tighten the unjust and intol.
erable burdens that crush the StIte and
paralyZe all the industries OF the people.
In this great work OF progress and reform
all good and c0nsiderate men should join
heart and hand 10 make ii a success.
VIRTUE AND INTELLIGENCE,
so necessary TO the safety and prosperity OF
good government, are only secured through
the universal free education OF the children
OF the State; and individual liberty, pros
perily aud happiness, as well as the general
weli-being and elevation Of the community,
are most readily and certainly attained and
fosiered by public schools that neglect no
class and no portion OF The body in which
resides the popular sovereignty, dignity,
and power.
Ii is for these and other like cOnsidera-
tiOnS, therefore, that we, the representatives
of the cOlored people OF Virginia, in State
Convention assembled, do hereby most earn
estly recommend that in the state election
for this year. 1881, the support OF the coll
Ored voters OF the state be given TO the
liberal Readiuster party Of NirgiDil, calling
all mankind to witness that in so co0pera-
ting with this party, which in 1879 cast a
large majority OF the white Conservative
votes poIled in the State election OF that
year, the c0lored voters Of this Common
wealth give the best evidence in their power
OF their reputation Of the color line in
politics, OF their depreciation OF a continued
war Of races. and Of their eager desire to
establish amicable aud harmonious relations
with all Nirgnlans, white and cOlOred,
upon the simple basis Of common clti.
Zenship. In recommending this course TO
YOU, cOlored citizens Of Virginia. we do so
in the full conviction OF its wisdom and
propriety, believing that thus can he best
secured those rights as citizens which every
other source has either denied you, or has
been impotent 10 accord you. supporting
THE GALLANT LEADERS
OF liberalism, shoulder to shoulder with our
white fellow citizens who rally TO the de-
liverance Of Virginia and Virginians, we,
too. shall share in the victory, or shall be
the chief sufferers from a defeat that Will
reinstate relentless BOurbOnism over Us all.
With no harsh words for such As may differ
with witnessing such difference more
in sorrow than in anger-we cannot re-
frain from expressing our regret il there
should be Republicans to cooperate openly
or secretly, directly or indirectly, for the re-
stordtion OF Bourbon Funderism. In q
crisis like this, we cannot but regard a
siraigbt.out Republican, as the
Republican party OF Virginia is-as an ac-
ceptance of the gage Of battle on the color
line, already thrown down by the State
Committee Of the Bourbon Funders in their
recently published address. II we should
be thus marsbaled in a real contest for SUI
prenacy with the Bourbons, we should not
merely emulate the ultralsm, but would do
precisely the suicidal thing they wish lis to
do. And if the proposed Republican fight
is not TO be real one. but a mock one what
honest and intelligent colored man desires
TO play so shameful part TO aid Bour-
bonsm and iniure readiu,tment? The
Funders see no salvation for themselves but
IN the color line. II they cannot have an
actual one, the basest counterfeit may serve
their purpose. Our safety is in
THE DESTRUCTION OF THAT LINE,
and that will be accomplished when, shrink
ing wisely from a real contest on that line
and proudly disdaininga sham fight upon it,
we honestly combine with the mass OF our
white fellOw-citiZens, the ReadiuSters, in
the furtherance OF the rights, privileges,
and interests or all.
We are at least as much concerned as any
class OF our white fellow-citlzens in the
fl eedom of the ballot, the Sanctity OF the
ballot-boX, the equality OF duties and
rights before The law, The reduction OF pSb-
lie burdens which always bear hardest on
labor the upbuilding of the State, the
maintenance OF broad system Of public
education, and the protection OF human
rights, and we should unite with those
whose banner bears such promise upon its
folds.
The Republican party OF the nation i
not in question here and now. But In adj
vising as we do we should be recreant TO
our faith and devotion could we consent TO
allow even our silence 10 misinteJpret our
sentiments and our principles. The ma
tional Republican party, from its advent TO
the present moment, has given too many
evidences OF its friendship for the rights Of
man for us 10 renOunce our allegiance 10 it
IN any time Of need. To do so would be
base iDgratitude; and our grateful hearts
will cling TO 1t even when it may no longer
need US. But the coming contest in Vir-
,inla, involving our rights and interests as
citizens OF this State, is one ia which prin-
,iples and not names must guide our con-
iuct; and In seeking good government
lere, for the good OF all, we feel that we are
lot recreant TO any duty properly incum-
)ent upon
TRUE REPUBLICAN.
Those who differ with us in this supreme
moment Of our fate are respectfully asked
I they will not refrain from efforts to battle
rs in this endeayor to improve our cond-
ion as men and Virginians. We think we
,an see the dawn OF brighter day. Equal
avs for all, fairly administered; free suf. |
rage and a fair count, with the necessary |
esult Of full citizenship for all, and free |
,dUeation not only extended to our chill. |
lren the rudiments Of knowledge, but ex.
landed under liberal administration until |
he highest walks OF learning shall be open
d wide TO our aspiring youths. Then will |