The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-06
The COIOr.LiiIe I'm Politics.


telligent voters of this State which de-
mands dispassionate and serious consid-
Grafton. AS a political and civil right,
Judges have been required to place negroes
upon iuries. The Republican party has
availed itself of the numerical voting
strength Of The cOlored people to retain
control of the Federal Administration.
To that party the negro was indebted for
his political privileges, and hence natu-
raj utilization. During many years Nir-
ginia has maintained white and conser-
yative State government despite her large
colored voting population. The question
of the political status OF the negro has,
perhaps, occasoned as slight disturbance
or even discussion as the circumstances
would admit. AS long as the white peo-
ple remained true to themselves and were
united but little evil resulted.
Unfortunately, through the schemes OF de-
signing men, new issues were started, and
upon local and State questions the Conser-
yative party was divided. General Nit
hone and his followers formed coalition
with the colored people on State issues.
making what Is known as the Rtadiustcr
party, which was in reality a Coalition
party, and which claims to be Liberal !"
people were to remain Republicans; on
State questions they were to act with Read
busters. The whites being divided, OF
course the colored people hold the balance
Of mover. By means of this combination
Malone and his friends secure for them
selves political position and control OF Fed
eral patronage in the state as well rs OF
the State government. Measures for the
qualification of the colored people are
passed by the Legislature, and more lbe-
raj allowance of Federal patronage is doled
ont to them.
The most radical and sweeping changes
have been effected in the organization of
the courts, Of all public institutions, and
| in the management OF the schools; and
they are all ostensibly and directly design
ed for the purpose Of cementing the coai-
ton AID retaining the power in the hands
of the Readiuster party. What Interior
purpose the leaders OF the movement may
have is as yet dimly disclosed. but it is be-
leved one object at least is to secure the
electoral vote of this State for the nominee
OF the Republican Convention in 1884.
Ever since his manumission, participa-
ton i'm political affairs has been the ambi-
ton of the negro; to vote is his dearest
right, to hold Office his cherished aim.
With the consciousness of his importance
as a voter, resulting from the solicitation
of candidates; with the qualification re-
sulting from leadership" and speech
, making in political canvasses; and now
with conviction that he holds II balance
of power, and can dictate terms to white
, leaders, the negro Is not remarkable for the
modesty OF his claims. Courted, aided,
and directed by leaders who know how to
make him useful to their purpose, and who
{ are willing TO divide the political spois
with him, the negro now seems determined
to stand upon what he calls his "rights.v
The result is no difficult TO fOresee. All
offices are for the public service and the
? good OF society. II colored man has
qualifications superior to white man for
any office, he may be supposed to have
"claims"; but on account Of his color OF
his voting value to given party, in igno-
rance and incompetency, he has none. The
"color line" in all religious bodies has led
to distinct and separate organization. Ii
the colored people themselves, or pretend.
ed friends for them, press this question in
politics, like result will follow. The
: Caucasian race Is not likely TO be domi-
; mated by the negro race; every effort in
this direction is injurious to both. To
give over the control OF our schools 10 a
class too ignorant TO read their own vote !:
or the management Of our financial affairs
to those who have little or no material in.
terest a. stake; or the making and eyecu.
ton OF our laws TO those who have con.
fessedly little regard for the rights Of
property--all are contingencies most earn
estiy to he deprecated Charlotte Ga.
zette.