National Republican., 1883-10-16
SEE game to-day, Athletic park.
Tho Colorod People OF Virginia.


WAsHINGToN, ID. c., Oct. Ill have been
asked so often how the colorod people of vir-
ginia would vote in tho November election
that thought l would ask you to please find
space for my answer. l think that can an
swor that question without moments hosi-
tation. l believe that there win not be l 600
colored men in tho state who will vote tho
straightout ticket. Now, of course, you want
my reasons. First When the readiustcr
party was organized in 1879 a great many
colored men thought that its only purpose
was TO benefit the white democrats under the
guiso of tho state debt, and that idea
was encouraged by the federal Office holders
who tried them, and some of whom aro try
ing now, with the assistance of such mon as
Laws, of the District of Columbia, who do not
vote anywhere, to make the colored people
believe that there was no other way by which
the people of Virginia could be saved except
through tho straightout republican party
But Notwithstanding such pressure, enough of
us did vote with the readjusters to carry the
state and the legislature which elected Gen.
Malone to the United States senate Then in
1881, following up the victory of'79, the ropub-
licans and readjusters formed coalition and
elected Gov. Cameron and tho whole state
ticket and n legislature which elected Riddle
berger to aid Malone in his fight against
bourbonism, and which carried into effect
those measures of reform and relief for which
the people of Virginia had so long anxiously
yearned. Had it not been for disloyalty on
the part of four Of the members of the coali-
tion party, that legislature would have re-
apportioned the state, so that a majority of
members elected to congress would have been
r6adjusters without doubt
Next came the great fight Of 1872, when the
straightouts placed at the head of their ticket,
for congressman at large, the Rev. John NJ.
Dawson, and they and the democrats COM
bined could not get as many as 5000 votes.
What has the party done since it come into
power? 1t has established on u firm basis
our public free schools, more than doubled
their number in different parts of tho state,
and built one, costing 100000, for the higher
training of teachers for the elevation of our
race. You ask me how they will vote. This
same party has and is now protecting us in
our right to say who shall rule over us. 1t
abolished that barbarous institution, the
whipping post. That which it seemed to me,
the whole republican party of the country
could not do, we, with the aid of the read
juster party, got clear of ourselves. l tell you
here and now, that we will vote with tho read
| iusters almost TO q man. OF course there arc
some that will vote what they may be pleased
to call the straightout ticket, but they will
not hurt us but little. Smallwood, Blunt &
Co. cannot come from North Carolina and tell
us that by voting the straight ticket we will
be most benefited in the state. Laws cannot
come from Washington and tell us what is best
so far as politics are concerned. We are glad
if you will come and help us, but do not come
with your side show to carry us iuto tho bour.
bon ranks; just allow us to do our own think.
ing in this, and we will help to set You free,
although you live at the capital OF tho nation
My fellow countrymen, prepare for tho battle
on the sixth of next month. You wont have
to carry any tax receipt; tho party that you
stood by in the last three elections has taken
that burden from you. Cheer up and go for.
ward to battle on the day of election. Very
respectfully, p. X. JONES.