Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-11-21
srAuNros, Va. November 10Th, 1884.

Aessrs. Ihos. c. Campbell Geo. B. Stephens,
c. L. Brock, j. II. Gibson, 4. SAovel1er, j.
j. Christian, and Benjamin Quarzes:
FELLOW C1r1zENs-I have had the pleasure
of receiving your letter of this date, in which,
after expressing coincidence in my views, on
| all public questions, you request me to state,
in writing, ''What, in my opinion, will be the
effect of the election of Mr. CT eveland upon
the political status, rights and liberties of the
colored people of the South"
Knowing, as do that you are all men of
intelligence and good standing in our COM
munity, and that you are representatives of
the best class Of your race, hasten to respond
to your enquiry.
But before doing So I must beg you to ac-
cept my thanks for this evidence of your con-
fdence. Be assured that will endeavor to
prove that it has not been misplaced, for I
shall state nothing in this letter which do no
believe to be strictly true.
In my judgment the election of Mr.. Cleve-
land will be beneficial to the best interests of
our country, and to the people Of all races and
colors. Mr.. Cleveland is man of patriotism,
ability, integrity and firmness of character
He has, heretofore, been but little connected
with the bitter contests of parties. He was
elected to the Offices which he has heretofore
held, by the united sufrages of both parties
and we all know that he could not have been
elected to the Presidency without the help of
the best elements of the Republican party. He
will, therefore, come into power under the
most favorable circumstances; and we have the
best reason to believe that his administration
will be wise, prudent, and conservative He
will have no feelings of revenge to crafty,
and o political debts to pay out of the public
treasury. He will be the President of the
whole nation. He will know no North and no
South, no East and no West, but restored
and indivisible union of all the States His
policy will be to do justice to ALL and extend
undue favor to none. Under his benign in
fuence sectional hatred will expire, and the
war of races will cease.
It cannot have escaped your observation
that it has been the constant effort of the
leaders of the Republican party to array the
colored people of the South against the whites
To this end they have tried to persuade you
that if the Democratic party were restored to
power the colored people would again be en-
slaved or if that was not done, you would be
deprived of your rights to vote, to be eligible
to office, to sit on juries, and to enjoy the ben
efts of the public schools.
Permit me to assure you in the most solemn
manner and under all the responsibility which
can attach to a man of character that each and
every one of these charges are basely false
Your freedom forever is guaranteed by the
Constitution Of the United States, which is the
supreme law of the land, and SO are all your
civil and political rights. If the Democratic
party were wicked enough to desire to deprive
you of any of these constitutional rights, they
have not the power to do SO. The Constitu-
ton can be changed only by an amendment
proposed by vote of two-thirds of both
Houses of Congress, approved by the Presi-
dent and ratified by the votes of the Legisla-
latures of three-fourt of the States. You
must see that it would be impossible to obtain
| such an assent to change of the Constitution
| of the United States. But do not hesitate to
DSiiN'O
nine .tenths of the people of the country, that
if the Democratic party or any other party
were to make such foolish attempt, it would
be hurled from power as if by whirlwind of
| popular Indignation
| 1t has suited the purposes of unprincipled
| and designing men to put these false rumors
in circulation to effect their selfish purposes
| Their object was to deceive you, and thereby
| to get your votes They represented them
selves as your peculiar friends that they might
use you as tools to put them in Office Let me
call your attention to a striking example of
| this kind. For the last four years YOU have
| been taught to believe that William Malone
| was the firm friend of the colored man and
that it was the labor of his life to protect the
rights and advance the interests of the colored
race. By these false pretences he secured the
votes of the colored people for his party, and
| indirectly, by your help, he was elected to the
| Senate of the United States.
| Now look at the sequel. few months AGO
convention was held in the 4th Congression-
al District, to nominate candidate for Con-
|
of colored votes, and as was natural, the col
| ored people desired to send one of their own
race to Congress, and for that purpose, they
| elected a majority of members favorable to
the nomination of an intelligent, respectable,
and educated colored man named Evans. He
was accordingly nominated by majority of
| the convention. But this did not suit the DUR
| pose of Malone. He was afraid that Evans
would not be submissive to his authority. He
wanted white man named Brady, devoted
adherent of his, elected. He therefore man
aged that the minority of the convention
should secede or ''bolt, " and nominate Brady.
This was done, and although Governor Came.
ron did all in his power to aid Evans. Malone
was too strong for him, and contriyed bv
| means which [ need not characterize. to have
Brady elected! Comment is unnecessary,
There is an old adage that factions speak
louder than wdrds.' Professions are cheap.
especially when an election is pending!
doubt not there are many 'sMahones," on
small scale, in Virginia! My advice to YOU
is to beware of men who deal in professions of
friendship for you! They have some selfish
end in view Courtlers fatter crowned heads
Demagogues fatter the people! Judge men