St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-29
MATTERS POLITICAL.
hendricks Writes a Letter Ex-
planning the Democrats
Position Regarding
the Negro.
certain Democrats Propose TO Tighten
Cleveland's BurdenSby Helping
Him Divide the SpoiIs.
komeis Says He Has Documentary Evidence
in His Possession of His Fathers
Naturalization.
The NEGRO and the Democratic Party.
Especial Telegram 10 the GIoha

The NEGRO and the Democratic Party.
Especial Telegram 10 the Glo5el
INDIANAPoLGs, Ind, Dec 28.-some time
since Edwin +. Horn, editor Of the Colored
World and first alternate delegate to the Re-
publican National convention from this state,
addressed letter to Mr.. Hendricks asking
him what would be the probable policy of the
incoming administration toward the colored
people under date of the 18th inst Mr. Hen
bricks sent reply, which is now made pub
Tic for the first time. He saws:
You ask me what will be the probable
policy of the incoming administration toward
the colored people. The inquiry seems to be
made that the answer may alloy the fears of
many who think the colored man
will be shorn Of many rights guar
anteed to him in common with all
citizens, and that he will gradually be sub
jected TO a species of slavery. The conven-
ton that nominated the national Democratic
ticket adopted platform for the candidates
to stand upon that so clearly and fully stated
the principles and purposes of the party that
no voter could be mistaken or misled in cast
ing his ballot. 1t has never occurred 10 me
be followed by the adoption and m2inten-
ance of the principles and purposes so de-
clared. The following is paragraph of the
platform:
Asserting the equality Of all men before
the law, we hold that it is the duty of the
government in all its dealings with the peo-
pie to mete out equal and exact justice to all
citizens of whatever nationality, race, color
Or persuasion, religious or political"
Can use language that will give stronger
assurances to the colored people that their
rights, legal and constitutional, will be re-
Spected and upheld by the incoming admin
lstration. This pledge was made by the
greatest political convention ever held in this
country, perhaps in the world. That con-
vention represented more than half the peo-
pie, but, stronger aud firmer than the pledge
Of any party are the constitutional provisions
that prohibit slavery, confer citizenship and
guarantee equality of civil and political
rights. These provisions have become a
part Of the machinery of organized society,
and, being in support of natural rights,
are practically irrevokable. What
ever any of us may have thought
OF the propriety of the adoption
of the later constitutional amendments at
the time and under the circumstances of
their adoption, they are now to be regarded
IS part Of the fundamental law of the laud,
never to be questioned or disturbed. The
liberty and citizenship of the colored man
are held by the same right and guarantee as
those of the white man, and can no more be
saken from him or impaired than they can
be taken from the white man. l would not
concede that part or whole of the people
could by any action or in any form of law
deprive me of my liberty, except for a crime
committed, or strip me Of citizenship, so /
regard the liberty and citizenship
of the colored man as inviolable.
1t was cruel thing at the
late election to play upon the credulity of the
colored people and subject them TO a ground
less fear of a return to slavery and thus con-
troll their action as voters. l had occasion
some years since to express my views upon
the subject of NEGRO suffrage" and in that
discussion l said
am not able to see why the subject of
negro suffrage should be discussed. 1t must
be known to all that the late amendments
will not and cannot be repealed. There is
but the duty upon all to make the political
power now held by the enfranchised race
he cause of the least evil and
of the greatest possible good to the country.
The negro is now free and is tie equal of
the white man. In respect to his civil and
political rights, he must now make his own
contest for position and power By his own
conduct and success he will be judged 1t
will be unfortunate If he shall rely upon
political sympathy for position rather than
npon duties well and inteligenty dis
charged. Everywhere the white race should
help him but his reliance must mainly be
upon himself. l am very respectfully yours,
Z. A. HENDRICKS