The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-01-08

Gov. Hendricks Says the Constitutional
Amendments Cannot and VIII
Not BE Disturbed.

Some time since Edwin r. Horn, editor
of the Colored World, at Indianapolis, ad-
dressed letter to Vice President-elect
Hendricks, asking him whit would be the
probable policy of the incoming admins
tation toward the colored people. Mr..
Hendricks sent reply, which has been
made public. He says:
You ask me what viii DO the probable policy
OF the incoming administration toward the
that the anewer may aliay the fears of many
who think the colored man will be shorn of
many rights guaranteed to him In common with
jected to . species of slavery. The convention
that nominated the National Democratic ticket
adopted platform for the candidates TO stand
upon that so clearly and fully stated the princi-
pies and purposes of the party tlSat no voter
could be mistaken or mised In casting his bal
lot IL has never occurred to me to question
by the adoption and maintenance of the princi-
pies and purposes 30 declared. The following
Is paragraph OF the platform: Asserting the
II Is the DUTY OF the Government In its dealings
with the people to mete ont equal and exact
Justice to all citizens. of whatever nativity race,
color. or persuasion0-religious or political"
CanI use language that will give stronger assur-
ance to the colored people that their rights,
legal and constitutional. will be respected and
pledge was made by the greatest political con-
vention ever held In the cOuntry-perhaps in the
world That convention represented more than
half the people. But stronger and firmer than
the pledge OF any party are the constitutional
provisions that prohibit al very. confer citizen
ship, and guarantee equality OF civil and politi-
cal rights. These provisions have become q part
or the machinery OF organized society, and be-
Ing In support OF natural rights are practically
irrevocable Whatever any of us may have
thought or 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 re.
law the land to be on ds
turDed. The liberty and citizenship of the col
ored man are held by the same right and guar
antee AZ those of the white man, and can no
more be taken from him nor impaired than they
can be taken from the white man. / would not
concede that part or the whole OF the people
could by any action or in any form OF law deprive
me or my liberty, except for crime committed, or.
strip me OF citizenship so / regard the liberty
and citizenship of the oolored man as inviolable.
IL was cruel thing at the late election to play
upon the credulity OF the colored people and
subject them to a groun less fear of a return to
slavery, and thus control their action voters.
had occasion, some years since, 10 express my
views upon the subject OF negro suffrage,
and in that discussion / said: II 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 be, cannot
be, repealed. There is but the duty upon all to
make the political power now held by the en-
franchised race the cause of the least evil and OF
the greatest possible good to the country The
negro Is now free, and is the 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 jndged. IL will be unfortunate for
him If he shall rely upon political sympathy for
position rather than upon duties well and intel
ligently discharged: Everywhere the white
mainly be upon himself"
am very respectfully yours,
T. A. HENDRICKS.