Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-01-16
DEMOCRACY AND THE NEGRO.
The Editor of the Freeman" Writes to
Some of the Party's Leaders.

some OF the Rarty's Leaders.
NEW YORK, Jan. 15.-The New York
Freeman, the colored peoples newspaper
here, will publish tomorrow an open let
ter to the Democratic party, written by
George 7. Downing, well-known colored
man. The letter is addressed to Hons
William DOrsheimer, David Dudley
Field, Algernon 5. Sullivan. r. A. Pryor
and Joseph Pulitzer, and says:
GENTLEMEN-I take the liberty to address
You this open letter because you are Demo-
crats and have influence with your party,
ana because believe your devotion to pure
Democratic principles will admit of your adj
Vocatlng that the Democratic party shall
hencefOrth favor recognition of the cOlOred
element OF the land as it has not heretofore
I-regard the election of Hon. Grover CIeve-
lanu 10 the Presidency as happy event. 1t
affords an opportunity for the Democratic
party to encourage a consistent and lust
policy toward the cOlored man, which be-
HeVe Will be taken advantage of. This belief
arises from expressions already made by the
PFesldent-elec from encouraging declara-
lions unexpectedly given by Hon. Thomas a.
Hendricks, from the significant stand
OF Democrats on Mr.. 0'Haras amendment to
the Reagan Interstate commerce bill, from
the position affecting the civil rights of the
c0lOred man taken by Mr.. Cleveland as Gov
lar just stands taken by a number of other
Democratic Governors, because material in
terests prompt to such a line of policy, and
because 1t Is Just. A number of circum-
stances are having the effect to arouse the
colored people from the intoXicatiOn as to
party that has been upon them. They Will be
enabled In the future TO discriminate and use
more Judgment as to men, partisan policies
and acts. Encourage them.
WHY HE WROTE.
This advance il rnada xvo,, orarf1a,,,esn
not 10 cOncede any right, but because you are
a representative portion of the Democratic
party, which Is In power, | feel warranted
IN appealing to 1t. do so because crisis is
upon the parties; because the Democratic
party Is in a more mellow mood touching the
interests of the colOred man than has eXhib-
lCeu ltsel1 within my day, and because have
never been slave 10 party. The cOlOred vote
date.
1t is the earnest wish of those who are per-
Suaded that the broader Democratic views
snail prevail IN the party, that there should
be division Of the colOred vote, and that all
remnants of past distrust be destroyed. May
our worthy incoming President be encouraged
on all sides IN the determination, 30
far as in him the power shall lay, to see
TO IL that no mans rights and privileges shall
De disseminated against, as at present, be-
cause OF his color. The cOlOred vote may be
divided. Colored men are broadening daily.
lhey are considering more and more the in
industry and frugality in begetting respect,
ana also observe the influence begOtten of
Deing cared for by their fellows, by observing
the daily consideration that goes along with
the occupancy of places of honor and trust,
ana OF other recogniGions. There is something
beyond sordId consideration involved. There
lore, may we not hope among other things
that lew competent cOlOred persons may be
appointed to some prominent position of honor
ana trust in the North? 1t would have
a happy effect. 1t would have a modifying
influence upon the whites of the South, tend
ing toward fuller acceptance of the results
OF the war. 1t would elevate, attach and
feed patriotism IN the cOlOred man. To secure
life, liberty and property, including the right
10 select lawmakers and rulers, is not a
gift. 1t Is simply showing re-
speet for rights constitutionally affirmed
as belonging to a citizen. Equality
before the law cOmprehends more than this.
IL embraces recognition as character shall
warrant In all considerations in which
equality before the law is involved. Gentle
men, believing that the incoming administra-
ton may relieve the country from an en-
oarrasslng and exciting question. and leave
the colored people more free to consider ma
terlal and like questions OF public policy,
may beg of you to give your enlightened in
nuence IN that direction. Your obedlent SER
want, GEO. II. DOWNING.