Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-08-26

THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE BELIEVED HIM TO pr
THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE PLAcr-Hrs VIEWS
REGARDING THE coLoRED PEOPLE GIN
ERALLY.
The New York Herald correspondent sends
nom the saranac a report OF an interview with
the President I'm relation 10 the appointment OF
Mr.. Matthews 90 succeed Frederick Douglass as
recorder OF deeds Tor the District Referring 10
the rejection by the Senate OF Mr.. Matthews
nomination, the President Is quoted rs saving:
IT. however, Matthews was really rejected
by party vote. then the party did not rise 90
the importance OF the occasion. IL was "A mat
ter Of very grave Importance. I'm which partizan-
ship Is curiously and obviously out of place.
deavored earnestly TO ind out all about him. I
thought succeeded. 4 consulted those who
were best acquainted with him-who know his
whole personal history. had only one object,
namely, 10 put the best man could nnd-thai
Is. the best coored msn-in the position. The
able men They have aceompIishe n" ssn ssay
during the last twenty five years 1 could not
appoint them all. so was compelled 10 use my
feilow-citizens, and at the same time to give the
appointment 20 q faithful and able man.
, !nink 4 have done both. Matthews is 1 be-
lieNe, thoroughly competent fellow. He has
GOOD education, and he achieved IL I'm spite OF
many serious obstacles. He occupies a good
honest hard work The people who know him
most Intimately speak OF him most highly
mar more can be requested?"
"A coiored democrat" suggested the Herald
correspondent, "is regarded as q novelty. 1
nave even We n heard that one gentleman well
dan,nnna @shngton remarked that a colored
monstrosity." ~ e'sA
Yes. he replied, at believe there is some
sucn OPINION IN the air. But II Is not an opinion
OF which man has any right TO be proud. A
colored democrat an anomaly: And why.
"Well," answered the correspondent .ne.
cause the soutnerners, who were their masters
IN .. me OLD days, were nearly all democrats"
years have brought great changes IN this conn.
Try. The old relations are broken up and the
OLD times can never return. The north and the
south are equally gratified for this TACT Won
cannot apply the rules which obtained yester.
day TO the things Of to-day. We are q new ma
belong TO ancient history. Now then. we hsxo
two great parties in this country. That IA our
salvation. Every four years these parties have
the campaign. But when the DC ht is over then
We forget the fight and settle down good naIur.
eaiy 70 support the administration I'm every hon
est effort toward good government Well the
colored people OF the south are just like ali the
rest OF us. The moment they begin 10 recog nire
the duty OF citizenship. that moment they will
them. Does any reasonable man suppose that
Wnen the white people OF the country divide
democratic parties the colored people will AIN
mink alike and join the republican partyr This
~ an insult TO the colored mans brains. Ii is
lue sneerest nonsense, and more than that it
would DE great political calamity. Differences
Oh opinion Is not only the charm OF the republic
ouu ~ Is also ITS safety, and have no doubt
neltner has any thoughtful man-that when
education does Its effective work the colored
race OF the south will partly wheel into line
with the republican party and partly in line
WIN the democratic party. Ii cannot be other
wise SO long as human nature Is what * is now
4 nave great respect Tor the colored people
Again and again 1 have told the delegations
wnich have visited me that they must have
CONVICTIONS OF their own and act on them: that
they must choose their politics with thoughtfui
care and personal Independence. In that way
alone can they become worthy citizens OF the
pest government In the world. 1 appointed
Matthews solely because 4 believe him TO be
the right man for the place, and feel certain
right" e 1891