Richmond planet., 1890-08-02
FEDERAL ELECTION ,BILL.
NEW York, July %. 1890.

NEW YORK, July 30, 1oSV.
DEAR SIR:
1t is suggested that il the Federal
Election bill should become a law,
and then be made operative, that the
Negroes OF the South would be bene-
fitted TO the extent that they would
be protected in the exercise of their
franchise as voters, and as n conse-
quence be enabled TO bring about and
Improvement in their political status.
The colored men however seem to be
somewhat divided in opinion as to
the good there is in this bill, and are
suspicious that it contains many
elements of mischief.
Claiming That any endeavor made
By the Negroes, which wonid have
the slightest appearance OF their
seeking to dominate the South p0li-
| tically, would be exceedingly dis
pleasing Co the more powerful and
wealthy classes of Southern whites,
and create feeling amongst the un
educated which would find express
sion in active and bitter opposition.
That it would tend to ALLEVIATE the
more conservative element of the
whites, who are now disposed to
treat the Negroes with some degree
of fairness.
That it would engendera spirit of
intense antagonisn. calculated to
increase the unfortunate friction
which already exists between the
two races, To find expression in trou-
bles, in nature somewhat similar to
those which caused so much suffering
during the period when rapine and
murder were the Negroes deplorable
fate as the consequence of the Re-
construction" Act.
That it would bring about q con
dition of affairs fraught with many
Ievils, which would deal n death blow
TO the growing prosperity of the
South, and destroy the peace and
safety of all Southern citizens, but
more particularly yAfro-Americans.
| These suggestions. if they contain
Ianything of probability, become oi
the gravest interest TO the whole
country, and, as a consequence, ex-
lpressions of opinion for and against
this bill from men of understanding
of that race which would be the most
affected, are of the first Importance
For this reason have been commits
stoned by the press generally of New
York City, to-eurrespond with you
and to ask you for replies, for the
public good, to the following ques
tions:
| FIRST. Do you believe that the
Lodge Bill is measure which has
been instigated by unseliish and pa
ltriotic motives or by az unsgys,,, -,
Ious desire to continue, at ans cost
and for an unlimited time, the Re
) publican party in power?
II SECOND. Do you believe that il
would be for the best interests q
|. Afro-Americans, that the Republican
lparty should enjoy long continued
/ and uninterrupted power?
II THIRD. What changes, politica
3 or otherwise, do you think would b,
/, likely to occur in the status of tn,
; Negroes in the South, if the bill shoul,
become operative?
1 FOURTH. Do you think there i
4 n possibility that the enforcement O
a this bill would be sequenced by rae
!, troubles or complications of an,
kind?
FIFTH. Do you think that th
bin in its effects would in any wa.
interfere with the general prosper
ty of the South?
Il hope that you will consider til
= subject Co which have called you
n attention of sufficient Importance (
!, induce you to forward me a promI
> answer, containing full and pertineI
> Ireplies to the questions herein COZ
> tained. have the honor TO be,
Yours very respectfully,
~ HENRY F. DOWNING.
! 164 Franklin st. Brooklyn, N.