Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-12-17
Colonel Parsons to Congressman Evans.

The following Is copy of aletter recent-
ly written by Colonel II. G. Parsons. of the
Natural Bridge, TO Congressman EVANS, OF
the Chattanooga (Tenn.) district
NATURAL BADGE, VA. Decem Dor Ia 1890.
Hon. III. Clay Exams:
Dear eir,-tn reply to your inquiry IN regard
10 tho Federal elections bill may answer that
there has been no general expression OF the
sentiment OF the Republicans OF Virginia, and
for others cannot speak but speaking for my
self aud those with whom have had opportuni-
~ TO confer We hope the bill viii not pass.
We have found no reason In the unreasoning
clamor that has been raised against IL nor any
objection In the constitutional doubts or the
congressional Limitations OF power that have
bsen made. We ouly look at II from our stand
point and within our limited horizon, aud here 10
csnnet operate for good.
We are compelled 70 recognize the facts Of our
condition that absolute maIorities do not rule
and cannot role; that courage, independence,
organizing power, and landlordism cast into the
seales decisive weight; that the solid South can
never DO broken except by the development of
internal forces; that the black race left TO its
own deliverance since the States we're admitted
cannot bear the political responsibilities that
have brought nothing but disappointment for
twenty years
We see the suficient objection to the bill In
the fact tn at Is 10 impolitc and must become In
operative That whore II can be enforced Il IL
not needed, aud where IL ts needed Is cannot be
enforced. Because it win not bring the relief
sought for to-day, and because, In the possibili-
ties Of the fusure, 10 may give dangerous power
and presidency 70 TAmmany control and De-
mocracy.
Where In the South. except In few mountain
districts where such . law Is not needed are
the brave and discreet men for supervisors
Where the police Where the Juries 70 declare
penaltiesi Where the sentiment to support the
law!
The Republican party, now charged for the
nrst time In many Year, with unchsllenged
power. may now fdlni its obligation 10 the en-
franchieed race, which has entered upon the
third decade Of loyal service ana 70 which We
have given nothing TO better their condition. /,
IL IN the power OF this Coogress land Of this
particularly writo 10 you, - you represent the
central AID most progressive Republican dls-
trict IN the Souta.I 10 accomplish q great and
benenoent work The trouble "a not 90 much
that the freednen cannot vote - that they are
not free. Only from the lettering OF their cou-
dition can they be made independent voters. The
wreck OF the Freedmsn's Savings Bank 10 still the
crime OF the century. This chjid-rsce cannot
advance with NE bsyonet behind the ballot. IL
can Only progress through peaceful vays--
through the tncrease OF wages snd savines.
Tue man who In the beginning said "forty scrss
and mule" was net withous philosophy. The
rsis OF wages can ouly 20 increased and the
earnings sAved through mssuAl labor, sduos-
ton. end postal savings bsnss. Under our pres
cot systsm the black mAn cannot be taught any
rsdss, and he VIII trnat nosninx bus NE 6ovsrn-
neat
wnsssvsr esssetiea may have existed 70
the Blair bill, zee no ground q oppoaitton 70
ne ssfAbliaAODat q Industrial schools u every