The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-10-16
An INTERESTING QUESTION.
should Colored Citizens Vote the Demo-
cratic Tickets

To THE EDITOR or THE SUS-Sir: An effort
Is made TO place in an uncnviable light all col
ored men who favor the Democratic party. lido
not pretend to speak for all. but as favored the
party after rejecting and conscient iousy with a
purpose of which am not ashamed. and with
results that are not unfavorable. the intended
purpose Of the revlers with me fails.
When acted with the Republican party years
ago 1t was under protest; the party did not ac-
cord what was due the colored man. adhered
TO II n long time with the hope that II would
change its policy. II will be seen in reviewing
its history and that OF the Democratic party so
far as they relate to the colored man, that con-
sistency and devotion TO justice have not been
masters in either.
take It that every intelligent, honest colored
man who has regard for manlincss and consist
ency must admit that in fellowshipping with
either lie must, to be at all consistent. be moved
by policy with an end that Is commendable
Policy with an eud that is commendable induced
me 10 my course.
| am convinced that Democrats who compose
one-half Of the whites Of the country must be
induced to become more just toward the colored
man before any great change can he calculated
upon through political agencies. How to effect
such change has been with me for some time
a matter Of deep concern. do not approve Of
an unrelenting antagonism of the Democratic
party; do not despair OF IL: am encouraged
when see SO many influential and intelligent
Democrats OF the North as disposed as are Re-
publicans To manifest respect for worthy colored
persons | consider that they may be induced to
influence Democrats in other parts. especially II
made 10 Feel that the party may succeed by 40
doing. Interests which were obstacles have not
now an existence. | believe that favorably dis
posed Democrats may work In our behalf with
considerable hope OF success. There have been
declarations made by national conventions OF
the Democratic party which go SO far IN favor OF
the right, affecting the colored people as has
ever been expressed by any national convention
quiescence in such expressions through acts that
are encouraging: we already see com
favors the colOret man. Is II not polite with
the above In view, for the colored vote 10 have a
representation in both parties? In putting this
more manly course would be to stand outside OF
both parties because OF their lack OF respect for
am banding to circumstances. | take into ac-
count that there are too many cOlored courtiers
men OF note, with itching palms, for such pol.
The Democratic party has since it made the
advanced step putting in nomination Horace
Greeley for the Presidency, as favorable a record
affecting the colored people as has the Republic
can party There are criminal acts in sections
endorsement Of the Democratic party. AS to the
disposition Of patronage, it must be considered
service. The Democratic party has my support,
not only In view OF the above, but because OF its
the benefit Of limited number, Which ifmit tef
number are better on financially than are the
party has adopted.
cannot refrain from expressing as an Ameri.
can and as an advocate Of the position that man
is fitted for self-government. the mortification
that Is upon me, because in late elections
many Democrats stultted themselves by voting
Tor the Republican party, whose policy Is against
theirs and their interests. Some may have
been blinded BY the incorrect statement that the
monetary dihculty in the country was brought
on by the present Administration; but The
main binding point used was that a Demo
cratic Congress had failed 10 redeem fully
pledges Of reform. When the fact is considered
that reform was not complete success, because
a limited number were Induced 20 jOin the
enemy In antagOnizing the same, II is marvellous
that Intelligent electors acted as they did: they
were blind to the fact that the principles OF the
party remained unchanged, that not it, hut a
few persons who are responsible for the failure
are the individuals who should bear the blame
GEORGE 7. DOWNING.
NEWPORT, X. l., Oct. Is.