The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-05

bIlHu, SepleulutT maintenance, Z,oJ4.Sf, re-
pairs, s109.52
Can the Negro Afford to He a Democrat
To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
In the first place. why should the negro
vote the Democratic tickets? What great
grants and favors nave been bestowed upon
the negro by the Democratic party? They
never granted one privilege to further our
manhood, but contested every measure
that would benefit the negro; contested ev-
cry right that the grand old Republican
party drafted to promote the welfare of
colored men. Lovejoy toiled in vain In
advocating the negro's interest; his pen
was sharper than the sword; his press
was the medium that hurled the thunder
bolts of truth at the Missourians; that
reused public sentiment to condemn the
acts of the negro advocates, the champion
of ~free-soil principle. Lovejoy, the editor of
a paper called the Bee, stung Missouri
border ruffians to the quick; to right their
wrongs his type and building were de-
stroyed by mob violence.
Look down the annals Of time and see
the bloodstained backs of your ~grandsires,
and then tell ne how you can afford to
vote for a party that never advocated
your cause. If it is for the base dollar
you sell your manhood to a party that
never went on record to advocate your
cause, you vote for a party that eracts
avs to humiliate you, your wife and your
children. The 'Jim Crow cars stand out
as a living monument, not to elevate, but
to degrade. Then, look facts in the face
and see our grand old Republican party-a
party of progress; one that aims to advance
and perpetuate our country and solve the
great problems tn protect, on land and sea,
TO unite and harmonize. to protect all home
industry, open all avenues of commerce.,
develop the hidden treasures of the Rocky
countrymen. 1t is the party of law and
order throughout the land; then, with ma
tive pride, cast you vote for the party that
proclaims the fatherhood of God and father
hood of man. The party stands to-day that
dominated john - G. Fremont for its stand,
in 1860, who commanded the ship of state
hood and nailed the stars and stripes 10
dust. Vote for the party that Governor
Morton worked so hard for-all honor to
his name! Like a living monument his
memory is green in the love of all the citi-
zens of Indiana. Vote for principles based
upon the measures of the grand old party
vote for the party that said you have a
right to vote. and we will give you that
right to guard your citizenship; vote for
tLC paw ina ~ yOo WIN NCotCo
rights. Then tell re how the negro can
vote the Democrat, ticket. Ali great
measures that great 'n and el erand t oia h partS. a the a p mah;
of this Nation, gave to him. 1t gave him
the bayonet, the gun and the sabre and told
him to use them like a man. Search the
records of the battleields and they will tell
you a true story-a living wall, 100000 hearts
that beat as one, 5000 souls that sang
me not that the negro can afford to vote
the Democratic ticket.
people. our God answered in a manner
that surprised the world; that gun that
sent forth the death sound of slavery
ter. accomplished things not intended; then
tell me how can a negro afford to be a
Democrat. Is it for the gift of the position
lar, or is it for the great love you have for
the Democratic party? Is It for laws the
Democratic party y enacted, for your
ears, or is it for some
great grant or measure that party drafted
for the elevation of the negro? What law
or acts have the State or national Demo-
cratic party granted to further the negro
on his march to manhood and prosperity?
cratic ticket in the face of facts that stand
on record as the opposer of all methods
that the Republican party drafted to raise
and elevate the negro of America. Charles
Sumner, thanks to the Supreme Ruler. his
good works stand to-day fresh and green
in the minds of all true and grateful Afro
American ClIlZelS, ana lQey Cast their vote
in love and honor to commemorate the
work Of one that was struck down by
Preston Brooks. of South Carolina, in the
Senate chamber for defending the rights of
the negro; then how can the negro vote
against the Republican party that gave him
the privilege of that vote, which he never
would have got from the Democratic party?
The negro of to-day places little value on
the great acts of men who went to the
grave defending the rights of negroes and
transforming a slave into a citizen of the
limited States Look hack fhfrfv-fivQ VIM 9
a trembling slave, and to-day we stand the
admiration of the world by our advance
ment in all pursuits of life, and we owe 1t
TO the Republican party. Then how can a
negro afford to Re a Democrat? 1t is wise
TO discriminate in local issues where the
negro has no Vital interest at stake; but,
nevertheless, use good judgment under all
circumstances, and when the Democrats
come out boldly and acknowledge the negro
by giving him positions of trust in placing
backed by measures enacted to further our
manhood, backed by good faith in helping
our people in their struggle to light the adj
versities of life-then ii is time enough 10
proclaim. I am a Democrat We, as a peo-
| pie, cannot afford to commit an act of in
gratitude to right an imaginary wrong. II
is an undisputed fact that the Democratic
party never would have had the oppor-
tunity to place Taylor in the recorders Of
fee If the Republican party had not given
him his vote, for they never would have
had any use for him or any negro, only &c
subserve their interests. Then act the mar
of honor, so that your acts VIII not re-
bound, out be admired by your fellow-man
The negro should learn we have other ave-
nues to open outside OF politics. All me-
groes cannot live by politics. We have to
Introduce our boys into shops. our girls
into stores, help move commerce.; produce
4 something yourself. and don't consume
everything the white man makes, and in
time you will arrive at the point of ac-
knowledged worth that commands respect.
Learn your boys to be machinists and
tradesmen. to pursue the battle OF life that
they can attain wealth and be builders in
the land. and then 1t will be time to say,
I an, a Democrat. +. G. ROBINSON