Year: 1876

THE SOUTH AND THE PRESIDEN


TIAL ELECTION.


If we measure people by their profes-
sions, then the Democratic party has much
to expect from the south in the coming
Presidential election. In measurement
Of claim by professions of speech, We
take as the standard Of value the tidings
which are brought to us through the rep
sentatives in the halls Of Congress from
this country. They are men who repre-
sent large and intelligent constituencies,
who reflect tho sentiment of their constit-
nency upon National questions, and are
therefore the most competent persons to
judge their feelings npon momentous mat
matters. The St. Louis ticket meets with
approval in the South. The people Of
that section above all others knew the
meaning Of "true REFORM" It'll for the want
of this they have been borne down until
their whole country is prostrated, and they
must look to change in the National
Government before they can recuperate.
This is appreciated not alone by the ma
jority of the whites, but the colored voter
has awakened to the reality of his situa-
tion. He is not so illiterate that he can
view the manner in which he has been
used, and yet not feel Indignation for-those
who have ill-used him. He stands in the
light of one who has been freed to serve
the purposes Of the party that builds itself
upon the capital that they shed their blood
to liberate him. This is the only claim
the Republican party has upon him, and
after that has been said, all has been said
They gave him the right of suffrage for
their own aggrandizement. 1t was 10 in
crease the strength of the party, and con-
tinue it in power. The colored voters of
the South are not what they were when
the privilege was first granted them. The
exercise of that privilege for years has
brought with it a better intelligence of how
the right or power should be used. Time
has shown them how they have been stul-
tilted; how they have been used as tools,
and the more intelligent Of them are using
their counsels with the Others to lead them
in the direction of a position where they
will be more independent. They have
seen the question Of slavery wiped out in
blood, and themselves made freemen and
voters. They have seen the former master
accept the situation resignedly, and take
to the field for his bread the same as they
always had to do. Instead of the blood
thirsty tyrant they have found him quiet
and submissive to his fate.


And another more startling fact thar
all others to themselves, they have
discovered: that the greatest enc
mics to peace in the whole South
are those who have swarmed
thither for personal gain, who have made
States bankrupt, and prostrated the pub
lie good to the private gain. 1t ha
ieen from this source that they hav
armed the intense hate of the white mani
has been instilled into them by corrup
and Infamous teaching. In the next elec
ton they will not be forgetful of this. Th'
white voter feels this wrong with NOR
revengeful spirit, than the coiored can, an'
he is determined to use his vote agains
that power which has carsed it. Hi
party is fully organized, and le will worl
determinedly and systematically to oyer
throw that power which has not only ep
pressed but has misrepresented him. Th
color line is not drawn with blood, no
is it such broad distinction between blacl
and white as to be constant menace t.
peace, and factor of war. The element
of war between races found its fire il
the northern hearts that have come anon,
them and spread dissentien.


Its effect has waned before the light o
reason, and the South will vote in tn
coming election for freedom from the dis
honesty and tyranny which has not onl.
given its aid to destroy the State, bu
National government.