The San Antonio Light

MAGNOLIA.
Her Practical Advice to the Colored Voters.
Editor San Antonio Light:

Uncle Mack Henson (if he will allow me to call him by the familiar name I've always been accustomed to use in addressing his race) thinks the term "ought" should not have been used in my letter in regard to the colored voter; now, with all due deference to my worthy friend, I beg to differ with him, and in my opinion the negro who will vote to-morrow for the Democratic ticket deserves naught but bondage. The idea that the Democracy has the cheek to try to persuade the colored voter that they look upon them as "socially their equal," is most refreshing. Perhaps they may hoodwink some son of Africa who is not blessed with good common sense, to vote their ring arrangement, but the solid men who are looking to a future for their race will not be so deceived. Perhaps to-day and to-morrow they will try their beautiful theory of social equality, but after that look out; your "equality" will be, "get away, nigger, don't you try to mix with white folks." I hope to-morrow (if there is one negro so lost to gratitude and all sense of right and honor) as to vote for Cleveland, he will be doubled up like a jack knife with the colic. for all his short comings. I have no patience whatever with the black man who is a Democrat, because it is in direct opposition to the improvement and advancement of the colored race.

There is no safety for you except with the Republican party.
Remember our sainted Lincoln, who made you free men. and never deviate from the party he represented, for striking the shackles from your limbs was the ultimate cause of his assassination by the reckless and rebel Booth. I believe in fraternity, loyalty and charity, but I also believe that a man's first duty is to secure his own interests and those of the party who have by word and deed proved themselves the negroes inalienable friend. There is much I would like to say. but I know now is not the time as your paper will be filled with political matters; but we are on the verge of a momentous election, fraught with so much of good or ill to our city State and country. I could not forbear saying these few words to the colored voters, stand firm and be men, and not mere tools of any clique; keep sober be quiet and acquit yourselves like men, by so doing you will keep the confidence of the Republican party and command the respect and attention of your Democratic enemies. I cannot rest in peace till I know how the election goes, for if Cleveland is elected, I shall leave the South, the land of my girlhood years. never to return. I love the South with its sunny clime, but I also love the Republican party, whose motto has always been, onward and upward, with equal rights for all men.

No slave beneath that starry flag,
The emblem of the free
No traitor's hand shall lead the band
That smites for liberty.
God's blessing breathe around us.
And when all strife is done.
May freedom's light, that knows no
night
Make every star a sun.

MAGNOLIA.
San Antonio, November 3, 1884.