Thomas Johnson to Frederick Douglass, November 13, 1856

For Frederick Douglass' Paper

EXTENSION OF SUFFRAGE.

AUBURN, Nov. 13th, 1856.

MR. DOUGLASS:—Surveying the results of the recent election, after the smoke of the contest has passed away, the enquiry come to my mind: What result will it have upon the right of Suffrage to the colored men of the State of New York? Will it retard or improve the prospect of their obtaining it at an early day. in the recent contest, just passed, we find the "Hosts of Freedom," have responded to the call of "Bleeding Kansas," with an uprising wonderful to contemplate. They have swept the Empire State and laid low the enemies of human liberty, as the mighty whirlwind levels the gigantic oaks of the forest. Now, are they ready to respond to calls of suffering colored men of this State? Are they ready to improve their great victory by giving to us that right which the oppressor has withheld? Are they willing to let the world know that their "Shrieks for Freedom," were sincere and heartfelt for the oppressed of their own State, as well as the oppressed of all Nations? Or will they by their neglect show that their shrieking was done wholly and solely for the spoils of office. "Bleeding Kansas" has been the great theme which has absorbed the mind of the masses through the past campaign. Now I submit to you, if it is not equally as momentous a question to the black man in reference to his political rights in the State of New York, as it is to the white man as to his political rights in Kansas. We have been called upon to contribute our mite, toward sustaining free speech, free men, and a free press, in that distant Territory, and I venture to say that no class of men have responded to the calls of humanity sooner or more joyfully than the black man. Is it too much to ask, at this time, for the same rights that they have been trying to obtain for others in the contest just passed. I claim that justice calls upon every man of color to put his shoulder to the wheel and press this great question upon the minds of our Legislators, at the coming session with the same unwavering determination that they have pressed Kansas upon the minds of the American people. We will do well to remember hereafter—whenever we are called upon in behalf of suffering Kansas—that charity commences at home. Let us ask of ourselves the question, ought we to contribute or give aid and comfort to those who have been

politically grinding us in the dust for years, before they give us some satisfactory proof of their candor in the principles which they now profess? And in what way can they show their sincerity better than by extending to that portion of their fellow citizens who are disfranchised, the same political privileges that the Irish and the Germans now enjoy. let them remember the sacred command, "Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you;" we will then remember the same command and be ever ready to fulfil it; but I now claim that we have a political and social burden to bear that must crush a great degree that sacred command out of our minds. This may conflict with the opinions of many; but let those who doubt this conclusion place themselves in the political position of the black population of this State, and I will venture to say that nine-tenths of them will hold the same opinion. I hope you will press upon the minds of your many subscribers the necessity of immediately circulating petitions in every town, city, or village in the State, praying the Legislature to grant to the people the privilege of amending that portion of our Constitution relating to the Right of Suffrage to the black men; by so doing, we shall be prepared to test the sincerity of this great Republican party before we, who are voters, are called upon to record our votes again for them.

THOS. JOHNSON.