The nomination has been adopted by the Democrats in convention
assembled. This was an event which the supporters of President Grant
declared impossible. I do not see how it can be regarded otherwise
than as a peace-offering. As such it is of infinite value. The Past
is rejected, and a new Future is begun with the promise of concord.
Here is no ordinary incident. It is a Revolution, and its success
in pacifying the country will be in proportion to its acceptance
by us. I dare not neglect the great opportunity, nor can I stand
aloof. It is in harmony with my life, which places Peace above all
things except the Rights of Man. Thus far, in constant efforts for
the colored race, I have sincerely sought the good of all, which I
was sure would be best obtained in fulfilling the promises of the
Declaration of Independence, making all equal in rights. The spirit
in which I acted appears in an early speech, where I said: “Nothing
in hate; nothing in vengeance.”[176] My object was security for Human
Rights. Most anxiously I have looked for the time, which seems now at
hand, when there should be reconciliation, not only between the North
and South, but between the two races, so that the two sections and
the two races may be lifted from the ruts and grooves in which they
are now fastened, and, instead of _irritating antagonism_ without
end, there shall be _sympathetic coöperation_.
The existing differences ought to be ended. There is a time for all
things, and we are admonished by a wide-spread popular uprising,
bursting the bonds of party, that the time has come for estrangement
to cease between people who by the ordinance of God must live
together. Gladly do I welcome the happy signs; nor can I observe
without regret the colored people in organized masses resisting the
friendly overtures, even to the extent of intimidating those who are
the other way. It is for them to consider carefully whether they
should not take advantage of the unexpected opening, and recognize
the “bail-bond” given at Baltimore as the assurance of peace, and
unite with me in holding the parties to the full performance of its
conditions. Provided always that their rights are fixed, I am sure it
cannot be best for the colored people to band together in a hostile
camp, provoking antagonism and keeping alive the separation of races.
Above all, there must be no intimidation; but every voter must act
freely, without constraint from league or lodge. Much better will
it be when the two political parties compete for your votes, each
anxious for your support. Only then will that citizenship by which
you are entitled to the equal rights of all have its natural fruits.
Only then will there be that harmony which is essential to a true
civilization.
The present position of the colored citizen is perilous. He is
exposed to injurious pressure where he needs support. But I see no
early extrication except in the way now proposed. Let him cut adrift
from managers who would wield him merely as a political force, with
little regard to his own good, and bravely stand by the candidate
who has stood by him. If Democrats unite with him, so much the
better. The association, once begun, must naturally ripen in common
friendship and trust.
I am for peace in reality as in name. From the bottom of my heart I
am for peace, and I welcome all that makes for peace. With deep-felt
satisfaction I remember that no citizen who drew his sword against
us has suffered by the hand of the executioner. In just association
with this humanity will be the triumph of Equal Rights, when the
promises of the great Declaration are all fulfilled, and our people
are united, as never before, in the enduring fellowship of a common
citizenship. To this end there must be Reconciliation. Nor can I
withhold my hand. Freely I accept the hand that is offered, and reach
forth my own in friendly grasp. I am against the policy of hate; I
am against fanning ancient flames into continued life; I am against
raking the ashes of the Past for coals of fire yet burning. Pile up
the ashes; extinguish the flames; abolish the hate!
And now, turning to the Democratic party, I hold it to all the
covenants solemnly given in the adoption of a Republican platform
with Horace Greeley as candidate. There can be no backward step.