CATSKILL, Jan. 5, 1855 [1856].

DEAR SIRS:—I observe by your paper of Dec. 28th, that Mr. Junius C. Morrel, Secretary of the New York State Council, testified that Wm. Dietz, and David Van Vrankin, of Albany, have been returned to him as members elect of the N. Y. State Council for the ensuing two years.

Having taken some interest in the election of members of the Council, and knowing that a majority of the votes of the 11th District were cast for Stephen Myers and J. W. Randolph, I am not a little surprised that the Secretary should return other persons as elected.

Permit me, Messrs. Editors, to point attention to the canvass, viz:

GREENE COUNTY.

With this brief statement you will understand my astonishment in observing the returns which Junius C. Morrel testifies to. I fail to see how such a result has been attained. I am at a loss to perceive how, when, and by whom, Mr. Morrel was invested with authority to trample under foot the decided will of the majority as expressed through the ballot-box. If, after we have chosen our delegates, our expressed preferences are to be cast aside at the dictum of , it is time that we understand our position. If there is no virtue in the Elective Franchise, as exhibited in our organization, why cumber ourselves with its machinery?

If the Secretary of the State Council is to be the supreme dictator, clothed with power to amend the will of the majority, and to create and enforce regulations obnoxious to that majority, why resort to the ballot-box for that power? But I apprehend Mr. Morrel has no such power. He has usurped the people's prerogative. He has assumed more than belongs to, and more than will be tolerated by, the office which he holds.

My purpose, Messrs. Editors, is to call public attention to what the colored people of Greene County consider a glaring outrage, upon their rights, and a precedent fraught with evil, if it is not promptly and severely rebuked by a power higher than "Junius C. Morrel, Secretary N. Y. State Council."

Truly yours,

MARTIN CROSS.