American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-11-24
WASHINGTON


FroHr AMONG STEvEDoREs. Yesterday fore
noon there was disgraceful and an outrageous
fight among party of stevedores on North
Whsryes. A dispute among some colored men
and Irishmen was the cause. The Ethiopian
banner regned triumphantly. Celtic blood few
in great profusion from number Of broken
noses.-PhiladeLphia San.
This was only little hubbub, and was no
doubt soon Quoted; but the Sun " makes note
on it" in pleasant way, as is its wont at all
times. We shall, however, add little COM
ment.
In the oity of Philadelphia, and throughout
almost all our middle and Northern States, the
negro is driven from competition in labor with
the white man. He may be good printer, a
good tailor, good carpenter, good saddler, a
good clerk, or good halter, but let him enter
any establishment in which his trade is pur-
sued, and stand in the midst Of the men there
at work, and ask the head man for employment
and what is the consequence? His life is that
instant in peril! Are there any cities, towns, or
villages in the North where this is not the case
If so, if there are dozen exceptions to be
found, we are ignorant of the fact We have
never seen nor heard Of such instances. Social
oppression, in its most violent aspect, is in all
tho States we have named exhibited toward
the negro. He may follow the occupation of o
barber, q. bootblack, q woodsawyer, and some
times Of common laborer; but let him in
many communities even aspire to drive hack
or q dray, and he discovers that he will not be
tolerated in such pursuit. In some cities he
has been totally banshed from the wharves by
German and Irish stevedores and laborers; and
we suppose that in Philadelphia he soon will
be. Where is he to Cos What is he to do?
Some of the slave States will not let him reside
within them, except in slavery. One free State
by statute, and others by the common consent
Of the people, have declared that he shall not,
when legally free, cross their borders from
slave State. A terrible strife per ally arises
among the political parties of Juntry in
relation to the negro, who, in his ignorance, is
awed BY threats, or inspired by hope with
thoughts Of characterization. But where is his
REFUGEE Slavery for himself and children is
presented on the one hand, and social oppression
on the other. He does not want for friend, in
the abstraet but where are his practical friends!
Who has assumed the task Of advocating the
increase Of his comforts, and the promotion Of
his physical, moral, intellectual, and religious
welfare in slavery? Who has undertaken to
defend and protect him in his social rights
and elevation in the free States? Alas, the
poor negro! He would flee from slavery
In the South, and he is not unfrequently
taught hoU to flee; but whittier shall he flee
TO . northern CLINE, where the elements of ma
ture and the social sentiments of mankind are
equally at variance with his physical and moral
welfare. This is his only refuge. There is
wrong somewhere. Shall we ask where? Un-
less we are prepared to set it right, the ques-
ton is vain. The will to benefit the negro,
whether in slavery or freedom, must exist, be-
fore the voice Of any man should be heard with
reference to him. That should be the prere-
Quisite Of every man who would disturb our
Legislatures or communities upon the subject of
slavery. Let the Abolitionist show by the his
tory Of his life that he is indeed the friend
and confrere Of the African. Let the advocate
Of slavery show that his influence has tend
ed to tighten the burden and increase the
comforts and happiness Of the slaves around
him. Let these be the first essential quail
ifcations Of all who would teach us our
duty with reference to the negro. There are
many abstract friends Of his race-many theo-
rists who profess to teach how he may be ben
ehted-many champions who would glorify and
magnify themselves on either side Of the ques-
tons that affect him; and yet he tolls on, and
covers, and learns deceit and treachery, and
imbibes conviction Of injustice done him, and
meditates the evil that 10 put into his heart
but has few true friends to guide him Alright.
Away beyond the ocean we behold the glim-
mer of gentle light that shall yet lead him
home. Beautifully has it been called LIBERIA
and to him 1t will yet prove the land Of liberty
indeed Peace and prosperity have thus far
blessed it, and may the smile Of God forever
rest upon it A wise and good man has provi-
dentially arisen among his brethren to rule
over it. England and America are even now
covetous Of o friendly commerce with that little
nation. Ere long our communication with its
people will DO more frequent, by means Of
line Of steamers, under the command of edu-
Gated and responsible officers and the men
and women Of the African race among us, who
are worthy to influence the destinies Of Liberia
and the continent Of Africa, win be sent thither
in increased numbers. This Liberia is the light
Of hope to the negro; but while comparatively
few win be found prepared to avail themselves
Of the refuge 1t affords, let the welfare Of that
people, whether in slavery or freedom, be the
real object Of all who would covet the name of
philanthropists among us.
DooR-KEEpER OF THE HOUSE OF RRPREsEYT-
ArIvEs.-We stated the other day that Mr.. 2.
W. MKnew, Of this city, was candidate for