The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-04-03
FROM THE CAPITAL.
SOCIAL ASPECT OF THE HAYruEN
MINISTER.
THE MINISTER FROM HAYTI.

Two mahogany colored individuals, ca Oh
with hair showing decided disposition to
kinkiness, have lately arrived here in the
respective capacities of Minister from Hay
ii and his Secretary. Their debut at the
capital has raised an exciting discussion in
two branches of Washington society as to
whether they are negroes or not negroes.
The aboiitionists have made up their minds
to admit them to social equality, and &C
cOrdingly say they are not negroes, but
Haytiens; while the colored folks here
about insist that they are veritable darkies.
1t remains to be seen how the question will
be decided; but the observation of the
writer is that if these new corners are not
negroes, the mulattoes are white people.
Representative Hooper, of Massachu-
sets, led off last week by having the two
Haytiens at his dinner table, and there can
be no doubt of the intention Of the aboli-
tionists to introduce them into white So
ciety. Secretary Seward has invited them
to dine with him next Tuesday; but it is
customary for the Secretary of State to ex-
tend this courtesy to the representatives of
foreign nations soon after their first arrival,
and the premier is no doubt following
precedent rather than inclination.
The following incident shows which way
the Haytiens themselves are inclined. A
few days after their arrival the colored
people held meeting, and decided to es-
tablish intimate relations with them by
sending their ministers to wait upon them
first, and then the common negroes were
to follow and pay their respects The
e h.
Of Hayti, getting wind of what was going
Oh, sent q message to the negro preachers,
the purpOrt being that ''they were not re-
ceiviug calls from negroes just yet" This
cool proceeding took the darkies all aback,
and some Of them have since then made
no reserve in venting their Indignation at
this treatment At a meeting in one of
their churches q few nights since, the sub
ject hal considerable discussion, the bur-
then OF the controversy being that the
Uaytlens were negroes, and had no right
to act like white men. One venerable old
contraband, who report says was a preach
er before he came out Of the land Of sla-
very, but who, alas lost his religion
when he gained his freedom, wound up
long strain of invectives as follows "Dese
ID Turin niggers tink demselbs better
dan de President Massa Old Abe let de
cullered folks come into de White House,
and talks to dem like a tader; and here's
desc cus3es won't look at EN- | isn't
gwine to hab muffin more to 90 wild 'em-I
isn't"
THE HORRORS OF THE CAPITAL.
A reign of terror exists in Washington
Murders, assaults, garroting and robberies
are of daily occurrence. The other day
General Butort had his pocket picked of
81 800 while in an oyster saloon, the thief
escaping with his booty. Early this morn
ing Lieut.. Graham, of the Second Vermont
cavalry, was found in his bed in his hotel
with his throat cut Before physician
could be procured be expired. 1t is thought
he was murdered
In consequence Of the insuf1iciency of
the police force, and the insecurity of the
streets, those who are obliged to be out
after dark go armed. A lady was badly
wounded by the accidental discharge of a
pistol, dropped in public saloon last
night. Unless some immediate steps are
taken by the authorities to put a stop to
this state of affairs, the citizens will, in
self-defence, take the matter up. A vigil
ance committee is already talked of.