Washington telegraph., 1865-09-06

though the constitution says that none but
'free whites shall vote, yet under this con-
structioR the mulatto might Yet we doubt il
one ever did. They have fixed the qualifca.
ton themselves by which in a majority of the
States absolutely and nearly all the others in
effect, the negro is disfranchised, yet they wish
to force US to do that which they are un willing
to do themselves.
We cannot believe, and shall not until there
is practical demonstration of the fact, that
the great body of the Northern people regard
the negro as their equal.
There is wide mistake, however, among the
people of the North in supposing that there is
such a terrible antagonism between the whites
and the blacks in the South. The white man
here, with a few exceptions, is the friend of the
negro, and wishes him well. Their mistake is
founded in supposng that they know more of
the negro than we of the South do. And how
could this be We have been raised with them
and among them, know their habits tastes. and
mental inclinations, well as strength. They
resided at distance. know nothing of tie ne
gro save through the columns of newspapers
which are filled with false statements and NUS
representations. Having this advantage then
in knowledge, are we not better able to deter
mine upon the qualif cation of the negro for
suffrage than they7 To men well acquainted
with the negro snd the extent of his information,
the idea is simply ridiculous. We feel sure
there would be nothing to risk in submitting
the question to the Northern soldiery, who
how hao IN, he Co. I.
know the extent of his comprehension upon
national subjects. The great majority of them
are men Of sound sense, and would not wish
the ignorant and stupid negro, free though he
be, to be raised to an equality with themselves
in the elective franchise. The eternal prin-
ciples of justice are implanted as deeply in the
hearts of the Southern people those of auy
other country on Gods green earth. and should
the time ever come when the negro shall have
been elevated in the scale of intelligence, till he
can appreciate the privilege granted in exer-
cisng the right of suffrage, it viii be chcerfully
accorded to him. He is not now prepared for
1t. Hitherto his education has been physical
and directed to the interests of his owner in the
production of whatever his hand might be
turned to. His mental training, except in ef-
forts to ineulcate honesty and christianity, has
been limited. He knows nothing of govern
ment, its meaning or intentions. He has been
accustomed to be ruled by coercion, and ac-
cordirg to his training that government would
suit him best which combined in st the most
power. But we doubt not FROM the tastes Of
the negro, that no government at all wosld suit
him best.' To be left alone in idleness and the
exercise of the unlimited indulgence of his ap-
petites and desires, would be his choice and
preference. His idea of freedom is the absence
of labor-labor in the cotton feld especially
He does not comprehend the idea that pros
perity, health and happiness are dependent upon
constant and well directed labor, but coneeives
that his happiness will be greatest when wan
dering from place to place, with none to say
nay This is his present felicity. He has first
to be educated to the idea of self dependence.
But few comprehend it yet They have been
fed and clothed hitherto by their masters.
Now they are dependent upon their own thrift
for a support, and many are the thousands that
will shiver in the North winds blast from ma
kedness, and will shTivel and grow lean from
hunger When they once get q clear concep-
ton of the extent of their privileges as freemen
they will plunge into dissipation. Drunken
ness and debaucherJ will number its victims
by the thousand. AS yet the restraining influ-
ence produced by the presence of the master
whom they have long been accustomed to obey.
and whom they still respect. protects them from
vicious habits. This will wear away, and as it
does the baser parts viii begin to develope
themselves and direct their course.
The negro, as member of the body polite,
is as a little child. He las to be educated.
Educated to his change of condition, his re-
sponsibities and duties. This will be done by
contact and association. Tho people of the
South will very soon see the necessity of this
among them, and will, in the speediest and most
judicious manner, elevate him as rapidly as his
abilities will warrant or permit. Self-interest
will dictate 1t. ... .. ..-. f-.|
Many of the Northern States have Indian .
within their limits. The Indian has clearer
comprehension Of the principles of government,
the reason and necessity for it, as a class, than
the negro, yet they do not permit tine Indian to
vote Is the Indian less human being than
the negro, that he should be left out of the pale
Of philanthropy We think not. ss- r...r.,
Congress. by usurpation of power not war
ranted by any constitutional construction, may
force upon as the question Of suffrage. We
cannot conceive how it is to be done. Yet by
some art of political legerdenain they may at
tempt it. Bat we lock with hope and confidence
to the sober sense of the Northern people for
help and relief in this matter. We do not pro-
pose to interfere in their relatious-never did
Can they not let Us alone in ours This Is a
question with which we are personally, pecu-
ziarly. vitality interested as people. We know
more about it than those at a distance. We
kaew what is just and right, have clear, dis
tinct and well defined ideas of our duty, and
will do justice TO the negro As soon as The peo-
pie of the North. Leave US then alone. Lat
.fso I. -5f T. ..s 1ersa 7'- ssea7 5or'i2Il
= .roif