The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-08-17
GENERAL cox AT WARREN.
Our nuiEes 10 The freedmen Of the
south.

port of General COx's speech at Warren on
Tuesday. We find the speech reported in
full in the Cincinnati Commercial Of yes
terdsy morning, and reproduce from it
extracts, in which the General treats
of our duties to the Southern freedmen
OUR DUTY To THE FREEDMEE.
Our obligation to them grows not merely
out of the fact that we have liberated
them, but out of the other fact that we
have used their services as soldiers in the
field, and that they have there borne arms
under the same flag which our white
soldiers have fought for, and by their
fidelity and bravery have established
their claim TO our gratitude. We
therefore must recognizes our duty to
make their freedom 8 thing valuable to
them. The hopes which they have cher
ished must not be disappointed, if we have
the power to fulfill them. The freedom
which We give them must not be q free
dom in name simply but in deed ana
in truth freedom which shall give them
the fullest opportunity to make such sd
ysncement in civilization and enlighten-
ment SIS they are capable Of, which shall
open for them 8 future in which the only
limit to their progress shall be such as they
themselves, in their own notions, shall m
pose. These rights are the rights of all
men. Humanity must be recognized and
It's need of Justice awarded as completely
and sincerely in their case as IN the case
of any other human beings. How this
shall be done-in what way the truest
philanthrophy and the purest reverence
for right and justice may mark ont their
future career, is one of the great questions
which the successful end of the war Is
bringing upon US. l recognize as fully as
snv one can the fact that revolutions do
moi 90 backward. The question Is in
what direction is the truest progress for
both races, and by what course can the
greatest degree of happiness ultimately be
secured for sill.
WHAT COMES T SLAVERY.
Having overthrown the system Of sls-
very, as l stated st the outset, because it
was q crime against humanity, and de-
structive of the interests of both races
having brought those who were slaves out
from under the iron rule to which they had
been subjected, two paths of progress open
before us and them. One Of these leads
toward the ultimate separation Of the
1 IhgtE. NE DCAAk uL1nA III ~ AA1AALSN
from zach other, that the highest advance
ment of both may be found in their seps-
rate existence. The other path seeks that
civilization, which we unite in desiring, by
means of the interfusion of the two races in
one political community. Here is no
question of absolute right or principle, but
simply one of mutual advantage and Of
practical good. No absolute rights of man
would be violated by taking either road.
The principles which would sctuste US in
choosing the n or the other would be the
same. The question simply would be,
which, in view of the circumstances and
conditions of the problem, is the best prac-
teal road for them and for us.
THE PROBLEM OF h RACES.
In determining it, we have 10 weigh the
preiudices and the enmities of men the
a~ntipathies and eVen the wicked hatred
which may exist, net because such preju-
dies or such hatred is right but because, ss
existing facts, they must affect the hsPpi-
ness of both races, and the success of any
plan which attempts to secure the highest
advan ,ement snd happiness of both. No
plan is without its difficulties. Each has
its dangers. According to our tendencies
and habits of mind, and the impressions
which different classes of facts have made
on US, as we have observed them, we may
prefer the one or the other but our differ.
ences with regard to this question, as with
reference to that of reconstruction of the
white society at the South, being differen-
ces simply of detail, not of principle, are
SUCH as need not prevent Jul hearty and
sincere cooperation, and our cordial acqui.
escence in whatever the good sense of a
majority of the loyal people may finally
determine.
In this respect, the difference between
US and our opponents is heaven wide
They ignore the rights OF those who have
been slaves. While they were in subjec.
tion they not only svowed the fact, but
rejoieed in it, that these people had Nc
rights which the white man was bound tC
respect. If they argue that the two races
cannot co-exist in the same political gov,
eminent, they argue it in order TO draw
forth the conclusion that the one must snC
ought, to remain q subject and servile race
while the otner shall be the only one which
can either claim or exercise those persona
and political rights upon which our Gov
eminent is based. When any of the UnioI
party advocate the adoption of q plsI
which would lead to ultimate separation
they do it because they believe that hereby
the truest and safest advancement can b
made. And they urge If, not that one
race may remain master snd the other sub
ject, but that both may find the fullest .op
portunity for sll the progress in every
thing which ennobles the humanity o
which God has made them capable. TIT
determination of this question is q thing
which is not imposed on US at present. 1t
like ZONE others which I have briefly re
ferred to, is left for the decision of Con
gress and of the Administration, when the
progress of reconstruction has thoroughly
developed the true course which should b
pursued. Events, meanwhile, will con
tinue to throw increasing light upon othel
phases of the problem, and we are bound
TO hold ourselves in such a candid spirit "a
TO be able readily to accept whatever the
logic of events may teach, and cordially tC
cooperate with each other in the compile
tiOn of that policy which may finally bt
decided on.
PERSONAL OPINIONS.
Having been questioned with regard to
my personal opinions, l have answered
frankly and fully. 1t is not necessary fol
me to discuss the question further. I have