Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-07-01


pendence. All organizations in the city, includ
ing the various schools. are especially invited.
Many distinguished men have been requested TO
be present. IoHN IEIgELE,
IoRACg II. HAREisoN,
r. II. MURoY.
Committee Of Invitation.
The above has appeared in our advertis-
ing columns for several days. We now
transfer it 10 this place, as tex. for some
observations on thoughts that strike at the
foundations Of our social and political struc-
ture, and deserve the profoundest reflection
Of all classes.
Hitherto, we have expressed our entire
sympathy and friendship for the negro, in
his new relations to the white race. We
have advocated the granting to him Of all the
personal rights attaching to him as free
mantle right to acquire, hold and trans
NIT property-tO protection 20 person and
property-to the Assertion of his rights
in the courts, and where one Of
his race is a party, to testiiy-to
education-to religious freedom-and to all
the other substantial rights which his best
interest requires. In this we are sure the
Southern people as a body agree with US. 1t
is proven by the general harmony that has
existed between the races in the Southern
States for the past twelve months On the
contrary we have opposed the proposition to
force a purely artificial social and political
equality of the two races under existing
circumstances-no from prejudice, but for
the good of both.
We assume, from the language used, that
the above announcement proposes volun-
tary assembling together Of individuals Of
both races, on terms Of perfect social equal
itv, in the celebration Of the natal day of
American freedom from British rule Ii
seems to be step on the part of its mana
gers towards establishing a social equality
Of the races at once, which must inevitably
be followed Immediately by political equal
ity. Political forms and statutes always
spring from social conditions and wants.
If the latter are established, the former
follow as a matter Of course. These
gentlemen are of recognised ability
and standing. They cannot be guilty
Of mistakes in the use of terms, and it is fair
TO presume that they desire and are endeav-
oring to lay the foundations of a social and
political revolution in this community which
shall force the negro into perfect equality
with the white race in all respects, immedi-
ately. The design is but partially disguised,
when the public are simply "invited' to
share, without distinction of race or color"
in the national festivities In making it
voluntary, and in lending the weight of their
names to the occasion, they apprise the
public not only of the design, but of the
means to be used to accomplish it.
We certainly have no objection TO an ex-
ercise of taste by these or any other persons.
So long as it is voluntary it is harmless.
The white people of the country settled it.
The negro came afterwards by compulsion.
He was held in subsection for many years.
He is no longer now 50; but in his sudden
and violent emancipation, his previous con-
dition of servitude for generations, disquali-
fes him for immediate and unconditional
social and political equality with the
whites. His elevation necessarily requires
time. 1t requires still more-industry,
economy, education, virtue and display Of
mental endowments, aptitudes, requirements
and actually developed capacities and merit
The negroes, as a body, are in transition
state, occupying the halfway ground between
the barbarous condition of their kindred in
Africa and the highest type Of civilization
as displayed by the white people of America.
They were free in their own country, but
savage they were slaves in this but civil
lied and christianized. Human develop
ment cannot be forced, but may be stimulated.
1t is the warl Of time, and unavoidably
gradual. All men have their places and
spheres. ANY attempt to force them out of
them is folly, We might as well endeavor
to thrust the negroes Of this country back |
into their original savage state, as to force
them to an advanced condition, for which |
they are quite as unprepared.
1t is our duty to lend them a helping |
hand, to aid and encourage them, by exam
pie and instruction, to rise in the scale Of
industry, and virtue: to qualify
themselves to take part intelligently in the
great labors of society and government.
Any other course in our Judgment, will be
productive of evil, and only evil, to them,
rs well as to the predominant white race
with whom they are thrown in contact.
The grotesque ard absurd notions that will
be engendered in their minds by this course
will produce results of the most fearful
liud. While it is impossible for good to
low from it. it is full of evil
md nothing but evil The laws of the
human mind are well defined every
where, and the penalties of their violation
an never be overlooked with IMMUNITY.
We do not choose to discuss the possible
motives Of the extraordinary announcement
which heads this article. Neither do we
,biect to the propriety of celebration by
he negroes, in this city or elsewhere, of the
Fourth day of July. We should be pleased
o see the occasion used to instruct them in
he principles Of its origin, and the lesson
nculcated upon them that political freedom
means obedience to law and protec-
ion from injury; that individual excellence
nd social prtrogatives are based solely upon
irtuous merit; and that human happiness
IT misery depends most upon our own con-
uct But we protest against this day being
here or elsewhere, to the vain
tempt to force an equality between the
aces, as unnatural as it must be mischiev-
us. We speak without passion or malice;
MT we may be permitted to say that the
roposition thus gratuitoutly thrust upon
he attention Of this community will not be
ermitted, if persisted in, to pass without a
ebuke, the severity of which cannot be OK
ressed in mere words.
|
ORGANsHP.-The following resolution,
dopted a few days ago by an association Of