New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-08-29

Louisiana has q majority Of colored
men, and are we to be governed by the
minority Are the loyal soldiers of this
State To De governed IN their laws b. the
conquered M os
Mr.. Murrell: We ask no rights but the
rights we were created with. We do not
seek to deprive others of their rights.
have run on steamboats, nine years, and !
know how colored passengers have been
treated on them. There is some lodging
among men who call themselves Republi-
cans. You talk about social equality. |
come here in this public hall in social
equality. Let the people of this State IN.
derstand that the Republicans Of the Legis.
lsture stand firm, and that they have passed
this bill. .t. La.
Mr. Washington, of Assumption: The
minority report of the Judiciary Committee
against the principles Of this bill is beauti.
full specimen of our neighbors friendship
for colored men, while they are counting
their votes. This shows what they would
do If they got the reins OF power. have
got no education, but have sense enough
to see what the other side mean.
This ia the time | want to show who is
Republican and who is not, and that will be
shown by the vote on this bill. We don't
want to 90 into your private parlors, and
would not go if | could. We don't want to
go into many other places. and would not
go if could. But we want, for full fares,
equal accommodations on steamboats,. We
don't want to intrude upon you in your
cabins, and would not go there.
Pass this bill and unborn millions will
bless you for its passage. have not edu-
cation enough to discuss the merits OF this
bill, but / do understand that when I GO
upon a steamboat or railroad i expect tn
have as good accommodations for full arc
as white men. Mind what you do to day
you will be marked. Do your duty, aud dc
not fall short of what your constituents ex
pect of you. The fear of popular uprising
against the provisions of the bill may ope
rate on weak -kneed men who have hitherto
been considered good Republicans. But
sound, sensible men will not be moved BY
this absurd fear. ..e..
Mr.. Noble do not think it consistent
with American law to impose a iue for the
administration in his own way of a man;
own property. Every mans house is hi
castle. The colored mans log cabin is hi!
castle. To impose fine upon that man be
cause he does not choose to associate with
man of a particular class violates American
law and Justice. 1t is the principle of i'm
posing this fine that am speaking of, and
hope this principle will not be recognized b,
this House.
Sailing and water craft are under Unite
States laws and regulations, and are no
| unOer tnaI JURISDICTION OF This state ina
could levy fine. The Legislature, in pas:
ing such law as this, would make itself
laughing stock.
| am stating my views upon the lette
and spirit and intent of this law. do nc
wish to be captious, nor do base my argu
ments upon party grounds; aud when sa
that the law will be imperative, do nc
mean to say that there will be trouble i
carrying it out, but the laws themselve
will prove to be defective.
have no doubt that in course of tint
the people coming more in contact wit
each other, these prejudices will wear ava
and disappear. But this legislation wi
have the effect to embitter prejudices whic
I am perfectly willing to say | should |
glad to see overcome. The Steam boat Ass
citation, which will be particularly affectt
by this act, will resist it by means
law, and the judiciary. 1 do not belize
that violence will ever ensue from the pa
sage of the bill. The laws of Louisiana WI
be obeyed. When this law is passed al
signed by the Governor it will be a des
letter.
am willing to leave it entirely to II
judiciary. Of course know you are goiI
to pass the bill. daughter You pa
every thing that you consider advsntageo
to your party. But this will not be advSnt
| geous to your party.