Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-21
ruy AyALANdHE IN TROUBLE.

mind about the new empire now being
considered by the intelligent people OF
this country. We can see no reason
asserted in this organ--which feels under
so much obligation to the negro-wby 1t
is that we could not now change our
miserable existence to that Of decent
form of government. The editor of the
Avalanche would make the people be-
Iieve we aspire to the respectable posi-
ton of Dukedom. The gentleman, on
the contrary, says that he intends to
place us on level with the negro.
Instead of attempting to elevate his
fellow man, he is determined on de-
grading him.
That he might carry out the old ex-
ploded doctrine Of democracy in this
country, he says that his colored friends,
Harris and Godfrey, and the mass OF
ignorant negroes are as good as the pure
Caucassians who possess the Intelligence
and enlightenment of the world.
The American people of this genera
ton can never be made to believe that the
African is otherwise than what God
created him--an inferior and servile
being. And as enlightenment breaks in
upon the minds of generations yet to
come, we are persuaded that they
will view the negro in no other light
than what we now esteem him to
be. Why, then, will the Avalanche en-
deavor to force down our throat the
nauseous dose of negro equality. The
black cup will never be accepted will
lingly from any hand, should our
friend preach in favor of it until
the last true son of the South ceases to
live.
The thought that troubles our cotempo-
rary most, is the changed condition which
he feels after caressing the negro-one
he is not fully prepared for The thought
Of removing bis old clothes for more
modern suit is perfectly appalling to his
sense of propriety. That people should
want to appear decent, the editor of this
sheet seems to be decidedly opposed to.
No doubt, id thinking Of the civilizing
Influences of the Empire, he imagines
the court barber shesring his tangled
locks, and applying the wet sponge to his
democratic face. The very appearance
Of modern gentiity in the country now is
sufficient to call down the aRathemas Of
this old fogy sheet. If some bold pro-
jector would advocate a change in the
appearance of our eotemporary it would
indeed be a blessing, if but in small
way. 1t is said that revolutions never go
backward, but would to Heaven there
could be an exception in the case Of this
editor, and the court tailor would
bat look behind this Democrat as he is
seen to ascend the steps Of the Avalanche
Office. What change there eould be,
our couRtrymen
We have no objection to the wish Of the
Avalanche to become the court journal,
but would suggest that the negro question
would not be popular one with men Of
Intelligence and decency who will have
established the government ofthe empire.
We want no negro influence 20 guide and
direct the great government that will save
the people from negro anarchy and black
despotism. The African can have his place
10 the community, which will doubtless
be respected, but as to holding Office, OF
sitting on juries, or riding in cars
with white people and pushing then
away from the ballol-box, this will
never be allowed. Oar friend anG
contemporary would like to- know hoV
we come on establishing the empire. TIT
gentleman, Of course, means the peepl
Of this country, as it is they only wit
can bring about this change so much re
quired. We hear expressions Of appro
baton from all sides in favor OF th'
empire, and receive numerous letter.
from friends daily who endorse II. Th'
people are being awakened from thei
,orpid state, rendered so BY the effect o
the war. The minds Of great many arr
convinced that constitutional govern
meut 10 this country is folly to think Of
and that The empire is our salvation.