New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-03-16

conflict extending back throughout the
whole history of the country; one in which
men were but as feathers tossed upon the
surface of the waves and compelled to take
sides by their destiny and not BY their
convictions alone. Aud, sir, the day will
come. IS once hal occasion to say before,
somewhat to the criticism, of my friends,
the day, firmly believe, will come, sooner
III this than in any country that has passed
through a civil war, when the fame aud
glory Of the soldiers Of both armies-UnioR
and CCnfedera.e-will live alike in this
country, aud alike shed lustre and glory
upon the pages of it's history. We must not
forget. Mr.. President, that the hearts Of
numberless mothers, wives and orphans, in
our beloved State, are now sore, as they
have been sore tor manga weary year, for
gallant and brave sons Of the State. whose
bones lie, uncared for, far from
hearthstopes. And l can not forget
this other fact, that lends additional
sadness to their mourning, that for them no
State or general government extends Its
fostering hand and honor and guard their
graves. They are orphaned dead, with no
flag TO wave III their memory-no govern
ment TO cherish their remains. Let Us,
whose dead have these additional glorles,
not deny this last consolation to the be-
reaved and heart stricken survivors OF the
conquered but brave heroes. Let US lend
our mite to bring back and bury honorably
the remains of these sons OF LOUISIANA
Having done this reverent act, We will stand
aside, with bowed heads, while those who
weep for them bury them beautifully and
gloriously with tears and flowers. | hope,
sir, that the bill will pass without 0ppo-
sition.
MIR. Pinchback: Mr.. President, am glad
that another opportunity has presented
itself to me as an individual, as well as
representative of large class OF citizens OF
Louisiana, and, might add, a large class of
citizens of the Southern States, to show
that we cherish no prejudces against those
who in former times have been cruel and
oppressive to us On this occasion. as on
all others when could consistently vote for
measure that would be to their benefit. or
to their liking, believing that can do it
without any injury or com promise to prin-
ciple, | shall cast that vote without fear or
hesitation in favor Of the proposition. It
is. sir, to my mind an exhibition of our
friendly feeling toward the other class, and
it also presents strange contrast to their
actions toward us. We, on our side, have
every reason to be prejudiced against them;
the causes whereof it is unnecessary
for me to state, they are well known
to every mao in this community,
But, sir, you will perceive, as well as will
the people Of the whole State, that we are
not blinded by these causes, and that we
have no prejudice against the whites. If
stern necessity has forced US to assume
position seemingly antsgonistic to them.
and We have been forced to vote against
what they are pleased to consider against
their interest it has been with single
view to protect our own interest. What l
may say, sir. may not be really pertinent
to the question under consideration, but
standing, as I do. upon the floor of this
Senate, representing, to some extent, the
duty to utter these sentiments, knowing
them to be the sentiments of the larger
portion of my constituents, in order that the
people in this State, as well as all other
States, may know the exact status Of the
colored men. And while we, sir, are dis
posed to bury the past; while we wish to let
it rest in oblivion, if you please; while we
harmony by blending cur interests with
theirs, and seeking to forget the wrongs
which they have inflicted upon US, they day
w day do everything to the contrary. |
SAY, then, that this resolution brings into
strong contrast the actions of the two
classes. Now, Mr.. President, | am sorry
that this resolution was introduced, as II
has been, without any notice. | feel thai it
affords an opportunity to say many things
L
it would have upon the Senate, because l
believe the resolution will be passed without
a dissenting vote. 1t is not to the Senate
so much that wish to speak, as to the
people of the State whom l can not reach,
probaly, by any other means. Were we to
call tomorrow a meeting for the purpose OF
discussing questions of the most vital in
terest to the State, by q class who would
recognize me on that occasion, another class
with whom would wish to speak would not
attend. Hence. we never can give them to
understand how we feel. / see, sir, that
the time for the sitting of the Court of la
parchment has arrived and desire to con-
clude my remarks when it has adjourned.
The Court of Impeachment having ad-
journed-
lIr. Pinchback: Mr.. President, I was say
ing, believe. when the hour for the sitting
of the court arrived, that could not get a
hearing from the class desired 10 speak to,
and, therefore, should make some remarks
which might not be considered pertinent TO
the question, but had to embrace this OPP.
portnnity as probably the only one which
would present itself during this SESSION. |
thought, during the term of the court, /
should be able to reflect upon the subject
and to arrange my ideas somewhat, but l
have been obliged to listen to the testimony
Of witnesses and give my attention to the
court, which has prevented me from giving
thought to tie expressions l de-
sired to make, and l shall, there
fore, be very brief in what I purpose
saving in regard to the resolutions. | be-
believe it will be adopted by unanimous
vote, and hope there will not be dissent |
ing voice. But before take my seat must
add that if the people of this State do not |
wish to have us arrayed against them and
against every proposition of the character OF
the one before US, they will have to change |
their base. They will have to keep out of |
their press such articles as have within the |
last week or two been inserted there, not on |
one occasion, but on many-articles that |
| could refer to if necessary, but which | |
think would be out of place now. They will |
have to improve the tone of their public |
speakers, and in word they will have to |
In the condition of this country. They will |
have to acknowledge those whom Irepre-
sent as part of the people of the State, in |
'act as well as in name; they will have to
show, sir, that they are willing to accept |
The condition of things as they
ind them now, and drop all
The old ideas which they had in times past
hey will have to emulate us, casting aside
heir prejudices as we have cast aside ours.
they will have, sir, in word, to forget the
past and think of the future-to think of the
present and to hope for q better future.
When they have done this, not only will
resolutions of the character of the one now
before the Senate, be adopted by our votes,
f it be in our mower to adopt them, but they
will find new condition of things in this
State, and they will find us not only willing
% vote for such favors as asked for in this
but they will find US willing to
orget the past and to vote them, if neces-
,arv. into places of honor and trust. But,
ir, unless this condition of things be
brought about-and it can by their actions
orin a 4hnt II will he @ long time he fore orr