The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-07-15
THE COLORED PEOPLE AND THE DIS
PATCH-OUR POSITION.

AS assistant and local editor of the
STATE JOURNAL, / have recently written
several articles, rejecting upon the conduct
of some colorcd people, which have been
misunderstood so far as to induce many of
them to become impressed with the idea
that Twas unfriendly to them. | desire as
an act of justice to myself, and to pay pro-
per regard to the wishes of my friends
among the colored people to correct the inn
preston. In doing so, find the opportu-
nifty an excellent one of calling attention to,
and severely censuring an article in refer
ence to them, which appeared in the Dis
patch of the 18th.
In referring to the recent tronhlcs in New
York, itsays: "The people of Richmond,
who annually, on the third of April, quiet
ly look on, while crowd of ignorant, de-
luded, spitejm negroes celebrate the ami
versary of the destruction Of this city by
fire, and rejoice over the downfall of a
cause, which to them was once dear, can
not but condemn the conduct of the mser-
able fools in New York, who provoked the
riot, &c."
From the character of those employed by
this paper, presume the writer of the
article to be Southern man, necessarily
acquainted with the habits and character of
the colored people. If this be true, there
is no excuse for the apparent ignorance dis
played in that article, or if not ignorance,
the attempt to misrepresent the colored,
and misgulde those of the white race. lifts
object be for political purpose, the writer is
guilty of great and objectionable wrong.
No greater outrage upon the character Of
the colored people of this city has been at
tempted, than we find in this article.
Its effects are damaging, inasmuch as they
lead to bitter feelings and hatred between
the two races. The colored man who reads
what is here said of him, sees in the writer,
an enemy, either ignorant Of facts, or will
ling to msrcpresent him, by accredting him
with motives never entertained or dreamed
of. The white man who reads it, confidmg
in the authority, despises those who are
charged with gioating over the destruction
of our beautiful city. In this manner, both
white and black are encouraged to go on
hating each other, until serious results grow
out of hastily written article, concerning
the actions of men, whose motives have
never been inquired into, and Of which the
writer seems to prefer remaining in gnol-
ance. 'gfta ss s5isr Bg4
My relations with the colored people of
this city, is of such character as to justify
me in the belief, that there is not colored
man here, who ever participated in one Of
these celebrations, with any remembrance
oc A. "a -. ---~r. 30 la 40 ~
affected HIM and his freedom.
Their rejoicings are attributable to the
belief, that the surrender of Richmond
secured them their freedom, beyond any
effort of the South to restore them to
slavery. Ai7ta iiii lsF9
have never yet heard the burning of
Richmond charged upon any one else than
the retreating Confederate. forces, neither
have known the colored people to rejoice
over any act Of theirs, except the browning
one of surrendering to the government.
Thepeople of Richmond may rest assured,
in spite of the false teachings of the Dis
patch, and politicians, that the colored
people are rejoicing on such occasions,
because Of then freedom, and that the at
tributing Of any other motive to them, is
unjust, unwise, and false.
When our citizens realize this fact and
newspapers cease their war upon race of |
people just struggling into manhood, then
will kindness abound otherwise, a bitter |
ness will exist between the two races, re-
sulting in no possible good to either.
1t is idle folly to tell me that a Tag,,ian
of proper spirit hates the negroes with |
whom he has been raised. won't-I
can't beliye it /; and yet, the two are not |
permitted to be at peace, because politicians
have an end to accomplish by arraying them
against each other. The owner myself of |
a number Of slaves during the war, born
and raised among them, feel my ability to
understand them and to know their feelings
towards my own race. | hnosc they have
no feelings of unkindness towards us, and
if any is shown, there is generally a bad
white man pushing them forward.
The noble conduct of my own servants
during the war, in protecting my family
and property, as well as the general good
conduct Of those by whom | was surround
ed, place me under a debt of gratitude
have never yet been able to pay. For these
and other considerations, have always re-
ioiced at their freedom, and was among the
first to spouse their cause in my section !
against those who would deprive them of
their political rights and the opportunity oil,
their mental and moral cond;-
ion.
have never believed it possible for any /
,ther race, similarly situated, to conduct
themselves as well, during and since the .
war, as have the colored people of the
South. No other could have done less to
omplain of, nor more to praise than have
hese same people.
With such sentiments and firm attach :
ment to the Republican party, which claims !
o protect their rights, it is impossible for c