New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-06-27
AN AGGRESSIVE SPIRIT.

! 1t does not require sharp eye nor a
keen mind to see that an aggressive spirit
is growing among our colored people. We
regret this because it forebodes evil conse-
quences. The disposition of white men to
insult or brutally assail colored persons
has always been rebuked by the REPUB-
LIcAN, and we shall not hesitate to de-
nounce the spirit of aggressiveness that
has already taken root among our colored
! population. The spread of this feeling and
disposition among any portion of our peo-
pie is to be regretted; because it menaces
the peace and good order of society. If it
is wrong and unbecoming in white men, it
it is wrong and very unbecoming in black
men, and VIII, if persevered in, lead to dis
astrous consequences. We speak of this
matter now, because this spirit is Just de-
veloping itself among our colored people.
Within a short time past two noted in
stances have occurred of black men MAX
ing attacks on white men in our most pub
lie places; and these aggressions have been
made from bad blood engendered in politi-
cal discussions.
Not long since in the Surveyors Office
in the Customhouse of this city, negro
slapped a white mans face in consequence
of some misunderstanding that occurred
between them while discussing politics. 1t
will be reeollected that colored man is
now the Surveyor of this port, and it is
unfortunate that his Office should be made
the rendezvous of negro politicians who
feel that they are licensed to be rude and
insolent there because q black man is chief
of the Office. An aggressive, bullying
spirit is detestable in a white man, but in
negro it is a great deal worse, because it
arouses an iIl-win and a prejudice against
the negro race that does not promise to
result in any good to it.
Another exemplifcation of the growth
Of this aggressive spirit among our col
ored men was had few days since in the
City Hall. A colored man had gone to
the Mayors Office for the purpose of OBJ
tanning a permit, as we understand, to
give public ball in the First District. 1t
appears he had given balls there before,
and they had been so conducted as to be-
come a nuisance to the neighborhood,
and, upon the complaint of people living
there, a permit to have another ball there
was refused. This exasperated the col
ored man, and he hung around the Mayors
Office discussing the subject and interfer-
ing with the business of the Office until
he was ordered out of it. He went out,
and, returning to the door asked Mr.
johnson, clerk in the Office, to step out
side moment, as he desired to speak to
him. Mr.. Johnson, not suspecting any
thing wrong, went outside, and was
brutally attacked with a loaded cane by
the aforesaid colored man.
This aggressive spirit, as we have said
before, is growing among our colored peo-
pie, and, if not checked, will do them a
deal Of harm. Such conduct can not be
defended. 1t must be censured and pun
ished, no matter whether white mali or
black man is the aggressor. But we would
impress upon the colored people particu-
larly the propriety of restraining their evil
passions. By doing this they may check
the spirit of aggression that is stealthily
growing in them, and, if permitted to ex-
pand, may be a source of great trouble to
them. 1t is the very spirit that will bring
on, if encouraged, what we all profess to
dread, namely, war of races.