The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1873-07-17


q frank and cordial concession of alb
and practical civil, as well as po'
equality between all cltisens,
without discrimination on account OF
race or color, as proposed in this move
ment, would remove the last barrier
which opposes the political ce-opera
ton of good men, of whatever color,
for the regeneration of the State; but
I am earnest in my conviction that !
am not mistaken.
Experience seems, at all events, to
have demonstrated two propositions
quite conelusively, viz LIST. That with
out such cooperation the redemption
OF the State is impracticable' ID
That such cooperation can not be Sc
cured on any other terms.
Besides. ! am profoundly convinced
that no sound and lasting system Of
political philosophy can be constructed
under existing facts in Louisiana, at
least, which does not recognize such
equality. Every such system must
square itself so as to consist IN all its
expressions and Implications with the
fundamental fact OF impartial suffrage
When we are asked why we refuse to
admit colored people to the enjoyment
of public privileges on a footing OF
| equality with other citizens. it is not
sufficient to say that in so doing we
merely exercise a right for which we
are compelled to give a reason. There
must be some reason or motive at the
foundation of all human conduct. And
if at the basis of this course Of conduct
participated in by the mass ofthe white
people of the State, there does lie a
reason so powerful as to defy the pro-
visions of the constitution and laws
and DEGREES of courts, it certainly con
Germs the colored mar to inquire
whether, carried to its logical conse-
quences, it does not threaten Other
rights, of which he has already the
full enjoyment. Yet would ask any
one to state why a colored man should
not participate in these public priv
legcs, which would not be a better
reason why he should not serve on q
jury why be should not hold respon'
sible offices, nay, why he should not
possess the right of suffrage itself!
We are bound to give this great ex-
pertinent of republican sell.govern,
mcnt, on the basis of impartia. sui,
trage, a fair trial and as long as we
assume a position antagonistic in prin.
chile to lis rights, and thereby drive
the colored mn into opposition 20 US,
# harm results, we must lay the blame
upon ourselves, rather tLsu on the sys'
TEN.
| am persuaded that the natural re
lation between the white and colored
people is that of friendship. am per.
suaded that their interests are identi-
cal that their destines in This State,
where the two races are equally d.
vided, are linked together; and that
there is no prosperity for Louisiana
which must not he the result of their
cooperation.
| am equally convinced that the evils
anticipated by some from the practical
enforcement of equal rights, are mostly
imaginary, and thatthc relations ofthe
races in the exercise of the rights will
speedily adjust themselves TO the sat
israction of all.
take it that nothing but malice or
stupidity could find anything either in
the letter or spirit of the u~niticatior
resolutions which contemplates any
interference or dictation in the private
social relations of the people. These
lie entirely ontside the domain Of leg,
i"slation and politics, 1t would not be
denied that, in travelling, and at places
Of public resort, WI often share these
privileges in common with thieves,
prostitutes, gamblers and others who
have worse sins to answer for than the
accident Of color; but no one ever sup.
posed that We thereby assented to the
social equality of these people with
ourselves. | therefore say that par.
ticipation in these public privileges in
wolves no question Of social equality.
By the enjoyment in common of such
privileges, neither whites nor blacks
assert, or assent to, social equality,
either with each other, or even between
individuals of the same race.
l have not proposed to myself any
advantages from the resolutions e.
ferred to. do not seek or desire Of
flee or ~emoluments. l have in view
but the restoration of Louisiana to the
place of honor from which she has
fallen. I surrender no principle, nor
do l seperate from my friends. / unite
with those who, upon candid consider.
alton Of the circumstances they do not
control, have to extract from them the
greatest amount of good that they al
low of.
II there be any who can propose
other and better means. l shall not be
backward in adopting chem. But it is
very clear to my mind that the strength
of a State consists in the harmonious,
cordial, contented union Of all the
good men Of the community in honest
efforts for the improvement and pro-
gress of the whole. 1t is equally clear
that strife discord, disunion and dis.
tracted efforts and pursuits will pro
duce nothing hut weakness and disap.