New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-07-16
SocI1L ANb CYL. RIGHTS.

IL we may believe some of the Texas news
papers the cOlOred convention recently held
in that State embraced more talent, OF the
regular stunning order, than ever was assem-
bled before on q similar occasion. There was
the Hon. A. B., shrewd, willy, brave, bold,
" eloquent defender of his race, and hater of
"all frauds, shams and pretenders;" there
was C. D., "the able cOlOred sheriff; 4" there
were Z. F., "the youthful Cicero of his race
" in that county" and G. H., the Demos
themes of his racer and j. X, the sincere,
cable, quiet but active and influential leader
" of his race" and i. NJ, who is "quiet,
"sensible, shrewd, honest, and ever reliable"
and n. o., "whose power over his race Is
only equaled by his cratic course"-this
last-named gentleman beng now under IN
dictment for bigamy. Indeed, it Is
apparent that whatever the convention may
have been in itself. it was respectable
enough to win some pretty high-strung com
pliments from the Republican journals, and
that great deal Of political importance was
attached to its proceedings Upon the whole
its action seems TO have been characterized
by good sense. 1t avowed an unalterable de-
yotion to the fortunes of Gen. Grant and the
Republican party; but it advised the colored
men to cut loose from the white leaders who
have used and deceived them so long at
home and to take their future into their own
hands. The freedmen of Texas are tired of
milling chestnuts out Of the fire for swinding
carpet-bag adventures, and they mean here
after to act for themselves. An attempt was
made (by the bigamous delegate, who may
possibly stand in need before long Of an ex-
ecutive pardon) to commit the convention to
the support of Gov. Davis; but this was
signally defeated. The colored men prefer to
play q lone hand; and they seem to be play
ing 1t wisely. They refuse to support any
man for office who was not opposed to repu-
diaton. They pledge themselves to the pay
ment of the public debt in full. They invite
foreign immigration and they declare In favor
of the establishment of free schools, not by the
help Of the federal government but at their
own cost.
The most significant part Of the address
adopted by the convention refers, however, to
what are sometimes called " social rights"
The convention recognizes the fact that no
such rights exist. The colored people demand
the enforcement of all their coil nghts-and III
connection with this demand they pay a
merited tribute of gratitude to Mr.. Sumner
but in the way of social recognition or
equality they have nothing to ask. 1t is not
for the law to say that they shall go into
private houses where they are not welcome, or
shall fill situations for which they have no
particular qualification. Prejudices cannot be
eradicated by statute. They are overcome
by years and patience. The prejudice of color
is gradually but rapidly disappearing, and the
black race will only reinyigorate it if they
attempt to do by process of law what they
can accomplish in no other way than by good
conduct and common sense. Education, intel
ligence, and virtue will win the highest social
recognition in all civilized communities.