New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-01-02
Another COlOred Senator.

The Honorable Hiram RevelS was the lirst
colored man who startled the nation and as
tonishcd tho United States Senate by appear
ing in the capitol with Senatorial commits
sion from the Governor Of q sovereign State,
instead of coming within the boundaries of
that august body with stationery from the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Considering his brief stay and his training,
he did we'll. We could have wished for more
devotion to his duties in that exalted posi-
ton. than he displayed, more activity in a
virgin field for negro talent where every vein
was full of precious ore and every blow OF
manhood would have been echoed by negro
progress but on the whole we are content.
The precedent itself was something. A ne
gro was occupying a seat in the United
States Senatc-he was occupying the seat
of man who had last used it to plot against
the nations life-he was occupying it as a
representative figure Of negro iAerest, hope,
and possibility and as such he was con-
templatcd by white Republicans with at least
complacency, ifnot with supreme satisfaction;
and by the blacks he was hailed with joy as
the harbinger Of a better time and a brighter
period for the black man and the nation.
Our hopes in these respects seem likely to
be realized from quarter calculated to bring
the fullest qualification, because the prospect
involves the full and joyful acceptance of
character, ability, and courage when united,
although beneath curly hair and colored
skin.
Louisiana is about to vote for a United
States Senator, and tho decided leanings of
the Legislature is toward colored man-P.
B. S. Pinchback. Our readers are familiar
with the conspicuous and manly part which
has been played by Mr.. Pinchback in the re-
cent political troubles Of that State. He has
risen from the position Of man despised for
reason of his color and race to that of acting
Governor of great commonwealth, and laid
claim with marvellous frmness Of tone and
with striking evidences Of justification to a
still higher seat among the "most potent,
grave, and reverend seignors" Of our land
We have nothing to do here with the early
life nor with tho personal character Of Mr..
Pinchback. The period Of slavery was itself
so monstrous that the blacklist charges and
tho most obstreperous rumor grows clean
under its awful enormities.
Some become great rowcrs in Harvard or
Cambridge who would have been boatmen
without the opportunities Of an education,
others gamble with cards because they arc
reduced by the laws to the level Of position
where they cannot contend for the manage
ment of men. But what we have to do with
is, the fact that one of these chattels and
things may rise out of all disqualihcations
and through all opposition to such esteem
among nearly seven hundred thousand pco-
pie as to be pitched upon by the representa-
tives Of white and colored as the best proha-
bic representative Of their interests in the
highest branch Of the national legislature.
Mr.. Pnchback, we understand, has the
endorsement Of the foremost supporters of
the Administration in Louisiana, and the
fullest confidence of the colored people Of the
State, not excepting those who differ with
him as to the agents and policy of the Kel-
logg ring of our party.
Mr.. Pinchback, we understand, is 4 man
of means, we know him to be man Of OK
tensive hospitality, Of uncommon energy,
and of unquestioned devotion to his race.
We hope to see him in the Senate Of our ma
ton