The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-06-11

the most ample protection for all of
their personal and political rights: And
it is contrary to custom, to order,
to improvement, that party should be
advanced to higher degree in any order
or science before he had made the proper
advancement in those into which he had
been inducted. The negro was suddenly
emancipated, and placed in the enjoyment
of nights ard privileges to which he had
been a stranger. Has he made the proper
use Of the opportunities thus conferred
upon him for his mental and social eleva-
tions Has he improved his time and made
adyancements in the privileges thus sud
denly cast around, himl Has he, in other
words, mastered the first lessons which
were giyen him, and now stands elevated
and enlightened, purified and ennobled,
prepared to advance still higher and TO
take his place as an equal by the side of the
white mana If he has, then the Senators
might be excused for the disgusting
display of mock philanthropy, which
was played on the memorable night
preceding the day of the passage of the
bill of abominations, when they went
out of the Senate Chamber to avoid
hearing the truth.
But what do we see2 Instead Of i'm
provement, there is retrogradation, a falling
off, lapsing into barbarism In the States
in which they have been in the majority, in
stead of showing their capacity for self-gov-
ernment they have brought financial ruin
and, so far as they could, social demorali-
zation upon the people. In no sense, have
they proited by the rights and privileges
conferred. Withthe exception of few,
they are to-day in a worse condition than
when theywere slaves and had some one to
think for and take care of them, provide
food and clothing, and medicine and nurses
when. needed. 1t is we'll that the Times has
noted their present condition. Their status
will throw a flood of light upon the question
of increasing the privileges which they enjoy
and of dissipating the erroneous opinions
and conclusions of the negro worshlppers.
1t will show that the whites are really the
ones who are in danger, and need protee-
tion from negro rule and negro dishonesty.
And we are truly rejoiced that the Times
has the nanliness- and boldness to announce
that it will stand by Mr.. Eaton if he should
raise such questions, and will not be de-
tered from doing so by the howls and
groans of any one. 1t Is evident that the
Times is convinced beyond doubt that the
negro has received sufficient attention; that
the laws already enacted for his benefit are
ample and sufficient to protect him in every
right, and that the attempt to drag the white
man down to his level is a sin against God
and violation of good government. Any
legislation which Injuries one class for the
benefit Of another, is contrary to sound po-
itical economy, and will bring destruction
upon any government which tolerates the
practice long. Enough has been done for
the negro. Let him alone If he cannot
rise to higher plane than he new occu-
pies, it will be the strongest evidence of
his incapaclty and lack of those sterling
qualities which have gradually elevated the
white race in the arts and sciences, and
made it the wonder and admiration Of the
inferior races of the Garth