New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19

once infamous and groundless, and based
upon no more tenable foundation than mere
difference Of color. Who could feel free,
who could enjoy without a sense Of intense
modification these constant reminders of the
AFFECT, Inundated relation in which VIC are
viewed by the dominant race 4?
AT every turn in the highway of life, at
every cross-road Of duty or enjoyment, we
are rudely jostled aside, or met by the stern
mandate of the, "Thus far shalt thou come
but no further" salutation Of nearly every
person we meet who can boast of white
face. We want. then, to be released from
the bonds, to have the restrictions removed :;
to feel that the way is clear for our advance.
ment in the path of duty, pleasure, or honor.
We would desire to stand up, untrammelled,
in the full dignity Of complete enfranchse.
ment; TO go forth in the exercise of our
citizenship, feeling that no odious proscrip-
ton, no foolish prejudice shuts lis ont from
the accommodations, the conveniences, the
protection demanded and received by every
other class of American citizens.
8. We believe that the Republic slou.auus
the curly passage Of this or q similar bill.
The standard Of national development is
always taken from the average citizen, rating
from the highest to the lowest class of So
cicty. The negro must be counted in A.; and
unless he is allowed q fair share-an equal
share-of opportunities for race, culture and
development, any lack or deficiency he will
necessarily exhibit, must be given to the
debit side of the national ledger. AS the
strength Of q chain is measured by its weakest
link, so the chain Of the American people to
progress, to eminence, yea, even to liberty
itself, will be justly proportioDate to the
depth of depravity, ignorance, and general
unlitness for honorary distinction, to which
they have voluntarily consigned so deserving
class Of their fellow-men. To advance
practically and continuously, the nation
must carry along with it all classes of its
citizens irrespective of color or condition.
How important, then, that ample provision
be made for making our Republic in fact,
what it is in theory, a strictly composite
nationality, wherein no invitlious distinctions
are allowed against any one class or race in
favor Of another. Success in any govern
ment is based upon the unity existing be-
tween its integral parts. When this is not
the case, internal commotion, petty strife,
and dangerous jealousies are sure to exist,
much to its disadvantage and probable dis
aster.
4. We are weary of special legislation in
our behalf. For generations VIC have been
before the potent bar Of justice in the ca
pacity of witnesses, in defense Of our claim to
popular and legal recognition. This pub
licity has gained for us an unenviablc noto-
riety which we sadly deplore and would
gladly see removed. Teo long we have been
subjected to the close, critical scrutiny and
unsympathizing gaze Of those having no
faith in the ultimate triumph Of principle OF
of our fitness for, or adaptabillty to the
changes of condition desired. Let stop be
put to these unpleasant proceedings by the
immediate and unqualified passage of a law
forever removing us from courts Of equity by
comforting upon us complete liberty and full
citizenship. Then, and not till then, will
local prejudice, unjust resentment, and social
prescription cease to exist. Then, and not
till then, can the negro or eren The naughty
Caucasian walk boldly erect i'll the purified
atmosphere of higher, nob'er self-hood-
more perfect freedom. Not till then can
there be real peace for either race; for until
every right and immunity is fully guaranteed
them by statute, and until legislative enact
ment is ratified by 4 refined and elevated
public sentiment, can colored men cease tc
implore, to petition, to demand that justice
be done their race.
5. The comforting upon the colored race of
equal, political and civil rights, was promise
of the Republican party voluntarially made
by its last convention at Philadelphia. The
Democratic party, too, in its declaration Of
principles at both Cincinnati and Baltimore
made important concessions scarcely less
favorable and binding. But to the Republic
can party do We especially look to fill to thu
full the measure Of its obligations. No
only this, but VIC look to it to perfect the worl
of emancipation it so nobly began and ha
brought to so nearly completion. TO stol
now at the verge Of completion would dis
cover lack of faith and courage to dare ant
do wholly unworthy the great party Of free
dom.
Let the Republican party triumph b.
browning its work of liberation from bond
age and subsequent Acknowledgement will
the cap-stone of equal and civil rights. A
an act of good faith, it cannot afford to re
pudiate its pledges; as an act of justice t.
| itself and its colored constituency, it canno
afford to pander to caste prejudice, Will
as an act of magnahimty to the colored race
it would command from it the lasting graft
tude, not only of the present generation
| but those which are to follow.
Yours for progress,
| j. DALLAS BOwsER.
Hon. Robert Ie. Elliot.