New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-06-10
A NEW BANNER,

are as much troubled about the device as
were the statesmen of the Southern Con-
fsderacy or the people Of France. And
as the flag is the essential thing in party
with only negative principles it becomes
matter Of deep concern that there shall
be no mistake about it. Last year the
hosts opposed to Republicanism were
rallied under the unmeaning and there
fore appropriate device Of Fusion, but
since that standard, like its numerous
predecessors, was made to trail in the
dust, new one is called for as the politi-
cal campaign approaches. It is now pro-
posed to adopt name and devise an en-
blem more in accordance with the interests
and objects of the party. Hence we see
there has been an attempt to organize the
White League, which all the Democracy
are invited and expected to join. The
reason for this departure, or perhaps it
would be more proper to say return to the
ancient usages, is given by a leading paper
to be this:
The course Of the carpetbag demagogues
in this State in driving or cajoling the ne
groes into distinct organizations and con.
centrated mass of voters.
This view Of the case gives an undue
influence to the very few so-called carpet
baggers that actually reside here, and sets
the colored masses down as an extremely
plastic force, easily controlled by less than
one-twentieth of their numbers. A proper
knowledge of the character Of our colored
population would teach the movers in the
White League business that they can
neither be driven nor cajoled into the
support of measures founded upon injus-
tice to their race. Their preference for
white Republicans over the Democracy
arises from the well known fact that the
one promises them justice at least, while
the other openly makes war upon their
dearest rights. A procession marching
through the streets with music and ban
ners bearing the brave device, "This is
white mans government, has little at:rac-
ton for colored voter who wishes to
be regarded as man, and is looking
about for a candidate for the Legislature
or a judgship who may be reasonably ez-
pected to pass upon questions affecting
his interests. If there is any driving in
this matter at all it is done by that party
that offers to the colored man the privi-
lege Of voting for list of candidates pre-
pared without consulting him, and upon
which he sees no friendly names. He is
in the right to vote, and SO make
his choice between two evils, but he is not
offered any place among the candidates
Having nowhere else to 60, be naturally
seeks the more congenial society of his
own race and the few white men who are
brave enough and just enough to offer
him fair treatment.
We believe it will be impossible to d.
vide the colored vote in this State so long
as the necessity exists for unity to secure
self-preservation. If they were to break
up their organization in mass and divide
so as to attach themselves to the tail of
each of the opposing parties, they would
surrender the very defenses
placed in their hands for their own pro-
tection.% The driving and cajoling power
Of the white Republicans derives its prin-
,ipal vitality and strength from the per-
of the Democracy. If that
party would consent that
,olored people should count at so much
per head, the same as the Republicans Go,
here would be little need for q white
eague, and no danger whatever for the
much dreaded conflict of races. The
ault, then, proceeds primarily from the
lnwise action Of the majority Of the white
people themselves. They are, doubtless,
perfectly willing to absorb the whole negro
population as voters, bat have no place
or them in the division of the benefits re-
'ulting from success. They are, per-
laps, standing on their pride, while
he colored people ere actuated by
! principle which they can not
'acriice without endangering their safety.
So long, therefore, as the Democracy
persist in standing in their own light and
continue to look upon this large class of
,itizens and their friends as foes, and as
Interiors in their claim to political privi- |
eyes, just SO long will they find the. chal-
enge accepted and the breach between |
be two races remain undiminished. For
t is not possible in the very nature of |
hings that either one Of two forces 50
Yearly matched in strength can entirely !
bsorb the other. Still less reasonable is !
to expect tina. the least numerous party
ill ever be able to swallow the other so |
S to destroy its identity.
Let US suppose for moment that the
olored people have concluded to accept
be advice Of the Democratic politicians
isband their organizations, turn deaf
ar to the suggestions Of the carpet
aggers to nominate candidates, and hold
themselves in readiness to vote for such
aen as the central committee Of their
resent political opponents might permit
. become candidates Or, in-case the
were to grow irharmonious
nder such an extraordinary state Of af-
.irs, to support the ticket that appeared
, be the more regular in its origin and
Drained, perhaps, the loftiest rfofes-
.vEb-o9 1901 $3.50 eTe1