New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-12-16

right 4. Mise pepeautinnTfo for hin geducation-
and self protection as a citizen. But this
earthquake is followed ~ its oscillations.
In the attempt to carry this revolution
beyond its primal force there is risk OF
reaction. In the attempt to enforce the
social equality Of those who were SO lately
separated by relation SO repulsive, there
maybe danger that even previous conces-
sions may be reconsidered, and that free
men may be even RENTED and remanded
to state Of prolonged probation.
We have another social peculiarly in
Louisiana. OF nearly four hundred thou
sand blacks we have fifty thousand Of
mixed blood. OF these last there are
many of education, refinement, and in
every respect estimable as friends and
citizens. Among themselves they enjoy
all the institutions Of religion, literature
and accomplishment. Il may be said that
they are as little separated from the whites
in prejudice as in complexion, and that
they no more consort in social intimacy
with the most pronounced negroes than
do the most fastidious whites. On the
other hand, there have been unhappy
historical examples Of the hostility of the
blacks to those of mixed blood. 1t is
notorious that the demand for the in.
discriminate association Of races comes
from this peculiar class. The great
mass Of the negroes are at least in
different to this privilege. They are
content with the great boon of freedom
and political equality. We do not care to
jeopardize these substantial blessings for
the assertion of an association which
would be as uncomfortable to them as to
the whites. If in this case those who
would exact social equality as right
stand to those who do not desire to do SO.
as one is to eight, is it prudent to risk the
assured rights of the eight for the specu-
lative privileges of the one? We should,
at least. require some proof by popular
vote that a majority Of colored people de-
mand mixed schools before we should feel
justified, as their representative. in insist.
ing upon such condition Of popular edu.
cation. ,. f ..ur
Il vii have been observed that the
REPUBLICAN has been ever the advocate Of
the industrial unifcation OF the races.
They may dwell in harmony, if mutually
useful, but will be ever in very unfortu.
nate and unequal antagonism, If forced by
law into relations which the one does
insist on, and which the other will never
grant,
Suppose, then, we halt, and justify the
positions of freedom and suffrage. before
advancings To this point We are accom-.
panied by the whole American people.
Beyond. we may find our forces weakened
by the withdrawal of friends who may be
induced to accompany us no further.
Suppose we encourage the Southern
people to give the colored man home.
and TO value him as permanent pro.
Queer. Let US impress the value Of race
which fears no vicissitude of our climate;
which can perform all manual and mental
labor; which can be trusted with the
infant and with the household. Suppose
we educate this race until they can con.
duct the mechanic arts and manufactures
among us: who can navigate the ocean as
mariners. and supply TO the nation the
element Of acclimated sailors, always
ready to brave the pestilential diseases on
the tropical coasts.
Is it not better to cultivate the kindly
relations Of tho races than to seek causes
Of hostility? The wounds Of the Union.
the pride Of race. the loss Of property.
the sense Of dependence are all fresh. Is it
wise OF fraternal to infame that wound,
to insult that pride. to rejoice over that
loss, to increase that sense Of dependence:
We have no disposition to do SO. and we
know the negro. grateful for the bles-
sings he enjoys, and desiring to live in
amity and usefulness with those among
whom he was born and reared, is not dis
posed to exaspefate the antagonisms
which have inflicted so much wrong and
injustice upon him.
We should have. if called on to vote on
the proposed amendments Of the civil
rights bill, to bear in mind the principles
enounced. We would endeavor to maintain
the unity of the Republican party upon
which the preservation Of the right Of uni
versa1 suffrage may perhaps depend, and
would accept separate and equal facilities
for the enjoyment Of social custom and
commerce. This we would do rather
than by a forced and aggressive demand
place again in jeopardy all that has re.
suited from the great sectional strife
which has made the Union one and per-
petual, as it has repealed all inequality in
the political rights Of the whole people.