New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-05-14
How General Howard IL Spoken
Of by a C0lOred Man.

How Gener0l Howard IL Spoken
Of by q C0lOred Man.
WASHINGTON, d. c., May Il, 1874.
10 the Editor Of the Nep National Era:
1t is very generally known that upwards
of two months or more, by virtue of a reso-
luton passed by Congress to investigate the
charges made against General Howard, as
Commissioner Of the Freedman's Bureau, a
military tribunal has been diligently explor.
ing the official integrity of this well-known,
GOOD man. This tribunal has doubtless inn
partially performed its duty, and venture
to say, with constant impression that moth
ing could be found that would cast the
faintest shade upon the established purity
and integrity of General Towards official
character. What motives actuated the orig
ination of these charges, when but year
or two ago like charges were brought up,
investigated, and the good General was hon
orably acquitted, cannot divine. Doubt
less these charges have been in the walk of
public duty. But my concern at present is
to avail myself Of your valuable columns to
say to those, the negro race of this country.
who are grateful to all those who aided in
their elevation, that 1t is the JOY of us, living
at the Capital, and in immediate hearing of
the proceedings of awful Investigations, that
nothing has appeared which can mpute to
General Howard one act of fraud on his part
or in his cognizance during the administra-
ton OF his affairs as Commissioner of the
Freedman's Bureau. 1t is universally ex-
pected, even in this crucible of mans acts.
the Capital of the nation, that Gen. Howard
will be honorably acquitted from all charges
made against him, and now pending investi-
CATION. Like the summer sun, after a short
thunder clap, he will shine with renewed re-
splendency. God bless him. Don't Won say
so reader: If you are negro, remember
that he made your present enjoyment in the
avenues OF social, civil, political, and rcli-
gious life equally with other men, as possible
as IT Is to-day. Not least among the giants
who tore down the battlements of caste dis
tnctlon and erect platform of civil equality,
was General o. .. Howard. For education
has been no impotent hand in lifting us to
the present stage. The diligence of General
Howard in establishing schools Throughout
the South, combined with the untirino en-
ersy, Incompatible craftsmanship, and de-
Votedness to the cause of liberty and equality
among men in the person of our departed hero
and beneiactor, Charles Sumner, made pos
sible as well as a reality, a negro in the
Senate OF the United States and seven negro
Representatives in the House of Representa-
tives in Congress.
In Washington, d. c., is situated Howard
University, not negro Institution, but in
which negroes may learn the arts and sci
ences Of the world and receive an education
hitting them as the peers of the more FORUM
ate white race.
Then, since these things are true. | call
attention to General Towards plain, simple,
yet forcible defense, as appears in the col
umns Of the New ERA of the 18th instant.
In 1t the reader cannot escape; how like our
good Saviour this philanthropist among men,
does seem to say, ''if it be possible let this
cup pass from me-" See letter to General
w. L. Sherman, Nov. %, 1873. 1t is worth
reading. The good man, the patriot, the
"~"Ssois 10 NiSai seen. NOW let. us,
colored citizens, prepare with song like
unto Miriam, when the horse aud his rider
shall have been thrown into the sea.
In plain words, suggest that all colored
citizens throughout the United States pub.
licly give expression of their gratitude for
the many kind acts done by General Howard
in behalf of their progress and education.
Thirteen million of dollars might have been
much worse spent, with less advantage.
Senator Schurz thinks that the negro is
ungrateful. 1t is not SO. He has no man
to serve, nor follow, except through his con-
victions, dictated by conscience, and the
light of reason, which, if inadequate is as
much as the white man has left in him by
brutal treatment. The negro race will al
ways reverence its benefactors. Reader,
please excuse this bold advice. No dicta-
torial spirit governs it. 1 am actuated by
pure love and esteem for one who has done
SO much for my race, and who made it pos
sible for me and many others to obtain a
profession, without cleaning white mans
boots or brushing out his office, for hurried
instruction in the dark, as the only means
possible.
The faults of General Howard are trivial
compared with his imperishable virtue. Let
us reverence him. ID. A. s.
NOfes GrA,n fI,e NoptsaJ