The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-11-19
SHALL TUE NEGROES BE EDU-
CATED9

are correct, then it follows as acorollary that
the negroes should be educated. This is
one of the leading questions which Demo
cratic administrations in the several States
will be called upon to solve in accordance
with the progress of the age.
Before the war, when they were held as
servants, their owners were prevented, by a
stern necessity, forced upon them by med
ding abolitionists, from educating them,
because by SO doing they would have crea-
ted magazine on every plantation, which
would have been liable to explosion at any
moment, followed by scenes of rapine and
murder that would have been appalling.
Incendiary documents, pamphlets, and
papers would have been secretly distributed
among them which would have advised
and urged them to rise up as one
man and overcome their owners. But as
they could not generally read, the abolition
lists could only operate by the underground
railroad, which only carried the negroes of
to the loss of their value to their owners. It
was a source of great regret to very many
who owned them that, even then, they
were prevented from educating them; and
some did, at their own risk, teach them to
read and write. Had it not been for the in
reference of the fanatics of the North,
they would have been taught the elemen-
tary branches of an English education.
But those days have passed away forever; /;
and the question, stripped of its, ts,forbidding
aspects, comes up before the Southern peo-
pie for solution. We say, without the fear
of successful contradiction, that the colored
people will find in the South friends who
will be pleased to do all in their power for
their intellectual, social and political ad-
vancement. But in saying this we would
not have any one to infer that we would
advocate mixed schools or the ANAL
them as a separate and distinct race, and
gave them a country that was divided
from the rest of the world by natural boun-
daries which, IN the early history of man
kind, prevented in great degree the ming
! ling of the races. Looking upon nature
as perfect in her works, and not wishing to
disturb the perfect harmony of those great
laws that are everywhere manifest, from
the smallest blade of grass to the loftiest
mountain range, we desire to give to the
negroes every advantage that may enable
them to improve themselves intellectually,
morally and physically, and mount to the
highest standard of perfection for which
their natures are capable. In this, the
white man has nothing to lose and every
thing to gain.
The colored people, when educated as
they should be, will make better citizens
ard better laborers. They will learn to
look upon civilization as something more
than the restraint of the vicious and punish
ment of the criminal The rewards and
pleasures that spring from the order and
harmony oss'9ciety will be new incentives
to progress. Instead of falling into all
kinds of excesses, and filling our jails and
penitentiaries with convicts, they will
struggle to gain a place and name with
the good, honest and industrious citizens,
to become useful members of the communi-
ties in which they live.
The money that will be expended in
their education will be we'll spent. The
property which will be taxed for the puI-
pose will be made, to the extent of the
taxes paid, that much more valuable, and
the advantages that will be reaped from
their improved labor will be the source of
additional profit. There will also be the
time and expense of attending courts, as
witnesses and jurors, in the trial of negro
criminals, saved. Property and persons
will be safer, and better men will be chosen
by them as officers, where they may have
the majority.
In becoming better citizens, they will
own more property, and will have greater
inducements to assist in suppressing crime
and enforcing the laws.
If, then, it is settled fact that the ballot
will never be taken from them, it should
also be established as a corollary that they
shall be educated. The one should not be
allowed unless the other is guaranteed. As
there is no intention to deprive them Of the
ballot, educational facilities will be pro-
vlded, and thus the questions which have
disturbed the country will be fully and
finally settled in favor of universal suffrage
and education, with such exceptions as are
usually found in all general rules.
But it may be asked, who doubts the
willingness of Democrats to educate the
ncgrol Suffice it to say that there are
doubts expressed. Some persons are moved
to make accusations against Democracy
from hatred and revenge; some on account
Of ignorance of principles, and others be-
cause they desire to sec Democrats stumble
and fall.
It is much easier to retain power than to
regain it when lost. The Democrats, after
fourteen long years of misfortune and dis
tress, have prOspectively regained the gov
ernment. They cannot expect to rule un-
less they show capability and fairness.
sDemocracy governs for the good of all.
The humblest citizen in the land is entitled
before the law to the same protection as
would be awarded to a millionaire and
President.
Let US make no mistakes; and, above all,
let Us fulfill our promises. By so doing,
the people Of the whole land will be bene-
6ted, peace and prosperity assured, and
Democracy established forever.
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