davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
From West Virginia.

pARKEEsBURG, w. VA, May &c, 1874.
y, ne Editor "j IL. ysto National Era:
Obituary eulosies, addresses and memori
ais on the occasion of the death of the Hon.
Charles Sumner, the most illustriOus friend
AMI champion of the rights of orr race, have
appeared in all the patriotic newspapers OF
the land, until, it seemed to me, that every
word of praise and cloriication had been
exhausted, when my attention was called to
Prof Lan@ston's address on this same snb-
ieci, published in your estimablc journal.
then found that | had been mistaken, and
that much that had read ON the same sub
ject, faded into mcdiocrity before this able,
conscientious and scholarly production and
il is, perhaps, the most eloquent vindication
Of our rights and privileges gained for our
people, and proof of their appreciation of the
same.
That such an address as Prof. Langston's
should emanate from q son OF our race, de-
servedly occupying one Of che highest posi-
tons in the gift of a great and enlightened
nation, is the source Of great qualification to
us all.
Nor was it until l had compared notes
with the so-callcd superior race around me,
upon the merits of Prof Langston's address,
that felt encouraged to raise my humble
voice in its commentator. That it is equal
to the best, and far superior to the greater
number of similar productions, is generally
conceded, and all agree that rs monument
TO the life, character, and services OF Chas
Sumner, it must survive through future gen
| cratiOns.
To make my suggestion practical one,
| propose the publication of Prof. Langston's
| address in pamphlet f0rm-an edition large
| enough to supply every household OF oul
people with copy.
Yours, ETC.,
ItoBT. W. SIMMONS.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
WASHINGTON, ID. c., May

WASHINGTON, d. c., May o, 1874.
To he Editor IF he Ne,o National Era:
viii the party of reform and progress keep
its faith with our citizens of color by the en-
lorcement of natural and inherent rights to
life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
Fessilizcd crecds, dogmas and hypocritical
eXpcdicnts must give place to the principles
of humanity, guided by the inlallible arbilcrs:
love, conscience and reason, with true hap
piness, practical education. and uniform pros
perity, for It's final result.
The political organization that doubts and
hesitatcs upon subjects of such vital import
ance to the bone and sinew Of a free rcpub-
lie, implies a want of confidence and sincerity
in the principles by it, avowed upon the ros-
trum, and liz 4 platform Of our own crea-
ton.
The black man and the white, whose united
efforts redeemed our country from the dcgrad-
ed position of propagatng the system of
human bondage, and the rights Of a treason
able secession, arc no longer to be deceived
by would-bc-leaders, and their rhetorical c(-
forts in platform making, for the aggrandizc-
ment OF the few pure and spotless dcma-
gogucs, whose love for the depressed laborer
and mechanic, ceases with their versatile APP
peals to the superficial and momentary pas
sional emotions of their hearers.
We have, since the war, learMl to eXer-
else our own reason, and to measure The
sincerity Of statesmen by their acts, rather
than their rounded periods in forensic debate
system of politics or religion that bases
itself upon color, sex, or caste, has Il ten
dency to make bad citizens of the future
generations, and endangers the stability of
arepublican form Of government.
j. WEED COREY.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
From MIiclligai,.
ADRIAN, MICH, April If, 1874

ADRIAN, MIcII., April II, 1871.
To The Editor er he N,,o National Era.
In pursuance to call previously circulated,
number of the colored citizens of Adrian
and vicinity, met at the Second Methodist
Church to express themselves by appropriate
remarks and resolutions on the death of the
Hon. Charles Sumner. Mr.. Jas. W. John
son was called to the chair, and Robert Will
son chosen secretary. The mcctin. was
then opened by singing and prayer. The
object Of the meeting being fully stated by
the chair, ON motion 4 committee of three.
consisting of Darius Roberts. WIberrorcc
Johnson and Robert Wilson were appointed
to draft resolutions. The committee soon
handed in the following resolutions which,
after some very appropriate remarks by
Darius Roberts, Mr.. Fields, Chas. Harris,
Robert Wilson and Wilberforce johnson,
were unanimously adopted
WHEREAS, The sOrrowiul intelligence has
reached us that the Hon. Charles Sumner
has departed this life and
WHEREAS, We feel that il was greatly
owing to his untiring efforts, united to his
honesty of purpose and to his untlauntcd
courage, that to-day we are rejoicing in our
freedom and our citizenship; and
WHEREAS, We know that in his death
the Nation has lost one Of its most valued
sons, and humanity her tried and always true
friend and
WHEREAS, His dying words-'takc care
OF Civil Rights"-provc most conclusively
this heart was ever true to the purpose of
bringing to us as Il people the full measure
of equality before the law:
Therefore, be it Resoiced, lst That VIC
deeply mourn the death of the Hon. Charles
Sumner (Amcrica's greatest Statesman, and
humanity's truest friend y and rs 4 race, cs-
pecially have we occasion to crcvc for the
loss of one of our best, most true and1rm
friends.
I'd. That we ever keep his memory sacred
and fresh in our hearts, and to our posteritv
leave the name of the Hon. Charles Sumner
as a synonym of all that is best and most
true in humanity.
Sd. That 4 copy of these proceedings be
furnished the Times, Erpositor and Dditv
Press of this city, and the New NATIONAL
ERA, of Washington, ID. c., for publication.
JAS. W. JOHNSON, Chairman.
ROBERT WILSON, Seo,tUy;
ROBERT WILSON,
| DANIEL ROBERTS,
| WILBERFORCE JOHNSON,
Committee on ReSoiuHonS.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
LEEsEUEG, VA, May &c, 1874.
Equal RIGHTS.

lElSECEG, ' A., May 20, lo'i.
T, he Editor Of NE Nto National Era:
I.eesburg is in ilourishing condition
undergoing financial, mental, and moral
improvements. sunday last was Whit
Sunday, and Monday following was generally
regarded as Il holiday in this section o: the
country. \ baseball match and fair were
the chief peasurablc resorts Of the day.
The match between the LecsburG club
and clnb from Aldic (Va.) was close and in
tcrcsting. The game was called at O'Clock
u. NJ. After the second inning the clubs
and spectators hnnse;k shelter FROM the ap-
parent pending rain.
After the rain, which lasted an hour, the
clubs resumed their former positions on the
field and completed the game at O'Clock.
The Icesburg club was victorious by score
Of Al to 10. The game was umrired by Mr.
John Brooks, of Lccsburg.
A "fiir for the benefit of the New School
Baptist Church" was at the same time in
operation.
The fair commenced Saturday last ani
continued to Monday at l. O'Clock =. NJ.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Harris figured conspic
uously in rendering free labor.
A FRIEND.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
WASHINGTON, May 30, 1920.


IT, tie EIitor cCtle Neg National Era
You publish that your columns are open
to me. | use the opportunity to let your
readers know my side of the story given in
your paper. l contend with the odds against
me, as is the case with any one who may
have controversy with an editor. The
difference between you and me is not per-
sonal; it is because the columns of your
paper have been used freely byJ. Sela Mar
tin to abuse me, and without stint. The
opposition to me on the part of this indi-
vdual is personal. l have Withdrawn my
association from him in the interest of de-
cency and morality; because l hayc done
this, he has opposed the civil rights council
created to urge civil rights lie has cndcav-
orcd to neutralize its effect, ard he opposes
the Sumner monument movement. You
must know that these movements in their
incipcncy had his cooperation and endorse
ment, but encountered his opposition as soon
as was selected to be at their head, as
was by overwhelming majoritics. and without
any effort Oh my part to produce the result.
| would enter into these matters in detail,
but fear that might be occupying too much
of your space. L would remark rs to the
monument movement that it was started
without my counsel ; that was unanimously
elected its president before was aware of
its existence; elected by its originators,
twenty and more gentlemen of character !;
they designed to be simply n nucleus for 4
general and equal cooperation on the part
of all the people of the country to erect a
monument to Charles Sumner; they did not
assume to dictate or control, nor to have the
officers of the local organization officers of
the national association when created; this,
of course, should be left for future action
so you will see that all the counter reprcsen-
tatiOns are false and deceptive, and have
been set alloat to destroy the laudable effort,
simply because the originators were pleased
to select me, instead Of J. Sella Martin, rs
their head. The character of j. Sella Martin
is such, and is so well known, that his opposi-
ton would not amount to much among decent
colorcd persons, but the difficulty is, he stabs
under the Douglass prestige; that though
he is concealed, he uses their name. Your
readers should know that during your sick
ness and absence from the city for several
weeks this j. Sella Martin had exclusive
control of the columns of your paper that
it was during this period that scurrilous and
abusive articles appeared as editorials in the
ERA against me, as well rs in other forms,
as pieces copied from other papers and re-
ports, though they were from the pen OF
Martin; that the same excited your disgust,
and the disgust of your father, Frederick
Douglass, who dsclaimed having any con.
nection whatever with the paper. l had a
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

is not uncquivocally in favor of it. Let them
Favor no mans nomination even who is OPP
posed To it, and VIC shall soon find men
enough from the South in favor of it to unite
with our Northern friends to secure its adop-
ton by the next Congress. If defeated by
The present Congress, it will be done by n
union OF Southern Republicans with Demo-
Gratis. Our late candidate for Governor
claimed ii was not a Republican measure,
and took grounds opposed to its adoption,
and have no doubt he is still opposed to
the bill, and yet VIC found colored men beg
ging the President to appoint him to the
position of Judge of the United States court,
where his convictions may do, some day.
irreparable damage to the cause of Justice.
IL never will be a Republican measure so
long as the colorcd men of the South practi-
cally oppose il by sending men to Congress
whom they know to be opposed to it. With
this great responsibility resting upon them,
how can they ever forgive themselves if they
laltcr now:
For one, | wipe my hands of all RESPONSE
UNI. anu, II t'ic utSIoc> vi kHSllll ltil 10
send n united delegation To The next Con-
Sress pledged TO the support of the Civil
Rights Bill, it shall not be for want of effort
on my part. But their pretended friends say
we can't find white men so disposed. Then
take n colored man but there is really no
such difficulty. Let the colored men of Ills
district say they will support no one unless
lie is in favor of the measure, and my word
for it candidates will spring up faster than
asparagus in May.
l have given you the views of true and
tried friend of the colorel people. / have no
friend to reward or enemy to punish in thus
agitating this subject. l am not candidate
for any Office in the gift of the people and
if was, have no money to disburse among
those who seem to prefer it to that glorious
heritage left them by the great and good
Lincoln; but do want to see these people,
my people, with whom l was reared, rise to
proper manhood, and not sit down quietly
and see their heritage snatchcd from them
by the woliish politicians who howl only at
night, when they scent the vote of colorcd
man, and who fear in day time TO stand erect
and proclaim themselves their friends regard
less of the scorns and scowls Of their white
associates. Let us remember that the gen.
H,mcn OF the Old Dominion, despise the hypo-
critic, and regard with admiration him who
is outspal.en in his sentiments.
EQUAL RIGHTS.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

right to expect that you would, on resuming
charge Of your editorial chair, have minated
that you had not charge Of the columns while
the above took place but, by your silence,
you virtually endorsed the abuse this in
duccd me to write q communication to "Ou'
National Pyogyess," in which l spoke of you
in a relation of dependence, at which you
took offence, and joined in abuse of me. l
have noticed the character of the abuse i'm
your paper, and have the proud satisfaction
of observing that there is nausht set down
that is to my dscrcdft; naught sctIlown save
what is in the interest of 4 cause have felt
it my duty to serve without compensation,
and at great cost, for nearly forty years. 1t
just and effective criticism, when am, with
all ingenuity, rackcd in substance, subjected
to falschood, which, after all, says am
jealous and watchlul as to the rights of my
people, which saying is used in such man
ner as exhibits the design to impair my in
ilucnce i'll this direction, and to prejudice
and affect me in my business. Ii is well
known fact that The Era Association is
III embarrassed circumstances. j. Scll& Mar
tin is employed to beg for it, or docs +: II is
eXceled; in begging he is at home. as
sumo that it is because of this financial de-
pendcncc upon Martin that the paper has
not spoken as 1t would, fearing he might
withdraw his efforts it is well known that
politicians at times employ agencies whom
they utterly despisc; disgusting alliances
are formed that they cannot well annul (; il
is 4 fact that some time ago number of
gentlemen who were considering about an
alliance with the ERA objected to having
its damaging effect among decent persons,
when il was said there was 4 dread Of free
action as to Martin, because he had influence
among some white men, and might affect the
paper. II is a mistake to suppose Martin
has much influence he is known by leading
white men the very little influence he eXer-
ciscs is because he manages TO produce the
idea on your mind that he has influence he
is played out he is smart, but is lacking in
the character that lasts aIId btgcts influence
among respectable persons. l would speak
of the reference at the meeting in the Nine
tecnth-strect Baptist Church, to the receipt
| of money from certain parties, to refusal on
the part of others, TO the praise of some, and
The announcement of others, but / cannot
do it, hoping that in future j. Sclla Martin
will not have such control over the columns
of the ERA. We want an independent press,
that can freely applaud or denounce.
GEO. Il. DOWNING.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
TIE JUBILEE SINGERS
From Georgia.
CEDARTOWN Polk Co.. GA

CEDARTowN, POLK Co., GA,
May 81, 1874.
To the Editor ofAhe Ncso National Era:
DEAR SIR: The Young Mems Literary
Association of Cedartown, Ga, having met
for the purpose of literary improvement, but
noticing that some of our enemies are sc
preiudccd as to charge us with ungratcful-
ness toward Senator Sumner, whose dust now
rests in peace, whom we have learned to love
and honor from early childhood, therefore, on
tee was appointed to draft suitable resolu
tons, expressive of the feeling of our people
in this section, in regard to the death of tho
great philanthropist and statesman.
The following resolutions having been sub
mittcd by the committee, were unanimously
approved:
WHEREAS, 1t has pleased Almighty Goo
to take from earth the spirit of the Hon
Charles Sumner, our lifelong, true and con
staut friend and,
WHEREAS, in his death the colorcd people
of this country, and the poor and oppressed
of every cline and nationality have lost ;
champion; and,
WHEREAS, in our deep sorrow and earnes
expression of feeling toward the lamcntc,
Sumner, we are charged with ungratefulness
toward him therefore, be it
Resolced, That while we obediently submit
to the will of an all-wise Providence, yet W.
cannot but mourn the loss of one who may
indeed be surnamed the Saviour of Human
Liberty.
Resolred, That in the death of Senate
Sumner, Massachusetts has lost her brightcs
gem, the United States her ablcst statesman
the arts and sciences persistent scholar
and the poor sufferers of all nations bold
fearless champion
Resolrea, That the death of Charles Sum
ner was direct blow upon human rights
and that his dying sentiment-"Takc care of
my Civil-Rights Bill'-be ever kept fresh in
memory as monument of his devotion to Tho
rights of humanity.
Reso'red, That the statement of Senate
Schurz is fallaciOus- "thc colored PEG
pie arc ungrateful to Senator SUMNER" whit
stands rs one of the few immortal name:
that were not born TO die.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

thereirom any child, and to bring up the sub
Ject OF color rs an objection to admission,
Will be found to be a twO-edged sword, and
will wound the person who first unshcathes
it to neighbours heart.
The black child cntcrtains no prejudice
against the white, until il has been SO taught
by its instructors or parents, and ricc rcrsa.
we lind by the demonstrations of infallible
experience, that what we often term inherent
attributes of mind to be nothing more than
the results of early training, and especially
IN TINS case, in matters pertaining to thco-
logical, political and social opinions among
men.
We are governed too much by prejudice
and the errors of our progenltors though it
Is our duty to follow the examples of our
parents, provided they prove to be good and
useful. We arc not justified in placing esti-
mates upon the character or rights of our fell
low creatures, unless sustained by reason
and experience. To instil into the plastic
mind OF child, thoughts tending to make it
hate particular class of humanity, is to out
rage honor, honesty and truth, and to do an
injury to society and the State.
1t is wrong to teach child that which We
cannot prove to be a fact, when called upon
so to do, and to call public school "mixcd
school," you must be able to prove what a
"mixed SCHOOL, is, Or your child will grow
up to accuse you Of prevarication.
DO not complain of excessive heat when
surrounded by an iceberg, nor cry >" stop
thief" unless something has been stolen.
If it is disgrace(u to he black, who is re-
sponsible: is question our children will
soon require us to answer.
Yours truly,
J. WEED COREY.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

Rcsolred, That we cooperate with any
sound movement for the immediate BUILDING
of monument to his immortal memory, and
that we will teach the coming generation to
rise and call him blessed, for he indeed has
been the most forward leader IN our dcliv.
ORANGE.
Resolsed, That copy of these resolutions
be forwarded for publication in the New
NATIONAL ERA, and as Georgia has not
expressed her sentiments as much "a her
sister States, that Mr.. J, II. Magcc be re-
quested to let these expressions form part
of his "Sumner Memorial Volume"
A. +. p. ALBERT,
Chairman Of Committee.
A. S. THURMAN,
Secretary of CommWee.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
Communicated
Moral Reflections No. 81.

'Behold my mother AMI M, brethren!
same is my brother, and my sister and
mothcr.'-Mark xxx, iv. 10.
The Saviour's labor5 at this time seem 10
have been peculiarly Onerous and pressing.
by healing on the Sabbath day, he had ex-
cited to high pitch OF luminosity the minds
of the Scribes, and especially the pharisecs,
who, with the IIerodians, tool, counsel how
they might destroy Him. And nclcan
spirits, when they saw Him, fell down
before Him and Cried saying "Thou art the
Son Of God" twas on this occasion, under
this heavy pressure OF duty, "IIc gocth up
into a mountain and calcth unto Him, whom
He would, and He ordained twelve, that
they should be with him, and that He might
send them forth to preach"
"And the Scribcs, which came down from
Jerusalem, said, He hath Bcclzebub, and by
the prince Of the devils, casteth He out
devils" Under this malignant opposition
on the part Of the Pharsees and SadLucccs;
and weighed down by His inccssant labors
in healing the diseased and inslructinc the
ignorant, faint, and weary, His human nature
needing rest and refreshmcnt, and sympathy
of friends, there came to Him His brethren
and His mother, and, standing without, sent
unto Him, calling Him. When informed
who they were, lie said, "Who is my mother
or my brethren?" And He looked around
about on them, which sat about Him, and
said, "Bchold, my mother and my brethren,
for whosoever shall do the will of God, the
mother"
1t is not to be presumed for moment that
the Saviour meant any dsrespect by this
answer to his brethren, much less TO His
mother, but to impress deeply on the minds
of His hearers and His disciples the supc-
riority of spiritual things to those merely
temporal, and the infinitely more exalted
nature of heavenly relations.
| From this subject we learn, first, there is
spiritual relation stronger and purcr than
anything carthly-that which binds us to
God as a reconciled Father, and to our Chris
tan brethren.
1t is not in our fallen nature, but effected
or wrought III us by the spirit oil God. we
have it not naturally; it is true, we have the
moral feelings, though in an imperfect state
and yet imperfect and perverted as they are,
they are the source of our purest joys on
earth. We pity the miserable, we compass
sionate the suffering; we have, too, the joys
of friendship; and, stronger than all, the
love of kindred; but none of these come
within the realm, properly spcakins-thc
realm of the spirit. These human relations
partake, more or less, Of earth and selfish
ness.
i In this loss there is the abnegaton of self;
the soul goes out and fastens itself on God,
as its chief good-clings to an unseen Saviour,
and carries something of this Divine Spirit
into all the natural and social relations of
life. A. A.
WASHINGTON CITY, February 90, 1874.
To be continued.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

once quit the regiment by retirement, having
been borne on the army register for more
than thirty years. Thanks to him for his
efforts, though he failed.
We do not like to ask too much of our
c"!orcd citizens, and we willingly submit to
our Fate, and look forward for better time
after the passage of the Civil-Rights Bill,
and the bill to abolish distinctions on account
OF color, in the army Of "Unclc SAM"
Very respectfully, your obcdicnt servant,
"WAR STRIFE" r
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
District Of Columbia.
WASHINGTON. ID. G., May IS, |

WASHINGTON. ID. c., May IS, 1874.
To he Editor efhe Mo- No.ionai Era:
The subject Of mixed schools, at present
agitating the public mind, seems to be little
understood by many, and to be the object Of
ridiculc by those who fail, in either dcnunci-
atory remarks, to conceal their ignorance Of
human rights.
mixed schools F" is ghost by which the
bigot seeks to terrify the uncnlghtencd into
degraded submission to his peculiar tenets.
fanny school is public, you cannot exclude
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04

Hon. 5. j. Ireland has been appointed one
of Trustees of Alcorn University.
The independent wrappings worn with all
kinds of dresses, dark or light, are little man
telets, double-breasted jackets, small capes,
and small Dolmans.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-06-04
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM TIE
STATES AND TERRITORIES.

ras Nrw NATIONAL Era docs not hold itself responsible
far views expressed 10y correspondents Well written ana
=. ..,;,g communications will be gladly received