National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-06

which has not been. attended by the same
differences, exaggerated into contests, per-
sonal chickering's, and malicious squabbles,
which can only be characterized as dis
graceful to the race. and discreditablo
to their sense Of .self-respect. Referring to
the late nstional convention, held In this
city. and attended by delegates from the
colored voters Of nearly every State In the
Union. we find in its proceedings fair ex-
emplification of our meaning. The bois-
ferrous confusion, the heated discussions and
the excited threats Of some Of the delegates
combined to disgust the law-ablding locker
on of either racs. and 10 add strength to
the Democratic argument that they arc unfit
for the enjoyment of their newly-aoquired
privileges. A more recent example mayb
found in the quarrel which has arisen as
the consequence Of some disagreement
among the participants In late meeting oc-
casioned by the death Of Senator Summer.
In this, as in all other questions between
man and man, there are two sides one of
which is right 1t requires but little knowl.
edge Of the persons engaged in the contro-
versy to determine the right side in this in
stance, and it is therefore unnecessary to
particularize in personal way; but the ex-
ample will serve to illustrate our assertion
that colored demagogues thrive exception
ally well among people of their race. While
we believe that the majority of our colored
citizens earnestly strive to deserve the
reputation of virtue, honesty, and of being
w-abiding people, the exceptions to which
we sllude are so prominent as to detract
from the fair fame of the entire race. We
beg of them, therefore, to avoid repetition
of these scenes in the future, however diff
cult the effort may be, and however much
it may cost them Of self-sacrifce to do SO.
But we do not believe the attempt win
be difficult to accomplish. The flippant
takers, brow-beating. empty headed and
reckless men among them. whose unscru-
pulous ambition for notoriety prompts them
to assume unwarranted leadership on all
public occasions, can easily be put aside,
and more quiet, unostentacious, though
deeper-thinking men, be chosen to fill their
places. They should remember, to use
homely phrase familiar 10 them in sadder
times, that " fish-meat is found in deep
waters everywhere, and they should throw
the political and social stinkpots which.
come into their nets away now, as they
were taught to do at the fishing banks years
ago. A pair of eyeglasses, an arrogant
overbearing manner, few book-learned
phrases, and modern suit of clothing do
not fill the requirements of leadership.
High moral principles, an unstained char
acter and reputation at home and abroad
for honesty and straightforwardness are
sufficient to entitle any man, no matter how
ignorant he may be, to distinction far above
that deserved by fiippant unprincipled and
partially educated tops. In all seriousness
we ask our colored readers which of these
two distinct types are in the ascendancy
with them to-day. We regretfullY believe
their reply will not be satisfactory to them
selves or creditable to their choice of leader
ship. .-. -.-.. ...-... ..... ... &c..