Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-05-11
MAKING 1T WORK BOTH WAYS.
A Novel Application Of the Civil
Rights Law-HOn. A. H. stephens
and a Prominent Georgia Editor
Compelled TO Vacate a COIOred Car.
Atlanta Herald, May 9.

and a Prominent Georgia Editor
Compelled 10 Vacate a COIOred Car.
Atlanta Herald, Nay 9.
On the upward bound train on the
Macon and Western division Of the
Central Railroad from Griffin, yester-
day, were Hon. A. h. Stephens, Col.
Clisby, of the Macon Telegraph, and
that fine old gentleman, Col Cincin-
naUus Peoples, of this city. As usual
with Mr.. Stephens, he took what he
thought the second class car, so that he
could indulge in his pipe and converse
ton without offense to any one. Every
thing went pleasant enough, because
nobody thought anything was wrong
Pretty o an old blind negro man,
with his wife, entered the car and
seated themselves. Nothing. was
thought Of this proceeding, and
the Vice President, editor and lawyer
were making themselves as comfortable
as the condition Of that road would
permit. It was noticed that the car
In question was Of new finish, hand
somely upholstered and very neat.
The surprise Of the whole party may
be imagined when the conductor came
along and very plainly told these dis
tinguished gentlemen that they must
get out, as that car was provided sole
" for colored people, and white folks
were not permitted to ride In there.
Then the Great COmmOner' and
Mr.. CIisby and Col. Peoples looked at
each other, and then at the conductor.
MI. Clisby undertook to smile, and
Col. Peoples looked confused. Mr..
Stephens, always equal to any emer-
gency, looked mOnstrOus wise at Mr..
CIisby and Col. Peoples, and scratch
ing his head said: well, Chsby, 1
have lived long time; 1 have always
endeavored to tote fair with my fel.
bowman; 1 pay my honest debts, and
| love my country, but L lever expect
ed TO witness this scene"
Mr.. Clisby, replied that God, In His
inscrutibIe wisdom and kindness, had
permitted him to live out the time al
lctted to most men; that he had sue
cessfully conducted one Of the best
daily papers IN Georgia for years; that
his conscience was clear and his health
good. He had, by uniform good con-
duct and urbanity Of manners won the
respect and esteem Of the entire south
west portion Of the State, yet, now, at
this late day, he was forced to leave a
car because he was not considered as
good as a blind niger.
Mr.. Stephens, swho had At the first
intimation grabbed his crutches, and
was then making an abortive attempt
TO rise, remarked to Coli Peoples, IN
his peculiar and feminine voice: Gen
tlemen, you know me. The world
knows me. l have been a successful
school teacher, and have attained some
nOtOriety at the bar. have servedmy
State in the councils Of the nation. l
have been Vice President Of the Con-
federate States Of America, the most
brilliant galaxy Of confederate stars
that Y e shOne in the armament of
nations. have successfully stood
twice for Congress IN my district, and
am now on an errand of mercy, having
been to Griffin to address the State As
ISOLATION Of Teachers. l have already
paid my railroad fare, and paid no at
tention to the franking and mileage
privileges offered by Congress-; but this
is the first time I was ever called upon
to vacate a car because l am not con-
sidered as good as a negro"
Come, come" said the conductor,
Il have no time to listen to speeches,
YOU ought to throw in and hire a hall
for that purpose. This car has been
set apart for the colored folks, and
white people are not permitted to ride
IN here. Get out" And the poor
| crippled x-President, the Macon editor
and Atlanta lawyer were ireontinently
hustled to the rear car.
But after due reflection, Nh. Stephens
and Mr.. CGsby and Col. Peoples each
/ and all decided that it was right. The
law, in the first place, prescribes GER
tain rules, and then the negroes pay
full fare, and the railroad authorities
provide a frst-class a especially for
| their accommodation, and white people
have no more right there than the ne
gro has to take the car set apart for
the white people.