New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-09-03
THE qALuE DE A CITIZEN,

n ulhu WIZ ucfOton hlo AnDoA .sou N"fA
tai to evil purposes is charge upon So
ciety. One who obeys the laws and con-
tributes to the public welfare is valuable
member. There has been added to the
citizenship of the Southern States an ele'
meht docile and laborious. Originally III
troduced for the purpose of meeting the
demand for labor, the same capacity ano
the same need continue to render then
valuable. Having passed through ono
stage of preparation that has diyestec
them of antecedent disqualifica'ions fol
freedom, having been taught under one
system the truths of Christianity with the
agencies of industry, they are prepared tt
enter, with improved intelligence, upon
superior sphere of action and duty, II
which they will render to society far more
valuable services.
1t would seem, therefore, that the
Southern people should contribute as fa1
as possible to render these inevitable cltl
zens as far worthy of their rights, and as
far useful in their relations as may be
done by care and instruction.
1t is Indispensable to Southern pros
perity that the industries of manutac
lures and shipping should be added tc
our present industrial pursuits. This
alone will enable the Southern people to
retain at home in whole or in part the
money which is now earned by agricul'
tural labor.
1t is beyond doubt that thus far the
Southern people have not founded these
mixed industries to an extent sufficient tc
intercept the expectation of their crop
money to other quarters. Ii, then, the
colored citizens possess or can be so edu-
Gated as to acquire the skill necessary to
conduct these industrial pursuits indis.
pensable 20 independence, does not public
interest point to such improvement and
such employment?
The welfare of society depends upon
the morality and order of its members.
The good citizen, whether a merchant or
q menial is a valuable member, while the
debauchee, the rioter, the forger or the
thief must be watched, prosecuted and
punished at great cost of care and money.
Should not, therefore, every Southern
man who wishes his country well, educate
these colored citizens to a service which
has not so far been performed by the white
people? Should not all such patriots en-
deavor to promote the moral and religious
standard of the same citizens?
We know that many citizens are unwill-
ing to incur the reproach of political asso-
citation with the colored citizens; they
have even denounced their employment in
any occupation. This is sufficient evil
dence of an unwise prejudice. What,
however, must we think of those who
admit Christian obligation to carry the
gospel to the heart and actions of every
human being and yet make no organized
effort to lead more than half the popula-
ton of Louisiana into the light that illu-
inmates both worlds of here and here
after? How can the statesman answer for
the cost of labor and money arising from
barrel houses, murders aud thefts, and
loss Of work by idleness, Imprisonment
and disease? How can the clergyman
account for the vice and wrong that
abounds within his hearing and with
out his effort to reform it? Are
these men afraid? Are they indiher-
emit to the dictates of duty? Are not
these citizens worthy of care? Is not
every soul worth salvation? There is be-
fore us statement of the colored church
members in single Protestant persuasion.
They number, of probationers and mem
bers more than 1000, of Sunday school
scholars 1900. They have raised 100000
for building churches, $4,000 for mission
airy purposes, and sl2, 900 annually for re-
Hgious uses. Is not class of people who
can do so much capable Of doing more?
Yet this field of missionary labor is COM
paratively untitled, to cultivate the Hin
docs and carry Christianity into China.
There may come an ecclesiastical contest
in which the votes of these people may be
gladly and gratefully recordedin favor Of
the faith which has led the United States
to liberty. When such contest shall
arise it may be important to unite all pro-
fessors of that faith in its defense.
Whether, however, we consider the po-
litical, industrial or ecclesiastical interest
of the Southern people, We can see that it
is alike the interest and duty Of all to add
to the value of our citizens by making
them worthy of their Inheritance.