New-York tribune., 1875-02-27
THURLOW WEEDS WARNING
THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL.


STRUCTURES ON THURIOW WEEDS "POIITICAL RE-
vIEw"-pUBuC AND NOT PRIVATE RIGHTS be-
MANDED BY COLOgED MEN.
rome EdiI0r or The Trtbune.
SIR: have read with deep interest the
letter Of Thurlow Weed which was published in The
OF Feb and In which that veteran statesman
gave his views public affairs was panied whom
to that portion Of my old frieads communication
which he dealt with the question OF equality OF civil
rights before the law for all American citizens without
regard race color creed condition Ia life, or previous
state OF servtude desire especially to notice point
suggested In portion his letter In which he deals
with the question OF civil rights Mr.. Summers Clvl
Rights bill is designed TO every American citizeh
IN his public rights. That Is its one design that IS iS
spirit; that is its letter; and, as law that
will be It's effect. II Mr.. Weed VIII examine
the text OF Mr.. Summers BILL he will find that
it is nothing less than reflection in National
legislation OF the law OF Massachusetts, on tins subject
law which pertains to New York and is supported by
the sentiment OF the Empire state now the leading
Democratic State OF tho Union law which exists also
in many other Northern states. Mr. Weed VIII
tho hardwood to that this recognition or
the civil equality OF tho citizen in Massachusetts, new
York and other Northern States has any way
the social right OF any one.
And yet in the face Of facts like these Immediately
under Mr. Weeds observation he lends his voice to the
fear born Of prejudice and magnhed by political dema-
gogues In regard TO the nature, purposes aud CON
sequences of Mr. Summers Civil Rights bill. Such de-
parturc from principle the part Of one 80 long honord
and loved fills mo with concern. The most enghtenen
minds OF the North becoming inbued with TINS
Southern prejudice OF race.
Mr.. Weed not only closes his eyes TO facts but seems
to have opened his heart to impression In regard
to coOred men-an impression which is neither credit
able HIM just to them. 1t is that we desire to
force ourselves upon others For Indignantly re-
pei this accusation My selfrespect revots at the idea
Of asking any man. white or coored to open the door
OF his mansion TO me- AS much as respect nv vener-
able friend he would find my door barred against MIN
were he TO claim admtance to my house against my
wish Any intruder would soon learn the lesson tnat
there is wide difference between private rights ana
public rights. My od-time friend mistakes me II he
spposes ask for the OF the civil RCnts
bill IN order 10 compel or promote social inter
course between men Of different races. creeds. or
conditions in life. Perhaps he will remember that
in 1884, ne gave letter OF Introduction to Mr. Sew
ard. VINO then Governor Of NewYork. presented
the letter to the Governor ut his mansion at Albany
The Governor cordially invited to dino with him s
his home. declined the honor because to nave ac
cepted It would have deprived me of enjoying the SO
than did that OF the white Governor Of Nsw-York York
Gov. Seward sent letter In 1862 In which he said
when boy sat on the same bench ana reced WIN
coored children"
In nothing the absurdity Of this prejudice against
civil equality more clearly demonstrated than In the
omission of the school clause from the House bill, and
the retention provision In regard to hotels and
| railroads. An individual or company corporation
may own hotel or railroad, but tho people own the
creed is recognized by the in evyng taxes for the
support of the public schools; consequently they oHer
the least shadow OF excuse for the rfatlona lnhaman
aud uncivilized prejudice, which would drive any por
! ton OF the children OF the people from them. -
For these, and many other reasons. ask to have
my civil rghts as an American citizen recognized and
protected The special need for this protection Is found
In the fact that very large and influential portion of
white citizens of the Republic were educated by law
and by custom, adversely 20 the doctrine OF humsn NJ
erty and human rights This large aud innnentai class
constitutes force sufficient In ITSELF not couneraoed