New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-11-05

not propose to be driven from it by set OF
newspaper adventurers whose occupation
would soon be like Othellos, "gone," il
they could not get up some sort Of public
excitement in order to enable them to sell
their papers.
fact for the charge preferred. 1t is al.
leged-
First-That have not visited the schools
in conformity with law. Literally this may
be true, but in the spirit of the law this &C.
cusati0n is grOundless, for have from time
to time. visited the schools, and have also
obtained from officials. teachers and my as
sociates on the board such information as
would enable me to discharge my duties as
director; and, it may not be inappropriate
for me to add, that my visits to the schools
have been less frequent than they other.
wise would have been, in Difference to the
peculiar sensibilities of the political sym.
pathlzers of my accusers, who constitute
more than two thirds of the teachers EN-.
ployed therein.
Second-Holding two offices. 1t is true
that am United States Senator for Louisi.
ana; but l am neither drawing the salary
nor exercising the functions Of that office.
As soon as | am admitted to my seat in the
Senate, and enter upon my duties as Sena.
tor, will cheerfully tender my resignation
as school director.
Third-Absent without leave. In Janu
ary, 1873, soon after my election as United
States Senator, suggested to your honora.
Bile president that my new duties would
render it nece ssary for me to be absent
from the city frequently, whereupon he re.
marked that such absence would be con.
sidered justifable, and, therefore, not in
contravention of law. l have go regarded
it.
Fourth-Not having the necessary fitness
and capacity as required. In regard to this
accusation, modesty prevents me from re.
plying further than to say, that the State
Board of Education is the sole Judge of the
.dtness and capacity" of its appontees; and
it is presUmable carefully considered this
question before it appointed me.
In regard to the recent annual elections
learned by letter at Hot Springs, and later
at Cincinnati, that combination had been
formed by more than, majority of the
members of the board for the purpose Of
controlling the election OF teachers. At the
earnest solicitation Of Superintendent
Brown, then at Cincinnati, who anticipated
some indiscretion, and believed that my
presence might have salutary effect, re
turned home on the night Of the fourteenth
of August, the most uninviting season o.
the year. few days thereafter was in
vited to attend meeting of the combina
already mapped out, which included the
election of Mr.. Edmunds as one of the
teachers in the Central High School. With
the aid of Mr.. Brown, succeeded in ma
terially modifying their plans, and secured
the reelection of several efficient teachers
who else would have failed on account OF
partisan considerations.
That my views relative to the equality OF
mankind and my determination to ad
minister in accordance with my oath
of office, the law, which recognizes
no distinction on account of race OF
color, should subject me to unfavorable
comment in partisan press does not sur
prise me; but am ast0nished at the sys.
tematic misrepresentation resorted to by
my enemies. These extraordinary pro-
ceedings are not merely the result of dis
satisfaction with my conduct as school
director-they are the legitimate fruits of
the policy of concessions to mob violence
that have characterized Republican gov
ernments in the South. 1t is the develop
ment here of policy which seeks to drive
colored men from official posi- iions-for you
will observe that every colered member ia
arraigned-and, if successful in this in
stance, who can tell where it will end
Gentlemen, feeling assured that you will
appreciate the motives which impel me to
the adoption of this course relative to your
communication, and conscious of my own
rectitude and the appreciation of all honest
men and impartial people, leave the mat
ter with you to be disposed Of as your sense
of Justice may dictate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
p. b. S. PINCHBACK