New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-01-17
NEW ORLEANS REPUBLICAN, SUNDAY, JANUARY II, 1875.

: more, it is unfair. To knock off tn,
shackles from an innocent man is one
thing, to invite him to dine Immediately
thereafter, begrimed, as he still is. viii
the stains Of those shackles, is quite
. another thing. Stupid prejudice may not
see the difference, heterogeneous party
spirit may not acknowledge it. but to
the simplest unbiased mind it is toe
plain to be questioned.
I Plaln and simple. however. nay, trite
as these assertions may be. they are yet
not uncalled for. when journal of the
ability and standing of the New Orleans
f'cayune condescends to repeat the worn.
out failacies to which they are an answer.
Ihls It does in an article based on the
recent election of United States Senator
from this State, in whiah it takes occa.
sion to furnish its readers with informa-
ton regarding the social senatorial eti-
quette OF Washington. and at the same
time to cast aspersions on the character
Tor consistency of all who, having favored
emancipation and its resulting political
rights reserve to themselves the social
rights of choosing their own company.
among the just and philanthropic men
who have fought the battle recently won
tor human rights regardless of race or color.
there may be few enthusiasts who would
push matters beyond the borders of con-
sistency into the region of fanaticism: but
such are the few, and their views and
their conduct do not bind their less Wis.
lonary associates. To fling at the latter.
therefore. the taunt that '.many of the
most beautiful and impressive articles in
their creed are nothing more than polite
al stock in trade" is to commit a wanton
perversion of justice; for they have never
set forth any creed resembling that thus
falsely attributed to them. We speak
generally, for it is true in general that
but few. very few, Of even the rankest
abolitionists have ever maintained the |
doctrine Of social equality in the |
common acceptation Of the term; and
as for Republicans in the mass. il
has never formed any portion of
their political creed. nor can be logically
deduced therefrom. That a man shall
own himself and the fruits of his labor.
that he shall enjoy the right of suffrage
with all implied therein. that he shall
even enjoy the privilege of attending at
public places and obtaining such accom-
as his money can buy. that his
children shall attend the same schools
as others--all this does constitute social
equality: for all this has long been en-.
joyed in common by the highest and
lowest ranks of the community withou.
any essential equality resulting there.
from. The ditch digger and tie banker
may drink at the same counter. they may
EAST their ballots side by side, sit side by
side in railroad cars. jostle EACH other in |
committee rooms, meet at school exam.
nations. in churches. nay. even in that
'acred setreat the opera, if the ditch
ligger can pay the price. and is willing to
ubmlt to the comparisons involved in |
he Indulgence. Does any or all of this
'lace them in position of social equality.
Because Dives and Lazarus NEE. a, the {
lords table shall the rich man therefore
invite the poor one to his own: Il
The fact is. this whole subject Of social {
quality is one TO be settled by conyen.
ion. not by law: and If man can not
e legislated into his neighbor', drawing. Z
DOM. neither can he be voted into it br !
ny body whatever. It may DO awkward
D associate with man politically and not
nth his family socially. but it is certainly t
OF new. It has happened before. where 4
here has been no question of color, and t
oubtless will again. These are small t
latters which will regulate themselves. d
reat principles can not wait for their g
1forcemens until al. the petty details a
hich strike the average mind have been J
titled in advance. The remarks are trite 81
e know; but So are the cavilings which q
we elected them: and while the same +
d. stale twaddle continues to be repeat. o.
!. it must still be sefuted. n