The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-01-25
Gen. Johnston's Lecture.

prevented and we can only express regret
that we could not listen to sentiments so en-
tirely in harmony with our own sense of
duty, and which we have not unfrequently,
imperfectIy and crude!y presented in these
columns. The synopsis of what was said by
the distinguished speaker. elsewhere given
imperfectly conveys the earnestncss and the
force of his remarks and the elevated thoughts
which found expression, under circumstan-
ces and surroundings which attested the
deep moral convictions of the speaker. There
is no theme that should appeal more strong
ly and effectively to the conscience of the
people OF the South, than the moral and in
| tellectual improvement OF the negro race.
| An enlightened christianity and philanthro-
py will readily recognize the duty. The ne
groes have been endowed by their Creator
and our Creator with souls and intellects,
Just as we have been. They were in state of
| bondage, of chattel slavery. for over two
hundred years. toiling for the benefit sof the
ceptions. there never has been an effort on
| the part of community to aid in'the devel-
| opment and education OF their moral and in
tellectual forces. While we have had the
Jian instruction, we have allowed them 10
grope in scarcely recognizing that
they were placed here and designed to con
tribute to the glory of God. We admit that
| Of tlo Of
education. Hedged in by preiudices, and
jealous Of property rights, which we had in
herited, we never examined the question
| from christian stand point, never comprs-
lended the fearful responsibility that rested
upon us. The logic of events, the new light
of an advanced political condition, changing
the physical and economical and ethical re-
lations of the two races, has brought out
clearer our du y and forced upon our UNDER
standing the obligations which press upon
us as christian people.
The address OF Gen. Johnston was evil
IDENTIFY inspired By !, noble aspiration, deep
religious conviction, that dares to do right,
whatever prejudices interpese. The senti-
ments enunciated were not in harmony with
| the public expressions that we are accustomed
to hear on the question he so lucidly discuss
ed, from persons of similar associations ard
experience. A bold mind and courageous
heart he certainly possesses, and it is by
such men that the duty of the Southern peo-
pie must be proclaimed. The great difficulty
with the leading minds of the old slave
States arises from the fact that their polite
al aspirations seem to be regarded as para
mount to their moral and religious convic-
tions, and instead OF addressing themselves
to the important work Of improving and ele-
waiting the moral and intellectual standard
of the negro, they have allowed their preju-
dices against him. because of his political
privileges, to control and direct their con-
duct. They have covered before high
moral duty, and PLAYED the apologists for
utterances and sentiments totally inconsis-
tant with the duties they owe to society, to
themselves and to God. Gen. Johnston
comes forth, fortified by moral conviction
and sense Of religious responsibility, that
stamp him as the pioneer Moral Reformer of
his section, and, like Luther, in his march to
Worms, determined in his purpose, though
he bad to face devils as numerous as the tiles
on the houses that interviewed. His line of
argument, the purpose he essays to accom-
plish the elevated motives which move and
stimulate, constitute a new departure in the
civil. religious and political polity OF the
South-the initiation of new dispcnsation,
upon the successful development of which
rests the progress and prosperity OF our sec.
ton. The neg:O race is so identified with
the domestic and commercial order and in
standard of moral excellence and intelectll-
al improvement it reaches, will measure the
advancement OF our material interests, and
in a great degree guage our social quiet and
contentment.
We claim that the negro is an inferior
race. We have been educated to believe
this. We cannot, however, interpret the
designs of the great Creator. A condition of
vassalage for two hundred years, inhibited
by law from mental improvement, with the
intellect shrouded in cimerian darkness, the
moral attributes blunted and distorted, edit
Gated to disregard the sanctity of the mar
rage obligation, and to be satisfied with but
one remove from the brute creation in their
domestic and social intercourse, it could rot
be expected that intellectual vigor and NOR
al sensibiity would be developed. We GER
tainly have been vastly uneducated in our
estimate of the capacity of the negro within
the past decade. The Public Schools, where
colored children are exclusively taught, pre-
sent living witness Of their mental activity,
and suggest an Interesting inquiry, whether
the same system of culture for generations
past would not have given them more ro-
bust understanding and delicate moral intu-
ition. Take our own community, and the
evidences of their rapid advancement spring
up all around lis. Adult males ard females
who were never inside school house, who
did not know the lette:s of the alphabet un-
til emancipation. are found culling the news
from the daily papers, able to attest by their
signatures instruments of writing, and sur
prisingly well Informed, for their opportuni
ties, of the current events of public inter-
est. They have accumulated means, pur-
chased lots, erected houses, ami surrounded
themselves with many of the, rude comforts
of life, churches have been built, preachers
literally sustained, charitable societies or
ganized, and, indeed, marvellous advance
lment made in all the characteristics that 90
to make UP good citizenship. Suppose this
kind of instruction had been going on for
two hundred years? What now would be
their mental and moral standard?
In this connection we will quote from q
recent writer, who Travelled in the South and
communicated his observations and impress
| sion to a New York Journal. The gentle
j man san experienced and eminent educator
himself from Northern State. Speaking OF
the University Of South Carolina, of which
DR.. Cumming is President, where for the
past four years, the students have been most
ly colored, he says: "rhe faculty has been
Programmed. and among the Professors is
one co]ored man, Professor Greener, who
graduated with high honors at Harvord.
Tho pn,,,l,.r of ct,.1npfc Of rra-au+ ;e about