The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-07-14
The Public Schools Of the Capt.
tai Under Bourbon Control.
The Faith, the Law and Effects Of sepa-
rate Schools on the Color Line.

of the State Beard of Education, was
probably on his way to Donaldson
vile to review the military, and hear |
able Louisiana orators revive the |
memories and sentiments of l776, the
School Board of New Orleans met
July 3, and struck a wanton blow at
the generous policy to which the
Governor and the Legislature stand
pledged by both official and voluntary
obligations of the most sacred charac-
ter.
In the absence of any urgent de-
mand therefor, and against the protest
of over 500 colored citizens of New
Orleans, made i'll calm, dignified lam
guage, the City Board by vote of Is
to 3 ordered separate schools for the
races. The proposition to abolish the
high schools was defeated land economy
in the matter of incidental expenses
will be tried to afford the means fol
additional or separate schools. AS
the burden of existing schools was
declared to be SO onerous, by the COM
mittee presenting the Mitchell report,
as to justify their abolition, it is some
what difficult to perceive the wisdom
of their vote to double the number.
THE FAITH.
AS the City School Board was
organized under the present admin
istration, (eight members being COM
missioned direct by the Governor),
and all subject to removal from office
for violation of law and other causes,
it's action is justly held as sanctioned
bv the Governor and the Supporters
of his administration, in the absence
of any contrary declaration whatso-
ever. On the faith indicated by such
a sanction, the following is submitted
Extract from proclamation of Gocernoi
Nichols to the people of Louisiana, March
1872, 80 In the future history OF our Statt
let us recognize and respect the fact that al
class and race distinctions before the law
are and shall remain abolished.
, Let us honestly accord to each citizen
without any distinction, the full measure o
his rights and the equal benefit and protec
ton OF the law, to the end that all, under tn
blessing of God, may contribute to brln'
| about an era of good feeling, peace and pros
perity."
3 Extracts from Gouernor Nichols Letter Il
+ the Presidential Commission, Aprt IL, 1877
transmitting COPY If joint resolution Gdopte
D by the General Issembty-'' In so doing dc
e sire to say that they express not merel
= abstract ideas, but the convictions OF on
people, which will be practically execute.
by them through their representatives, thel
courts and their executive government.
n As the chief magistrate of the State 1t WI
not only be my pleasure but my bounde
u duty to give every assistance III my poWe
+. leading to that end
[ have earnestly sought to obliterate til
|, color line in politics and consolidate the pee
pie on the basis of equal rights anu CONNIE
interests, and it is Il source of gratllcauo
q to be bile to say that this great object
about to be realized. feel L do but spea
e the sentiments of the people when l declal
: that their government will secure,
|. A vigorous and efficient enforcement {
- | the laws, so tllab all peTSOuS dHu ptopSit
e will be fully and equally protected, an
: should occasion require it, will proceed j
person where any disorder may menat
the public peace or the political rights
4 any citizen.
II = The establishment of a system OF publ
n education, to be supported by equal al
uniform taxation upon property, SO that al
e without regard to race Or color, may secuI
q equal advantages Hereunder"
| M nf
+. General assembly of Louisiana, EstrG 81
n sion, Apri %, 1977-SEC. s. That as {
earnest of our endeayors we hereby solemn
If declare that it is, and will be, the purpose
:, the government of Louisiana, representa-
IL by Francis L. Nichols as its executive hea
3 First-To accept III good faith, the TIL
teenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendment
re to the constitution of the United States
II letter and spirit.
Second-Ihe enforcement of the laws Ii
l. idly and impartially, to the end that violen
N and crime shall be suppressed and prompt
III punished, and that peace and order preya
a. and that the humblest laborer upon the 81
of Louisiana, throughout every parish of t
State, shall receive full and equal proteetit
of the laws in person, property, polite
" rights and~privileges.
= Fourth-The education of all classes
he the people being essential to the preservati
y, of free institutions, we do declare our solen
purpose 10 al SYSTEM VI pun
ct schools by an equal and uniform taxati
:. upon property, as provided in the constit
- ton of the State, and which shall secure t
bs education of the children of white and C
to ored citizens with equal advantages.
n. A committee of thirty-one color,
citizens waited on the Governor
! notify him of the impending action
the Board with the result
Ertrrct from Ne,r Orleans Picayunc rep
b. of the interUietc Gov. Nicholls-If po
" of violation of your legal rights is est:
i lished by law | shall bring every thing
:, bear that is in my power to see that you {
u righted. | assure you, now as before, Il
s. you have no better friend in Louisiana, l
e. one with lindlier feelings towards you tn
y am and shall be, but believing as | do tt
" your complaint is based solely upon feeli
~, among you, and no violation of your RICH
IS | am pOwerless to act"
e THE LAW.
H. The Governor having dismissed t
O. delegation, after repeated assertio