National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-05-13
COLORED CADETS.
An open Lettor to Senator Hereford.

Hon. Frank HEREFORD:
DEAR SIN: have just read your speech In oppo.
sitlon to Senator Allison's proposition to compel
the president to appoint two colored cadets-at-
large to the West Point military academy. You
base your opposition tho grounds that tho prop
osition is attempt to enforce social equality be-
tween the whites nnd blacks--a condition that was
disasteful to tho whites, which could never exist
and was in violation of tho laws OF "the great crea-
tor OF the universe" How could you have beon
betrayed into making such speech? You have
had too liberal an education, too great opportuni-
ties for observation not 70 know better. Your
statement as to the immntable antlpatby existing
between the white and black races is the merest
balderdash. In your brief speech you showed
one Of two things-that you either lacked those
attributes that would inspire that loftiness of
spirit and manliness that would enable you
10 defend tho weak against the strong,
and TO defend right and justice upon all
occasions, or that you are ignorant Of the social
history of the state which you have the honor in
part to represent. Unlike you, am not posted as
to the intentions of "tho great creator of the uni
verse;" let them be MS they may, ono thing is sure
that very many of the best families OF Virginia and
elsewhere in the south arc connected by blood
with the block and Indian races Especially Is this
true of your state. Old Washingtonians often refer
with pride 10 the refinement and culture that ex-
lists here among the coOrcd people. Why should
they not7 for there is culture and refinement
among them not 10 be eXcelled by any class, no
matter what their advantages may have BEEN.
The old adage that "bood Will toll Is amply ex.
emplied hero, for among the colored people are
some who are closely identified with those who
will always figure prominently in the history Of
our country. 10 be specific few years ago while
visiting Arlington Heights had the pleasure
of meeting colorcd lady who, though advanced
in years, still bears the evidence of once having
been beautiful. She is to-day remarkable for the
clearness OF her intellect her individuality and
force Of character. This lady Is the haltSlstcr of
the wife of the late confederate general Robert Il.
Lee. She Is the mother Of several sons who, like
their mother, possess sterling traits of character
aud strongly resemble the Cusis family. We have
1oA vhD ta nr1
fact that tho blood of Martha Washington llOws
through their veins. Among the prominent fam
les are nephcWS and neces OF Mason ana grand
daughter Of Chicl.Jus1ice Taney, whose mother
bears q remarkable resemblance 70 her father
The fact that the chief justice Ind this colOred
daughter may have supplied him the argument
out Of which he constructed his nefarious "Dred
Scott decision, which, correctly Interpreted, moant
"blGck men had no rights That white men were
Five years agol mot hero the halfbrother of Gen.
eIpl Scott who, though of swarthy complexion
looked very much like the general, possessing the
same grand presence. Possibly you may call TO
mind the fact that Vice-PrCsdent Richard NJ.
Johnson created quite sensation In your state
some years ago, when he was to deliver Fourth Of
July Grafton by having his two cOlOred daughters
upon the platform, 1t II not necessary for mo TO
multiply cases. 1t would be mn easy matter 10 do
so. Every state In the south Will furnish hou.
sands OF cases, and many exist also IN the north,
You know as well Us TINT in some sections of the
south 1t is almost impossible TO find pure, M
adulterated black, so common Is their mixture with
the whites, The few cases have mentioned will
suffice TO show the utter absuTdly of your speech,
There is no natural amtiPathy existing between the
colored and white people. There is prejudice
the result Of condition, The cOorcd man has
been degraded by years of n0nstrous oppression.
Everything has been done to stamp oul Of him
every spark OF mRnlness. Yet in the face OF all
this he has made wonderful progress Casio pFeju-
dice Is but an idea. When discrimination against
tic colored man ceases, and he has equal and just
recognition everywhere and merit and ability in
him receiving proper support and reward, this
prejudice which you imagine 10 be divine will
melt away and bo among the things OF the past.
Tho political contest of to-day is with The spirit
of slavery which stll exists, against which the col
ored man has to contend, and the sooner YOU and
the rest OF our statesmen see and snbdu0 t the bet
ter | trust the timo is not far distant when you
viii DO possessed with this catholic spirit, which
will enable the colorcd man to find in you q cham
pon Of his Gaute aud not an apo.Ogist for those
who still persist in striking him down. Very re-
specially @. B. PvKvlS,
WAsHiNGToS, May u. 1850,