San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-02-24
THERE is NO DIFFERENCE.
A Colored Mans Views OF the
Schmidt Case-Some Truths ~
that Can not be Calm

SChmlut C0Se-Scme lTutnS ~
that Can not be Calm
- So. .sayed.
80 -. =, SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 20. :.
Daily LIGHT:
The readers OF the LIGHT for the past
few days have been compelled to witt
ness the proceedings OF an Indignation
meeting, the comments from different
pens, and general outburst OF disgust,
for the officer OF the law, who dared TO
do his dnty, in conveying convlcts to
the depot, because one Rosa Schmidt
was said to be linked with negro. The
individual IN females costume was not
linked directly with the negro, but to a
white man, and chain extending from
the white man and Miss Schmidt was
attached to the negro and the Mexican
10 front. But why make such a buga-
bou, even II the girl had been linked to
the negroP Why not raise the same OBJ
lection TO the Mexican or white man?
They were all under the penalty OF the
law.
The negro had violated the law-so
had Rosa Schmidt; the white and Mex
lean men likewise; and twelve men OF
our so called free republic with the APP
proval OF the judge Of the court had
fixed the penalty, and In the eyes OF
the law there is no difference. But an
indignation meeting is called, resolutions
passed, a petition for pardon circulated.
and purse made up to make one VIC
tim OF the law go free and respected;
all because one officer OF the law has
dared to do his duty even though a
negro be present. A fine scheme to
evsde punishment and become some
thing. All the poor servants had better
practice forgery, and be linked to a
a negro and thus obtain a home ard
become respectable.
have my contempt for any officer of
the law who would chain male with
female and march them through the
public streets OF a city.
/ object, not to the spirit OF charity
that aotuates a liberty-loving public to
aid the poor aud down-trOdden, that en-
courages the ignoble TO practice self-re-
spect; these are my sentiments; this is
my religion.
But why should an Intelligent, read
ing, brave and patriotic public make
such bug-a-besr of the poor, ignorant,
negro, who is not responsible
for his presence, his citizenship or even
his existence In these United States?
Not single vessel employed in import
ing negroes to this country was owned
by negro. All of the buying, selling,
enslayiBg and overseeing were done
against his protests; and yet be is here.
And at every turn of the way, except
when servant, be Is the object OF con-
tempt.
AS servant, he has access to every de-
psrtment OF the family and business cir
Gle; rides out in the carriage by the side
Of the best ladies and at times under the
same laprobe.
And yet, when occasion requires that
they be placed on the same level either
for pleasure, punishment, business pur-
suits or seeking the prize, he is booted,
sCOrned and every manner OF derisiOn
employed to discourage and crush him
out OF existence. And it does not by any
means add any wisdom or glory to the
superior race. The savage Indian, that
has seized every opportunity to scalp
every white man, woman or child, has
more respect from these people
than the poor negro who stayed at home
during the war and protected the wives
and children OF the men who fought to
slavery.
Seeing that the negro is here and here
to stay, reason suggests that steps be
taken to encourage him to aspire for
noble and grand. And at
these great meetings where so many
gather to display wisdom and eloquence,
some resolutions should be passed to en-
arge his school facilities and better his
generally. This poverty is
enough to make him feel his degrade
tion) thus making him better citizen
and Kidding the country Of the vagabond
30 disgusting to so many charitable,
liberty-loying and progressive people.
Yours for the right,
REV, c. l.. MADISON,
Pastor st. Paul NJ. L. church.