New-York tribune., 1897-08-29

with English friends. The feeling Of restraint
at the difference in race was not upon me as IL
always is here, so | was taking rather brisk
part in all that went on. From the first most
OF the Americans held aloof; but when they be-
came aware that it would not hurt them to
notice me they grew gracious and more-all
save one woman. who kept disdainfully away
though I saw that l was the object Of her
steaithy scrutiny.
One of the closest friends had in the party
was a man who is accounted one Of the clcverest
Of the younger English novelists We had got
into 4 delightful chat, and so went TO the tea
room to have it out. had forgotten that he
was friend also OF the disdainful woman; but
it was soon called to my mind She came down
to the tea-rooin was introduced. and began to
be nice.
Il am very fond Of colorcd people she began.
'and my mother was before me You know my
mother owned slaves and when the war was over
the darlics didn't want to leave rs at all. In
fact. two old darhies did stay with us, and we
took care Of them. And SO she ratified on CIV
ing me vast bits Of her personal history and in
diyidual feeling for my race.
Ny friends face was liv:d; | am afraid. too
that it was with suppressed amusement, because
he had been twittng me numerically on 'he
American Woman's tendency to biographicai
monologue The point that would make turns
not upon the appropriateness OF this woman
remarks but upon the insincerity, the want
/ ing to be with the crowd that prompted them.
| confess that while like him no better nave
greater respect for that American ehter'ah''
who seeing nv name at the head Of a popular
bureaus list Of readers, said: We'll. II you put
niggcr's name first YOU can take mine on. he'
at least had the courage OF his convictions.
OF more Of these things however. would have
written but that everything see about me OF
the relations between blacks and whites compels
me to contrast my differing experiences OF Il ""
months ago IT is good to feel ones self fully
man for awhile. but ii makes the Su"se4"'"' '@
bluffs harder to hear
After the courtesy Of the English attendant II
is rather UNPLEASANT to be thrown where the
humblest Office boy feels it his right to be inso-
lent or at least brlsque and Indifferent 10 a
dark caller out Of certain phases OF THIS mat
fer though one can get deal OF amusement
The negro Is compelled to complain abroad mat
thinps are not so convenient in America, for
so seldom is he crowded here. He gets INTO
railway train and finds seat. The coach hiiS'
perhaps TO overilowing, but he Is very apt 10
have his seat all to himself. with plenty OF roo'''
ON the contrary If he were abroad some iooiish
Rriton or Continental would have no better sense
than TO come and flop right down beside MIN.
Eut aside from the jocular aspect OF these
things is 1t too much to ask the American ~
handle these questions sanely and without little
ness? Is it either sane or broad 10 resaro WIZ"
horror the graduation OF respectap'e sni iioi''
a respectable school, because the TINT vi uaihei
blood in her veins was not lndian' put hesro'
vou,h is impulsive and hard headed | know,
-. ;,, America about old enough now to be
rational? PAUL LA
Ncw-York, Aug. %, 1871