LETTER TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF COLORED PEOPLE AT NEW ORLEANS,
APRIL 7, 1872.
WASHINGTON, April 7, 1872.
MY DEAR SIR,--In reply to your inquiry, I make haste to say, that, in
my judgment, the Colored Convention should think more of principles
than of men,--except so far as men stand for principles. Above all,
let them insist on the rights of their own much-abused and insulted
people.
It is absurd for anybody to say that he “accepts the situation,” and
then deny the equal rights of the colored man. If the “situation” is
accepted in good faith, it must be entirely,--including not merely
the abolition of Slavery and the establishment of equal suffrage,
but also all those other rights which are still denied or abridged.
There must be complete equality before the law, so that in all
institutions, agencies, or conveniences, created or regulated by law,
there can be no discrimination on account of color, but a black man
shall be treated as a white man.
In maintaining their rights, it will be proper for the Convention to
invoke the Declaration of Independence, so that its principles and
promises shall become a living reality, never to be questioned in
any way, but recognized always as a guide of conduct and a governing
rule in the interpretation of the National Constitution, being in the
nature of a Bill of Rights preceding the Constitution.
It is not enough to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto
all the inhabitants thereof.” Equality must be proclaimed also; and
since both are promised by the great Declaration, which is a national
act, and as from their nature they should be uniform throughout the
country, both must be placed under the safeguard of national law.
There can be but one liberty and one equality, the same in Boston and
New Orleans, the same everywhere throughout the country.
The colored people are not ungenerous, and therefore will incline to
any measures of good-will and reconciliation; but I trust no excess
of benevolence will make them consent to any postponement of those
equal rights which are still refused. The disabilities of colored
people, loyal and long-suffering, should be removed before the
disabilities of former Rebels; or at least the two removals should go
hand in hand.
It only remains that I should say, “Stand firm!” The politicians will
then know that you are in earnest, and will no longer be trifled
with. Victory will follow soon, and the good cause be secure forever.
Meanwhile accept my best wishes for the Convention, and believe me,
dear Professor,
Faithfully yours,