LETTER TO GEORGE W. WALKER, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
OF JEFFERSON, TEXAS, JULY 28, 1871.
Mr. Walker having written to Mr. Sumner, asking his views in
regard to the management of public schools, &c., the latter
replied as follows:--
WASHINGTON, 28th July, 1871.
DEAR SIR,--As in Europe there will be no durable tranquillity
until Republican Government prevails, so among us there will be
a similar failure until Equality before the Law is completely
established,--at the ballot-box,--in the court-house,--in
the public school,--in the public hotel,--and in the public
conveyance, whether on land or water. At least, so it seems to me.
I doubt if I can add materially to the argument which you have
already received, but, with your permission, I ask attention to
the point that _equality_ is not found in _equivalents_. You
cannot give the colored child any equivalent for equality.
Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,