EQUALITY OF RIGHTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
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,
Charles Sumner.