[608]
to what he is unfit to use. Our own best rights have been acquired successively.
I cannot, therefore, think it just or safe to grant at once to the negro all the privileges which we ourselves have acquired by long struggles.
History teaches us what terrible reactions have followed too extensive and too rapid changes.
Let us beware of granting too much to the negro race in the beginning, lest it become necessary hereafter to deprive them of some of the privileges which they may use to their own and our detriment.
All this I urge with reference to the pure blacks of the South.
As to the half-breeds, especially in the Northern States, I have already stated it to be my opinion that their very existence is likely to be only transient, and that all legislation with reference to them should be regulated with this view, and so ordained as to accelerate their disappearance from the Northern States.
Let me now sum up my answer to some of your direct questions.
1st.
Is it probable that the African race will be a persistent race in this country, or will it be absorbed, diluted, and finally effaced by the white race?
I believe it will continue in the Southern States, and I hope it may gradually die out at
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