“We deem it proper to add, that a bill now before the honorable Senate, entitled ‘A bill to secure equal rights in the public schools of Washington and Georgetown,’ (Senate, No. 361, Forty-First Congress, Second Session,) reported to that body May 6, 1870, by Mr. Senator Sumner, meets our approbation. It is plain and simple, and prescribes the true rule of equality for our schools. This bill is in the nature of a ‘corner-stone.’”[7]
This Report, so honorable to these Trustees, showing that they have a true appreciation of principle, also of what they owe to themselves and their race, and I trust also a true appreciation of what they may justly expect from Congress, concludes as follows:--
“In conclusion, the Trustees suggest that those equal educational advantages to which all children are entitled, in accordance with the great principle of Equality before the Law, can be obtained only through the common school, where all children meet together in the enjoyment of the same opportunities, the same improvements, and the same instructions. Whatever then is done for white children will be shared by their colored brethren, and all shall enjoy the same care and supervision.”[8]
This is signed, “William Syphax, William H. A. Wormley, Trustees of Colored Schools.”
There is then a Minority Report, signed, “Charles King, Trustee of Colored Schools of Washington and Georgetown,” dissenting in some respects from the Majority Report, but coïnciding with it absolutely on this most important question. From the Minority Report I read as follows:--
“In reference to schools of mixed races I think a difference of opinion may exist among the real friends of the colored people; but the time is rapidly approaching when this discrimination must be obliterated all over our country, and I know of no better locality in which to make a beginning than in the District of Columbia, and no better time than the present.”[9]
Sir, these are wise words. That is well put; whatever may be the difficulties elsewhere, they should not be allowed to prevail here. This member of the Board knows “no better locality in which to make a beginning than in the District of Columbia, and no better time than the present.”