Page:The Under-Ground Railroad.djvu/176

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

156

my opinion the Fugitive Slaves were on the increase in their emigration into Canada?" I answered in the affirmative. He said, in reply, "We can still afford them homes in our dominions."

The provincial parliament recently incorporated an association as a body politic, for the education of colored youths in Canada, of which I was appointed a member of the committee, to write the constitution. I have only room for the preamble, which simply shows the object of the association:—"Whereas a charitable association has for some time past existed in this province, under the name of 'The Association for the Education and Elevation of the Coloured People of Canada:' having for its object the education of the coloured youth of this province, and their training and preparation for the active duties of life; and whereas it is expedient to encourage to the utmost so laudable an undertaking, and the said association having represented that by being incorporated they would be enabled greatly to extend their philanthropic labours, and more easily manage the affairs and business thereof; it is expedient to incorporate the said association, to grant the usual powers of bodies incorporated for like purposes, therefore Her Majesty," &c. If these facts, derived from the highest authority in the country, are in any respect an exponent of public opinion