since it purports to express a race's thought upon all questions affecting their material, moral, religious, social and intellectual welfare, their civil and political rights, the race for which it labors is entitled to a free expression as to its success and achievements. The question is liable to arise: Do the gentlemen expressing opinions herein represent the race for which the Press is laboring? The answer to such question is evident from the fact that those who here offer their opinions are among the recognized leaders of the race, in the various vocations of life. We are fully confident the race will recognize the sentiment here expressed as theirs, free and unbiased. We claim that it is not for the Press to say that it has been successful, or what its achievements have been. The Afro-American Press has guided a race of freemen who have been watching its course with unabated interest. These are the people whose province it is to declare what the Press has accomplished and what has been its success. Our Press continually claims a lank of support upon the part of the race, for whose interest its labors are especially directed. For this reason we, as well as the toiling Afro-American editor, desire to know the cause. If the reason for nonsupport be traceable to the editor, he should know it; if to the people, they should know it. It will assuredly satisfy the editor to learn that the cause, in a measure, lies at his door, and also at the door of his people. With such a conclusion accepted, the remedy can be readily applied. The future of the Afro-American is bright, in the majority of instances, while deplorably dark in others. The object of the question is to learn the general sentiment as to the future course of the race, if it be possible. The fact is prominent that the answers will give a unity of purpose in the future efforts of the Press. While these opinions are for the editor to ponder upon, yet it must be conceded that it is his prerogative, after giving them the thoughtful consideration
