implicit confidence; a man of much learning and wide experience, whose character is above reproach; and, as a result, the people are not drawn to him as they should be. This is the exception, however, and not the rule.
4th. Above all, avoid printing slanderous talk and statements against one's character, unless its evidence is so conclusive that there is no doubt as to the guilt of the party in question. I would advise as little publication of this kind as possible. Further, I would suggest more general news of a racial character, gleaned by agents located throughout the country, who make it a specialty to gather everything pertaining to the moral, intellectual, social, religious, political, and commercial relations of the race. Editorials and reviews of a comprehensive nature on all phases of the race's progress should be an indispensable part of the journals of our people. No compromise should be allowed at the expense of sound morals. Economy should be advocated, on all lines where extravagance now reigns among us, and the recognition of the negro, in all that the term implies, or, in other words, manhood's rights. There should be a vigorous policy and an aggressive movement, whenever the exigencies of the times demand it. The race first, and the individual second, should be the editor's motto.
If the Press should take this proper course, it will be more largely instrumental in promoting good among our people.
Opinion of Hon. John Mercer Langston.
Whatever appertains to the freedom, the rights, the advancement, the elevation, the prosperity, the happiness, the welfare, of the newly emancipated classes of our country, dwelling especially in the Southern section thereof, are subjects for our thoughts, our readings, our pens, our journals, and our papers. We do not live alone in this great nation.
