edited by Stephen Myers and his gifted wife Harriet, in this city, away back in the "forties." It was from the teachings and precepts of these advanced journalists, that I received my first inspiration for public work.
The achievements of the Afro-American editor have resulted in the unification of the Afro-American people and the development of race pride, as well as the proper diffusion of knowledge; and, above all, in the far-reaching publication of the educational, moral, business, agricultural, and mechanical resources and capabilities of the race.
The Afro-American Press has not been properly supported by the race. There are a hundred and one reasons that might be assigned for this state of affairs. It will suffice for me to say that all these reasons, whatever they are, are fast giving way, and a substantial and healthy sentiment is crystalizing in favor of race papers. This is hopeful in the extreme.
Not being a journalist myself, I will not venture an opinion as to the fourth question. However, I believe that the Afro-American Press is essential to race development as men and citizens, as are the genial rays of the sun and the warm rains to an abundant harvest. The Afro-American Press has done much, but there is room to do more. It can and ought, withont fear or favor, to point out to our brethren in the South the line of policy that alone will conserve to our best and lasting interest. The Press can do much in molding public sentiment, since experience has demonstrated beyond the possibility of a doubt that laws, be they ever so just and proper, can not be enforced successfully against public opinion.
The sentiment of the old South is to-day against a free ballot. By forbearance, discretion, and judicious deportment, the new South may be enlisted in the cause of a free, untrammeled ballot. No people, once oppressed, ever succeeded in reaching the goal of their ambition, none ever
