and less about what the Government ought to do for us; more in the interest of morality and economy, and less in the interest of office-getting; more in commending the faithful and inflexible men who stand up for our rights, and less for the celebration of balls, parties, and brilliant entertainments; more in respect to the duty of the Government to protect and defend the colored man's rights in the South, and less in puffing individual men for office; less of arrogant assumption for the colored man, and more of appreciation of his disadvantages, in comparison with those of other varieties of men whose opportunities have been broader and better than his.
Opinion of Rev. A. A. Burleigh.
I am of the opinion, 1st., That if we judge journalistic pursuits in the light of the vicissitudes common to it as a business, Afro-American journalism will compare favorably with that of any other class in our country.
2d. I am of the opinion that, as a lucrative business, it has been largely a failure; but viewed from the higher standpoint of worth and usefulness, its success and achievements are as unique and unprecedented as has been the progress of our race in other respects, because (a) it has largely furnished a causeway and outlet for our stifled public sentiment, and given public expression to the under-current of thought among our people, the sine qua non of freedom and happiness; (b) it has greatly assisted in the unifying and centralizing of this thought, thus infusing a spirit of ambition and activity in the hearts of our people.
3d. I am of the opinion, that our Press has had neither a fair and adequate support nor recognition from our race. The causes are far-reaching and varied. Among them may be noticed: (a) Lack of confidence and appreciation among the masses; a spirit inoculated by the subtile influence of
