their subscription list reduced to such an extent that their venture perishes.
Again: The absence from the field of such a veteran in journalism as Frederick Douglass, is to me another cause; for such as he could demand, nay, command the support from our people of any paper he should edit. It is true, that, in time, these causes I have just mentioned will be removed, as our young men advance in age and become thoroughly familiarized with journalism. Having carefully watched the rise and progress of many of our Western papers, notably The Cleveland Gazette, Detroit Plaindealer, Indianapolis World, Chicago Conservator and others, the improvement has been so marked, both in style, perspicuity, terseness, tone and vigor, that it appears to be a transformation, although so gradual as to be almost imperceptible to the casual reader. Hence it is, I say, that we are gradually arriving at that stage of proficiency so essential for success in this particular field.
The future course of our Press, to promote good among our people, (I only speak of the secular Press,) is the teaching of good morals; the education of our youth; the necessity of possessing refinement and culture, which stamp the true lady and gentleman; to teach every colored man, woman and child that he is an American, in all that the word implies, until this idea permeates the whole race; to teach that "the cause of one is the cause of all;" that, as we are equal in the sight of God as men, we must be equal in all things that pertain to the happiness of all men; that we were men before man made any law that detracted or abridged any of our inherent rights; to teach patience, forbearance, kindness and love towards those who are our enemies, and not seek to convince them of their injustice by saying hard words or writing threats against them; to teach our youth that, although our race was enslaved, in the history of this now proud, arrogant and haughty race which so persistently
