domineers over us, they can read and learn of the conquest and subjugation to slavery of the Anglo-Saxon; that he did not, in one hundred years after emerging from the Norman yoke, show as much advancement as the American negro has in twenty-five.
Last, but not least, teach an implicit faith in Him who created all men; and although his ways may appear inscrutable to us, He is still the God of our Fathers who led us from the dark, pernicious, and baneful effects of an enforced servitude.
Let me add as words of encouragement to the men and women of our race, the future of our youth depends largely upon our teachings, as it depended upon those who preceded us. We have a great work to perform, and, so far, it has been nobly done, and I am confident we shall yet do grander work. But beware of strifes against each other, bickering, jealousies, and sentimental effusions; for we need the undivided support of each other to gain that of which we have been robbed. Let us take courage from the lessons of the past; girding on our armor with renewed vigor and energy still advance, working out our own destiny, and we shall soon solve that great question, which only exists in prejudiced minds, "the Negro Problem."
Opinion of Rev. T. G. Stewart, D. D.
Twenty-five years ago, when Emancipation became a fact, and the enfranchisement of the colored people of the South became a political necessity, many reasons combined to urge the adoption of the most comprehensive and most effective measures to secure their rapid education. Christianity, humanity, and patriotism, all said these people must be taught to read at once, in order that the important lessons relating to conduct, in all its bearings, might be successfully
