Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/517

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THE ANGLO-SAXON PRESS.
509

to three hundred authors of creditable volumes. If the authors of pamphlets were included, the list would be surprisingly large.

The reader is to understand that the number of teachers named heretofore does not include the many Afro-Americans who are now instructors, professors, and presidents, in our seminaries, colleges and universities.

We have feebly attempted to discuss that kind and lovable class of friendly white editors and individuals, from Maine to the Gulf. The next class which we wish to look at is the one which may be termed the unfriendly. To a certain extent, it is our impression that conscience would lead every being to a sensible and manly view of the race question; in other words, to a view of equality as to creation and susceptibilities. Especially is this the case with the class we are considering. In short, they recognize all that the first class does, only their prejudiced thoughts will not be guided by their consciences, on the one hand, and the fear of ostracism and non-support forbids an expression of what their consciences teach, on the other.

This half-friendly class of newspapers are supported by what they conclude to be a prejudiced community; and while the editor may be conscientious in his views, he is bound to meet the popular demand. He says a word, now and then, in favor of the black man, because his conscience is so greatly moved upon by a sense of right that he can not do otherwise.

This editor, again, is passingly polite to the gentleman of ebony hue in the office, and, to all intents and purposes, he possesses friendly feelings for the race; yet in his next paper you may see an editorial, in which he sends the Afro-American to the very courts of destruction. He will declare the Afro-American an inferior in the editorial; while in his sanctum, a while ago, he treated him as a gentleman and an