Situated as we are, in the United States, many, and almost
insurmountable obstacles present themselves. We are four-and-a-half
millions in numbers, free and bond; six hundred thousand free, and
three-and-a-half millions bond.
We have native hearts and virtues, just as other nations; which in their
pristine purity are noble, potent, and worthy of example. We are a
nation within a nation;--as the Poles in Russia, the Hungarians in
Austria, the Welsh, Irish, and Scotch in the British dominions.
But we have been, by our oppressors, despoiled of our purity, and
corrupted in our native characteristics, so that we have inherited their
vices, and but few of their virtues, leaving us in character, really a
_broken people_.
Being distinguished by complexion, we are still singled out--although
having merged in the habits and customs of our oppressors--as a distinct
nation of people; as the Poles, Hungarians, Irish, and others, who still
retain their native peculiarities, of language, habits, and various
other traits. The claims of no people, according to established policy
and usage, are respected by any nation, until they are presented in a
national capacity.
To accomplish so great and desirable an end, there should be held, a
great representative gathering of the colored people of the United
States; not what is termed a National Convention, represented en masse,
such as have been, for the last few years, held at various times and
places; but a true representation of the intelligence and wisdom of the
colored freemen; because it will be futile and an utter failure, to
attempt such a project without the highest grade of intelligence.
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