The Rights Of All

THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.

THE TRUTH.

The following extracts from Mr. Paul's excellent address, cannot but be read with interest by our friends and brethren:

"You are aware that the idea has been suggested and the sentiment has become popular to a considerable extent, that such are the prejudices existing between the white and coloured population, or rather in the white against the coloured people, that it will be impossible essentially to improve our condition, while we live in this country, and that the only possible means by which we can be benefitted is a total emigration to the land of our forefathers. That prejudices do exist is too obvious to be denied, and that these prejudices are extensive and deeply rooted is equally true: but that they are so universal, as is pretended, or so deeply rooted that they cannot be eradicated, is to me at least doubtful. I mean not to raise my voice against all the operations of the colonization society whatever may have been the motives of its founders, or present supporters. I would wish to give it an impartial investigation, and award to it all the merit to which it can justly lay claim. I am free to admit that a well regulated colony upon the western coast of Africa will be productive of great good; it will do much toward exterminating the foreign slave trade, and open an asylum for those slaves that may be manumitted in this country; and, above all, be instrumental in introducing the light of science and religion into a portion of that vast and benighted continent; and this in process of time may probably be effected. But the idea of an entire emigration to that country, we denounce as utterly chimerical and absurd. It is estimated that at the present time, there are in the United States 2,500,000 of coloured people, and that their annual increase is from 60 to 80,000, and that the bare cost of their removal, according to the report of the committee of the United States Senate on foreign affairs, would be according to the following ratio: "the removal of the free people of colour $28,000,000 and of their annual increase $700,000; the increase of the slaves $700,000, and the whole number of slaves $190,000,000." So that the aggregate amount necessary for the removal of both freemen and slaves, would be at least $218,000,000; this is probably as correct as any estimate that can be found. We say in view of these facts that if indeed the Almighty would work a similar miracle to that which was wrought in the deliverance of ancient Israel and divide the Atlantic as he did the Red Sea, then might this thing be done."

"We will suppose the expectations of its advocates and patrons in a measure realized, the colony established, its population numerous, its climate healthy, its soil productive and its government well regulated. Still I would dispute the policy of a total emigration. I can yet see no just cause why we should leave this country: surely the inhabitants have not yet become so numerous as to render it necessary: according to the opinion of that distinguished statesman the late Governor Clinton, this state alone is capable of supporting more people, than the whole confederacy contains. We claim this as our country, as the land of our nativity, and to achieve its independence, our fathers faced her enemies on the field of battle, and contended even unto death. But it is probably that those who differ in opinion from us on this subject, would not absolutely deny us the right for which we contend, but would urge our emigration as a matter of expediency founded on the existing prejudices to which we have alluded. That they exist we have admitted; but who is the man that retains this haughty and disdainful disposition? Who is the man that despises the works of his Maker, and scorns his fellow man on account of his complexion? Is it the Christian? We answer no! taught by the precepts and example of his Saviour, who was meek and lowly in heart, he learns to esteem others better than himself. He may indeed profess christianity and be numbered with the saints of God on earth; but if he can look with contempt upon a fellow mortal, because the tinge of his complexion differs from his own, I care but little what place he may fill in the church, whether he stands in the pulpit or sits in the gallery. his soul is as destitute of the holy religion of the Cross of Christ, as the wild uncultivated Hottentot is of civilization; and with all his pretentions to piety, he has one short lesson of intrinsic moral value to learn, before he has a right to the name he bears. As ye would that others should do unto you, do ye also to them likewise."

Or is it the Patriot? Taught by the pure principles recognized in the declaration of the independence of this country, his inmost soul abhors such pitiful insolence and pride. He soars above such detestable weakness, lifting the banner of liberty and equality, he proclaims equal and exact justice to all. Is he the gentleman, he may indeed wear the garments of such, but he is a stranger to those refined principles, which reign in the heart of the well bred man. And however he may boast his attainments, he is, at best, but a vain, self-conceited coxcomb, and altogether unworthy the notice of the man of reason or candour. No we are bold to affirm that the christian, the patriot and the gentleman will esteem others according to their moral worth. If sobriety, industry and prudence characterises their conduct, it follows as a necessary consequence, that they will be respected by men possessing like virtues.