Thus, at this moment, stands the question of the capacity of the free colored people of the United States, to influence public opinion in favor of emancipation. And where are their champions who kindled the flame which is now extinguished? Many of them are in their graves; and the Harper's Ferry act, but applied the match that exploded the existing organizations. One chieftain--always truthful, ever in earnest--is, alas, in the lunatic asylum; another--whose zeal overcomes his judgment, at times--backs down from the position he had taken, that rifles were better than bibles in the conflict with slavery; another--coveting not the martyr's crown, yet a little--has left his editorial chair, to put the line dividing English and American territory between himself and danger; another--whose life could not well be spared, as he, doubtless, thought--after helping to organize the conspiracy at Chatham, in Canada, immediately set out to explore Africa: perhaps to select a home for the Virginia slaves, and be ready to receive them when Brown should set them free. These forces can never be re-combined. As for others, so far as politicians are concerned, the colored race have nothing to hope. The battle for free territory, in the sense in which they design to be understood, is a contest to keep the blacks and whites entirely separate. It is a determination to carry out the policy of Jefferson, by separating the races where it can be accomplished--a policy that will be adhered to in the free States, and which the Canadians would gladly adopt, if the mother country would permit them to carry out their wishes.
Free colored men of the United States! "in the days of adversity consider." Are not the signs of the times indicative of the necessity of a change of policy?
[89] The testimony here offered is the more important, as the Western District is the center of emigration from the United States.
[90] The Hon. Mr. Harrison was one of the candidates at the time alluded to.
[91] See the resolution copied into the Preface to the present edition.
THE MORAL RELATIONS OF PERSONS HOLDING THE _PER SE_ DOCTRINE, ON THE SUBJECT OF SLAVERY, TO THE PURCHASE AND CONSUMPTION OF SLAVE LABOR PRODUCTS.