re spent there
with great benefit to all. The citizens were evidently
astonished at this introduction of a new shade of humanity;
and the singers seldom passed along the streets without
hearing some remark about '_les negres_,' or '_les noirs_.'
But they were invariably treated with the greatest respect,
and, in fact, were never once annoyed by a rabble in the
streets, as they frequently are elsewhere, gathering around
with a rude and impertinent curiosity.

"Among other pleasant experiences, there was an afternoon
spent with Pere Hyacinthe. We found him very genial and
agreeable, and his American wife no less so. He speaks no
English at all, but Madame acted as interpreter; and there
was none of the stiffness or awkwardness that might have
been expected under the circumstances.

"... The most notable event of our stay at Geneva was a
concert given, just before leaving, in the Salle de la
Reformation. It had been a question of much interest, as to
whether the slave-songs would retain any thing of their
power where the words were not understood. The result was a
new triumph for those mysterious melodies, showing that the
language of nature is universal, and that emotion is capable
of expressing itself without the intervention of words. The
hall was packed to its utmost capacity, and the enthusiasm
at fever-heat. When asked how they could enjoy the songs so
much when they knew nothing of the sentiment that was
conveyed, the reply was, 'We cannot _understand_ them; but
we can _feel_ them.' Pere Hyacinthe presided at the concert
as chairman, and evidently enjoyed it as keenly as the rest
of the vast audience."

And now to discriminate; for the writer, while disclaiming all
censorious or pretentious aim, yet, for reasons which may be readily
understood and fully appreciated by the reader, intends this volume to
inculcate the lessons of advancement by always attempting to honestly
distinguish between that which is progressive in music and that which
is the reverse. Have, then, these famous Jubilee Singers, who
everywhere thrilled the hearts of their hearers, and whose charming
melody of voice, and style of rendition, "disarmed the critic,"--have
they established by all this a model for the present and the future?
In some respects they have; in others they have not. And is there