st British tyranny the patriotic
attitude of the American colonies. In the second war with Great
Britain the colored people were no less loyal; we figured
conspicuously in the bloody struggles of New Orleans. When the
majority of the American people denounced slavery as petty and
tyrannical, when through secession the Confederacy of the Southern
States was formed, when the South took up arms to overthrow the Union,
the Negro was again ready to answer his country's call. He was present
with Sherman when he made his famous march "from Atlanta to the Sea."
And even these fields which overlook our lovely city upon which he
dropped his sweat, were sprinkled with his blood when the time was
ripe for military action. He fought well at Gettysburg. Out of old
Nashville, too, with her slave system has come new Nashville with her
splendid schools. Thus in every contest of our country for existence
and independence, none have labored more incessantly and given their
lives more freely for the maintenance and perpetuity of our
institutions.

Moreover, in our record never have we joined with other classes, who,
with a rebellious spirit have excited civic revolt and disturbed
public peace. While it is true that many of the base and corrupt walk
the streets in idleness, the better element at the humble trades and
more exalted professions have set out to live by the sweat of their
own brow and with their powers to work out their own destiny.

We may not, indeed, boast of achievements which other races have
accomplished in hundreds of years. Nay, we confess that ignorance and
immorality and vice of every description exist among us. To eradicate
totally the curse of slavery in thirty years would be miraculous
indeed. There are among us some who steal, but not all of us are
rogues by any means. When a decision of our accomplishments is given,
some judge us by the number of prisoners among us. But there are among
us many good men and women, who uphold the right, who in competition
with other men and women have held their places with credit.

A comparison of the negro of to-day with the negro of thirty years ago
shows a contrast. A new negro has sprung upon the stage of action, one
who has had the advantages derived from the seminaries, colleges and
universities founded and fostered by philanthropic people. The
incredulous have been made to confess that we are susceptible of
higher education and refinement. Through books we have realized