Page:Proceedings of the Convention of the Equal Rights and Educational Association of Georgia 1866.djvu/8

6 of vast importance to the colored race, as well as to the State. We must raise money to enable us to prosecute our work; we must trust men, and, if they betray the confidence which we place in them, it is our duty to expose them and denounce them. This will be a warning to others, who, being trusted, may not be tempted to act dishonestly.

These Subordinate Associations are exerting a powerful influence already. They are schools where colored citizens learn their rights. At the meetings of many Associations the Loyal Georgian is read by some member, and thus, in every county in the State, they may gain information which is of vital importance at this time. These Associations may be, indeed they should be schools where every member can, at least, learn to read and write.

It was considered absolutely necessary, by the founders of this Association, that an organ should be published to advocate the policy, which was regarded as of vital importance to the interests and welfare of the colored citizens of the State.

A newspaper—the Colored American—had been established by an enterprising colored man in the city of Augusta, but he did not meet with that encouragement which he expected, and was about to relinquish the undertaking, when an Association in that city, known as the Union League, relieved him of the responsibility, assumed the debts and continued the publication of the paper until this Association was organized, when it transferred the property to this Association, upon condition that it should pay the debts. It was "thought best to change the name, and, by unanimous consent, the paper was called the Loyal Georgian. Thus was established a paper, which, although small in size, has wielded a powerful influence in behalf of the colored people of this State. As President of the Association, it becomes my duty to superintend the publication of this paper. Although we have used every exertion to pay the expenses and decrease the debt, we have been unable to do so. I have, with great difficulty, continued its publication, and must say to you frankly that, unless some changes are made immediately, we must suspend its publication altogether. This would be a disaster to the cause of equal rights in Georgia greatly to be deplored, and I fear that it would take months, perhaps years, to repair the injury, caused by a failure on the part of the friends of justice to sustain one small paper in the State. I know there are obstacles to overcome that would appal cowards; but we are engaged in a warfare against wrong, injustice prejudice, ignorance, wickedness and villainy, and cowards have no business to enter into such a contest. If we are not cowards, we should shrink from honorable and wise effort that promises to bring; success; and we should be appaled at no opposition, for we knew that God assists those who labor to do good, and, trusting