Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/512

504 the spirit and deeds of heroism, which can never be forgotten.

From four millions, in a quarter of a century you have become eight millions, with schools established at many points; and the necessity is laid upon the hearts of the people of God in America, to educate and make Christians of eight millions of people."

At a recent meeting of Afro-Americans in Rochester, N. Y., Mayor William Carroll delivered the welcome address. To them he said: "Since my youth, I have aspired to see a race which was down-trodden come up and receive recognition as fellow-citizens. Forty years ago I was in St. Louis and saw how badly the escaped slaves were used. How awful it was for men to sell human beings! We are all descendants of Adam and Eve, and yet some people had the privilege of selling and buying others. Wicked act though it was, it was sanctioned by the law of the land. How much Providence has done for the colored man since 1850! He has been freed and made the equal, as to rights of citizenship, of the white man. The war of the Rebellion did this when the people of the nation declared in favor of freedom for all."

Hon. Geo. Raines uttered the following sensible words, at the same gathering: "This city has a record for kindness and liberality toward your race for many years, even extending back to the days when it was dangerous to advocate any rights for the colored men. In Rochester, the colored people have been people of character and ability. They have enjoyed with us all the benefits of living in this city, and have taken a fair share in the work and responsibility. It is therefore most proper that the delegates to the Afro-American league should be welcomed to this city. We are one with you in sympathy for the objects of your organization. We rejoiced with you when the barriers that held you down in former years were removed. We are glad