Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/96

88 The African also looked with a piercing eye to the educational interests of the freedmen in the South.—Vol. V, No. 5, September 9th, 1865, immediately after the Surrender, contains a most potent and well-timed article on the kind of education the freedmen should have, and the way in which he should be taught. The editorial was headed: "The Southern Field and the proper agents."

The following are the introductory words of the article:

"We notice an increasing solicitude among the whites, as to the influence likely to be exerted upon the freed brethren of those talented colored men who are now going South. This is quite natural, The whites are conscious of the fact that heretofore they have had the field all to themselves; that for patronage and perquisites they have taught what and how they pleased."

"It is reasonable and proper that colored men should feel that it is their mission now to enter this field and educate and elevate their freed brethren. This field is naturally ours, and is the only fair one we ever had for usefulness before. Moreover, the race to be educated and elevated is ours; therefore we are deeply interested in the kind of education it receives, etc."

The Anglo-African lived to see the Afro-American a freedman, and to enjoy the awarded—"Well done, good and faithful servant," in the Abolition fight.

It lived to see the Afro-American on the march to an intellectual position and to civil citizenship; and with this consciousness it died peacefully in the arms of its promoters.

The Hamiltons will be known as long as the cause for which men fought, mentally and physically, is remembered by their countrymen. Their names will be treasured in the archives of history in connection with that of Phillips, Garrison, and a phalanx of others, whose arms are stacked by the Jordan of eternal rest.