THE AFRO-AMERICAN PEOPLE INDICTED ON A NEW CHARGE. INTRODUCTORY--THE
WRITER’S CLAIM TO BE HEARD.[A]
I propose to give you a coloured man’s view of the so-called “Negro
Problem.” We have had the Southern white man’s view of this subject at
large in the press, in the pulpit and on the platform. He has spoken in
the pride of his power and to willing ears. Coloured by his peculiar
environments, his version has been presented with abundant repetition,
with startling emphasis, and with every advantage to his side of
the question. We have also had the Northern white man’s view of the
subject, tempered by his distance from the scene and by his different,
if not his higher, civilization.
This quality and quantity of evidence, may be considered by some men as
all sufficient upon which to found an intelligent judgment of the whole
matter in controversy, and, therefore, it may be thought my testimony
is not needed. But experience has taught us that it is sometimes wise
and necessary to have more than two witnesses to bring out the whole
truth. Especially is this the case where one of such witnesses has a
powerful motive for suppressing or distorting the facts, as in this
case. I therefore insist upon my right to take the witness stand and
give my version of this Southern question, and though it shall widely
differ from that of both the North and South, I shall submit the same
to the candid judgment of all who hear me in full confidence that it
will be received as true, by honest men and women of both sections of
this Republic.
There is one thing, however, in which I think we must all agree at the
start. It is that this so-called but mis-called Negro problem is one
of the most important and urgent subjects that can now engage public
attention. Its solution is, and ought to be, the serious business of
the best American wisdom and statesmanship. For it involves the honour
or dishonour, the glory or shame, the happiness or misery, of the whole
American people. It not only touches the good name and fame of the
Republic, but its highest moral welfare and its permanent safety. The
evil with which it confronts us is coupled with a peril at once great
and increasing, and one which should be removed, if it can be, without
delay.