“The Institute for Colored Youth, founded forty years ago, has been
constantly under the care of the Society of Friends, by whom it was
established. Having been connected with the Institute for Colored
Youth as a manager of it, and somewhat familiar with it for quite a
number of years, I am persuaded that the plan pursued there is an
efficient one--of employing colored teachers in it, who have in almost
every case proved themselves equal to the requirements. The instruction
includes the higher branches of the knowledge of history, of
mathematics and of the sciences; all of which they teach to the entire
satisfaction of the managers, and, as far as I know, to all concerned.”
The sentiment of the advanced and liberal thinkers of the colored race
given on the subject is as follows:--
Robert Purvis, of Philadelphia, says: “We demand that the same rule be
applied to us as is applied to others. We ask no favors. We believe
in the doctrine of equal rights. We ask no more, we will submit to no
less; and in this especial instance I believe that, where the same
qualifications as to character and fitness exists, the preference
should be given to colored men as long as Colored Institutions exist. A
fair show should be given in all other institutions. I am in favor of
our being one people and American citizens.”