True, our white brethren were hindered by the wild forests, which were
pathless and bridgeless, fieldless and cribless, and by the savage
beasts and friendless red men, as well as by the slowness of travel,
but after all, we may be permitted to compare our progress with our
white brethrens’ struggles on educational and missionary lines; and I
think the foe will feel more hopeful of us, while the friend will see
reason for encouragement and pleasure. The white Convention organized
in Salem Church, near Greensboro, in October, 1823, but they did not
begin a school till 1834--eleven years. We organized in 1868 and
started a school in 1878--ten years. Their school continued only about
five years, when their property was sold to pay their school debts.
Our school still continues at this writing--1895. In 1839, they passed
a resolution to encourage young men to study for the ministry under
capable pastors, and the money of the Convention was ordered to be paid
out in support of operations on this line.
They now owe on Howard College, so I am informed, some $30,000 or
$40,000 in the form of a bonded debt, the interest on which they find
it hard to pay. Indeed, I very much regret to hear that they are
thinking of making an assignment in the interest of their creditors. On
careful examination of the records of the Convention, we come upon the
following important facts and lessons: