Secondly, if Americans by nativity, we are citizens, according to the opinion of the late Attorney-General Bates, which is able and exhaustive on this matter of citizenship; and in the light of what he says, if the law be enforced, every white citizen will be accorded his rights, and every colored one will be protected in his. The editor should say whether this be practicable, for he is the wielder of the pen from which should come such information, either original or quoted, as shall give the mode and manner of procedure that shall accomplish the purpose sought.
Our editors should see to it that our race and cause suffer no detriment. If ability be required, the editor should have it; if learning, he should gain it; if sacrifice, he should cultivate its spirit, and make it; and in the end he shall gain the fruition of a glorious, crowning success.
There is to be no compromise connected with the manly and fearless advocacy of all that pertains to the rights, the elevation, the advancement, the general and equal good of our race. No mutual repellency, sometimes called prejudice, at others' hatred, whether claimed to grow out of previous social condition or complexional and race peculiarities, must be allowed to weigh even an atom against our first demand for immediate emancipation from every sort of evil,—social, political, or official thraldom. The editor is to march boldly forward in the discharge of his duty. He should see that our interests, especially so far as our freedom and rights are concerned, are in no wise abridged, circumscribed, or destroyed.
Opinion of John R. Lynch.
Your circular received. In answer to the question, "Do you think the Press in the hands of the negro has been a success?" I must say, financially, No; but the Afro-American editor has accomplished some good in shaping public opinion
