Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-07-23
From Frederick Douglass Paper.
The Convention.

continued through three entire days. OF its
composition and character-of its principles
and measures-of its real importance and sig
niRcance, volume might be written. 1t was
unquestionably great Convention-p perhaps the
most extraordinary, in many particulars, ever
held in the United States. 1t marks an era in
the history Of the oppressed In this land, and
constitutes tho first great and Gas wo think
decisive step made by that people in the right
direction. We arc unable, this week, to give
the entire official proceedings; indeed, they
will be entirely too voluminous for one or two
issues Of our paper but we venture to present
to our readers little sketch Of its character
and effects.
1t was a large Convention there were pres
cnt one hundred and forty delegates from eight
different States. It is fair to assume that
among these were men representing scores, fif-
ties, and hundreds, and that all of them are the
centres of circles under their direct Influence
and guidance, so that a vast concourse of per-
sons were represented in the Convention, and
will be, for veal or for woe, affected by the
proceedings Of the Convention. Whatsoever
was wise and good; whatsoever was true and
beautiful; whatsoever was adapted to advance
the temporal interest, the moral and intellect
ual culture Of our people, will be carried homo
from the Convention by its delegates, and en-.
Enthusiastically unfolied to their constituents, for
their approval and adoption. Never was 90
large number of the oppressed of this coun-
try represented in Convention; and its pro-
cccdings will become more generally known,
and be moro thoroughly canvnssed in all parts
of the country than the proceedings of any
previous Convention have been.
In the first place, the atmosphere Of Roch-
ester was favorable to an nsscmblage of such
Objects The best hall in the city Gf not the
best in Western New York; was flung open on
the occasion. The attendance of citizens was
large and highly respectable; and was, Of it.
self, sufficient to inspirit the workers in the
Convention to the highest efficiency.
The talent, zeal, and eloquence displayed,
took our citizens by surprize and VIC confess,
ourselves, even with our expectations. more
than gratifed. There were more working, en-
crgy, tact. and skill. than even we had looked
for Eloquence, like song. is a peculiar forte
of our people; but the Convention was not
more gratifying on tho score of the speaking,
than it was IN the spirit, knowledge, and wis
dom which it embodied.
The Convention was remarkable for The free
dom and independence which it manifested
There was very little scrvlity to be seen any
where among the delegates. No measure was
adopted because it came from n distinguished
person. Every thing had to submit to exami-
nation; and sometimes this was not very deli
cately performed. There was displayed occa-
sionally little sectional feeling. New York
was thought little too grasping; and our
friend GEO. 7. DOWNING, had to take it right
and left for his parliamentary dexterity; and
yet we think every man in the Convention felt
proud of the attitude and activity of our
friend. He was for putting the business
&" through" Hence ho rcsortcd to the previous
question.
Among the proceedings Of the Convention Of
colored citizens, will bo found plan for a
by DIR. J. Mcclure Smith-discussed at length
by leading members OF tho Convention, and
was finally adopted in sections--thc greatest
scrutiny being had to its provisions. That the
plan is perfect, is not pretended, and neither is
it presumed to be without defects, which time
may show to be serious; but this we do say, it
is plan which the free people of color should
give fair trial, and only alter or amend il as
the wisdom of patient experience shall suggest.
For the first time in the history of this country,
the Free Colored people have banded them
selves together nationally, for the defence of
their liberty and the improvement of their con-
dtion. They have been not only peeled and
down-trodden people, but they have been q
disjointed and scattered people. They have
had energy without order-mind without dis
cipline--zeal without knowledge-and purpose
without union. All have been fighting on their
own plan without the advantage of combination.
This is so no longer. Henceforth, las long as
the necessity iasts) We are united. Whatever
of mind and power We possess, shall now have
the benefit of order and organization. The es-
tablshment of this COUNCIL" is indicative OF
progress among our people. Union implies
confidence, and confidence implies intelligence
Suspicion rises out of ignorance, like miazma
out of decayed and decaying Vegetation Dis
trust has de6ed all attempts at union, until
now. Vile mischief maker the curse of thu
oppressed in all countries, and the handmade
of tyrants under oil skies, we bid thee begon'
forever.
Such men as DIR. James McCune Smith, DR.
Pennington, William Whipper, ]. b. yashon
Mr.. woOdson, George T. Downing, Professo
Reason, John NJ. Langston, John 1. Gaines
Rev. Boyd Parker, II. o. Wagner, J. w
Wilson, J. NJ. Whitfield, Charles Lenox Re
mond, Stephen Smith, J. c. Beman, Amos G
Beman, Thomas Van Rensselaer,, c. b. Ray, Mi