Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-04-29
A Slaves Speech.

patch, of the lf.h inst, contains the follow
inc speech, delivered ut Festival OF the
Auxiliary Fire Department OF that town
The sIe, ker. John Randall, we learn, Is
slave, abcu, Is years old, ian excellent, or
DERBY, and respected man." belonging to John
/ Taylor:
GENTLEMES: Public speaking is rather
out 0f nv llue OF business, aud l had made
up my mind, that tonight, except when eat,
ing, | would keep my mouth shut, Tor well
know my Inability u d. justice to the cause.
or the occasion, or credit 10 myself. But
hope that NV intcrest in the cause, and my
exertlons as one of the committee OF arrange
merits 70 make this occasion as pleasant and
agreeable as possible to all, will be apology
enough for M. | am, gentlemen, under
many and lasting obligations for the honor
conferred on me by calling me TO preside
over this respectable and intelligent Assem-
/ biy. \ more pleasant task | never per
/ formed.
If were this night in New York or Boston,
or any land Of pretended liberty, presiding at
some a b Jlltion or fanatic meeting, | should not
feel myself more elevated, nor halt 80 highly
honored, a. | now leel Don't think that
make this remark TO gain tue good will or
praise of any. | speak it from the honest
convictions Of my own mind, Judging all by
myself, that we are this night enjoying our
selves, 70 greater perfection, than any class
of Den-I like TO have said white folks not
excepted. We have bot few cares TO disturb
the peace OF our minds the heavy response
biiites Of business matters does not crowd
50 heavy upon our brain; our thoughts are
not So much occupied upon the accumulation
! Of wealth, therefore our sleep Is sound and
refreshing at night. Our thoughts by day
are light aud free, and we can think to-day
how we snail enjoy tomorrow. The happlest
man on earth Is the Christian colored mao,
who has just troubles enough TO keep him In
the constant discharge Of his duty and the
performance of that makes bin happy and
cheerful.
Mt few nor light are the burdens of life
then load it not with heaviness OF spirit.
There are three chief rivers Of dependency
in, sorrow, and fear. Sin is the deepest,
sorrow hath its shadows, and fear is noisy
rapid. Bute II the darkest hole in quilts
prufoundest river, hope can pierce with
quckening ray, and all those depths are
hShie1.
L
occasion, crowds with the wealth, the fair,
aud the be .u!y If Washington but it has
never before been crowded with real happl-
ness Or pleasure, such as We cIlored people
enjoy. There are lew TWINS, if any, where
col red people have greater privileges Of en-
! yjug themselves, ia any civil way, than 10
WAshin gton, the garden spot OF North Caro-
lina. Oar singing schools, temperance and
charitable societies, and our fire companies,
are all coed moral, and perfectly harmless.
Among the persons that compose them there
may be some improper characters, but the
institutions themselves are right Then, gen
temen, let Us Use, and not abuse these
thugs.
70 You my brother frcmen, are extended
privileges that uone others have. To you
every citizen of Washington, from the rich
est to the poorest. looks Tor help, when that
alarming. destructive, and often that un-
quenchapie euemy--hre--iS about to destroy
Them and all they have. Let them not 10 k
in vain. When the alarm Is given, be not
reluctant but 90 aud do your duty fight
AZ though you were fshtog to save your
own house aud property. Do that, and We
are apt to conquer and for every FIRE We
conquer, we'll have q supper; or, at least,
we'll allow you the privilege Of breaking the
pledge. We are yet In our Infancy, and
have 90; had chance to show what we can
d.. But don't be discouraged. Ii is never
too late, too soon, too hot, nor too cold, for
fires to break out Then be watchful, and
always ready. la time of peace prepare
Tor war.
The vi ite people generally are very kind
AMI niulgent to u.s. and this occasion is a
clear demo ,stration of this fact, and we owe
them debt OF gratitude that we can only
repay by our obedience, polltepess, good work
and department la conclusion, | will give
you A. a sentiment:
The AuIiiiu icS.--Alay the citizens of
Washington properly estimate and appre
cate your exertons 70 save their property
from destruction by fire, and may you ever
prove yourselves worthy of the notice taken
Of and the respect showed to you, by the fire
department aud the citizens generally.