Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1858-07-20
schoOT Exhibitions.

We have long been aware OF the TACT
that the colored population of our town
have had in operation separate school for
the education of their children; but like
most of the other citizens, had not made
ourselves familiar with its progress. Hav-
ing been invited to witness an exhibition
of the scholars, which took place on last
Friday evening. at the close of the term, we
concluded to attend and see for ourselves.
We are not about to write a description OF
the exercises, but think the occasion de-
mands passing notice.
Everything connected with it was cred
table to all concerned. When we reached
the place. the exercises, which were held in
the Colored Church, had commenced.
A small admittance fee Of ten cents was
charged, which was devoted to the
furnishing of the Church. The house
was crowded to its utmost capacity
m my of our most prominent citizens, OF
all parties in politics and religion
were present, and at least an equal num-
Der remained outside for want of room
within. Among this large crowd were
many boys and yoans men-a class
20 are generally supposed to visit such
piaces for sport, if not mischief; but GER
u.inly there was no manifestation of either
here We did not see an improper act, or
hear disrespectful word from one oil
these spectators. which certainly speaks
well for our town.
AS before stated, we do not intend to
report the exercises, and AS ''comparl-
sors' are said TO be ''odious, we shall not
compare his with similar exhibitions oI
Suffice it to say that no friend of that op-
pressed race could lave Witnessed The
scene, withouta deepened conviction that
with just treatment and fair opportuni
ties, they are susceptible of large i'm
provement, and high culture; while thos'
who deny them those capabilities woulC
have felt their prejudices rebuked by tn
evidence presented in the scene befor
them Of the great injustice of those pref
uJces.
We could not help but think of the ut
ter incongrl ity between the theory am
practice of Shareholders and those unde
their influence with regard to this outcas
race. You will hear it asserted ever
hour in the day that these people have N
mental eapacity--that improve ment is i'm
possible-that they cannot be taught, &c
And vet in one half the States it is Grim
punishable with stripes and imprisonment
for one Of them to be found with boo
in his hand, and the penitentiary in some
and death in other States, is the penalt
for white man or woman teaching one
them to read! Why is this blood staine
code enacted and enforced if these peopl
are incapable of improvement. The quei
tion answers itself
These people are among us, and Il
practical question is, whether it is bett'
to treat them justly, and by affordin
them opportunities for self-improvemen
give them those motives for self-respeC
and virtuous conduct which will natural
follow, or by oppression and wrong, sir
them into that abyss of ignorance al
degradation, where those higher motiv
cannot reach them, and they must, like Al
other people 80 outlawed. become
scourge to the land of their birth.
We should not think it need take
christian, phlanthropist, or statesma
long to determine the right policy.
-~)~--