The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-06-20
The coLoRED PEo zLE.



The great question of the day, 4nd BY
far the most important question for our
country and for mankind, with which We
have to do. concerns the colored people Of
the United States. The subject has been
On important and an interesting one from
the formation of the Government, and it
finally eliminated in the most terrible re.
belIion, and in one phase has been decided
by series of the greatest military cam
psigns and the most tremendous battles
recorded in history. The result is that
four millions of slaves have been emanoi-
pa'ed aud are Theoretically freemen and
Constitute very considerable portion Of
the population of the Union. They are,
for the most part, located in the midst OF
g population opposed to their freedom,
and but recently in arms against the
Government which made them free And
they have been SO long held ip bondage.
have been so sedulously excluded from
the meFest elements of education, as vel,
ss from the slightest knowledge of affairs
and of business, that the mass of them
are of necessity in very helpless condi-
ton; while the bitter prejudice prevail
ing against the race has to great degree
closed the avenues of improvement
against their brethren in the North who
have been for years in the enjoyment Of
liberty. And yet under all the disadyan-
tsges which they have had to encounter
we fad everyw here throughout the North
numerous examples amongst this race Of
those who have acquired an education,
who are industrious and honest, who
have accumulated competence, and who
enjoy the confidence and respect of their
fellow -ciiizens. And this fact should OF
itself lead to the conclusion that the pos
session Of liberty and the ad saDtages and
Nvileces open to all other classes in this
sse3 land Of ours would eventually re.
II 10 the ilnproveme 1T and elevation ci
entire race in the dale Ct iumanitg.
But, at all events, htre ate loar millions
huusn beirgs, crea.ed by the same
d and redeemed bg be same Savior n
BON &e trusi, wh3 q n,titute an inte-
rsl portion Of the population OF The
aited States. Under the laws, and by
prce OF public opinion, they are an infe-
Ior race, whose wtlIsre IL Committed to
be sovereign people OF the t nlted States.
heir destiny is in the hands of the peo.
lie, and the responsibility is fearful one,
Gle :. ...e proper discharge of whisb, every
titixen individually. and the nation col.
ectively, will be held to strict accounsa
bility by posterity end by that God who
IS no respecter Of persons. This popuia
tion is at cur mercy; they may be mad
the foot-ha of political parties, they ma,
be crushed By prejudice, ground dowI
or exterminated by inhumanity ant
cruelty. or they may be reducsd to SLAYER.
again il God permits the powers of Sata
10 triumph yet awhile longer on the earth
Bat they stand in the relation Of grow
up wards to their guardian. ths Govern
meut of the United Ststes, and every cit
zen under thst Government has persons
responsibility in reference to their trea
ment and their fate which he cannot shall
of nor shirk from under any pleas ,
prejndice or of partisan policy.
Besides, under Gods Providence, Il
destiny Of the black race 10 this countl
is indissolubly linked with our own, vii
that OF cur country and our free instit'
tions. God will not permit US throug
isdifsrenoe, prejudice or inhumanity,
grind the faces Of the poor blacks or
exterminate them from the land, and The
crown. the land with blessings. II '
would enjoy the favor Of Him who Great,
Ill nations Of one blood We must set on
selves to work without hatred or pref
dice. but in the spirit of long sufferiD
kindness and christian patriotism, to "a
cate and elevate these children Of ign
rance and oppression whom He has thra,
upon our care As the price Of our COD
try1s salvation from the dreadfal peils
the great rebellion from which We s.
inst been delivered.
81 far ~ the authority and the poll
= tbe Government sre concerned, &
egs have passed sway aad al thia
bseoaa nel.' 81 & slsyesy = I5 M