Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1877-09-19
A CRITIC CRITICISED.

Ma. Enron II notice In the ReJtsmans Jour
nal, Of September 18th, an article rejecting upon
Rev DR.. Round, who preached in the N. Il.
Church on Sunday evening, Sept. 9th.
This gentleman, believe, was announced by
Rev. Mr.. McMurray as President the Centenary
Biblical Institute, Of Baltimore, which Is under
the control and management Of the NJ. X. Church.
From inquiry about him learn that he Il a very
highly educated man, Of refined and cultivated
manners, and has dedicated himself entirely
10 the work Of training young men Of African
descent for the Christian ministry. His visit to
Clearfeld was on this businets, and bis sermon
was designed 10 introduce his work to the people.
His theme was " The 0mnipotenoe Of Weakness"
and. | am sure, was explained in an argument
which for philosophy and logic has rarely been
excolled. I would not trouble you, Mr.. Editor,
with this note, but fear the osfnts and accom-
piished gentleman, who controls the columns Of
the JowHai, has entirely misapprehepded the
purpose Of Ir. Round. II this Is incorrect, he
either was designedly eaptious aud rude, or he
was not competent 10 comprehend the splendid
train oi reasoning by which the preacher Illus
tratcd bis subject.
Now, what was the eaense There were pres
ent In the congregation a number Of the Louisiana
Jubilee Singers. These negroes are advertised o.
from the South, whose special Recommendation Is
their ability to sing their plantation melodies In
regular negro style. Our worthy friend Of the
Journal alleges that the feelings Of these distn.
guished representatives OF the down-trodden State
Of Louisiana we're greatly outraged, aud that, 10
sympathy with them, major portion Of the con
grcgation was disgusted. lie says; (" Perhaps In
hi. (Dr Round'sl view Of the matter be did not
suppose the Loulsananss ticiently Intelligent to
comprehend the meaning Of their being compared
to dogs, and everything else that was low and
degraded" I" I am amazed at his want Of peneira-
ton. In my hearing nothing OF this kind was
done. The speaker referred 10 the present condi-
ton Of the race 10 comparison with their former
degradation. In doing this, be spoke Of Africa
and It's climate. He said "a white man could
not live there, and II dog should go, Il would
degenerate" This Il a matter Of history. II is
the truth. and the preacher was not comparing
negroes to dogs. lie spoke Of the effect Of the
climate upsn the negro, the white man, and the
dog. In this relation the negro did not suffer
for as be 10 tho only one that lives asd thrves In
that peculiar climate, the reference was certainly
10 his favor, and was a compliment instead Of an
insult
Again DR.. Reund said :" be never found any
intellectual difference or weakness 10 the Negro
race the degradation was . moral one" while
| question the former statement, fully believe
the latter. And am Of the opinion that the
negroes present were entirely competent TO spprc-
oiste this and assent TO everything that was said.
Instead Of any onenso 10 them, have no deubt
II was matter Of congratulatiou, and that they
recognized IN the preacher fearless champ ion Of
their unfortunate rsce-a friend TO vhom they
could look for the real sympathy that goes 20 far
to bring relief in the time Of grief and sorrow.
Much as | regret 10 differ from the gentleman,
who 10 usually 70 courteous In his columns, yet
I do not think that DR.. Round deserves 70 be
" hauled over the coals," and | will do Mr. Rev
the honor to observe that, upon reelection, be will
decide that bis remarks were precipitaic aud need
rcvision.
lam generally friend Of the Methods. Church.
and while am not in the habit Of ssying eompli-
mentafy things OF the negroes, yet am not par
tieularly svsrse to the race. hat will you permit
me this. .obtsrsstion, In conclusion. According 10
my way Of thinking, " any bad taste vas dis
played II uss In psrading the aforesaid Jubilee
inrers before the whole eongfegrAtiop, where
they sang several Of their plantation melodies.
The good Doctor, however, must not be blamed
for THE breach Of dscofom which should al~sys
BE- rnaintsined IN the house Of divine worship.
TnurH.
September ~. 1877. '