New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-31
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
"SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY"

SONG FOR THE COLORED PEOPLE on THE DAY
OF FASTING AND PRAYER.
TO the Edtt,r Of The Tribune.
Sir Tho colored people Of the United states nave
set apart Tuesday. May 81. day Of fasting ana
prayer to Almighty God that He will deliver their race
from persecution and injustice and grant them the
free enjoyment Of lo. liberty, the pursuit OF hap
piness and fnll protection In their persons MONIES
and in tho exercse OF all legal rights ard privileges
in every part Of the American Union. II is strange
spectacle. this OF seven million colored Christians
praying God to intercede In their behalf with inc
white Christians OF the United States OF America that
they may have justice security, equal right and equal
opportunity under the dag Of the Union, for whose
prpeuation the furnished 100000 soldiers
besides thousands more who we're the willing guides,
spies and allies OF every band Of Union troops In
what otherwise an enemys country. 1t is
very significant fact that the OF the race have
become so pronounced that cOlored Christians all
the country declare themselves unwilling to sing
Our country, tits Of thee" declaring that they cannot
mock God by utterng lie, in thanking Him for n
liberty they do not enjoy.
In view Of this. Miss Rosa Hazard HAZEL, OF ST.
Paul. has composed the following anthem to be sung
in the colored churches on this OCCASION 1t VIII
undoubtedly become permanent substitute for the
national anthem with the colored people until that
day when every citizen Of the United States is ac-
corded equal rights and full protection Of person, home
be we'll for white Christians to consider whether they
Will Endorse this noble sentiment OF a longsufering
people or ask God by their silence and Indifference
to perpetuatc injustice. II is subject that will
bear thinking about by every American
citizen and Praying about by every American.
II is u had thing for country, and especially
lad for church. not 10 be on the Lords side We
know by MS own word that He will hear the poor
when they cry to Him out of the darkness, and our
n
Ignoring the color OF the petitioner for right. 1t
was only when the American people, by the voice OF
Abraham Lincoln promised freedom to the slave they
had held In bondage and condemned to infamy and
degradation for two centuries and half, that God
vouchsafed any substantial victory There
came on the same glad Fourth of July, Vcksburg ard
Getysburg-twice victories that consecraed the land
TO liberty and made under God trustees OF His
justice To the colored man.
Shall We. too, AS white Christian citizens ask God
to teach US what is right and show us how to do It,
or shall tell Him By silence and Indifference
to keep His hands off and leave to manage the
negro In our way and according to the devils
methods Think about 1t, white Christians; pray
about it, and may the spirit of Him who is no re
spccter q persons incline hearts to justice and
induce you help make true our daily prayer Thy
kingdom come-on earth as It Is In Heaven for /
kingdom one saint or one people VIII nave 70 peti
ton the Fahc. to protect them from the cruelty and
6arharlsm 81 another group Of saints. Besides that
the Lord Is very apt to hear the prayer OF an cp-
pressed people without much regard for the wish
OF the oppressor. md has most uncomfortable way
OF making known His will, TO the taking OF tho
nrstborn Of the oppressors and wiring His Just de-
cree In blood a nations hills and valleys.
shall We vaunt our country sweet land OF lib
crty7 and try To make the Lord believe what VIC
cur acts. as did Lincoln when he s!gend the Procla-
NATION Of S5 E% a GnSy W n5s 5as blessing
resident national Citizens Rights Association.
New-York, May 80, 1892.