The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1902-07-19
$ NJ. A, A, p. A,

sd =
OF humanity, was John 3. Russworm,
who issued the first Afro-American
newspaper, Freedoms Journal, March
so, 1927. Mr.. RussWorm's publication
net with more and greater OBSTACLES
than any paper ever published At that
time the Afro Americans of the Mort n
who would patronize the paper were
few, while the white abolitionistsGwere
not very numerous. Now the Journal
lst contends for our rights as citizens ::
then 1t contended for our deliverance
from the curse of human slavery.
On the list day of November, 1e47,
Frederick Douglas began the publica-
ton of the North Star, at Rochester,
n. Y. The editor of the North Star BE-
ing head and shoulders above many Of
his colleagues, his paper was readily
accepted as one of the most formidable
enemies Of American slavery. The
North Star was conducted on a much
higher plane than any of the preceding
publications. Mr.. Douglas had by his
eloquent appeals in behalf of the aboli-
ton cause created a widespread senti-
ment and he, was known as an orator.
For sixteen years, against much op-
position, single-handed, and alone,
Frederick Douglas demonstrated that
the Afro American was equal to the
white man in conducting a useful and
popular journal. *.'~"
I'm 1850, the name of the North Star
was changed to the name of Frederic K
Douglas Paper, which was published
until it was able to chronicle the
emancipation of the slaves. It wae
then discontinued, having, triumphe :,
in the cause for which - so vigorously
fought. ...-' -.
I'VE should revere the memory Of
this noble band of men who sacrificed
themselves upon the editorial altar for
the race. They were Door in pocket,
but noble in spirit. Their time, their
talents, their money, were freely Civ
en-; that we might enjoy the fruits Of
their labors, for. it is scarcel~ proba BILE
that they hoped to see the direct re-
suits Of their works, yet some of then,
lived TO see emancipation and enfran-
chisement. and we who live today
thirty-1iVe years after, see the Afro
American making progress along lines
wholly unlocked for, unthought Of be-
fore the war;
Mr. Adams gave some statistics
showing the progress the Afro
American race along educational lines
He also called attention to the fact that
100000 freedmen and their children
have gained possession Of 1000, 900
acres OF land in Il generation. Through
out the United States, according to the
latest statistics and estimates, OF
'L.4lV, iDU ALiO-AHlSIlCdI ncdOS lam
lilies, 264,29S own their homes ana
farms and in this commercial age this
means power and prestige.
National Disgrace.
1T is {; noticeable fact that while
the infanly of mob law has apparently
gained IL firmer footing than hereto
fore, if that were possible, not only III
the. Southern states. which may be re-
garded as the storm center of lawless-
ness, but in other sections of the cOun-
try, the national sentiment against it
becomes stronger and more asserted
Here and there an honest and coura ge-
Gus governor in the South, like Gov.
LOngino, of Mississippi, has taken such
. strong position against mob law as
to attract the attention ane admiration
Of the people Of the republic. and to
discourage those who incline most TO
the lHohocratic mania. While con-
de1nning crime Of whatever character,
and by whomsoeVer committed, the
Afro american press = as been and is
lighting for al orderly administration
of the law