.

I am not likely, I presume, to be suspected of any leaning toward
Romanism. But I think a Roman Catholic priest would have a right to
a fair and respectful hearing, if he said:--

'You have set these people free, without letting them go through
that intermediate stage of feudalism, by which, and by which alone,
the white races of Europe were educated into true freedom. I do not
blame you. You could do no otherwise. But will you hinder their
passing through that process of religious education under a
priesthood, by which, and by which alone, the white races of Europe
were educated up to something like obedience, virtue, and purity?

'These last, you know, we teach in the interest of the State, as
well as of the Negro: and if we should ask the State for aid, in
order that we may teach them, over and above a little reading and
writing--which will not be taught save by us, for we only shall be
listened to--are we asking too much, or anything which the State
will not be wise in granting us? We can have no temptation to abuse
our power for political purposes. It would not suit us--to put the
matter on its lowest ground--to become demagogues. For our
congregations include persons of every rank and occupation; and
therefore it is our interest, as much as that of the British
Government, that all classes should be loyal, peaceable, and
wealthy.

'As for our peculiar creed, with its vivid appeals to the senses:
is it not a question whether the utterly unimaginative and illogical
Negro can be taught the facts of Christianity, or indeed any
religion at all, save through his senses? Is it not a question
whether we do not, on the whole, give him a juster and clearer
notion of the very truths which you hold in common with us, than an
average Protestant missionary does?

'Your Church of England'--it must be understood that the relations
between the Anglican and the Romish clergy in Trinidad are, as far
as I have seen, friendly and tolerant--' does good work among its
coloured members. But it does so by speaking, as we speak, with
authority. It, too, finds it prudent to keep up in its services
somewhat at least of that dignity, even pomp, which is as necessary
for the Negro as it was for the half-savage European of the early
Middle Age, if he is to be raised above his mere natural dread of
spells, witches, and other harmful powers, to somewhat of admiration
and reverence.

'As for