system, where our youth may be
instructed in all the arts of civilized life. If we ever expect
to see the influence of prejudice decrease, and ourselves
respected, it must be by the blessings of an enlightened
education. It must be by being in possession of that classical
knowledge which promotes genius, and causes man to soar up to
those high intellectual enjoyments and acquirements, which place
him in a situation to shed upon a country and a people that
scientific grandeur which is imperishable by time, and drowns in
oblivion's cup their moral degradation. Those who think that our
primary schools are capable of effecting this, are a century
behind the age when to have proved a question in the rule of
three was considered a higher attainment than solving the most
difficult problem in Euclid is now. They might have at that time
performed what some people expect of them now, in the then barren
state of science; but they are now no longer capable of
reflecting brilliancy on our national character, which will
elevate us from our present situation. If we wish to be
respected, we must build our moral character on a base as broad
and high as the nation itself; our country and our character
require it; we have performed all the duties from the menial to
the soldier,--our fathers shed their blood in the great struggle
for independence. In the late war between Great Britain and the
United States, a proclamation was issued to the free colored
inhabitants of Louisiana, September 21, 1814, inviting them to
take up arms in defence of their country, by Gen. Andrew Jackson.
And in order that you may have an idea of the manner in which
they acquitted themselves on that perilous occasion, we will
refer you to the proclamation of Thomas Butler, Aid-de-Camp.

"You there see that your country expects much from you, and that
you have much to call you into action, morally, religiously, and
scientifically. Prepare yourselves to occupy the several stations
to which the wisdom of your country may promote you. We have been
told in this Convention, by the Secretary of the American
Colonization Society, that there are causes which forbid our
advancement in this country, which no humanity, no legislation,
and no religion can control. Believe it not. Is not humanity