Martin R. Delany - The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States
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Martin R. Delany >> The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States
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The writer, within the past few years, and as early as seventeen years
ago, then being quite young, and flushed with geographical and
historical speculations, introduced in a Literary Institution of Young
Men, the subject of Mexican, Californian, and South American Emigration.
He was always hooted at, and various objections raised: one on account
of distance, and another that of climate.
He has since seen some of the same persons engage themselves to their
white American oppressors--officers in the war against Mexico, exposing
themselves to the chances of the heat of day and the damp of
night--risking the dangers of the battle-field, in the capacity of
servants. And had the Americans taken Mexico, no people would have
flocked there faster than the colored people from the United States. The
same is observed of California.
In conversation, in the city of New York, a few weeks ago, with a
colored lady of intelligence, one of the "first families," the
conversation being the elevation of the colored people, we introduced
emigration as a remedy, and Central America as the place. We were
somewhat surprised, and certainly unprepared to receive the rebuking
reply--"Do you suppose that I would go in the woods to live for the sake
of freedom? no, indeed! if you wish to do so, go and do it. I am free
enough here!" Remarking at the same time, that her husband was in San
Francisco, and she was going to him, as she learned that that city was
quite a large and handsome place.
We reminded her, that the industry of white men and women, in four
years' time, had made San Francisco what it is. That in 1846, before the
American emigration, the city contained about seven hundred people,
surrounded by a dense wilderness; and that we regretted to contrast her
conduct or disposition with that of the lady of Col. Fremont, a daughter
of Senator Benton, who tenderly and indulgently raised, in the spring
after his arduous adventure across the mountains, and almost miraculous
escape, while the country was yet a wilderness, left her comfortable
home in Missouri, and braved the dangers of the ocean, to join her
husband and settle in the wilderness. That she was going now to San
Francisco, because it was a populous and "fine city"--that Mrs. Fremont
went, when it was a wilderness, to help to _make_ a populous and fine
city.
About two hours previous to the writing of the following fact, two
respectable colored ladies in conversation, pleasantly disputing about
the superiority of the two places, Philadelphia and New York, when one
spoke of the uniform cleanliness of the streets of Philadelphia, and the
dirtiness of those of New York; when the other triumphantly
replied,--"The reason that our streets are so dirty is, that we do more
business in one day, than you do in a month." The other acknowledged the
fact with some degree of reluctance, and explained, with many "buts" as
an excuse in extenuation. Here was a seeming appreciation of business
and enterprise; but the query flashed through our mind in an instant, as
to whether they thought for a moment, of the fact, that _they_ had no
interest in either city, nor its _business_. It brought forcibly to our
mind, the scene of two of our oppressed brethren South, fighting each
other, to prove his _master_ the greatest gentleman of the two.
Let no objections be made to emigration on the ground of the difficulty
of the fugitive slave, in reaching us; it is only necessary for him to
know, that he has safety South, and he will find means of reaching the
South, as easily as he now does the North. Have no fears about that--his
redemption draws nigh, the nearer we draw to him. Central and South
America, _must be our future homes_. Our oppressors will not want us to
go there. They will move heaven and earth to prevent us--they will talk
about us getting our rights, and offer us a territory here, and all
that. It is of no use. They have pressed us to the last retreat--the die
is cast--the Rubicon must be crossed--go we will, in defiance of all the
slave-power in the Union. And we shall not go there, to be idle--passive
spectators to an invasion of South American rights. No--go when we will,
and where we may, we shall hold ourselves amenable to defend and protect
the country that embraces us. We are fully able to defend ourselves,
once concentrated, against any odds--and by the help of God, we will do
it. We do not go, without counting the cost, cost what it may; all that
it may cost, it is worth to be free.
In going, let us have but one object--to become elevated men and women,
worthy of freedom--the worthy citizens of an adopted country. What to us
will be adopted--to our children will be legitimate. Go not with an
anxiety of political aspirations; but go with the fixed intention--as
Europeans come to the United States--of cultivating the soil, entering
into the mechanical operations, keeping of shops, carrying on
merchandise, trading on land and water, improving property--in a word,
to become the producers of the country, instead of the consumers.
Let young men who go, have a high object in view; and not go with a
view of becoming servants to wealthy gentlemen there; for be assured,
that they place themselves beneath all respectful consideration.
FOOTNOTES:
[5] The native language of these countries, as well as the greater part
of South America, is _Spanish_, which is the easiest of all foreign
languages to learn. It is very remarkable and worthy of note, that with
a view of going to Mexico or South America, the writer several years ago
paid some attention to the Spanish language; and now, a most singular
coincidence, without preunderstanding, in almost every town, where there
is any intelligence among them, there are some _colored persons_ of both
sexes, who are studying the Spanish language. Even the Methodist and
other clergymen, among them. And we earnestly entreat all colored
persons who can, to study, and have their children taught Spanish. No
foreign language will be of such _import_ to colored people, in a very
short time, as the Spanish. Mexico, Central and South America, importune
us to speak their language; and if nothing else, the silent indications
of Cuba, urge us to learn the Spanish tongue.
[6] The Brazilians have formed a Colonization Society, for the purpose
of colonizing free blacks to Africa. The Brazilians are Portuguese, the
only nation that can be termed white, and the only one that is a real
slave holding nation in South America. Even the black and colored men
have equal privileges with whites; and the action of this society will
probably extend only to the sending back of such captives as may be
taken from piratical slavers. Colonization in Brazil, has doubtless been
got up under the influence of United States slave holders and their
abettors, such as the consuls and envoys, who are sent out to South
America, by the government. Chevalier Niteroi, _charge de affaires_ from
Brazil near the government of Liberia, received by the President on the
28th of last January, is also charged with the mission of establishing a
colony of free blacks in Liberia. The Chevalier was once a Captain in
the Brazilian navy on the coast of Africa; and no doubt is conversant
with the sentiments of Roberts, who was charged with the slave trade at
one time. The scheme of United States slaveholders and President J.J.
Roberts, their agent of Liberia, will not succeed, in establishing
prejudice against the _black_ race; not even in slaveholding Brazil.
We have no confidence in President Roberts of Liberia, believing him to
be wholly without principle--seeking only self-aggrandizement; even
should it be done, over the ruined prospects of his staggering infant
country. The people of Liberia, should beware of this man. His _privy
councillors_ are to be found among _slaveholders_ in the United States.
XXI
NICARAGUA AND NEW GRENADA
As it is not reasonable to suppose, that all who read this
volume--especially those whom it is intended most to benefit--understand
geography; it is deemed advisable, to name some particular places, as
locality of destination.
We consequently, to begin with, select NICARAGUA, in Central America,
North, and NEW GRENADA, the Northern part of South America, South of
Nicaragua, as the most favorable points at present, in every particular,
for us to emigrate to.
In the first place, they are the nearest points to be reached, and
countries at which the California adventurers are now touching, on their
route to that distant land, and not half the distance of California.
In the second place, the advantages for all kinds of enterprise, are
equal if not superior, to almost any other points--the climate being
healthy and highly favorable.
In the third place, and by no means the least point of importance, the
British nation is bound by solemn treaty, to protect both of those
nations from foreign imposition, until they are able to stand alone.
Then there is nothing in the way, but every thing in favor, and
opportunities for us to rise to the full stature of manhood. Remember
this fact, that in these countries, colored men now fill the highest
places in the country: and colored people have the same chances there,
that white people have in the United States. All that is necessary to
do, is to go, and the moment your foot touches the soil, you have all
the opportunities for elevating yourselves as the highest, according to
your industry and merits.
Nicaragua and New Grenada, are both Republics, having a President,
Senate, and Representatives of the people. The municipal affairs are
well conducted; and remember, however much the customs of the country
may differ, and appear strange to those you have left behind--remember
that you are free; and that many who, at first sight, might think that
they could not become reconciled to the new order of things, should
recollect, that they were once in a situation in the United States, (in
_slavery_,) where they were compelled to be content with customs
infinitely more averse to their feelings and desires. And that customs
become modified, just in proportion as people of different customs from
different parts, settle in the same communities together. All we ask is
Liberty--the rest follows as a matter of course.
XXII
THINGS AS THEY ARE
"And if thou boast TRUTH to utter,
SPEAK, and leave the rest to God."
In presenting this work, we have but a single object in view, and that
is, to inform the minds of the colored people at large, upon many things
pertaining to their elevation, that but few among us are acquainted
with. Unfortunately for us, as a body, we have been taught to believe,
that we must have some person to think for us, instead of thinking for
ourselves. So accustomed are we to submission and this kind of training,
that it is with difficulty, even among the most intelligent of the
colored people, an audience may be elicited for any purpose whatever, if
the expounder is to be a colored person; and the introduction of any
subject is treated with indifference, if not contempt, when the
originator is a colored person. Indeed, the most ordinary white person,
is almost revered, while the most qualified colored person is totally
neglected. Nothing from them is appreciated.
We have been standing comparatively still for years, following in the
footsteps of our friends, believing that what they promise us can be
accomplished, just because they say so, although our own knowledge
should long since, have satisfied us to the contrary. Because even were
it possible, with the present hate and jealousy that the whites have
towards us in this country, for us to gain equality of rights with them;
we never could have an equality of the exercise and enjoyment of those
rights--because, the great odds of numbers are against us. We might
indeed, as some at present, have the right of the elective
franchise--nay, it is not the elective franchise, because the _elective
franchise_ makes the enfranchised, _eligible_ to any position
attainable; but we may exercise the right of _voting_ only, which to us,
is but poor satisfaction; and we by no means care to cherish the
privilege of voting somebody into office, to help to make laws to
degrade us.
In religion--because they are both _translators_ and _commentators_, we
must believe nothing, however absurd, but what our oppressors tell us.
In Politics, nothing but such as they promulge; in Anti-Slavery, nothing
but what our white brethren and friends say we must; in the mode and
manner of our elevation, we must do nothing, but that which may be laid
down to be done by our white brethren from some quarter or other; and
now, even on the subject of emigration, there are some colored people to
be found, so lost to their own interest and self-respect, as to be
gulled by slave owners and colonizationists, who are led to believe
there is no other place in which they can become elevated, but Liberia,
a government of American slave-holders, as we have shown--simply,
because white men have told them so.
Upon the possibility, means, mode and manner, of our Elevation in the
United States--Our Original Rights and Claims as Citizens--Our
Determination not to be Driven from our Native Country--the Difficulties
in the Way of our Elevation--Our Position in Relation to our
Anti-Slavery Brethren--the Wicked Design and Injurious Tendency of the
American Colonization Society--Objections to Liberia--Objections to
Canada--Preferences to South America, &c., &c., all of which we have
treated without reserve; expressing our mind freely, and with candor, as
we are determined that as far as we can at present do so, the minds of
our readers shall be enlightened. The custom of concealing information
upon vital and important subjects, in which the interest of the people
is involved, we do not agree with, nor favor in the least; we have
therefore, laid this cursory treatise before our readers, with the hope
that it may prove instrumental in directing the attention of our people
in the right way, that leads to their Elevation. Go or stay--of course
each is free to do as he pleases--one thing is certain; our Elevation is
the work of our own hands. And Mexico, Central America, the West Indies,
and South America, all present now, opportunities for the individual
enterprise of our young men, who prefer to remain in the United States,
in preference to going where they can enjoy real freedom, and equality
of rights. Freedom of Religion, as well as of politics, being tolerated
in all of these places.
Let our young men and women, prepare themselves for usefulness and
business; that the men may enter into merchandise, trading, and other
things of importance; the young women may become teachers of various
kinds, and otherwise fill places of usefulness. Parents must turn their
attention more to the education of their children. We mean, to educate
them for useful practical business purposes. Educate them for the Store
and the Counting House--to do every-day practical business. Consult the
children's propensities, and direct their education according to their
inclinations. It may be, that there is too great a desire on the part of
parents, to give their children a professional education, before the
body of the people, are ready for it. A people must be a business
people, and have more to depend upon than mere help in people's houses
and Hotels, before they are either able to support, or capable of
properly appreciating the services of professional men among them. This
has been one of our great mistakes--we have gone in advance of
ourselves. We have commenced at the superstructure of the building,
instead of the foundation--at the top instead of the bottom. We should
first be mechanics and common tradesmen, and professions as a matter of
course would grow out of the wealth made thereby. Young men and women,
must now prepare for usefulness--the day of our Elevation is at
hand--all the world now gazes at us--and Central and South America, and
the West Indies, bid us come and be men and women, protected, secure,
beloved and Free.
The branches of Education most desirable for the preparation of youth,
for practical useful every-day life, are Arithmetic and good Penmanship,
in order to be Accountants; and a good rudimental knowledge of
Geography--which has ever been neglected, and under estimated--and of
Political Economy; which without the knowledge of the first, no people
can ever become adventurous--nor of the second, never will be an
enterprising people. Geography, teaches a knowledge of the world, and
Political Economy, a knowledge of the wealth of nations; or how to make
money. These are not abstruse sciences, or learning not easily acquired
or understood; but simply, common School Primer learning, that every
body may get. And, although it is the very key to prosperity and success
in common life, but few know any thing about it. Unfortunately for our
people, so soon as their children learn to read a Chapter in the New
Testament, and scribble a miserable hand, they are pronounced to have
"Learning enough"; and taken away from School, no use to themselves, nor
community. This is apparent in our Public Meetings, and Official Church
Meetings; of the great number of men present, there are but few capable
of filling a Secretaryship. Some of the large cities may be an exception
to this. Of the multitudes of Merchants, and Businessmen throughout this
country, Europe, and the world, few are qualified, beyond the branches
here laid down by us as necessary for business. What did John Jacob
Astor, Stephen Girard, or do the millionaires and the greater part of
the merchant princes, and mariners, know about Latin and Greek, and the
Classics? Precious few of them know any thing. In proof of this, in
1841, during the Administration of President Tyler, when the mutiny was
detected on board of the American Man of War Brig Somers, the names of
the Mutineers, were recorded by young S---- a Midshipman in Greek.
Captain Alexander Slidell McKenzie, Commanding, was unable to read them;
and in his despatches to the Government, in justification of his policy
in executing the criminals, said that he "discovered some curious
characters which he was unable to read," &c.; showing thereby, that that
high functionary, did not understand even the Greek Alphabet, which was
only necessary, to have been able to read proper names written in Greek.
What we most need then, is a good business practical Education; because,
the Classical and Professional education of so many of our young men,
before their parents are able to support them, and community ready to
patronize them, only serves to lull their energy, and cripple the
otherwise, praiseworthy efforts they would make in life. A Classical
education, is only suited to the wealthy, or those who have a prospect
of gaining a livelihood by it. The writer does not wish to be
understood, as underrating a Classical and Professional education; this
is not his intention; he fully appreciates them, having had some such
advantages himself; but he desires to give a proper guide, and put a
check to the extravagant idea that is fast obtaining, among our people
especially, that a Classical, or as it is termed, a "finished
education," is necessary to prepare one for usefulness in life. Let us
have an education, that shall practically develope our thinking
faculties and manhood; and then, and not until then, shall we be able to
vie with our oppressors, go where we may. We as heretofore, have been on
the extreme; either no qualification at all, or a Collegiate education.
We jumped too far; taking a leap from the deepest abyss to the highest
summit; rising from the ridiculous to the sublime; without medium or
intermission.
Let our young women have an education; let their minds be well informed;
well stored with useful information and practical proficiency, rather
than the light superficial acquirements, popularly and fashionably
called accomplishments. We desire accomplishments, but they must be
_useful_.
Our females must be qualified, because they are to be the mothers of our
children. As mothers are the first nurses and instructors of children;
from them children consequently, get their first impressions, which
being always the most lasting, should be the most correct. Raise the
mothers above the level of degradation, and the offspring is elevated
with them. In a word, instead of our young men, transcribing in their
blank books, recipes for _Cooking_; we desire to see them making the
transfer of _Invoices of Merchandise_. Come to our aid then; the
_morning_ of our _Redemption_ from degradation, adorns the horizon.
In our selection of individuals, it will be observed, that we have
confined ourself entirely to those who occupy or have occupied positions
among the whites, consequently having a more general bearing as useful
contributors to society at large. While we do not pretend to give all
such worthy cases, we gave such as we possessed information of, and
desire it to be understood, that a large number of our most intelligent
and worthy men and women, have not been named, because from their more
private position in community, it was foreign to the object and design
of this work. If we have said aught to offend, "take the will for the
deed," and be assured, that it was given with the purest of motives, and
best intention, from a true hearted man and brother; deeply lamenting
the sad fate of his race in this country, and sincerely desiring the
elevation of man, and submitted to the serious consideration of all, who
favor the promotion of the cause of God and humanity.
XXIII
A GLANCE AT OURSELVES--CONCLUSION
With broken hopes--sad devastation;
A race _resigned_ to DEGRADATION!
We have said much to our young men and women, about their vocation and
calling; we have dwelt much upon the menial position of our people in
this country. Upon this point we cannot say too much, because there is a
seeming satisfaction and seeking after such positions manifested on
their part, unknown to any other people. There appears to be, a want of
a sense of propriety or _self-respect_, altogether inexplicable; because
young men and women among us, many of whom have good trades and homes,
adequate to their support, voluntarily leave them, and seek positions,
such as servants, waiting maids, coachmen, nurses, cooks in gentlemens'
kitchen, or such like occupations, when they can gain a livelihood at
something more respectable, or elevating in character. And the worse
part of the whole matter is, that they have become so accustomed to it,
it has become so "fashionable," that it seems to have become second
nature, and they really become offended, when it is spoken against.
Among the German, Irish, and other European peasantry who come to this
country, it matters not what they were employed at before and after they
come; just so soon as they can better their condition by keeping shops,
cultivating the soil, the young men and women going to night-schools,
qualifying themselves for usefulness, and learning trades--they do so.
Their first and last care, object and aim is, to better their condition
by raising themselves above the condition that necessity places them in.
We do not say too much, when we say, as an evidence of the deep
degradation of our race, in the United States, that there are those
among us, the wives and daughters, some of the _first ladies_, (and who
dare say they are not the "first," because they belong to the "first
class" and associate where any body among us can?) whose husbands are
industrious, able and willing to support them, who voluntarily leave
home, and become chamber-maids, and stewardesses, upon vessels and
steamboats, in all probability, to enable them to obtain some more fine
or costly article of dress or furniture.
We have nothing to say against those whom _necessity_ compels to do
these things, those who can do no better; we have only to do with those
who can, and will not, or do not do better. The whites are always in the
advance, and we either standing still or retrograding; as that which
does not go forward, must either stand in one place or go back. The
father in all probability is a farmer, mechanic, or man of some
independent business; and the wife, sons and daughters, are
chamber-maids, on vessels, nurses and waiting-maids, or coachmen and
cooks in families. This is retrogradation. The wife, sons, and daughters
should be elevated above this condition as a necessary consequence.
If we did not love our race superior to others, we would not concern
ourself about their degradation; for the greatest desire of our heart
is, to see them stand on a level with the most elevated of mankind. No
people are ever elevated above the condition of their _females_; hence,
the condition of the _mother_ determines the condition of the child. To
know the position of a people, it is only necessary to know the
_condition_ of their _females_; and despite themselves, they cannot rise
above their level. Then what is our condition? Our _best ladies_ being
washerwomen, chambermaids, children's traveling nurses, and common house
servants, and menials, we are all a degraded, miserable people, inferior
to any other people as a whole, on the face of the globe.
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