23
   What we have already presented, may perhaps, be deemed suffi-
cient, but we beg leave to introduce here, an extract from a letter of
the Secretary of State, Hon. Saml. Galloway, whose  opportunity
to know of what he affirmed, no one will question.  He is speaking
of the progress of the colored people of Ohio, during ten years
past, he says, "Now, (1849,) they have many and well conducted
schools--they have teachers of respectable intellectual and moral
qualifications--there are many who command general respect and
confidence for integrity and intelligence;--they call and conduct
conventions and associations of various kinds, with order and intel-
ligence;--questions of general and proper interest have become
with them topics of discussion and conversation--in a few  words,
the intellectual and moral tone of their being is ameliorated." We
ask what more could be said?
   The only objection which we deem it necessary now to notice,
and one often urged against us, is--"the colored man would not
profitably use the elective franchise, if it were granted him."  We
reply by offering a letter upon this point, from an observing and
distinguished man:
                                     "WASHINGTON, MAY 16th, 1850.
  "DEAR SIR:--Your letter of the 6th inst. has been received. I reply to it cheerful-
ly and with pleasure.
  "It is my deliberate opinion, founded upon careful observation, that the Right of
Suffrage is exercised by no citizen of the State of New York, more conscienciously,
or more sincerely, or with more beneficial results to society, then it is by the Electors
of African descent, I sincerely hope that the franchise will before long be extend-
ed as it justly ought, to this race who of all others need it most.
                  "I am very respectfully, your obedient servant,
                                            WILLIAM H. SEWARD."
 We ask, Gentlemen, in conclusion, that you will place yourselves
in our stead,-that you will candidly consider our claim, and as jus-
tice shall direct you, so to decide. In your hands, our destiny is
placed. To you, therefore, we appeal. We look to you to
   "To give us our rights--for we ask nothing more."
            IN BEHALF OF THE STATE CONVENTION,
                                    We are Gentlemen,
                                Yours Very Respectfully.
                                WILLIAM  H. DAY,
                                CHARLES H. LANGSTON,
                                CHARLES A. YANCEY.
                                                        Committee.




			

OHS Archives/Library Pamphlet Collection

Minutes of the State Convention, Convened at Columbus