For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 24th, 1854.

MR. DOUGLASS: SIR:—In looking over your valuable paper not long since, I was much pleased to see the plan for the American Industrial School, as reported by the able committee, appointed for that purpose, by the National Council of colored Americans.

It affords me pleasure in saying that our citizens generally are pleased with the object of this Institution, knowing that industry and education are unmistakable means for the elevation and progress of our people. Do not doubt, sir, but that Ohio is awakened to this great enterprise, and when called upon, will come up manfully to its support, unless greatly influenced by persons desirous of frustrating so noble a design.

We were suprised to see that the Editor of the Aliened American was arraying himself in opposition to this Institution, (as may be seen by an editorial in his paper of April 1st,) and substituting the Mechanics' Institute of New York City, as adequate to supply the wants of a people subject to such great disadvantages as ourselves.

It strikes me, that we have been subsisting already too long on the sympathies of our white friends, and relying on means not of our own invention or support. We must cease to be like the mistletoe—mere hangers on and dependers—if we ever expect to enjoy a position different from that we now occupy.

We are pleased to know that the Mechanics' Institute has opened its doors to the free admission of colored youth, as it is another step to our advancement; but at the same time we cannot see that this is a strong argument, as Mr. Day assures us, "against the establishment of an Industrial College, as supported by members of the National Council." In fact, we think the argument quite weak, when emanating from such a source; for "professorships in ornamental, architechtural and other drawing, parliamentary law, vocal and instrumental music, French and Latin," &c., is not what the present wants of our people demand; but, say we need something more substantial than the above named qualifications. We need useful trades, a thorough knowledge of agriculture, and a general diffusion of the common branches of education. We have no objection to those branches which we learn are taught in the Mechanics' Institute in their places; but let us first have secured to us that which will meet our present necessities. We also need facilities for furnishing our daughters with trades and respectable occupations, instead of their being washerwomen, nurses, servant girls, travelling servants, &c. We wish to see them enabled to occupy higher positions, such as milliners, dressmakers, tailoresses, schoolteachers, &c., and also prepared to fill every station which a woman may, with becoming dignity.