John N. Still to Frederick Douglass, April 18, 1854
For Frederick Douglass' Paper.
LETTER FROM JOHN N. STILL.
BROOKLYN, L. I., April 18, 1854.
Mr. EDITOR:—I wish, Sir, through the me-
dium of your valuable journal, to address a
few words, partly by way of suggestions,
to my constituents. This, however, is not
the plan of operations I had laid down; but
necessity compels me to adopt it, which, up-
on the whole, may turn out to be the best
one. As the propositions I may submit, or
the suggestions, will afford an opportunity
for private and more mature deliberation
than if submitted in remarks at a meeting.
I prefer this method of communication.—
Considering the time required to attend
meetings, prepare matter, and meet every
frivolous objection from those least inclined
to act efficiently when the time for action
comes, it is more than should be expected or
asked by any constituency.
In view of these circumstances, I would
suggest to my fellow-citizens throughout
the island, to organize associations, or com-
mittees of correspondence, for the purpose
of placing yourselves in a responsible re-
lation to the National and State Council,
or their officers. This will entitle you, on
your solicitation, to receive whatever desir-
able information you may wish from them.
Some such arrangement is necessary; and
if not made, there are thousands who will
know no more about our movements five
years hence, then they did five years ago.
The State, I think, should have appointed an
agent; in fact, but little can be effected
without one. The idea that he would have
to be paid, is, with some, an objection. A
man that is not worthy of pay we don't
want. You will please allow me further to
suggest, that in the absence of an agent we
must endeavor to make the papers, publish-
ed by our worthy coadjutors, supply their
place. It is to their support, for your own
benefit, that I wish most particularly to call
your attention. The officers appointed to
both the National and State Councils, are,
many of them, at least, poor men, and com-
pelled to pursue their daily avocations un-
interruptedly. I repeat, therefore, it should
not be expected of them to attend the Coun-
cil sessions, and to travel about to lecture,
and organize associations unpaid. Remem-
ber that you also have duties as well as they
—duties which they cannot discharge. The
business of the legislator is to plan, and
the people to approve, or disapprove and ex-
ecute.
The papers to which I alluded are four,
which I do most impartially commend to
your candid and unceasing patronage, as
the easiest and best means of informing
and aiding yourselves, and aiding the cause.
My friends, you must become better inform-
ed on the subject of slavery, and our general
condition in the North and South, and thro'-
out this continent. There is much to be
obtained that would bring you up and en-
courage you to more energetic action. Be-
sides, it would give you language and ar-
gument to meet your enemies. The very
presence and exhibition of these papers, of
which I have spoken, would often supply
the place of argument and suppress the con-
temptuous indignity often hurled by cow-
ards at the weak and defenceless. My
friends you must take the papers. Those pub-
lished by our own people, are,
First—Frederick Douglass' Paper, by F.
Douglass, of Rochester, N. Y., which is now, I
think, in its seventh volume; during which
time, it has not, to my knowledge, missed a
single week, (being published weekly.) It
certainly is equal in variety, ability, and lit-
erary merit, with very few exceptions, to any
of those published by the whites. It is de-
voted, specifically, to the anti-slavery cause.
Among its correspondents, as I may say al-
so of the others, are some of the best in-
formed among our citizens, whose labors you
cannot appreciate without reading their
writings.
Second—The Aliened American, by Wm.
H. Day, of Cleveland, O.—quite a young man of
marked ability and extensive literary ac-
quirements. This paper is not yet a year
old; but from its general management, its
intelligent corps of male and female corres-
pondents, has already found a place in the
affections of the people, which can never be
"alienated." It, too, is a weekly paper, and
has been punctual in its visits, as the
rising and setting sun.
Third—I must now refer you to Canada,
"the land of the free and home of the fug-
itive." They have among them two papers,
the same number that we have in the States.
You, certainly, cannot be indifferent to their
success. The former of these papers is ed-
ited by Henry Bibb, a fugitive, and an un-
ceasing advocate of our rights. I may say
of the merit of this paper what I have said
of the others. And in addition, I may say,
also, that in it may be always found much
important information in relation to our
fugitive brethren—their general state and
condition. It, also, commends itself to your
support.
Fourth and lastly—The Provincial Free-
man, by the patriotic and indefatigable Sam-
uel Ringgold Ward, also a "fugitive." This
paper is aiming at the practical activities
of labor. The ability that surrounds it, is
not surpassed by any of the above-mention-
ed. Though it has but recently commenced
its career, it already exhibits, in its business
arrangements, the character and the appear-
ance of an old established journal. Those
wishing to become informed in regard to
Canada, its laws, government, and the gen-
eral resources of the country, as well as
the chances for enterprize, we can warrant
will find such, prepared with care and
attention, for the especial use of those wish-
ing such information.
What I have said in regard to these pa-
pers has been entirely voluntary. But I
had come to the conclusion after mature de-
liberation, that it is the easiest way that I
could reach and benefit my constituents, and
render them contributors to the cause. Let
us support the men now in the field advocat-
ing our cause and defending our rights; they
are entitled to our support; and what is more,
we need their counsel and instruction. We
need their papers as the medium of ex-
changing our own views and placing our
plans before the people. My friends, con-
sider this matter, and attend to it. I shall
communicate such other matter from time to
time, as the case may require. I shall hope,
in future, to be joined by my colleagues, J.
C. Morell, and Wm. J. Wilson, both of whom
however, I have some time since addressed
on this subject, without any responses due
from one gentleman to another.
If the Editors of The Aliened American,
the Voice of the Fugitive, and The Provincial Freeman, think this or any part of it of
sufficient interest to the people, to find a
place in their columns, they will oblige me
by its publication, and sending me a few
extra copies.
Your obedient servant,
JOHN N. STILL
P. S. Persons wishing either of the above
papers, can procure sample copies of me, or
any other information which will enable
them to communicate direct with their Editors for subscription. I hope as many as
can, will become subscribers to the papers
of their choice.
J. N. S.