For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

FROM O)UR PROVIDENCE CORRESPONDENT.

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DEAR DOUGLASS:—Our wagon is in the
ditch, and it is becomiing momentarily the
more preceptible, that it must be by an ap-
plication of our shoulders to its wheels, (an
old proverb,) that we can possibly hope
to extricate it from its position. There are
friends who very kindly came and looked at
us, expressed sympathy, some of whom inti-
mated pretty clearly, if not positively, that
it was their expectation to command several
thousands of power, which should be given
to assist us; (money makes the mare go;)
but by some Chapman, or other influence, it
has been applied to other traces, favoring
the impression that a very large proportion
of the abolitionists, including many of its
leaders—some of those who enjoy the reputa-
tion of apostles—have no abiding, active sym-
pathy for a wagon painted black, while in
the ditch, north of Maston & Dixon's line.—
Many of them, like the missionary societies,
overlooked home, while they behold clearly,
and are most willing to help the benighted
far off. They preach, preach, preach; but,
like in the church, we must go outside for
practical Christianity. There is but little
of the Griffithtonian spirit exercised by
them. In fact, an anti-slavery organ gives
to the world as follows: "All schemes of in-
struction, amelioration, &c., are delusive and
cruel, while slavery lasts." This was said in
view of considerations contemplated for the
education and general improvement of the
free colored people. The anti-slavery feel-
ing was vitalized between twenty and thirty
years ago, which has created perforce, an
awakening consideration for the rights of
the nominally free. Much is enjoyed now
by them, as their admitted right, which pre-
viously, if enjoyed at all, was doled out as
conceded favors. The progress marks itself
on every day's page of history; but it is
more the result of inevitable sequence, than
of direct effort on the part of professed
friends; they lack consistency. Anti-slavery
societies, as well as the individuals compos-
ing them, have failed to do any more , to encourage those who have been de-
graded in society, because not encouraged,
than have individuals who have made no
profession whatever of anti-slavery zeal. In
fact, the is largely in favor of the
non-professor. Anti-slavery men have fail-
ed to discover worth and intelligence among
the free colored people, unless to be used,
when made to serve; when it dare be free, as
in your case, Mr. Editor, it must be hunted,
denounced, abused, called "ungrateful."—
There must be no black captain; for if so,
even some of the black crew of the anti-
slavery ship will revolt. We must extricate
from the ditch of degradation and
dependence. One of the leading aims of
the National Council to assemble in the city
of New York, next week, should be an ef-
fort to induce our people more generally to
appreciate the importance of giving their
children trades, and to seek out every me-
chanic and artisan who will give to such
children a place in their workshops. There
are hundreds of opportunities which might
now be improved—opportunities which have
but recently been opened. I am happy to
say that there are at present quite a number
in this city of various trades.