"The Pacific Appeal, established in 1862, is the immediate successor of The Mirror of the Times, which was established by colored men in San Francisco, in 1855.
The Pacific Appeal has always been regarded on the Pacific Coast, also in the Eastern states, as a reliable index of the doings of the colored citizens of the Pacific states and adjacent territories. Every important political, or other movement, made by the citizens of the Pacific coast, is promptly detailed by correspondents.
The Pacific Appeal is independent in thought and in action. Its columns are open to all parties for the logical discussion of every question pertaining to the welfare and progress of the people, without regard to race, color, or condition, etc."
With these characteristics, viz.: its political attitude, extensive influence, and wide circulation, it was regarded by the intelligent of all classes as the most desirable and readable newspaper ever published by Afro-Americans on the Pacific Slope; and as the equal of any by Afro- Americans in the Atlantic States.
During Mr. Bell's connection with this paper, he exercised all of his journalistic zeal, for which he was so well and favorably known, and this, as a matter of fact, did its part towards enabling it to stand. It was a sprightly-looking sheet, a six-column folio, and attractively printed. Its editorials were of a sober and sound character, which always indicated the power and make-up of the paper.
As was the practice of every Afro-American journal, The Pacific Appeal had a motto: "He who would be free, himself must strike the blow;" which it adhered to as best it could, under existing circumstances. This, it would seem, was the vital principle underlying the contest this paper intended to make, in view of what was a common fight,—that of Abolition, or freedom to the enslaved.
