the independent, energetic spirit of the man, we insert it entire:
Our Fourth Anniversary.
"So busy were we fighting in our earnest though humble way for Harrison and protection, that we actually forgot our birthday. It is a fact of which we are truly proud, that The Tribune is the only colored journal north of Mason and Dixon's line, which has never wavered in its fidelity to Republicanism. In the face of very appealing temptations from our friends, the enemy, we have been true and steadfast. It was this party enthusiasm which led us to forget that on Saturday last we were just four years old.
"The retrospect is very gratifying. No other venture of this kind ever started in the face of more appalling difficulties; but from the beginning our progress has been persistent and steady. Envy has raised its foul-tongued voice against us. Self-satisfied, self-constituted Phariseeism has persistently criticised us. But onward we have steadily pursued our way, supported and encouraged by the growing confidence of our patrons. Our circulation has increased every week, our advertising columns crowd out news every issue, and they stand—as compared with those of other colored journals throughout the country—a weekly tribute to our facilities for reaching the eyes of purchasers.
"The reason for this is simple. The Tribune is a paper of the people and for the people. It is the organ of no clique or class. As its name indicates, its purpose is to lead the masses to appreciate their best interests and to suggest the best means for attaining deserved ends. We have no sympathy with the spirit of many colored editors, who complain that their race does not support their ventures. We have been admirably supported. Our past year has been a complete success. We believe that it has been due to our effort to please our patrons and to be worthy of their
