The following editorial which appeared in the Colored American, a paper since edited by him, will serve, we are sure, to justify the reader in accepting the above comments.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL PURSUITS.
America in many respects is a glorious country. She rivals boasted England in the excellence of her agriculture. The whole length and breadth of her land might, by proper culture, be converted into one universal and fertile garden, pouring forth her riches in exuberant abundance. Thus, blessed by the smiles, and watered by the showers of a bountiful Heaven, she may well and justly call forth loud and hearty praises of her sons. In a land then, like this, characterized by its geniality of climate, and great fertility of soil, many are the inducements held out to the sober and industrious; and morally culpable is he who can "eat the bread of idleness," or who can, with health and strength, sit down surrounded by pinching misery and want.
On the subject of agricultural pursuits, our people are too indifferent. It is a subject, however, of immense importance to colored interest, both individual and general, and cannot be treated of too frequently or earnestly, by journals which advocate our cause.
If we would have more men among us in comfortable circumstances, we must turn our attention to farming. If we would have men who might exert a powerful influence in different communities, we must have the sturdy cultivators of the soil.
It is beyond a doubt, that the influence which our farmers exert is great and extensive; and it is evident, that wherever there may be located respectable, intelligent, and wealthy colored agriculturists, there they will be respected, and soon rise into power and influence.
Want of necessary capital may be urged by many, as the great difficulty in the way of our people on this subject. One might venture to say that the great portion of our most able farmers commenced their labors with far less capital than many of our colored citizens can lay claim to. Many have risen to their present affluence, who had at first scarcely as much money as would enable them to till a garden of cabbages. They struggled with difficulties apparently insuperable; but by their fixed determination and firm resolves, they removed all barriers, overcame all obstacles, conquered the soil, and finally became the independent masters of it. If we would be the "lords of the soil" we must go and do likewise,
There is too great a disposition among our men of capital to congregate in large cities, where their influence is, in a measure, entirely lost. To be sure, the advantages accruing to some, from a city settlement, are infinitely greater than a country one; but in many cases the individual, and the community at large, would be vastly benefited by the residence of our capitalists in different parts of our country.
