About two hours previous to the writing of the following fact, two respectable colored ladies in conversation, pleasantly disputing about the superiority of the two places, Philadelphia and New York, when one spoke of the uniform cleanliness of the streets of Philadelphia, and the dirtiness of those of New York; when the other triumphantly replied,—­“The reason that our streets are so dirty is, that we do more business in one day, than you do in a month.”  The other acknowledged the fact with some degree of reluctance, and explained, with many “buts” as an excuse in extenuation.  Here was a seeming appreciation of business and enterprise; but the query flashed through our mind in an instant, as to whether they thought for a moment, of the fact, that they had no interest in either city, nor its business.  It brought forcibly to our mind, the scene of two of our oppressed brethren South, fighting each other, to prove his master the greatest gentleman of the two.

Let no objections be made to emigration on the ground of the difficulty of the fugitive slave, in reaching us; it is only necessary for him to know, that he has safety South, and he will find means of reaching the South, as easily as he now does the North.  Have no fears about that—­his redemption draws nigh, the nearer we draw to him.  Central and South America, must be our future homes.  Our oppressors will not want us to go there.  They will move heaven and earth to prevent us—­they will talk about us getting our rights, and offer us a territory here, and all that.  It is of no use.  They have pressed us to the last retreat—­the die is cast—­the Rubicon must be crossed—­go we will, in defiance of all the slave-power in the Union.  And we shall not go there, to be idle—­passive spectators to an invasion of South American rights.  No—­go when we will, and where we may, we shall hold ourselves amenable to defend and protect the country that embraces us.  We are fully able to defend ourselves, once concentrated, against any odds—­and by the help of God, we will do it.  We do not go, without counting the cost, cost what it may; all that it may cost, it is worth to be free.

In going, let us have but one object—­to become elevated men and women, worthy of freedom—­the worthy citizens of an adopted country.  What to us will be adopted—­to our children will be legitimate.  Go not with an anxiety of political aspirations; but go with the fixed intention—­as Europeans come to the United States—­of cultivating the soil, entering into the mechanical operations, keeping of shops, carrying on merchandise, trading on land and water, improving property—­in a word, to become the producers of the country, instead of the consumers.

Let young men who go, have a high object in view; and not go with a view of becoming servants to wealthy gentlemen there; for be assured, that they place themselves beneath all respectful consideration.

FOOTNOTES: