■:!':.' i 'id 1 Ji!, E185 .P41 P38 illli ili m >['itUim\i'.,m: fMt EMU lii ,, l^b. .^'% .^"^^^^^ c t . o. ' - "^ .0 ^ » • • ' > — .-ri ,0 '^■;m- '^^'fJ^'^MW, r' " y ■ o » » • ,0 '!^ .n <5> " O N O . 7i * \ ^VA $.^- ,v . ' ' • i'-t/'^' .^^ 'o . ► .-^'^ . L ' » .v. 4 O v^.-5^ A, o .^«..^.. <> °o «>• .'D' .0^ ' ^^>^^^^ %-^' ^;^^*' "-^^^ ^>^^% ' \ ^¥m' J ^''u vO- '* -^ "^_ ■-:"-^:%' .^^ ^o ^^^^"^^^ ,c < o ^.^ A^"^ .*j^r?^% %. THE PRESENT STATE AND CONDITION OF THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR, OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AND ADJOINING DISTRICTS, AS EXHIBITED BY THE REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF THE PBNNSYIiVANIA SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY, &c. Read First Month (Jan.) 5th, 1838. Philadelphia: published by the society. MERRIHEW AND GUNN, PRINTERS, No. 7 Carter's Alley. 1838.' ■A HS' 'o^ / ' ^7'S^7 • • / INTRODUCTION. -•sjgg*- The Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, desirous of obtaining an accurate knowledge of the con- dition, resources, and capabilities of improvement of the Colored People of the City and Districts, on the 12th of the First month, 1837, appointed a Committee, consisting of Joseph Parrish, M.D., the President of the Society, Isaac Barton, Edward Needles, James Mott, Joseph M. Truman, Wm, Harned, Daniel Neall, Peter Wright, Edward Hopper, Joshua Rhoads, M. D.,* L. C. GuNN, and Isaac Parrish, M. D., to "collect, as far as practicable, and preserve such statistical and other information as will show the present condition of the colored population of this city and dis- tricts," in reference to " Population, value of Real and Personal Estate, amount of Taxes paid by them, state of Education, amount of Pauperism and Crime as compared with the white population, &c. ;" as well as " any other information which the Committee shall acquire and deem useful to the Society." The Committee assumed the arduous duty, had frequent meet- ings, and pursued its investigations with persevering industry. It employed agents to visit every colored family in the city and suburbs, to ascertain the requisite facts as nearly as the nature of the case would admit. The Committee made the following report to the Society, on the *ln place of Gr.onRK Pknxock, wIio was unable to scivc. 4 INTRODUCTION. 5th of the First month, 1838, and were continued to pursue their investigations ; and the following resolution was adopted by the Society: Resolved, That the report be again referred to the Committee, with instructions to make such additions as they deem necessary, and have it printed. JOSEPH PARRISH, President. Joshua Rhoads, Secretary. To the PennsylTania Society for Promoting^ the Abolition ofSlaTery, &c. The Committee appointed by a resolution of the Society, on the 12th of First month, 1837, to collect statistical informa- tion as to the present state and condition of the people of color, in the City and adjacent Districts, respectfully REPORT: That, soon after their appointment, the Committee was or- ganized, and commenced the labor assigned to it; and with occasional intermission, continued to perform it up to the pre- sent period. Although they found it impracticable, in conse- quence of the labor and funds it would require, to pursue the investigation to the full extent of the resolution, they have, nevertheless, obtained much useful information upon the most important inquiries proposed by the Society, which they will now proceed to communicate, under distinct heads, for the purpose of more convenient reference. In order that the in- formation sought for should be obtained with as much accuracy as possible, the Committee deemed it advisable to employ agents to visit the colored families residing in the City and Districts; and were fortunate in finding persons whom they believe, from the satisfactory manner in which they have per- formed their duty, were fully competent, and whose reports may be relied upon. The expense incurred beyond the sum ap- propriated by the Society, has been provided for by private sub- scriptions. The information obtained by the agents, relates 1. To THE Number of the Colored Population. The Agents report: — In the City, 2331 families, containing 8462 individuals. Northern Liberties, 209 do. do. 878 do. Kensington, 86 do, do. 359 do. Spring Garden, 136 do. do. 507 do. Southwark, 255 do. do. 931 do. Moyamensing, 635 do. do. 2454 do. Making 3652 families do. 13591 Individuals, Being an average of nearly four individuals to each family, 6 CONDITION OP THE As the agents were confined in their visits to the houses of the colored ])oi)u]ation, the above number of individuals is in- dependent of those who may be at service in white families, which may account, to those who refer to the census of 1830, for an apparent decrease; that census allotting to those dis- tricts 14,461 colored persons. The Committee, feeling some anxiety to test the accuracy of the numbers reported by the agents, resorted to the following reasoning and calculations on the subject, which to them appear satisfactory and conclusive. By the United States census of 1820, it is stated, that there were in the city and liberties of Philadelphia 10,746 colored per- sons, of whom 7,646 were then ascertained (by an active member of this Society, since deceased) to be inmates of colored families, and 3,100 residing in other families. The increase of colored persons in this city and districts, between 1820 and 1830, was, according to the last census, about 37 per cent.; at the same ratio, the increase since 1830, for the eight years, would be about 30 per cent., making a total aug- mentation at the present time of 67 per cent, which will give the total number of persons in colored families 12,768, being but 823 persons less than that ascertained by the agents — a difference so small, under the circumstances, as to afford to the Committee strong evidence of the accuracy of their report. These data being established, the Committee, in the absence of other means, proceed from them to estimate the number of colored persons at this time not resident in colored families. In 1820, they were ascertained to be 3,100. At the same ratio of increase as in the colored families,from that time to this, they should now amount to 5,177, which, added to those residing in colored families, will give an entire colored population at this time of 18,768. 2. Real Estate and Personal Property. In 1821, the assessors returned (agreeably to report of the member before referred to,) 229 estates within the city and liberties, belonging to colored jjcrsons, and estimated their value at 5?1 12^464. There appears to be no information from which the value of their personal property at that time can be ascertained; 1,970 colored persons were then returned, as subject to taxation; whether the tax was imposed and paid the Committee have not learned. Neither have the Commit- tee ascertained what rule the assessors in 1821 adopted in lluir valuation of property; but sujjposing it the same then as now, viz. 40 per cent, of the real market value, the actual FREE PEOPLE OP COLOR. worth of the real estate held by colored persons would then have been ^281,162. The agents have ascertained the real and personal estate of the colored population at this time, to be Real. Personal. In this City, . . . • $241,962 $505,322 Northern Liberties, 26,700 35,539 Kensington, 2,255 3,825 Spring Garden, . 5,935 21,570 Southwark, 15,355 26,848 Moyamensing, . 30,325 74,755 322,532 667,859 Less incumbrances, 12,906 309,626 Making an aggregate of i^977,485, in real and personal property. This amount must, of course, be received as only an ap- proximation to the truth; for after all, the value of real estate is a matter of opinion, formed upon the best judgment of the persons making it, from the information obtained, and from a knowledge of circumstances affecting the value of pro- perty. But the committee have reason to believe that it will be found, from a comparison of facts, to be actually below the true value, rather than above it — for 1. It appears that the above estimate is only ^41,370 more than the value in 1821, as before ascertained; a difference certainly not equal to the advance of property since that period, owing to the gradual improvements of the city, even supposing that the colored population are not in possession of more real estate now than they were then. 2. By a memorial* of the colored people to the Legislature in 1832, it appears, that by reference to receipts of tax pay- ers, actually produced, they then paid upwards of ^2,500 taxes; which, at/ the same mode of 40 per cent, of the real market value, would make the capital assessed ^357,000, and upwards. 3. Again, taking the amount of taxes ascertained by the agent to have been paid last year, and finding in the same manner the capital assessed, it would now amount to ^463,040. 4. In the above estimate are not included, fifteen meeting Hazard's Register of Pennsylvania, vol. ix. p. 361. 8 CONDITION OP THE houses, and burial grounds, and a public hall; eleven of which, by tlic above memorial, were estimated at ^100,000, in 1832; additions have no doubt been made to the other public build- ings. The Cmmoittec, therefore, feel fully warranted in be- lieving the real estate owned by the colored population to be worth 5 to J^600,000. In regard to personal property, the Committee have no offi- cial documents by which to compare the statements of the agent, which give the amount of ^667,859 divided among 3,652 families, which will average «^1S3 to each. This esti- mate embraces not only household furniture, cash on hand, stock money loaned, but all other kinds of personal property; and is confined to those alone who constitute colored families. It is, therefore, believed to be sufficiently moderate, and most probably will fall below the real amount. To this sum must be added some estimate of the personal property of indivi- duals at service in white families, whom we have before set down at 5,177. Although it is true, that many of these possess no property of value, yet it is known that some of them are depositors in savings banks, to the value of several hundred dollars, or have money invested in stock, bearing interest. It is believed entirely safe to estimate this class at ^25 each, which would make the sum of ^129,425 which added to the ascertained amount of those residing in colored families, viz., 667,859 will make a total of ^797,284 It will, therefore, probably not exceed the truth if we con- sider the amount of personal property owned by these two classes, at ^800,000 to which add real estate, 550,000 and we have in real and personal property 5^1,350,000 3. Taxes. The agent reports these in the City, at . $2,184 23 Northern Liberties, 235 30 Kensington, . 42 00 Spring Garden, 86 70 Soutliwark, 220 25 Moyanriensing, 484 35 $3,252 83 FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. As this amount corresponds with the taxes paid in 1832, — as ascertained from an actual exhibition of receipts, before re- ferred to, allowing for an increase of the value of property — the Committee consider this item sufficiently correct. 4. House Rents, &c. It appears from the report of the agent, that they pay for House rent $161,008 00 Water rents, .... 464 50 Ground rents, .... 5,491 00 Making a total, $166,963 50 The first item averages about ^44 per family, which appears sufficiently moderate, when the comfortable manner in which many of them live is considered, and making due allowance for the number living in their own houses who pay no rent. To these amounts might properly be added the sums ex- pended by these colored families, in common with other citi- zens, for the maintenance of their families, which we shall notice hereafter. 5. Of the Employment op the Colored Population, and VIEWS connected with their labor and support. That some portion of them may live in idleness, is admitted, in common with some portion of the whites of the same class; but that a large proportion of them are usefully and industri- ously employed, cannot be denied. If other evidence were wanting, that furnished by our agents would be sufficient to convince those who have held a different opinion. We here present a catalogue of the employments as furnished by the agents. Washing, Laborers, Buiscuit makers, Porters, Waiters, Hatters, Seamen, Cooks, Dress makers, Coachmen, Seamstresses, White washers. Bakers, Watermen, Brickmakers, Tayloresses, Plain sewing, Boarding houses. Eating houses, Oyster cellars, Grocers, Stewards, Sweeps, Painters, Hair dressers,& barbers, Ship carpenters, Musicians, Bleeders, Nurses, Dentists, Brass founders, Millers, Coopers, Plumbers, Bricklayers, Rope makers, Oil dealers, Basket makers, Wall colorers. Cake bakers, Barbers and perfumers, Well diggers, Tin plate workers, &c. Stablers, Sextons, 10 CONDITION OF THE Shoemakers, Clothes dealers, Carters, Hucksters, Oystermen, Oakum pickers. Boot blacks, Shopkeepers, Tanners, Blacksmiths, Preachers, Carpenters, Cabinet makers, Teachers, Painters and glaziers. Physicians, Cuppers, Botanic physicians, Brushmakers, Confectioners, Dealers, White smiths. Shipping masters, Coal heavers. Silk dyers. Dyers and scourers, Carriers, Boot makers, Taylors, Mid wives, Hair workers^ Hackmen, Butchers, Pastry cooks, Indian Doctors, Quillers, Boatmen, Wheelwrights, Scythe makers. Nail makers. Sail makers. Stone masons, Plaisterers, From the preceding list, although vvc are aware that the greater j)art of them are engaged in the most menial services and severest labors, yet it appears that almost all the branches of business pursued by the whites, are, to a small extent, car- ried on by them; showing that, under more favorable cir- cumstances, they would be competent to undertake any branch of active industry. But here, as in many other particulars, they are met by the prejudices with which they have to con- tend, (and of which they complain in their memorial before referred to,) which render it " difficult for them to find place.s for their sons, as apprentices, to learn mechanical trades." What the precise value of the labor performed by the colored population amounts to, cannot be determined ; yet the following views may enable us to form some approximate estimate of it. If the doctrine be true, that the consumer pays all tiie expenses of the material, fabrication, and trans- portation of the article consumed — then must he who occupies a rented house pay to his landlord, not only the current ex- ])enses, including taxation, but also an interest on the amount of its original cost. 1. It is seen above that the annual rent paid is ^161,000 and it is believed that the average of taxes will be > ,_;_,» found equal to about 1 1 per cent, of the ann. rent, 3 ' Leaving . . . ^143,290 Being equal to the interest at 7| per cent., (which is probably near that paid by the Real Estate occupied by colored persons,) on a capital of ^1,910,533. 2. The amount required for the support, clothing, and other wants (exclusive of house rent,) annually, must be very great. FREE PEOPLE OP COLOUR. 11 The cost of each pauper in the alms-house is ascertained to be ig58 24. When, therefore, we consider the known conve- niences and comforts enjoyed by many of the colored families, the Committee think they cannot be charged with fixing at too high a rate the expenditures of the 18,768 colored per- sons at ^65 each, which comparatively small sum would nevertheless produce per year $1,219,920; and supposing 3. A profit on this sum to those who enjoyed their custom, of 20 per cent., it would yield ^^243, 984 — a sum sufficient to maintain 244 white families, allowing each $1000 per annum. 4. They contribute further to the general wealth by the profit which each employer gains upon their labor; as no man employs another, unless he can render that labor profitable to himself. These various items, then, taken in the aggregate, form a very considerable amount, and show that this class of our population is of much value to the community. They contribute annually to the public Treasury — In taxes and water rent on their own houses, $ 3,706 And in rented houses, .... 17,710 $21,416 And to the wealth of individuals — In house rent, exclusive of taxes, . $143,290 Family and individual expenditures for food, clothing, education, &c. &c., . 1,219,920 $1,363,210 Making together, $1,384,626 The annual sum contributed by labor of the most useful kind towards the true wealth and strength of the community, and by 18,768 individuals, 254 of whom, it has been ascer- tained, have paid for their own freedom, or that of their children or relatives, the sum of $70,733; being an average of $278 each; and of the number of those who have come here from other States, 273 brought with them moner amounting to $130,626;* and the whole are possessed of Real estate, worth . , . . $550,000 Personal estate, .... $800,000 $1,350,000 ♦Individual cases have come to the knowledge of members of the Committee, which justify them in the belief tiiat these amounts are not overrated. 12 CONDITION OF THE Upon the subjects of Pauperism and of Crime, in respect to which we hear suoh severe denunciations of the colored people, as being that class of persons which fill our alms- houses and jails, and are therefore considered to be an oppres- sive burden upon the community, your Committee will now make a few observations; to wit: On Pauperism. In approaching this part of our subject, we are well aware of the difliculties we have to encounter in obtain- ing a just estimate of the value of the colored people, as a comj)onent part of the community, when the census of the alms-house is made the criterion by which they are to be judged. But when we consider that, owing to the feelings and prejudices of the community, the colored people are almost altogether deprived of the opportunity of bringing up their children to mechanical employments, to commercial busi- ness, or otlier more lucrative ocoupations, whereby so many of our white laborers are enabled to rise above the drudgery in which they commence their career in life, and in turn, to become the patrons of their younger or less fortunate fellow citizens; it is not matter of surprise that a considerable num- ber of them should be dependant on public support. Under these circumstances it certainly cannot be considered unreasonable that in a gross population of 1,G73 individuals in our alms-house, (on the 30th of Twelfth month, 1S37,) there should be found 235 people of color, being about one-seventh part of the whole. Upon strict investigation, founded upon official documents, it will appear that out of 106 men and boys in the house at the date above mentioned, there were Affected with lunacy, paralysis, blindness, and idiocy,^ diseases which may be referred to no act of theirs, 3 Cripples, frost-bitten, and other diseases, the effects of > exposure, ....... 5 Cases of consumption and rheumatism, from exposure, 9 111 of pleurisy, typhus fever, &c 12 Destitute boys, 5 Destitute old men, ...... 8 Properly paupers, 32 Not classed, 13 16 11 FREE PEOPLE OF COLOK. 13 From the same source, it appears that there were at the same date, 129 colored females; amongst whom are Affected with lunacy, insanity, and old age, Lame, ...... Blind, ...... Idiots, Deaf and dumb, ..... Lying-in women, children, and orphans, Affected with sickness and debility of various kinds, Not classed, ...... May be considered as real paupers, 23 2 3 2 1 24 32 7 35 129 In regard to age, there were of the men and boys- Under age, ....... Between 21 and 50, ..... 50 " 75, 18 57 18 Of the females — under age. Between 18 and 40, 40 " 50, 50 " 60, 60 " 70, 70 " 80, Above 100, • Not classed, • 93 33 59 9 8 6 2 2 10 129 In respect to the employments of the males — Denominated laborers, ...... Having no trade, (of course they are also laborers or job workers), ...... Engaged in various occupations or trades. Not classed, ...... . . From the foregoing facts are deduced the previous argu- ment, that according to their grade in society, and their man- ner of occupation, it would be reasonable to expect a large proportion of their numbers would require pecuniary support. With regard to the habits of the colored portion of tlie resi- 44 29 20 13 41 CONDITION OF THE dents of the Alms-house, the documents furnish the following classification, viz.: Of the males, set down as temperate, (besides 13 lunatics and 5 boys), . . . . . 25 . Moderately temperate, ...... 18 Intemperate, . . . . . . ; .32 Not classed, ....... 13 88 Of the females, marked as temperate, . . .68 Moderately temperate, . . . . . .25 Intemperate, ....... 29 Not classed, . . . . . . .7 129 From these statements, derived from official documents, it appears that 93 are classed as temperate, exclusive of 13 luna- tics, and 5 boys; being 40 per cent, temperate. 43 are mo- derately temperate. 81 are intemperate, including those not classed; being nearly one-third of the whole number, and even including the 43 denominated moderate, making 124, will not be quite one-half to be set down as intemperate. Whereas, it is asserted by the Steward, and the fact will, we believe, be admitted by any of the Managers of the house, that of the whole number of paupers admitted, eight-tenths are intemper- ate; giving to the colored population a decided superiority, with regard to habits, over the rest of the residents of the house. And this character, 5^our Committee think, will be sustained by the observation of disinterested persons in our streets, where it is rather uncommon to meet a colored person intoxicated; while on the other hand, to see a drunken white, is an every day occurrence. Upon a review of this part of the subject, therefore, the Committee conclude, that, taken in connection as was said be- fore, with their habits and manner of living, the destitution which poverty so often produces, particularly upon females, but more especially upon tlie poor colored woman, and which is augmented in a terrible ratio by the increase of her family, the difficulty of providing for which must be severely felt, as means of employment are greatly diminished, there is less Pauperism than might reasonably have been expected. These considerations are, to the feeling mind, arguments strongly in FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 15 favor of the colored people; and if duly weighed, would satisfy- any unprejudiced person, that even without reference to the deductions of the former argument, wherein we have proved that they more than indemnify the community, even in a pecuniary point of view, for all expenses incurred in support of their proportion of the public paupers, — they are, in a moral sense, fully deserving of all the labor bestowed upon them, and of the place they sustain in the estimation of those who appear as their friends and benefactors. Crime. The Committee, with a view to obtain correct information on this important inquiry, appointed three of their number to visit the Moyamensing prison, and another committee to visit the Eastern Penitentiary, and through the politeness of the officers of those institutions they have been enabled to collect and present the following facts: Moyamensing Prison. From the keeper of the untried department, the following statement was received: — The whole number of prisoners admitted during the months of January, February, March, July, August, and September, 1837, was 2,005 Of whom were colored males ..... 395 Do. females, ..... 342 737 Leaving whites, ..... 1268 Of the 737 colored persons, we have been unable to obtain the ages, as it appears no record is kept of them till after con- viction, which we think ought to be done, as the age forms a very interesting feature in all inquiries in relation to crime and prison discipline. The warden of Connecticut prison says, " The maximum inclination to crime appears to be at the age of 25." The colored persons admitted were charged as follows: With burglary and larceny, .... 188 With assault and battery, breaches of the peace, dis- orderly conduct, vagrancy, &c. . . . 584 From which it appears that three-fourths of the whole number were committed for trivial offences not involving serious guilt; and we have further ascertained, that not one out of six committed, are returned on the calendar for trial. The Com- mittee is therefore forced to conclude, that a vast number of 1(] CONDITION OP THE the commitments might have been prevented, if a proper de- gree of prudence and justice on the part of the magistrates and constables were manifested. It is, ])erhaps, known to most of the members of the Society, that individuals committed for trivial ofiences, may he re- leased upon the payment of a small sum of money to the com- mitting magistrate — thus holding out strong inducements to swell the number of commitments for trivial ofiences, without the slightest probability of their being brought to trial. The Grand Jury of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the county, for June term, 1837, were so satisfied of this fact, that they made it the subject of special presentment in the following words: " The Jury would also state, that they consider the conduct of many of the magistrates highly reprehensible in permit- ting very many cases of assault and battery to come before them; if they were to use a proper influence, they have it in their power to settle many of them, which would save the county, relieve the court of considerable time, trouble, and expense. The course pursued by many of the magistrates in Southwark and Moyamensing, is truly astonishing; it would seem that they are in the habit of committing individuals, who appear to be almost pennyless and destitute to prison, on the most frivolous grounds, (merely for the sake of private emolument.") Thus it appears that of the colored commitments to the Moyamensing prison, amounting to 737, only about 123 were ever brought to trial; leaving 614 whose incarceration might in all probability have been prevented. Again — it appears from the report of the superintendent, that 153 were charged with burglary and larceny, whereas, by the calculation of the superintendent, not more than 123 were returned on the calender for trial; leaving 30 dis- charged before trial — even on criminal charges of import- ance. Thus can your Committee readily account for the appa- rently, large proportion of colored persons, who " fill our pri- sons" — who, though, perhaps, not wholly free from indiscre- tions and improper conduct, ascribable in a great measure to their ignorance, yet ought to have been admonished and pro- tected, rather than sent to prison. The account of the state of the convict department of this prison, was not received, when this report was put to press. FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 17 Eastern Penitentiary. It appears, from the report of the clerk of this institution, that for the two years ending October, 1837, there were ad- mitted in all 296 persons, viz.: 179 whites and 117 colored persons, of whom 136 were from this county, viz., 71 white and Q5 colored; and that of the 136 cases, 100 were for lar- ceny and burglary; of the former, 39 cases, and of the latter 11, were colored persons. Of the whole population, the colored offenders form on an average of 7 years, ending 1836, about ^Q-^q per cent. The ages of the prisoners are not furnished; but of 337 per- sons, of both descriptions, admitted from the opening of the penitentiary in 1829, to January 1, 1835, 45 were under 20 years of age. The mortality, in the last two years, was in the proportion of 2^^ per cent, for the whites, and 9-j^°^ for the colored. Of the colored portion, on the 30th October last, 21 can read and write; 29 can read only; 67 can neither read nor write. These are the material facts which your committee have been enabled to collect from this institution. A table in detail accompanies this report, showing the number of each crime committed by both classes. Upon a review of it, we notice that the crimes for which the larger portion of both were con- fined, are larceny and burglary; and while we regret to see so large a portion of colored persons among them, yet your Committee can trace them, in some considerable degree, to the peculiar circumstances in which they are placed. Besides, the proportion appears somewhat larger, from the circum- stance that colored boys are probably included in the two prisons, as we have before noticed, while all white minor offenders are sent to the House of Refuge. It appears that in 1828, when the Refuge was founded, there were 60 boys in the Philadelphia prison, 23 of whom were colored; making a ratio a little more than one-third between the white and colored. At the present time, there are in the Refuge 152 juvenile white delinquents, which ought to be taken into the account, before the relative proportion can be fairly stated. A similar institution, in which colored minors may be sepa- rated from old and practised offenders, ought to be established, and there is no doubt similar good effects would flow from it, as have attended the institution for whites. While upon the subject of crime, your Committee will make 3 IS CONDITION OF THE a few reflections upon some of the causes which may tend to the commission of it among the colored population. 1. The prejudices and customs of society exclude them from the enjoyment of many of the advantages which the whites possess for moral and intellectual improvement, and their necessities deprive them, in a great measure, of the time necessary to the acquisition of knowledge. They are, there- fore, kept in a state of ignorance; and although suitable pro- vision has been made for the education of their children, yet many cannot avail themselves of it, as their labor must be added to that of the parents for their support. That ignorance is a very fruitful source of crime, has been very fully demonstrated, by the records of various prisons throughout the United States. We shall make extracts from a very interesting series of communications, published (in the " Register of Pennsylvania,") by Dr. Leiber and others. He remarks, as one of his conclusions, from the facts sent him, " that school education is, with most convicts, very deficient, or entirely wanting. We will furnish some of the statements themselves. The first is from S. R. Wood, of our own peni- tentiary. Of 219, 42 can neither read nor write. 50 can read, but not write. At Sing Sing, of 842, 170 cannot read or write. 24 have never been at school, 85 can read, and not write. Auburn, of 670, 180 had no education. 267 very poor do. 204 common do. 8 academical do. 3 collegiate do. The warden of the Connecticut state prison estimates that 46 in 100 convicts can read and write. 32 in 100 can read only. 22 in 100 can neither read nor write. 2. "Intemperance, very often the consequence of loose education, is a most appalling source of crime." In our own penitentiary. Of 337 convicts, only 80 are set down as sober. 10 are uncertain. 247 drunkards, or occasionally intemperate. 337 The warden of Sing Sing estimates that, "of 842 convicts, 485 have been habitual drunkards; about one-third of that number actually committed their crimes ivhen intoxicated.^^ FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 19 Aubura State Prison, 503 intemperate. 159 temperate drinkers. 8 total abstinents. Whole number of convicts, 670, and of these, 402 committed their crimes under the influence of liquor, and 257 had intemperate parents. The same opinions are confirmed by other reports. 3. The neglect to learn a regular trade, or if appretiticed, abandoning it before the time lawfully expires, is considered as another source of crime. In our own penitentiary, Of 219, only .30 were regularly bound and served out their time. 38 vi^ere apprenticed, but ran away. State Prison, Connecticut, 72 in 100 never learned a trade. 24 in 100 began to learn, but did not follow it. 4 in 100 have followed regular trades. 4. Early loss of parents is also another source of crime mentioned and confirmed by the reports. The preceding, the Committee deem sufficient on the sub- ject, as they form the prominent causes, some, or all of which may operate on the colored population, in common with the whites. The next inquiry naturally arises, what can or ought to be done to remove, or at least to remedy the effects of these causes? The Committee will suggest such as occur to them. As ignorance is a prominent cause, the education and instruction of the rising generation should be faithfully at- tended to. The time was, when a colored person was sup- posed to have no capacity for receiving instruction in the most elementary branches of education; but those days have, hap- pily, passed away, and we have numerous living instances amongst us, in preachers of collegiate education; of teachers, well qualified; and scholars in every branch of academic learn- ing. And the Committee are happy to observe, by the agents' report, that the parents of the colored children are disposed to discharge their duty by sending them to school. They report 1724 as attending common schools, and 1987 attending Sun- day schools; but they also report 1301 who do not attend common schools, and 974 who do not attend Sabbath schools; whether too young, or too much occupied by the necessities of the parents, is an interesting inquiry. The next step is to take measures to have all children of suitable ages apprenticed to learn some trade. We have al- ready noticed the complaint made by the colored persons, that they experience great difficulty in finding masters sufficiently free from prejudice to receive their sons as apprentices. In 20 CONDITION OF THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. this important measure, probably the Society could essentially aid, by inducing white masters to receive apprentices. Girls should, likewise, either learn trades, or be apprenticed at ser- vice, in conscientious white families. The next great evil to be removed is Intemjierance. From what we have already said with regard to the habits of the colored population, we shall not be considered as having an unfavorable opinion of them in this respect. It is a fact, how- ever, that this evil exists among them in a much larger degree than it ought. Every method and argument should be em- ployed to add to the number of the Temperance Societies al- ready established, and induce members to join them, and if possible break up those infamous sinks of iniquity, the " grog- shops," which so much abound in the southern districts of the city. Above all, the moral and religious instruction of the rising generation, and of those more advanced in life, should be at- tended to by the erection of necessary meeting houses and the institution of Sabbath-schools. The Committee are gratified to state an increasing desire among the colored population on this subject, as evinced by the numerous places of worship which they have already erected, and which consist at pre- sent of — Methodist, — Presbyterian, — Episcopalian, — Baptist, making together — ; as also in the institution of^ — Bible Societies, — Tract Societies, — Temperance Societies, — Female Literary Institutions, and — Libraries. The Committee will close this part of their report by making one other suggestion, which may, perhaps, deserve the consideration of the Society; and that is, how far the con- gregated residence of the colored population in one entire portion of the city, may injuriously affect their interests. We all know the powerful influence of association, whether for good or for evil. Docs it not tend to strengthen the influence of bad example, especially upon the young — embolden vice, and continue prejudices against them which might be re- moved, by scattering themselves more among the neighbor- hoods of the whites, from whom they would gradually derive important hints on the science of living; and even place them- selves in the way of being employed by them, in various modes which do not at present occur ? We are aware that many difficulties may at first present themselves; but may they not be gradually removed ? All which is respcctfullv submitted. JOSEPH PARRISH, M. D., Chairman. Edward Needles, Secretary of the Committee. SECOND REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO VISIT THE COLORED PEOPLE, &c. &c. TO THE SOCIETY. Read Fourth month 4th, 1838. In their former Report, your Committee presented a body of statistical information, tending to develope the present con- dition of the colored community as it relates to numbers, the value of real and personal property, amount of taxes paid toward the support of their poor, &c., together with facts and observations on the subjects of pauperism and crime. As so many charges have been made against this injured people on the latter head, your Committee will very briefly recapitulate several views adopted in their former Report. They think they have shown, from accurate data, that in respect to pau- perism, the general impression which has prevailed is entirely erroneous. As it relates to crime, they believe unjust im- pressions also prevail. In estimating the moral condition of a mass of individuals, it will not be denied that the state of education amongst them, the character of their employments, and the condition from which they have sprung, should be taken into the account. Considering, therefore, that the great body of this people are of the laboring class, that they have been brought up in poverty and ignorance, that many of them have been held as slaves, or, in other words, as " chattels per- sonal to all intents and purposes whatsoever," thus being debarred from the exercise of their moral and intellectual faculties, and held in perfect subordination to the despotic control of a fellow creature, it is not surprising that many of them should indulge in vicious propensities, and become the subjects of criminal prosecution; a state of tbings which is rather to be referred to the condition in which they have been placed, than to any inherent defect in themselves. And it is on this account, that those who profess to be the friends of this afflicted and neglected part of the human family, should be aroused to increased exertions on their behalf, and to a more 4 22 CONDITION OF THE serious inquiry how far they are acquitting themselves in all truth and sincerity, in the position of abolitionists, a term which comprises, in relation to this people, the performance of all those acts of Christian charity which make up the cha- racter of a philanthropist. Since the last meeting of the Society, your Committee have been anxiously engaged in watching over the rights and in- terests of our colored brethren, more particularly with reference to the movements of the late Convention assembled in this city for revising the Constitution of Pennsylvania. It is not necessary to embody in this Report the details of the exciting discussions which arose in the Convention, on the motion for the introduction of the word " white" in the article of the Constitution relating to the right of sufirage; and on a proposed amendment to secure to fugitives from labor the right of jury trial; these were witnessed by many members of the Society, and their result is known to all. Your Committee need only state, that they were active in adopting such measures as were within their power to avert a decision of these questions, injurious to the interest of our colored population, and so derogatory to the character of our state. A number of the copies of our first Report were dis- tributed amongst the members of the Convention, and indivi- duals of the Committee were vigilant in furnishing to the friends of human riglits, in the Convention, such information as might have a favorable bearing on the questions at issue. And although prejudice and error prevailed, yet your Com- mittee trust that their labors were not altogether in vain. And as strongly corroborative of the estimate we have placed upon the general good character of the colored people, and confirm- atory of the sentiments advanced in our former Report, when treating upon the subject of crime, we cannot refrain from introducing an extract from some remarks published in the Colonization Herald, as having been made in the Senate of Pennsylvania, on the resolution relative to the right of peti- tion, by Jesse R. Burden, the decided and uniform opposer of tlie course of abolitionists, and denunciator of their measures, lie proceeds to ask the question, *'|\Miat has resulted from the agitation of the question of slavery 1" To which he answers: " Before the cause was taken up with so much zeal, the colored people in Pennsylvania were gradually elevating their standard of character. They VKEE PKOPLE OF COLOK. 23 had among them men who merited and received the regard and respect of the community. Among these we would name James Forten,of Philadelphia. This man had served with honor in the revolution : in all the relations of life his reputation has heen spotless. Such men had exercised an immense and useful influence on the colored population. With the exception of two or three counties in the state, colored men were permitted, without question, to give their sutTrages for state and town officers. Their deportment was gradually and silently overcoming the prejudices against them; a few more years and the privilege of voting would have been tacitly conceded to them. He spoke of their deport- ment, because he conceived that on this point injustice had been done to the race, by friends and foes. He said that although he had never served in an office of profit, he hrevented, and the number and size of FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 37 dwellings adjusted to superficial limits. There are at present municipal regulations intended as a protection against conflagration, by designating the materials of which houses shall be constructed ; and if such precau- tions be deemed so important when property is ihe consideration, of how much more consequence would be those for the preservation of health and life. It is common to attribute the greater mortality known to take place under ordinary circumstances, in large towns, among the poorer classes, chiefly to meagre or unwholesome food, and immoderate indulgence in strong liquors. But in this country, where, for a part of the year, we are subjected to a degree of heat little, if at all, below that of the tropics, the influence of both these causes in the production of disease, is, in our opinion, insignificant, when compared to that of breathing air that has been previously respired, and which, moreover, is commonly charged with animal and vegetable effluvia. That the same diet and habits of life in the country or small towns, would not be attended with a degree of sickness and mortality corresponding to that found in the crowded portions of large towns, is, we think, beyond doubt. In Paris, comparisons instituted between the parts chiefly occupied by such as live at ease, with those inhabited by the poorer orders, would seem to show that the proportion of mortality is regulated less by the density of population, than by the opposite circumstances of ease and poverty.* That this may be the case under the circumstances of climate and means of nourishment, which exist there, we will not pretend to deny ; but in this country, where absolute want of food, and that of the best kind, is unknown, the evils of poverty, we are convinced, come from ditTerent sources, and more especially from those we have mentioned." It may be asked, whether any thing may be done through public or private exertions, to diminish the evil influences operating so unfavorably upon the poorer classes? I answer, yes, I think, much. In the first place, as far as public mea- sures can be brought to bear, the authorities should be urged to use their utmost exertions to have the streets and alleys, where the poor dwell, properly regulated, and, when possible, paved, so that the most perfect draining may be effected. Where dryness about the dwellings can be insured, vegetable and animal decomposition is arrested, or carried on slowly, unhealthy emanations are prevented from accumulating, and thus one of the most common predisposing and exciting causes of disease is removed. In the second place, as we can scarcely hope for the inter- position of such municipal regulations as would prevent the * The results of the extensive and extremely interesting researches of M. Villot relative to the changes in the population of Paris, show that the three arronciissements presenting the smallest portion of mortality, namely, an average of one in forty -two of the population per annum, are precisely those recognised as the richest, whilst the three presenting the greatest rate, namely, about one in twenty -five, are noted as the poorest. 6 38 CONDITION OP THE undue crowding of streets and dwellings, let those who exert an influence upon the poor, recommend them not to congre- gate in houses in such numbers as to produce a contamination of the air unfavorable to health. The over crowding of houses, by which a sufficient quantity of fresh air for respiration cannot be obtained, is a most prevailing evil. Persons who live in air more or less vitiated by frequent breathing, may possibly escape disease for a time. Still, they will not have the same strong health, and capacity for exertion, as though they en- joyed a more pure atmosphere. But let sickness once invade a family under such unfavorable circumstances, and the chances of recovery are not only lessened, but, if the disease be of a febrile character, it will be often rendered malignant and con- tagious. Upon this head I will relate one of the numerous cases, illustrating the subject, which have come under my own ob- servation. Three or four years since, I was called upon by a very industrious and worthy colored man to visit his sick child, the last left of several that had been born to him. He and his wife were in the greatest tribulation at the prospect of losing their only child. They resided in an upper apart- ment of a moderate sized dwellin"; in Elizabeth street. Other rooms of the house were appropriated to a day school, and to the accommodation of another family. I told the anxious parents that it was almost useless for me to prescribe medi- cine for their child in such a situation, where it was exposed to an atmosphere contaminated by the foul air proceeding in the day from the school-room, and at all times from the family below; and that, if they wished to be healthy them- selves and their child, they must seek another dwelling where they could have purer air to breathe. My advice was soon followed, the sick child recovered, and, with other children which now occupy a house sufficiently large in the same street, have since seldom required the advice of a phy- sician. The increased rent is almost paid by the diminished cost of medical attendance, and value of time saved. I remain, with great respect, Yours truly, G. Emerson. To ISIr. E (hoard Needles. From the above valuable information derived from Dr. Emerson, it will be ])crceived, that the apparent dispropor- tion in mortality between white and colored persons, may be FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 39 rationally explained by a reference to their peculiar condition in life, attendant upon poverty; and that, in fact, on a comparison between them and the class of whites of the same grade, it is probable scarcely any difference would be discovered in this respect. We consider this information as an important link in the chain of testimony, whereby the character of this people can be freed from the unjust imputations cast upon them, in as much as it must refute the argument so often advanced, that the increased mortality amongst them arises from their vicious habits, and from self-abuse. It appears, also, by the observations of Dr. Emerson, that there has been a remarkable diminution in the mortality of the colored inhabitants in 1837, compared with that of pre- ceding years, which, (so far as their condition in life or their habits may operate in producing disease,) would indicate an improvement in these respects. The important suggestions of Dr. Emerson, in regard to ventilation, and the undue crowding of the population, &c., are well worthy the attention of the Society and of the public. Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, a friend has put into our hands the Juvenile Magazine, published in 1813, by Arthur Donaldson, which contains an account of the schools for colored people, as they were in 1811, and in 1813. Also an account of the religious denominations of colored people, with the number of benevolent institutions, which, as it may be interesting to some of our readers, we have tran- scribed, to wit: Schools ml 811. i Schools in 1813. Willing's Alley, 104 One in Green's Court, 60 One in Sixth st. above South, 20 One in Lonnbard above Seventh, 30 Willing's Alley, 96 Q. Clarkson, 50 Solomon Clarkson, 24 J. Gloster, 27 One in Seventh near Shippen, 30 Jane Hut, 22 One in Sixth near South, 20 One in Race below Fifth, 20 A. Donalson, 50 One in Cherry Alley, 334 Ruth Hand, 36 A. Donalson, 107 Clarkson Hall, by the Abolition Society, 52 414 There appears to be only four of the schools originally established for the colored people, which can be fully identified as now in operation; but the number of schools has greatly increased, as will more fully appear by reference to the list of schools, as exhibited at p. 29. 40 CONDITION OF THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. The same writer gives the following account of the places of public worship for the colored people in 1813, with the number of members, to wit: Episcopal Church, St. Thomas, . . . 560 Methodist, Bethel, 1272 Do. Union, under care of Bethel, . . 74 Do. Zoar meeting, care of St. George's, 80 1426 First Baptist, between Race and Vine, and 9th andlOth sts. 80 Mount Sion, under care of the Episcopal church, St. John street, near Pegg's run — numbers not stated, One Presbyterian church. Seventh street, below Shippen, 300 2366 members, by which term, we understand, is Included, besides the regular communicants, such orderly persons as frequently attend at worship. The number of benevolent societies in 1813, by the same authority is stated at 11; aggregate number of members, 500. Some of these societies are still in operation. Frequent allusion having been made in these Reports, to the agents employed in taking the census, &c., it is deemed proper to introduce them more particularly to the favorable notice of the Society. The chief agent employed by the Committee, was Benja- min C. Bacon, a very worthy and highly respectable man, who having been much employed in business nearly similar, was found to be admirably qualified for the service; and the fidelity and judicious manner in which he performed the arduous duties of his appointment was very satisfactory to the Committee. His assistant, Charles W. Gardner, a very intelligent and respectable colored clergyman, pastor of a Presbyterian congregation, also performed the part in which he was engaged to our satisfaction. And we have much pleasure in thus testifying our confidence in the general ac- curacy of the returns they made upon the numerous subjects of inquiry to which their attention was directed. The Committee have now presented the result of their labors, so far as completed. They believe, however, that a wide field is still opened for further services, should it be the pleasure of the Society to continue them. Respectfully submitted. Joseph Parrish, M. 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