Our readers may have noticed the act of exclusion by which the citizens of New-Bedford have shown the illiberal prejudice against people of color with an unblushing openness unusual even where it exists in its most unchristian form. The black population were denied, even in the case of the most respectable persons, the privilege of membership, and only allowed to hear lectures if they would confine themselves to a particular part of the house.—A minority protested in the strongest terms, but the majority persisted in the act of proscription. We rejoice to hear that, in consequence of these measures, R. W. Emerson and Charles Sumner, who were engaged as lecturers, have declined addressing an audience whose test of merit, or right to the privileges of a citizen consists not in intelligence or good character, but the color of the skin.*
“Lyceum of New-Bedford, Mass.” New-York Daily Tribune, 9 December 1845, p. 1.
