UTC
Provincial Freeman
Unsigned
Toronto: 3 June 1854

A Bazaar in Toronto for "Frederick Douglass' Paper," &c. —

  Since writing the remarks to be found in another column, proposing a Bazaar for the Provincial Freeman, we see it announced that Miss Julia Grifiths, an English lady, Secretary to the Rochester Female Anti-Slavery Society, and assistant in the office of Frederick Douglass' Paper, will open a Bazaar in Toronto, about the middle of this month, under the patronage of the Toronto Anti-Slavery Society, to dispose of the unsold English and Irish goals of the Rochester Fair.

  A lucky paper, that! The Rochester Bazaar is held every year for its support. It has, we are informed, a paying subscription list, numbering thousands. The first installment of the UNCLE TOM FUND, was given by MRS. STOWE for its support. It has private patronage incredible, besides, very recently, an addition to its coffers has been made, called the "Thousand Dollar Fund," —a sum contributed by one hundred persons, and gotten up, mainly, we are told, by a great effort on the part of Miss Griffiths, and now, Toronto must pay her golden Tribune, by solicitation of the same untiring Miss Griffiths.

  Barnum is distanced, and no mistake, in this succession of brilliant efforts to get the "fin!"—But how is it that the wire-workers of a paper opposed to emigration to Canada, are making arrangements to hold a Bazaar for its support in the country? Are the abolitionists of Canada, or, rather of the Toronto Society, opposed to free colored people coming into the Province to settle? and are these the initiatory steps to a public endorsement of Anti-emigration views?

  We know that such is the opinion of a portion of the citizens here, but may they not be mistaken? We do not wish to be liable to a silent imputation of mis-representing the great people engaged in this movement-humble as we are, we would like to know more of the facts, as well to satisfy our minds, as to enlighten the public. We have had many inquiries made of us, recently, as to the movements of the Toronto Anti-Slavery Society, not one of which we could answer, of course, not knowing where to find it, to get any information. We think, however, that as there is a prospect of its being found about the "middle of June," anxious inquirers will then be able to see and hear to their satisfaction. Should they conclude not to lose a moment in the search, we would suggest an application to the parent Society, in New York City, U.S., through Lewis Tappan, Esq., the great embodiment of Anti-Slavery Society tactics for the States and the Canadas.

  The Toronto Anti-Slavery Society have had Rev. Samuel R. Ward in England and other parts of Britain, collecting funds for newly arrived fugitives—because the necessary amount was difficult to raise here in a reasonable time for those needy ones. Now in the name of honor and humanity, what is the state of the case? Are those funds to be lavished on favorites in Yankeedom because Mr. Ward has unfortunately fallen into disgrace with Lewis Tappan, Esq., and the right wing of the Toronto Society, for his devotion to the interests of colored Canadians, and his manly determination not to bow down sufficient low, to please this one or that, who may have the shadow, but not the substance of anti-slavery?—Poor fugitives! We trust that you may not have to content yourselves in the coming and future winters with only the crumbs that may be left from the 1500 pounds ($6,000,) raised by Mr. Ward for you. And poor people of another class, who blow the trumpet for, and prostrate yourselves at the feet of other people!

  Well after all this array of facts and opinions, it may be well to look at the bright side: the coming "elephant" may be but a precursor of the "good time," when the distinguished organ of Anti-Emigration in the U.S., will cease its opposition to colored freemen who wish to settle in Canada—will emigrate hither instead of simply coming over to take away the money before our "hard" winter sets in, and pour forth its "clarion notes" as the organ of the Toronto Anti Slavery Society, until the globe shall be shaken by the "awful sound."

  But will not Miss Griffith leave a few coppers behind? The Underground emigrants come on in great numbers, and may "need" a little of something in the cold winter, besides we know that the friends of Mr. Ward; and of the Provincial Freeman, talk about holding a Huzza for this paper about the same time?