At the present day, when colored conventions are almost as frequent as church meetings, it is difficult to estimate the bold and daring spirit which inaugurated the Colored Convention of 1830.  It was the right move, originating in the right quarter and at the right time.  Glorious old Maryland, or, as one speaking in the view that climate grows the men, would say,—­Maryland-Virginia region,—­which has produced Benjamin Banneker, Nat.  Turner, Frederick Douglass, the parents of Ira Aldridge, Henry Highland Garnett and Sam.  Ringold Ward, also produced the founder of colored conventions, Hezekiah Grice!  At that time, in the prime of his young manhood, he must have presented the front of one equal to any fortune, able to achieve any undertaking.  Standing six feet high, well-proportioned, of a dark bronze complexion, broad brow, and that stamp of features out of which the Greek sculptor would have delighted to mould the face of Vulcan—­he was, to the fullest extent, a working man of such sort and magnetism as would lead his fellows where he listed.

In looking to the important results that grew out of this convention, the independence of thought and self-assertion of the black man are the most remarkable.  Then, the union of purpose and union of strength which grew out of the acquaintanceship and mutual pledges of colored men from different States.  Then, the subsequent conventions, where the great men we have already named, and others, appeared and took part in the discussions with manifestations of zeal, talent and ability, which attracted Garrison, the Tappans, Jocelyn and others of that noble host, who, drawing no small portion of their inspiration from their black brethren in bonds, did manfully fight in the days of anti-slavery which tried men’s souls, and when, to be an abolitionist, was, to a large extent, to be a martyr.

We cannot help adding the thought that had these conventions of the colored people of the United States continued their annual sittings from 1830 until the present time, the result would doubtless have been greater general progress among our people themselves, a more united front to meet past and coming exigencies, and a profounder hold upon the public attention, and a deeper respect on the part of our enemies, than we now can boast of.  Looking at public opinion as it is, the living law of the land, and yet a malleable, ductile entity, which can be moulded, or at least affected, by the thoughts of any masses vigorously expressed, we should have become a power on earth, of greater strength and influence than in our present scattered and dwindled state we dare even dream of.  The very announcement, “Thirtieth Annual Convention of the Colored People of the United States,” would bear a majestic front.  Our great gathering at Rochester in 1853, commanded not only public attention, but respect and admiration.  Should we have such a gathering even now, once a year, not encumbered with elaborate plans of action, with too many wheels within wheels, we can yet regain much of the ground lost.  The partial gathering at Boston, the other day, has already assumed its place in the public mind, and won its way into the calculations of the politicians.