“The question of the proper relation of the races is one of the most difficult problems which statesmen or philanthropists, legislators or jurists, ever had to solve. The former polity of the Southern States upon this subject is ended, and I do not think it inappropriate on this occasion to indulge in some remarks with regard to the future. Since the emancipation, since the former ruling race have been relieved of their direct heavy responsibility for the protection and welfare of their dependents, it has been common to speak of the colored race as ‘the wards of the nation.’ “May I not say with appropriateness, in this connection, and due reverence, in the language of Georgia’s greatest intellect (Toombs), ‘They are rather the wards of the Almighty,’ committed now, under a new state of things, to the rulers, the law-makers, the law-expounders and the law-executors throughout this broad land, within their respective constitutional spheres, to take care of, and provide for, in that complicated system of government under which we live? I am inclined, sir, so to regard them, and so to speak of them—not in exceptional cases, but as a mass. In the providence of God, why their ancestors were permitted to be brought over here, it is not for us to say; but they have a location and habitation here, especially in the South, and since the changed condition of their status, though it was the leading cause of the late terrible conflict of arms between the States, yet I think I may venture to affirm there is not one within the circle of my acquaintance, or in the whole Southern country, who would now wish to see the old relation restored.” Recognizing a national responsibility for the welfare and protection of these freedmen, he closes with this ringing exhortation: “This changed status creates new duties. The wardship has changed hands. _Men of the North and of the South, of the East and of the West—I care not of what party—I would to-day, on this commemorative occasion, urge upon every one within the sphere of duty and humanity, whether in public or private life, to see to it that there be no violation of the Divine trust._” To which the _Independent_ gives its enthusiastic assent as follows: “Amen and Amen! Statesmen, patriots, Christians, listen to the words of the Vice-President of the Confederate Government! They speak the deepest feelings of the best men who fought against the Union. There remains now for us the greater task of making the freedmen worthy to enjoy and fit to adorn that freedom whose proclamation was signed September 22d, 1862.” * * * * * DOUGLASS AND HAYES AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY.