The Crisis 1928-04: Vol 35 Iss 4
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tee 15 Cents a Copy PORT PUBLIC LIBRARY CRI APRIL, 1928 a oi / § 4 4 | 4 a { ‘ ‘ 4 | * af 4 | 7 A t i
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Southern Aid Society of Virginia, Inc. Presents Home Office Group A Condensed Financial Statement of 525-7-9 N. 2nd St. Richmond, Va. its Business for 1927 INCOME FOR 1927 DISBURSEMENTS FOR 1927 Claims Paid to Policyholders...$ 376,120.97 Cash Balance Brought Forward ond Ac. Jam. 1, 1927 $ 393,325.24 445,002.18 Premiums and Sundry Accounts 851,881.74 Total Disbursements ......... $ 821,123.15 Cash Balance, Dec. 31, 1927... 424,083.83 Total Receligts $1,245,206.98 $1,245,206.98 ASSETS LIABILITIES Reserve for Unpaid Claims, Interest and Taxes................... 12,879.14 $ 987,763.28 Write for your copy of the report. Southern Aid Society of Virginia, Inc. Home Office: 525-7-9 N. 2nd Street, Richmond, Va. Insurance Against: SICKNESS, ACCIDENT and DEATH Operating in State of Virginia and District of Columbia | | a al 4 | ‘
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THE CRISIS A Record of the Darker Races W. E. Burcuarpt Dv Bors, Editor and Manager Volume 35, No. 4 COVER. “Rabboni!” AS THE CROW FLIES Euston Road, London MATTHEW ANDERSON. Grimke POETRY AND PAINTING. THE LITTLE PAGE. Irwin Owens THE BROWSING READER ALONG THE COLOR LINE. THE FAR HORIZON Contents for April, 1928 By Laura Wheeler Waring. FRONTISPIECE. The Friends’ Service Council Gives a Party in THE N. A. A. C. P. BATTLE FRONT THE NEGRO COMMON SCHOOL IN OKLAHOMA. Illustrated Illustrated. With a Eulogy by Francis - 118 Illustrated. Poem by Clement Wood 119 Illustrated. By Effie Lee Newsome ....... 120 BATHESDA OF SINNERS RUN. Illustrated. A Story by Maude par 124 POSTSCRIPT. By W. E. B. Du Bois Whole Ne. 210 Page TALY took machine guns from Austria during the war. Against her solemn promise she sent them to Hungary. The League of Nations discovered the transaction. What is going to be done about it? If Hun- gary can arm, so can Germany. Hun- gary tells the Chinese President of the Council of the League of Nations that it is none of his business. Italy echoes the sentiment.—Kellogg and Briand are sparring prettily. “Let’s abolish war between France and the United States,” says Briand. ‘“Let’s abolish all war,” says Kellogg. “How?” asks Briand. “With the big- gest navy in the world,” cries Coo- lidge butting in.—Egypt is an indepen- dent country. Britain says so. Brit- tain adds with a bow, “absolute in- dependence,” except: A British army in Egypt for ten years, and after that, as long as the League of Nations which I dominate says so. I own the Sudan. I control payments on the public debt and the public debt was always my chief hold on Egypt. I run the courts for foreigners. You fight for me in Egypt if I get into a war. ‘Absolute independence,” savs Britain.—British industry is changing As the Crow Flies its front. Formerly it was free trade and domination of the world markets by the best manufacturing methods; the domination of the seas; and the ownership of all the odd ends of the earth. ‘Today, Great Britain envis- ages a closed, econumic empire; a pro- tective tariff against the world; and the continued rulership of white Eng- land, Australia and South Africa, over black Africa and brown India for profit; and the continued domination of the seas—Old American business bet on the wrong Russian horse; new American business wants to bet on the new horse. But the old business wants first to be paid its gambling debt on the bet which it lost.—The United States through Hughes dominated the Pan American Congress. Nobody could talk but Hughes; no question could be discussed, except Hughes dis- cussed it. Haiti was gagged; Nica- ragua bound hand and foot; Vene- zuela sent home. It was a fine Con- gress and Big Business is happy.—-In the United States the presidential cam- paign looms. The South wants pro- HE May Crisis will have Marita Bonner’s prize essay, “The Young’ Blood Hungers”’, illustrated by Aaron Douglas; Clement Wood will write on Haiti; and Harry H. Pace will write on insurance. There will be an article on “White and Black Banks in Memphis”. The June number will have Brenda Ray Moryck’s story, ““Days’’. hibition, hates Catholics, and yet must either swallow the Catholic Smith or break up the Solid South. The West wants Lowden, despises Coolidge, and must take Hobdver and Wall Street or be defeated. ‘The East doesn’t care whom it gets so long as it continues to rule the United States.—It costs 10 cents to take a«street car ride in Boston; 9 cents in Baltimore; 7 cents in Washington, and 5 cents in New York. The job could be done for 4 cents if it were only a matter of the actual service involved. But the peo- ple are paying interest and profits on capital consumed twenty-five years ago. And there is no limit to the interest and profit which they can be made to pay if the bankers have their say.— The big navy crowd has taken one step backward but only one step. It is still proposed to pay for organized murder the endowment of something like ten Harvards.—Liquor selling shows how Democracy is gagged. We cannot sit down and argue reasonably. We want to yell and quarrel and curse and meantime get nowhere.— The forgetful Mr. Hayes now remem- bers that the last Republican campaign was well oiled. The Crisis is published monthi sociation for the Advancement of Colore New York, N. Y the subscription is due a blue ren April, 1028 and by the National As. People at 69 Fifth Avenue, . 15 cents a copy, $1.50 a year. Foreign subscriptions $1.75. date of expiration of each subscription is printed on the wrapper. blank is enclosed. The address of @ subscriber may be changed as often as desired, but both the vid and new address must be given and two weeks’ notice is nece . scripts and drawings relating te colored people are desired. be accompanied by return postage and i assumes no responsibility for their safety in transit. class matter November 2, 1910, at the post office at New York, WN. Y.. under the act of March 3. 1879. Manu- hey must HE CRISIS uses every care it Entered as second 111]
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The Negro Common School in Oklahoma By HORACE MANN BOND, M.A. HE survey was begun in April, 1926. It was discontinued dur- ing the summer, but was resumed in the winter and finished in 1927. It was based upon an investigation of the facts as disclosed by reports found in the offices of the state and county superintendents. Personal studies were made and questionnaires used. The author is indebted for help to advanced students in the College of Education in the State University at Langston; to the official staff of the State Department of Education, who were ready and glad to co-operate; to Miss Christburgh, secretary of the Negro State Teachers’ Association; to W. H. Fort, president of the Negro State Principal’s Association; and to Roscoe Dungee, editor of the Black Dispatch. 1. The Constitutional and Legal Ba- sis of the Negro Common School in Oklohoma KLAHOMA was settled largely by migrants from states in which the tradition of the separation of the races in educational institutions was dominant. As a result, the Indian Territory, in its transition to state- hood in 1907, engrafted this tradition into the constitution of the new state of Oklahoma. Previous to this time, education in the state had been largely a matter of governmental and mission- ary enterprise. The largest Negro population, previous to statehood, was concentrated in the area given over to the Creek and Seminole Nations. In the early days, there was little if any separation of Indians and Negroes in these schools and many Negro teach- ers had charge of schools under the auspices of the two agencies mentioned above. Many of these schools had an entirely Indian clientele and in practically all of them there existed co-education of the Indian tribesmen and the Negro freedmen of these tribes, as they were called. In the State Constitutional Con- vention, the separation of the races in the schools was decreed as follows: (Section III, Article XIII, Oklahoma Constitution). “Sec. 3. Separate schools for white and colored children with like accom- modation shall be provided by the leg- islature and impartially maintained. The term ‘colored children’ shall be construed to mean children of African descent. The term ‘white children’ shall include all other children.” April, 1928 This is the fourth study of the Ne- gro common school conducted by THE Crisis under the subvention of the American Fund for Public Service. The full report is the most complete and exhaustive of all that have been made and consists of nine chapters and would, if published in its entirety, oc- cupy about seventy full pages of THE Crisis. We shall probably be unable to publish more than three or four chapters unless the school teachers of Oklahoma or other interested persons come to our assistance. N the legislation passed by the first legislature to enable the districts to levy money for the support of the schools, each district in the state was required to maintain two systems of schools for the two races. The dis- trict system, typical of many older states in the East, was adopted by Oklahoma. The natural result of this enact- ment was the same as that witnessed in practically all Southern _ states where the burden of maintaining two separate systems rests on the tax-pay- ers of one unit. The burden of sup- porting two equally good systems was too great for the local unit. Conse- quently, the practice of other South- ern states, supporting a fairly good system for white children and neglect- ing the Negro schools, was being du- plicated in the young and progressive state of Oklahoma. Particularly did the burden become an onerous one where, as in such counties as Musko- gee, Okmulgee, McCurtain, etc., the Negro school population was from 25% to 40% of the entire enrollment. situation was rather promptly by legislative enactment and the third legislature provided the much criticized “Separate School Law” which states that the local district tax shall be used to maintain the school attended by the race which has a ma- jority in the district, and that the minority schools, or separate schools as they are called, shall be supported by a levy made on all of the taxable property in the county. HE meaning of this provision may be clarified if we quote from the law itself: (School Laws of Okla- homa, 1921) “Section 282. The county separate school in each district is hereby de- clared to be that school in said district of the race having the fewest number of children in said school district: pro- vided, that the county superintendent of public instruction in each county shall have authority to designate what school or schools in each school dis- trict shall be the separate school, and which class of children, either white or colored, shal] have the privilege of attending such separate school or schools in said school district. Mem- bers of the district board shall be of. the same race as the children who are entitled to attend the school of the dis- trict, not the separate school.” This added provision plainly means that the County Superintendent is the real arbiter when the determination i A Group of Oklahoma Kindergarten Children 113 = 4 » ow
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of a school as the Majority or Minor- ity school is concerned. In _ other words, even though Negroes may out- number whites in a certain district, the County Superintendent is given the power of declaring the Negro school the minority school, and the white school the majority school. The consequences of this are of in- terest. Let it be remembered that the school designated as the majority school is supported by a levy on the taxable property of the district; and that the school designated as the minor- ity or separate school is supported out of a general tax levy on county-wide property. It is evident that in a case where the assessed valuation of a dis- trict might supply more funds than can be obtained from the county fund, the arbitrary power vested in the hands of the county superintendent might be used to the disadvantage of either group. This power has been applied, of course, only in depriving Negro majority schools of their privilege in receiving the tax funds from their ma- jority district. HIS phase of the law, so seem- ingly inconsistent, has been tested and upheld in a decision of the State Supreme Court. In upholding this law, however, the Court handed down the opinion that the county must as- sure equal educational facilities to both races if such a change is made. (See Jumper vs. Lyles, 77 Okla. 57; also State ex rel Gumm vs. Albritton, 98 Okla. 158, 224 Pac. 511). The lat- ter decision states that the county su- perintendent has the right to desig- nate which school shall be the sepa- rate school in any district under his supervision. “The designation of a separate school when the race affected has a majority of the population in such a district is not in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment when no discrimination is made regarding edu- cational facilities.” The objections to this statute may be conlensed into two main criticisms: (1), the transference of support from the district to the county may result in a financial inequality. It would mean that the Negro tax-payers, who were in the majority, would be taxed both for the support of the local white school, if it was designated as the ma- jority school and for the support of the general county fund for separate schools, as well. HE second objection (2) is that of political fairness. The district ‘Bulletin 115, Supreme Court De- cisions Relating to Schools in Okla- homa, p. 18, s. 178. 114 system is, of course, the heir of all of the principles of local self government on which, as a matter of fact, it was first proposed as a unit of educational control in this country. Negro citi- zens in majority school districts con- stitute the members of the school boards, hire the teacher and in other ways perform all of the function of this democratic, self governing unit. When a county superintendent desig- nates the white minority school as the majority school and the Negro major- ity school as the separate school, by reason of his arbitrary power referred to above, he at once transfers all of the administrative functions formerly vested in the local district to his own immediate supervision and control. The first objection is probably of little weight. As will be indicated in the future course of this survey, the separate school does not suffer from lack of funds when compared with the relative expenditures in district or majority schools. The second is more serious in that the power vested in the county super- intendent is often arbitrarily exercised for purely political reasons. It en- ables an unscrupulous superintendent to go over the heads of the local pa- trons of the school and manipulate the machinery of administration for the perpetuation of a personal political machine. It is easy to see that county supervision, with its wider vision and more equable distribution of funds, may prove much more scientific from the standpoint of modern educational! supervision than the local district unit with its bungling methods and petty political jealousies. However, the county administrative unit, wherever it has been adopted, has been safe- guarded by the general direction of an elected county board of education, and the selection of professionally trained administrators for the carry- ing on of the business of the schools. Without these safeguards, which are not enjoyed in Oklahoma, the Negro school under county is a potential vic- tim of all the evils consequent to such a condition. HE remedy would seem to lie in an appeal to the weapons of judi- cial procedure which are at the dis- posal of any citizen of the state. Even though the administrative power is removed to the county seat, the Negro citizen should have little care for the mere gesture, so long as an equality in school facilities is maintained. As a matter of fact, Oklahoma is tending today away from the uneconomic dis- trict system to the county unit for taxation and administration of schools. Eternal vigilance is here, as elsewhere, the price of equal accommodations. And the courts have been remark. ably steadfast in insisting that equal accommodations be given schools for the two races. Based on the constitu. tional items italicized in the quotation from Section 3 appearing above, a de. cision was rendered in favor of the Board of Education of the City of Guthrie, which was suing the Excise Board of Logan County on the grounds that the Excise Board had not included in the County Budget a large enough levy to afford adequate school facilities for the Negro chil- dren. In finding for the plaintiff, the Court emphasized the fact that the Constitution makes it the duty of the Legislature to provide equal and im- partial provisions for all children of the state, regardless of color. (Board of Education of Guthrie vs. Excise Board Logan County, 206 Pac. 517). T is evident from the above discus- sion that the administrative con- trol of most of the Negro schools in Oklahoma is vested in the office of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction; and, in those few cases where the Negro school is still desig- nated as the Majority school, that it is controlled by regularly elected citi- zens of the district to the Diyistrict School Board. A _ peculiar anomaly has grown up, however, as a result of the practice of allowing the city administrative systems to operate the Negro schools where a large white independent district exists. This means that the county furnishes the money in the larger cities, but the city furnishes the administrative and supervisory staft which directs the Ne- gro schools. This is at best a clumsy device, although, without doubt, the best that could be hit upon in the light of present legislative enactments. It has resulted practically in the con- centration of county funds upon the urban Negro schools, while, in many instances, the Negro children of the rural districts suffer from a lack of funds. The ideal, of course, would be the distribution of the funds avail- able in such a fashion that the chil- dren in the rural districts would bene- fit as largely as the children in the urban areas. The fact that this is not done is simply a failure on the part of county officials to see to the equitable distribution of these funds. 2.The Financing of Negro Schools E have pointed out the fact that in the beginning of the period of statehood, each district was faced with the problem of supporting Negro schools on the basis of taxation within the district. When the two systems were separated as administrative and financial units, we have shown how Tue Crisis | | ; | |
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the county became the taxing unit for the Separate schools, which, in most ‘nstances, were Negro schools and that the district became the taxing unit for the Majority schools, which, corre- spondingly, were in most instances the white schools. The districts were allowed to tax all property within their borders by means of a levy up to fifteen mills on each assessed dollar of valuation. In addition to this, the districts were to receive an apportionment from the state school fund in proportion to their ability and effort to support public education and this state fund was ap- portioned to the districts. As these districts are units based on the white school population, the result is that the state funds are apportioned to the white schools principally. In the measures passed by the Third Legislature, as noted above, establish- ing distinct systems for the races, the counties were allowed to levy a tax of one mill on all assessed valuation in the county for the support of the Separate schools. We have already indicated that the Separate school, while not necessarily a Negro school, is so in most instances. ‘This legisla- tion, then, meant that Negro educa- tion was to be supported by means of this one mill levy alone, while the white schools or district schools were to be supported by a levy of fifteen mills on the property within the dis- trict. In addition, support of the district schools was to be obtained from the apportionment of state funds as outlined above. T soon became apparent that the one mill levy limitation would seri- ously handicap the Negro schools. The condition led to such an open inequal- ity of educational opportunity that agitation looking toward a change in the law, with an upward extension of the taxing levy limit, was inaugu- rated and was successful in raising the levy which counties might levy for the support of their Negro schools to two mills. This legislation was passed in 1921, The counties are bound under con- stitutional provisions not to exceed eight mills in their taxing budgets for the running of county affairs. Even the two mill levy has proven itself insufficient, in many instances, to meet the requirements of the state constitu- tion, which, as we have emphasized above, recognizes racial separation in fact_and theory, but insists upon equality of opportunity and facilities for education. The Supreme Court has therefore ruled in two instances that the legal limit is not binding upon counties, if the demands of the case necessitate an increased expenditure April, 1928 for the equalization of educational op- portunity for Negroes. The most important ruling on this vital issue was handed down in the case brought by the Oklahoma News Company vs. Ryan, 224 Pac. 969. Its principal considerations may be sum- marized as follows: For maintaining separate schools, all statutory limitations are removed up to the constitutional limit of eight mills for county purposes, and, if necessary, an additional two mills may be levied for this purpose. 2. Counties having a population of not less than 52,000 may levy not more than one-half mill to provide for a home for dependent boys.’ HIS - decision means that the counties are obliged, through their budget making machinery (the county excise board), to provide equal facilities for Negro children even if to do so means exceeding the eight mills provided for in the State Con- stitution for general purposes; and that the two mill levy-limit is not binding in the financing of the Negro schools. In other words, if a county, by reason of low assessed valuation, coupled with a large Negro school population, is unable to supply for its Negro school patrons, educational facil- ities equal to those provided by other means for the white school popula- tion, through the levying of a special two mill levy for separate schools, then that county is privileged to levy as much as ten mills for general county purposes and devote whatever share of the ten mills as is necessary to Ne- gro education. However, as will be pointed out in that section of this survey devoted to finances and expenditures, even this additional levy will not be sufficient to support Negro schools on the same basis which is characteristic of white schools. In other words, the county is now unable to furnish sufficient funds for this purpose. The unit has been outgrown as educational stand- ards of maintenance have been raised. The next logical step is the provision of a larger unit—presumably the state. This is the only sure means by which Negro education can be re- moved from the unsatisfactory financ- ing prevailing in certain counties where the adequate support of Negro education by the county alone would provide a most intolerable burden. There are other means through which the problem could be attacked, “Bulletin 115, Supreme Court De- cisions Relating to Schools in Okla- homa, p. 18, ss 171 (State Dept. of Education). though none but the one just men- tioned seems to afford a final solu- tion. It has been the general practice to budget Negro education along with other county expenditures within the eight mill limit. This means that the Negro schools—the separate school fund—are obliged to compete with the highway repair and building budgets, the budget for general county admin- istrative officers, and whatever othe: expenditures are made in running the business of the county. As a result, the budget for Negro schools has been, in all too many instances, sacrificed to the demands of these other depart- mental requirements. We shall seek to indicate further on that many coun- ties are not doing as much as they might. The Negro schools also receive ap- portionments from the state funds which have recently been appropriated under the name of the ““Weak School”’ fund. ‘This has amounted recently to a large sum of money, and is sup- posedly for the purpose of furnishing impartial allotments of funds to each poor district where the term would otherwise have been shortened due to inadequate local resources. T is to be regretted that Negro edu- cators have not understood the law, nor taken advantage of the opportu- nity which these strong opinions of the Supreme Court lay open. In the opinion of competent legal au- thorities consulted by the writer, the tax-paying citizens who are cogni- zant of unequal advantages, should bring actions in the civil courts seek- ing to force the county excise board to levy sufficient taxes, within the ten mill limit, of course, as indicated above, sufficient to bring the expendi- tures for Negro education on a parity with those for white education in the same communities. That such action has a very reasonable possibility of success is to be seen in the decisions quoted above and occurring in the ap- pendix to this chapter. We may re- fer again at this time to the case re- ferred to above, viz., Board of Edu- cation of Guthrie vs. Excise Board Logan County, 206 Pac. 517: “The Constitution makes it the duty of the Legislature to provide equal and im- partial provisions for all children of the state”. The legislature has pro- vided certain machinery in this en- abling legislation; and it becomes, per- force, the duty of the county unit to carry out the essential phases of the demand. In many instances, of course, it would not be necessary for the county to levy even one mill for Negro edu- cation, as the Negro population in 62 of the 77 counties in the state is less 115 | | | | | | |
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than ten per cent. of the total. In many of these counties, the Negro population is so small as to be negli- gible, so tar as educational expendi- tures are concerned. It is in the fif- teen counties where the Negro popu- lation ranges from ten to forty per cent. of the total that the problem of financial support becomes acute. 3. Enrollment and Attendance in Negro Schools ABLE I gives the enrollment of Negro scholastics by sex and type of districts, for several typical vears. Table I ENROLLMENT OF SCHOLASTICS Type of District Male Female Total Independent 6.978 8,162 15,140 Village 1,443 1,575 3,018 Consolidated 204 302 596 Union Graded : 124 106 230 Ungraded. Rural 11.414 11,791 23,205 1921 Independent 8,280) 9,320 17,600 “illage 1,831 2.040 3.871 Consolidated 783 731 1,514 Union Graded 146 148 204 lneraded Rural 10,502 10,776 21,278 Total 21,542 23,015 44,557 1922 Independent 9,177 10,136 19,313 Common School 14,730 14,549 29,279 Total 23,907 24,685 48,592 Independent 10,462 11,435 21,897 Common School 13.663 13,783 27,445 Total .. 24,124 25,218 49,342 1925 Independent ............. 10,635 11,815 22,450 Common School 12,971 12,610 25,581 Total 23 606 24.425 48,031 1826 Independent ............+. 21,785 Common School 26 695 Total . 48,480 T will be noted that the figures for the last four years show a slight decrease. There is evidence to the ef- fect that the Negro population. of Oklahoma is decreasing, as there are definite migratory tendencies to the North and Southwest, especially to the developing cotton lands of New Mexico and Arizona. The fact that the “common” school enrollment shows a disproportionate increase in the face of this fact is probably due to the fact that County superinten- dents in some cases reported pupils in independent districts (supported by the County) as enrolled in the “com- mon schools’, which designation in the above table is meant to include pupils in rural districts as opposed to pupils enrolled in independent districts. If anything, one should look for a de- crease in the rural district enrollment, and there probably has been, while one may with assurance: state that there has been a very slight increase in the enrollment of the larger urban areas. The school enumeration as of Jan. 15, 1926, gave 26,102 males, and 26,161 females, as within the ages of 116 5-21, all of which are included in the school enumeration. If we are to re- duce this total of 52,263 to figures which will represent the total number of scholastics between the ages of 6-18, multiplying by the factor .8667, we have a total of only 45,296. This, of course, is impossible, as we have already indicated that over 48,000 pu- pils were actually enrolled in the schools of Oklahoma for Negroes dur- ing the year 1925-’26. The discrep- ancy can be explained: (1), on the ba- sis of an inaccurate enumeration; (2), on the basis of an enumeration of in- dividuals within the scholastic age limits, rather than from the ages as indicated above. However, the law governing the compilation of enumera- tion statistics specifically states that returns are to be made in terms of the ages 5-21. In view of these considera- tions, one seems justified in believing that there is a much larger number of scholastics than the reduction of enu- meration figures would suggest. N inspection of the reports of County superintendents shows a wide variation in percentages of at- tendance as calculated in these reports. In many instances it is difhcult to de- termine just what method was used in reaching the final percentages there reported. For the purpose of this re- port, it was considered a_ correct method of procedure to determine: (a), the total number of pupils enrolled in a given system; and (b), the average daily attendance in the schools of this system. The percentages of attend- ance were then estimated by noting what percentage of the total enroll- ment was represented by the average daily attendance. The resulting to- tals gave results which were in many instances much lower than those given in the official reports of the county superintendents. ‘The deviations are doubtless due to different methods of calculating attendance percentages, al- though they are without doubt con- tributed to by actual arithmetical lapses from accuracy. Table II gives the total enrollment and average daily attendance for the state, distinguished by district. TABLE Il Percentage of Daily Attendance for Negro Schol- astics in Oklahoma by County and Type of District as of the School Year 1925-1926 Pct. of Attendance in County Rural Urban Total % 55% 55% Caddo & 76 68 Canadian .... 58 60 Choctaw 61 52 59 Commanche .......... 69 Garvin 76 71 Haskell 52 59 Jetferson . 549 59 Johnston ys 64 Kiowa we 45 77 60) Latimer Joba 87 Leflore 64 62 63 Lincoln — 72 62 Logan vate 65 58 Major 72 Marshall 49 49 Mayes 59 59 ons 62 63 McCurtain 5s 50 6 McIntosh 58 64 59 Noble 63 64 67 Okfuskee Oklahoma 63 64 Okmulgee 61 6! Osage besces 59 Pawnee ..... BRC?) Payne 52 60 Pittsburg ¥ 71 Potta’tomie ba 60 63 62 Pushmataha 50 57 Seminole 60 Sequoyah 55 50 rillman Wagoner — 58 Wn Washington 95 55 57 HE average for the rural districts is 54°. This is 4% lower than for the same figure of the year 1922- 23. This would indicate that the wretched condition of affairs, so far as school attendance is concerned, which was revealed by the state sur- vey of 1921 is still operative, and, as a matter of fact, that there is an actual decline in this phase of the efh- ciency of the school. ‘The average for the urban districts is 664°. The total for the state is 63% in average daily attendance, which is the same as that reported for the Negro schools in the report of 1923. ‘These data would indicate that, while the urban school population is attending school more regularly, the rural school popu- lation is declining in regularity of school attendance. ‘This is but an- other indication that the divided ses- sion plan, referred to more extensively under the heading of “The Efficiency of the Schools”, is wreaking havoc with the efficiency of the rural school. The State School Report for the year 1923 gives an interesting sum- mary of the condition implied above. The figures quoted refer to the white school attendance statistics. ‘The re- port says in part: “In ability to hold the pupils after they enroll the common schools make a poor showing in comparison with the independent districts. The aver- age daily attendance of the common school students, 215,151 is only 59.5% of the number enrolled, while the aver- age daily attendance in the indepen- dent districts, 225,885, is 76° of the (Will you please turn to page 136) THe Crisis
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Matthew Anderson With a Eulogy by DR. FRANCIS GRIMKE HE late Matthew Anderson, son of Mary and Timothy Ander- son, was born in Greencastle, Pa., January 25. 1848, and died of double pneumonia, after a brief illness of two davs, January 11, 1928. At the time of his death he was the last surviving member of a family of fourteen chil- dren. By his own struggles and sacrifices he was educated at Iberia, Oberlin College, Princeton Seminary and Yale University. He was one of the earli- est colored graduates of Princeton Seminary. He came to Philadelphia in 1879, penniless. He was on his way to take up work in the South, but stopping here he met the late Dr. John B. Reeve, who suggested that he remain here and develop the Gloucester Mis- sion in the Northern part of Phila- delphia. Taking charge of the Gloucester Mission on Fairmount Avenue, he soon developed a small body of fol- lowers to the point where larger quar- ters became necessary. With charac- teristic ‘foresight and insistence, he ob- tained possession of the very valuable site where the present Berean Church is located. It was on this spot that he reared one of the most unique in- stitutions, religious and educational, to be found anywhere in the United States. Rev. Anderson was twice married, first to Doctor Caroline V., the daugh- ter of the late William Still. She died in 1919. Later he was married to Miss Blanche Williams who sur- vives him. He is survived also by two daughters, the issue of his first marriage, two nieces, other relatives and a host of friends. Dr. Anderson was more than a min- ister, he was also a far seeing Social Worker and Community builder. He founded the Berean Building and Loan Association in 1888, which is now one of the largest and strongest Associa- tions in the United States. In 1889 he founded the Berean Manual Train- ing and Industrial School, which from a small beginning has grown rapidly, and is typical of a kind of education very much needed in many sections of our country, North and South. His last contribution to the Berean Enter- prise was the planning for the estab- lishment of a Penny Savings Bank. With prophetic vision he said: “This will be my last contribution to the Berean Enterprise.” Dr. Francis J. Grimké of Wash- April, 1928 The Late Dr. Matthew Anderson ington, the well-known pastor of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church, writes: HAVE just received a telegram an- nouncing the death of the Rev. Matthew Anderson of Philadelphia. It was a great shock to me, not having even heard that he was sick. We have been close friends for years. We were in Princeton Theological Seminary to- gether—he having graduated a year ahead of me in 1877. He was one of the biggest, most generous hearted fel- lows I ever knew. He was the soul of generosity, of kindness, of hospital- ity. There wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for you, and gladly if it were in his power. There was noth- ing that he had that was too good for his friends, nothing that lay within (Will you please turn to page 138) 117 fi | x F |
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THE N.A.A.C.P. BATTLE FRONT LITTLE thing like history or the world’s literature hardly bothers the gentlemen determined to keep the white race “pure”. Nor are they deterred in their noble efforts by any thought of several million per- sons of “mixed” ancestry in the United States alone. They still in- sist that marriages between persons of Caucasian and those of African an- cestry must be prohibited by law. In fact, they become so warmed to their chivalrous task’ that the very organ- ization whose grand dragon is serving a life sentence for murder of a young woman in Indiana, starts burning fiery crosses. The most recent flurry over inter- marriage occurred in the hitherto un- known town of Rockville, Connec- ticut. The town was first heard of when newspapers reported that a white girl wanted to marry a Negro who had served his country in ‘the United States Navy; and that Christ’s ‘vicars on earth, the clergymen of Rockville, for the most part declined to perform the ceremony of marriage for these two people, because of the difference in race color and previous condition of servitude. Among those who are reported to have refused to perform the marriage ceremony, were the Rev. George S. Brooks, of the local Congregational! Church. The Rev. H. B. Olmstead, rector of the Episcopal Church is quoted by the New York World as having said: “There ought to be a law against it”. The only clergyman in Rockville, reported by the press to have beén willing to perform the cere- mony, was the Rev. John S. Buck- mann of the First Evangelical Lu- theran Church. OW the N. A. A. C. P. reads the newspapers. And it stepped into the situation to the extent of pointing out a few pertinent facts to Connecticut editors. One of the N. A. A. C. P. letters, published by the Waterbury, Connecticut, Republican, read as follows: Not content with declining to perform the marriage ceremony for two persons in Rockville, Connecticut, on the ground that one of them was a Negro, an Epis- copalian clergyman, one of several who declined his services, announced himself as favoring a law prohibiting intermar- riage between persons of white and Negro ancestry. It seems a little strange that minis- ters of the gospel should on grounds of 118 dian Race Intermarriage their personal prejudice decline to unite two persons in marriage. But what seems still stranger is that a Christian mimister should advocate anti-intermar- riage law in the North. This measure, as is well known, is one of the pet proj- ects of the now-discredited Ku Klux Klan. These laws are a relic of slave cul- ture, which deprived colored women of all legal redress, though it did not pre- vent race mixture. The National Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Colored People does not advocate intermarriage between white and colored persons. But it opposes any such law as is suggested by the Rockville clergyman. Public sen- timent in the North does not sanction discrimination by law, the enactment ot measures setting the stigma of inferior- ity upon an entire race, the encouraging of illicit relations by making recourse to legal matrimony impossible. OT only did the editor of the Waterbury Republican publish this letter. He wrote an editoria! about it. He called the proposed mar- riage “unfortunate”, and deplored it. “But,” he continued, “much to be deplored were the manifestations of active antagonism to the union in- dulged in by the Rockville townspeo- ple. Particularly unfortunate was the burning of a cross on a nearby hill- side. ‘The effect of this implied threat, and the other evidences of angry fee)- ing, was naturally to confirm the cou- ple in their determination to marry. One is left wondering if they had any of the wise and sympathetic counse! that might have deterred them from taking the step they did. “In this connection we agree with the opinions expressed in a_ letter, printed elsewhere on this page, from James Weldon Johnson, Secretary of the National Association for the Ad- vancement of Colored People. Con- necticut does not need a law against intermarriage of whites and Negroes, if for no other reason than the fact that the proportion of mulattoes in the total Negro population of the state dropped from 24.7 per cent in 1910 to 11.6 per cent in 1920. Mis- cegenation is on the decline here as it is in the nation at large.” NOWING the casual way in which census takers determine who is a “pure” Negro and who is a mulatto, the N. A. A. C. P. wonders if the statistics of the editor of the Waterbury Republican are not open to question. And, decline of mulat. toes in the Negro population of Cop. necticut hardly furnishes the most re. splendent ground for opposition to an inter-marriage law, which has well been called a magna charta ot illegi- timacy, concubinage and bastardy, But we should be grateful for any edi- tor who, on any ground, maintains that marriage is a private matter not to be invaded with the rancors of ignorant and prejudiced persons. I use that word “ignorant’’ advis- edly. The National Office, during the course of the excitement, but after the marriage had taken place, received a letter from Rev. George S. Brookes, pastor of the Union Congregational Church, of Rockville, Connecticut. In this letter, the Rev. Mr. Brookes asked a number of questions. It is not necessary to repeat all his ques- tions. One of them is quite enough to illustrate the mentality which is ready to devote itself to keeping the white race pure. I quote the ques- tion: “Am I right in speaking of the number of Negroes in the country as 12,000,000? How many of this num- ber are Caucasians? Is a Caucasian always the product of black and white, or could he be the result of a union of black and some other race?” No. I’m not joking. I did not in- vent that question. I merely copied it out of the letter sent to the National Office of the N. A. A. C. P. by the Rev. George S. Brookes, pastor of the Union Congregational Church of Rockville, Connecticut. H. J. S. AGAIN: “MONEY”! HAT the Association is unable to help more people, that it must allow moving appeals to go unassisted, rests entirely with the colored people of the United States. The Association can do as much work as there is money to pay for. Had there been no legal de- fense fund, it could not have stepped into the Sweet case and rescued eleven people from imminent menace of lite imprisonment. Its victories before the Supreme Court, its rescue of the im- prisoned 24th Infantrymen and of the Arkansas colored farmers, its segre- gation and White Primary victories, safeguarding fundamental citizenship rights of all colored people were made possible by cash on hand. Crisis | | | | | |
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| POETRY AND PAINTING Carnival at Trinidad By CLEMENT WOOD MPTY all of history’s pages— E Tumble out of their musty cages Conquistadores and Moslem mages, Doubleted pages, swami sages, Pirates, red with their last outrages, The brilliant scum of all the ages— And the whole would be what last night we had In the carnival at Trinidad. II. HE masked hour—the eon— The mumming of the Caribbean, When the hidden things that we long to be Creep from their caged mystery Creep, and for a night and a night Are all that faces another’s sight... . The dignified judge, sedate and sober As a Connecticut October Is Blackbeard’s self, with scimitared gore That reddens the pale dancing floor; The maiden, whose name is that of a nun, Is a scarlet Lilith from Babylon; The roisterer droops as a cowled priest, The clerk is a sultan from the East, Whirling a fancy-welded sword Like a very Khan of the Golden Horde; Scores of sheiks and Pierrots, Hareem houris with nervous toes, Hornpiping tars, and many a devil To leer and chuckle over the revel! The purring tunes and the dimming lights, And the furtive sampling of spicier sweets... . HE lorries, that all day have drawn The revellers, circling on and on Around the vast windy savannah Through coiling whirling paper liana And shower of confetti, disgorge glad freight To riot and rolic and celebrate— —And what? That one day hence’ will see Forty days’ penance for agony? That Rome went mad in the pandering spring, And the Celt became a wild thing When winter broke? Oh, these, and more, Cemented under the mind’s floor In forgetfulness. But there are those 0 know which way the Carnival blows: The Negroes. false face IV. THE whites face faces without a mask: April, 1928 Cornelius Johnson Chicago Artist Krigwa Prizeman, 1927 Their garbs publish what their souls ask ; But the blacks and the browns and the tans and the creams Risk no view of their dreams. ... The masked hour—the false face eon— Toward a dark heaven by the Carib- bean. ... Most of their masks, you note, are white: The scorned and slighted hiding the The carnival slight— subject might— Night as light... . They mince along like Nordic on pa- clothing his state with rade, But the chants they choral, the wild cas- cade Of jungle music, no white could know: All Negro: Melodies a Congo nightingale trills Over heaven’s dark hills. .. . Vien as women, and women as men In some rapt mixture evoked again; And to them Carnival has two delights— Love—sex—mating; and to hell with the whites. V. OT all are white masks: there are Caribs here, Red and terrible, with bow, hatchet, spear, Or the knife of the red sacrifice For red bliss; There are devils with black and horrid faces, Muttering against those in high places, Whispering of prone disgraces, And an end to sneery superior races; There are medicine men from the Span- ish Main, With spells to blister the foe with pain, Body, soul, brain; There are obi-men—voodoo mages— Papaloi, mamaloi, ouanga sages With devils ready to serve, in cages Sewn under patches of cloth, with spells To work unholy miracles Until to the sacrifice is borne The trapped goat without a horn, The white goat. ... Nothing kind Moving in masked face and mind, But a hurricane and a whirlwind ‘)f hatred and anger and utter passion Against the lords of oppression. VI. HE false face eon? The masked hour? Not this: long years with others in power Over a smiling uncomplaining race— These have seen the mask in place. Now it is dropped and utterly gone: The soul behind strides proudly on. Not cringing cowards welcoming blows, These Negroes: Battering, pounding, crushing might Has throned the white, Has given a darker world in sway, As prey— There will come a day (So mutter and mumble and chant and shriek These tongues for a weak no longer week A day when the pallor will be accurst, And the pretty pale face bubble burst, And the last shall be first— Not in a misty heaven—but on earth, That all of worth: When all of the white supremacy Will crumble like sand in a floodtide sea; And the sun will be hid, that vaster suns May shine from darker oblivions. A little longer—no man knows when: What is time in the life of men? A little longer—and then the doom, One without, one within, the gloom, One without, one within, the tomb. VIL. AD? Well, who can say who are mad? At least, this was the voice it had, The Carnival of Trinidad. 119 | = — | | ||
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The Little Page Calendar Chat HOCOLATE rabbits, rabbits of pulp and plaster of Paris sud- denly appear in nests of paper grass, as though they were returning this Easter season from snug little burrows as real rabbits come in springtime from winter hiding places. The real rabbits burrow deep for severe weather, and barely cover them- selves for a mild winter. They do not build with the care of Friend Mole who makes neat tunnels and a dome for his hiding place. Indeed it is easy enough for hungry weasels and skunks to reach Cottontail, for there is but one entry to his burrow. And when he goes out for a little winter gambol, here comes some mischievous dog to spoil the fun. One often finds in the snow footprints of Cottontail shadowed with the marks of a pur- suer’s feet. And so cheery Bunny ts not without his hardships, though the drawings of him surrounded with gor- geous eggs on the Easter cards give one a pleasant greeting. The Elm Tree "TALL elm tree boughs, I love to watch you swing and sway, Swing and sway In the winds of early April on a bluish day skies are white, Airy-light, And moving like some boundless sea Over me. When altogether blue and I stand with back against your great brown trunk And look and look Through all your budding boughs Peppered with countless dusky buds strange and smal! That make the rocking sprays so soft and airy, Like seaweed floating, floating on billows of the sky, Or like the hair of some gypsy fairy She has let fly. . High Tide of Hope for All UT the dull dank cold Can't always hold The lily buried there, Nor Death’s strong wall Imprison all That Heaven has made most fair, Hail then to coming of the spring, Of life anew and blossoming, High tide of hope for all! 120 EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Tracks (Drawing by EpytHe Evans) ROWN BUNNY’S sped this way, know, Soon as it finished snowing. Here are his footprints in the snow! Where, tell me, was he going? Russet and Phoebe you mind my looking at you?” chirped Phoebe. “You seem to.” Russet answered with croak, particularly. wondering what was about me.” “Attractive?” blurted out Phoebe. “You're just the other way. First | thought you were a little knot of bark. Then I decided you must be a terrible looking stone. Then all at once I re- membered that you could be a Toad. I’ve heard Toads described as hideous creatures.” “Thank you,” grunted Russet with- cut looking anywhere. “I am a Toad, as were my parents before me, a!! Toads.” “And wondering,” Phoebe jumped about on the new grass, “how in the world you spend your winters, where you go. One must be so sprightly to venture on autumn trips. When did you come back from Mex- ico?” “IT haven’t been to Mexico,” dryly. “Haven't been to Mexico?” piped Phoebe pausing in her restless flut- tering about to gaze into the drowsy eves of Russet. “Why how in the world have you stood the winters?” “The winters,” mumbled Russet complacently, “haven’t bothered me. 1 sleep. Splendidly. Never better than in winter. My heart goes to sleep. My blood gets as cold as the coldest weather. And there I am in a nice little sand cubby-hole out of a muffled But | was so attractive sight, out of the way to wait for warm weather when I can start to flying,” “Flying?” shrieked Phoebe. “Why, where are your wings?” : “I don’t actually mean flying, my friend. I mean catching flies. Yoy know, when people go for fish they call that fishing. And so then, when i go after flies, why shouldn't I say ‘flying’ ?” | “After flies?” cried Phoebe who had started away. “Do you eat flies too? Why so do the Phoebes and the Least Flycatchers. Do you know the Least Flycatchers ?” “Not particularly,” Russet grunted. now wearied by Phoebe’s penetrating voice. He sat like a lifeless thing at the foot of the beech. “Least Fly. catchers like Phoebes are not impres- sive to look upon, perhaps. But par- don me.” “T’ll have to,” gasped Phoebe. “since vou and I have fly eating tastes in common. How do you get your fies? ‘Tell me, and I’ll tell you my method.” “IT use a tongue method,’ Russet said shortly. And out shot his tongue in a flash. It was fastened to the front of his mouth and not swung from the back like Phoebe’s. “Gracious!” She started. “You catch them on that dreadful tongue? How do they stay?” “Aly tongue has something on it to which they stick. They are different trom Phoebes. Phoebes stick of their own accord. Good day.” And Rus set hobbled off into the weeds. instead of a Rob Red Ear OB RED EAR was a bunny That never ran away. You'll think this rather funny, But Red Ear had to stay. His legs were made together tight. His staring eyes were minus sight. He could not use his chubby feet Of chocolate, all rich and sweet, And so he simply had to stay Till some one ate him Easter Day. Dandelions “THE dandelion parasols In these strange April days Are now umbrellas for the rain, And then—they’re parasols again!— To meet the bright sun’s rays. THE Crisis f = ia [ >
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Bathesda of Sinners Run A Story By MAUDE IRWIN OWENS scendent of seven generations of slaves. Her mother was a devout Christian with the gift of healing in her hands; but her Indian _ father scoffed at all religion. Bathesda grew up apart from the other colored folk refusing to marry and devoting her time to the beautiful arts and crafts which she had learned from her par- ents and grandparents, [he Negroes, save those who, like Becky whose child she had saved, disliked her. Becky's grandmother, Granny Lou, incited an- other grand-daughter, Cisseretta to un- dertake to punish Bathesda out of jealousy for the local minister. Granny Lou is talking to Eliza, Cis- serretta’s mother. en o was the mulatto de- AINT nothin’ to them Jeze- bel ’omans, noways. De white folks make me sick cayin’ on so high "bout dem. Day all sold dere souls to de debbil. Don’t dey fooi ‘round wid roots ’n things? . .. mind how dey nebber show dere natchul age lak we’uns does?” The silence that followed was broken by the sudsy slapping of wet clothes with home made lye soap. Eliza was too busy to bother about her old mother’s chatter this morning, but Granny Lou was nothing loath to amusing herself. “Becky, lak a li’l fool . . . she run up dere case day yaller ‘oman do foah dat brat ahern, jis what any of ussen coulda did. Ah knows, chal! Yo Granny Lou knowed dem f'om way back to Callie!” “Kyah, kyah, kyah! Granny Lou— hush yo mouf,” laughingly yelled Eliza above the suds, steam and slop, with perspiration dripping from her corn-rowed head into the tub. Cisseretta, who had entered the room unnoticed, flared up angrily at the old hag’s challenge— “I wants Brother Parson Brown, and I’s shore goin’ to git him. "Taint goin’ to be after Thesday done chawed him, either, Granny!” So saying, she jammed her hands down upon her hips with her legs astride and frowned bel- ligerently from her mother to her grin- ning grandmother. The pine door swung open admit- ting Becky, resplendent in a soft white dress carrying Li’l Jim who was spor- tive in a blue smock and cap. The three women were aghast at the sud- den picture. Poor Becky who was content to drudge in a one room cabin with her baby, for a husband who April, 1928 scarcely could pay for his fat back and meal down at the store—what right had she to look nicer than Cisserretta, the acknowledged social leader of Sinners Run! ‘“Whar’d je git dem cloes?” darkly inquired Eliza of her daughter. “Oh Mammy! = Aijn’t dey jist swell? Miss Thesdy done made dis up special foh me out o’ brand new goods case ah told huh ‘twas my sec- ond year married, today! See Li’l Jim? Ain’t he grand? I has a big suppah foh Big Jim when he gits home and thought I would run in an let you folks see us.” “Humph! ‘Miss’ Thesdy! Since whin did we start ‘Missin’’ yaller nig- ty li'l house, amindin’ huh business, and you folks down heah hatin’ huh! Cisseretta? You won’t make no hit wid Parson Brown . hatin’ Miss Thesdy, ‘case he thinks she is jest grand! As for me and Big Jim, she saved our boy’s life which is moah dan you what’s his own kin-folks done, and we loves huh, even ef she ain’t done professed ‘ligion. From what I seed of huh and knowed of younes, she’s a heap sight nigh to God dan vou folks who eat out yo hearts wid hatin’ huh!” She gathered the bewildered Li’l Jim up and left the scene of unsympa- thetic relatives, muttering to herself— “Gawd! Eften I stayed widdem any Ae J Be “Nothing was said by the four women”, page 122 gers? Was Parson Brown anywhere bouts up there?” this from Cirseretta. “Seems to me dat dose clo’es would scorch yo’ skin, chal. Dat Thesdy is a woman wid no religion § what- somever,’”’ exasperatingly sighed Eliza. ‘Jes’ gib yo all dose cloes fuh to git yo wrapped up in huh, fudder—dan she gine conjuh yo. . . heah me, now, heah me!” snapped old Granny Lou with a portentious shaking of her be- shawled head. OOR Becky! All her joyous hap- piness so quickly transformed to bitter antagonism. ‘How come yo’all hates that pore woman so? What she done done aginst you? All I seed she done was good! She’s up dere in huh own pret- longer I would lose my own ’ligion. They’s my own folks, but dey simply breed evilness, and I doesn’t blame sweet Miss Thesdy from not minglin’ wid ‘em, ’ceptin’ when she has to.” In the Lambert cabin, Granny Lou was grunting—‘See dat? She done got dat chal tu’ned agin huh own folks already . . . an de preachuh eatin’ out ob huh hand,”—with a cunning glance at Cisseretta. “For two cents, Granny—’’whined Cisseretta, petulantly, “I’d git the wo- men together and go up to her ol’ house and beat her up!” ‘“Kyah kyah! Lawsy me! Hush yo’ mouf, chal!” elaborately guffawed her mother. “Go hade, den . . . go hade! Do moah—an’ talk less, honey!” huskily 121 | 4 \ if \ ’ a = DA' \' \ |
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whimpered the old woman to her in- furiated grandchild. HE day had been a busy one for Bathesda. She had contracted to make reproductions of the old sam- plers for an important Jewish antique dealer of Atlanta. Little Alice Thorn- ton, quite grown up, and home from college, had motored out to see her, bringing with her her fiance from Bos- ton, an artist. He had begged for the privilege of painting Bathesda in all the glory of her little cottage and em- broidering frames. To please Alice, she consented, on condition that it wouldn’t interfere with her work. “Like one of Millet’s peasant wo- men,” he had said—‘“and that interior! Worthy of the old Dutch masters.” The young minister had sat awhile, explaining his well meant plan of progress for his congregation, which she knew would never be accepted by the deluded Sinners Run folks, the present pastor being their first semi- nary man. They understood only the old fashioned untrained “called-but- not-sent” type of ministering. Becky and Lil Jim dropped in with the new things she had made for them, and the sight of the mother and child transformed by her handiwork, thrilled her deeply. She bent her queenly head over the crimson, green and purple threads she was interweaving so intricately into the words—“Heart within, God with- out” on the square of yellow, and smiled the smile of the middle-aged who had all they wanted in life— peace, pleasant labor, and contentment. Why should she be sad because of a God who withheld Himself, or the doubtful power of healing a people who despised her? HE decided to pick a fresh cabbage for her supper, and going to the door, was surprised to see Cisseretta Lambert approaching. With shifting eyes, and lowered brow, she informed Bathesda they had come to fetch her for a friend. At the little picket gate stood an old rickety home-made cart with ill matched wheels, drawn by a sorry nag whose hips punctured his skin in miss-meal significance. Eliza was driving and perched beside her for all the world like a bundled up mum- my, sat Granny Lou. “We kin fotch you there and back in no time, Thesdy. New folks jest reg to Sinners Run, and powerful sick. Bathesda hurriedly threw a light shawl around her shoulders with a strong sense of foreboding which she forcibly thrust out of her mind, and joined the trio at the cart. She and Cisseretta rode backwards 122 with their feet swinging, and nothing was said by the four women as the half dead animal faltered along the lonely road pulling the unbalanced, lurching, wabbling vehicle behind him. Then Eliza... “Kyah kyah! Heah we all is, folk- sies! Kyah kyah! Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawd!” Bathesda turned from the back end of the wagon and saw glaring malevo- lently at her, the dark faces of ten or twelve women. They were as a pack of hungry hounds eager to be off on the chase. Cisseretta leaped from her seat on the wagon and rudely grabbed Bathesda, causing her to stumble to the ground on her knees. As if waiting for the initiative action from their leader, they pounced upon her, drag- ging her by the arms up the sloping hill side. The decrepit conveyance with the beswaddled old woman, was left standing on the road. HE maddened women yelled violent invectives — brandished whips, twigs and sticks aloft, dragging her roughly uphill, not allowing her to regain her foothold or the freedom of her arms. “Thought you'd git yo claws on Revern Bro Brown, didn’t you? We see bout dat, won’t we? Cain’t feed him none o’ yo hoodoo vittles . nuh-uh !” “Yes indeedy. We is gwine to see ‘bout all dis heah monkey business yo been cayin’ on all dese yeahs wid de men folks... .” “Think you better doesn’t you? Humph! white niggers make me sick . . be white an’ caint be black!” “Naw! We niggers don’t want you and de white folks won’t hab you! “Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawd today! Yeowh!” “Pull huh ol’ plaits down! Make me tiahd wid huh ol’ dawg har! Wouldn’t have straight har, mahself— Revelations say as plain as day—‘har lak lambs wool’ like ussen got. . . .” “Sis Grenn? Dis is shoah a holy deed Cisseretta done called on us to do . . . to pertect ouah poah pastor from de wiles ob dis sinner woman. “Kyah kyah! Lawd today!” _ussens, Old half . Caint HEY reached the summit of the hill which was capped with a small patch of woods. A few of the trees had recently been chopped down, judging by the fresh stumps. The several women in whose clutches Bathesda had fallen, suddenly re- leased their hold on her and jumped back out of her reach. But Bathesda merely stomped the caked dirt from her shoes and torn skirt, thru a quiet searching glance around the semi-cirel, of women, and made to swing her loosened braids around her head. This action galled Cisseretta, who saw in it a self assurance, a com. posure that was shaking the courage of her vigilance committee. She sprang at Bathesda heavily with an angry snarl, pushing her back into a tre which instantaneously crashed to the earth, sideways, sending Cisseretta ang all the women scrambling and yelping down the hill. “Conjuh woman! conjuh Lawd ah’s feared!” “Hoodoo stuff! Told yo'all we oughten to bother wid huh! “Lawd! Jist ‘low me to git home oncet moah . . . please!” “Cisseretta done got ussen into djs From the opposite direction came two white men, hurrying toward Ba. thesda who stood arranging her hair beside the fallen tree. “Anybody hurt, Auntie? We are clearing these here woods for Ben Lovett who has bought the strip, and my buddy here—he sprained his joint while chopping down that ‘un a few minutes ago. We went up to my shack after some liniment and we didn't ‘reckon anyone would come along be- fore we got back. The tree was near- ly cut thru and I ’spec a slight jostle knocked her over.” “No one was hurt. It fell to the side,” murmured the yellow woman absently—eyes searching into the dis- tance. A delicate tenderness played over her face, and kindly wrinkles ap- peared about her mouth and forehead. Like Haggard’s “She”, Bathesda un- expectedly looked her age, all at once. She had dropped the cloak of a hard- ened, held-over youth, and taken on the ethereal robe of an inner beauty— a soul transformation had taken place. She, for the first time, turned di- rectly to the lumberjacks, and asked of the one with the bandaged arm— “Ts it bad?” “Hurts mightily and swellin’ every second.” HE unwrapped the crude bandage. wiped away the stench of liniment, cupped her two hands about the swollen arm and gazed upward—her thin lips moving almost imperceptibly while the men stood transfixed. She finally withdrew her hands, clenched them into tight fists and then shook them open and away from her, as if throwing off the contamination of alien flesh. “Now . . . it is well!” “Bill! Honest to John! She’ (Will you please turn to page 141) THE Crisis | | 2
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<— BROWSING READER HE Changing South by William J. Robertson (Boni and Live- right) is funny and pathetic. It is the writing of a man wishing to burst his bonds, seeing the breadth of the earth, and yet quite unable to venture. It can best be judged by a few quota- tions from Chapter V on “The Ne- oro: ” “The relationship between the slaves and their masters was such that the Negroes became devoted to their white owners, and the latter formed a real affection for the blacks.” .. . “Not a few, but many, of the mu- lattoes are blood kin to the F. F. V.’s in Virginia, to the first families in South Carolina, and to the blue bloods in the other Southern States, but they cannot, of course, be accepted as kins- “The Southern white not only un- derstands the Negro better than the Northern white, but he is more honest in his attitude toward him. When I say this I recognize that technically it is wrong to deny. the Negro the right of suffrage or any other of his civic rights; but the South’s honesty is based upon a fact—which many Northern- ers are beginning to recognize—that the two races must live together, apart. That is to say, there can never be any widespread social intercourse between them. The racial differences are too strong to permit it. Why God created these differences is something for God to explain.” ... “In the circumstances, the white Southerners believe they are honest in their treatment of the Negro in so far as social intercourse is concerned. Whether their God will forgive them for the crime of the mulatto is some- thing I cannot pass upon; but I do know that the reason and the only reason why they attempt to deny the Negro his political and sometimes his civil rights, is because they are afraid that his next desire will be social equal- ity, something which they rightfully consider to be impossible.” .. . “Who can read the plaintive poems of Paul Dunbar, of another genera- tion, or of Countée Cullen, of this generation, without realizing that in the Negro race in America are souls that aspire to the stars? And who are there among the whites who would deny them the beauty of the stars? But emotions, dreams and talents — art itself—cannot eradicate the distin- guishing lines that Nature lays down, even though, in doing so, she buries April, 1928 the heart of a poet beneath the dust of caste, or stills with the cries of in- herent aversion the songs of the sweet- est singer. “I must confess that I know of no race in the wide world today that de- serves more pity and sympathy, and admiration for its courage and nobil- ity, than the Negro race in America; and I believe when I say this that | voice the sentiments of those white people who reside in the Solid South.”’ On the 80th anniversary of the Cen- tral Baptist Church of St. Louis, the pastor, George E. Stevens, has pub- lished a history of the church filling nearly one hundred large pages. ‘The first pastor of the church was John B. Meachum, who, as carpenter and cooper, purchased over 20 slaves, in- cluding his own wife and children. The church, at present, is one of the largest in colored St. Louis. We have received “Under the Skin in Africa”, by Walter Lee Turner, Dean of the Stokes Bible School at Monrovia, Liberia; and the 25th vol- ume of the “National Baptist Sun- day School Commentary”. W. E. B. D. IN THE MAGAZINES RAY of light on the Negro’s position in the South comes from darkest Mississippi in Plain Talk for November when Howard Snyder, a white Southerner, admits that “The South Bungles the Negro Question”. Mr. Snyder says that one of the great- est injustices of the white South to her dark brethren is the fact that she sees the Negro as a class and not as an individual, for no matter how bril- liant his intellect, no matter how fair his skin, no matter how clean his mo- rals, the Negro is, to the Southern public, “just a nigger”. Another com- mon error of the South in regard to the Negro is the continuance of the credit system. This discourages owner- ship of land, which, in itself, is a source of poor farming. Mr. Snyder also points out that mob violence is not only atrocious, but it is unintelli- gent, because it causes the exodus of the Negro to the North. This is the very thing the South does not want, for she needs black labor to till her fields, build her roads and run her fac- tories. Langston Hughes sturdily describes “Sunset—Coney Island” in New Masses.for February. We quote a few lines: “The sun, Like the red yolk of a rotten egg, Falls behind the roller-coaster And the horizon stinks With a putrid odor of colors.” Bruce Bliven in the New Republic tor February 8 and February 15 sends us two esoteric papers from the Pan- American Conference. In these ar- ticles, Mr. Bliven offers us glimpses of some of the chief attitudes which were on exhibit at the farce at Havana. Al- though amiabilities were mainly on the surface, he says, openly intransigent opponents were kept at home, as in the case of Haiti, by main force. Mr. Bliven discusses the main preoccupa- tions and desires of the countries pres- ent at the conference, and comes to the conclusion that the Sixth Pan- American Conference was a grand flop. Sandino, the twenty-eight year old Nicaraguan rebel-patriot, has assumed vast importance in contemporary his- tory and the tales being woven about him will doubtless be progenitors of future epics. The March World To- morrow describes an unsuccessful “Try at Peace and Justice With Sandino” which was sponsored by the Fellow- ship of Reconciliation and the Ameri- can Friends Service Committee. John Sayre, who was a member of the com- mittee sent to interview Sandino, tells of the divers difficulties thrown in his path which kept him from meeting Sandino personally. The Nation also has sent Carleton Beals to Nicaragua to find and in- terview Sandino, and the first and sec- ond of his stories appear in the Feb- ruary 15 and February 29 issues of that magazine. In these installments Mr. Beals describes his dramatic trek through Guatemala and Honduras, to Nicaragua, and leaves us in suspense before the mysterious mountain fort- ress, E] Chipote, which Sandino re- cently evacuated. Moorfield Storey in Century for February criticizes the unconscionable attitude of the United States toward Nicaragua. Mr. Storey scathingly de- nounces America for her greedy ex- ploitation of Latin America; and for her militant method of attempting to destroy the peace and independence of our neighbors to the South. “King Leatherneck”, an article by W. B. Seabrook in Collier’s for Feb- ruary 4, sheds light on the variegated (Will you please turn to page 142) 123 | | | _ | | | |
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ALONG THE COLOR LINE PERSONAL @ George H. Green, an old citizen and leading undertaker, is dead at De- troit. @ Mrs. Lucy Nickerson is dead at the age of 111 years at Houston, Texas. She was born in Virginia, and sold in slavery in 1860. @ Pauline E. Dinkins is studying at the London School of Tropical Medi- cine and expects to sail for Liberia to open a hospital under the Foreign Mission Board of the National Bap- tist Convention. @ Dr. William B. Crittendon has been made General Secretary of the Field Department of the National Council of the Episcopal Church. Dr. Crittendon is a graduate of Oberlin and has been a teacher and priest. @ Thomas R. Crawford of St. Louis, is dead. He was for 61 years a clerk in a manufacturing company. He left an estate worth $40,000. @ The Reverend Daniel T. Gulley is dead at Detroit. He was long one of the traveling secretaries of the For- eign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention. @ James A. Meyers, a graduate of Fisk University and for many years leading tenor in the Fisk Quintette, is dead. He was well-known in Europe and Lady Astor of the British Parliament, wired her sympathy to his sick bed. @ Dr. John Spencer Bassett of Smith College is dead. Dr. Bassett once said that Booker T. Washington was the greatest man born in the South in a century with the single exception of Robert E. Lee. On account of this he was forced to leave Trinity College, North Carolina. @ Emeline Madison of Canandaigua, New York, has won the golden eagle. the highest honor that can be awarded to a girl scout. @ Dr. John Hope, President of Morehouse College, sailed to attend the World Missionary Conference held in Jerusalem, March 18 to April 9. He is one of the 200 delegates and will speak on the Negro in the United States. Max Yergan will also be present. @ Mrs. Anna Nussbaum is contribut- ing to the press of Vienna, Austria, a number of articles on American Ne- groes: one “Africa Sings” treats the poetry of Langston Hughes; another is on the Afro-American woman. This 124 Sculpture in Terra Cotta of a Negro Boy Called Sammy”, page 126 article is illustrated by photographs of Florence Mills, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Josephine Baker, Rose Mec- Clendon and others. Mrs. Nussbaum is at work on an anthology of modern Negro poetry in German. @ Wayne L. Hopkins, executive sec- retary of the Armstrong Association of Philadelphia, is the first colored person to be elected member of the Executive Committee of the Pennsy!- vania Conference of Social Welfare. He is a graduate of Ohio State Uni- versity, where he took both the B.A. and M.A. degrees, and served as an oficer in the A. E. F. during the World War. @ A bronze bust of the late John E. Milholland was unveiled at Cheyney Institute last month in the presence of his widow and friends. @ Joseph Cuney, last = surviving brother of the late Norris W. Cuney, is dead at Galveston, Texas. His father was Philip N. Cuney of Switz- erland and Joseph was educated in Pennsylvania. He was at various times Inspector and Surveyor of Cus toms and principal of one of the pud- lic schools at Galveston. Later he was admitted to the bar. He leaves an only son and a niece, Mrs. Maud THe Crisis | + | | | | | “=
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E. F. Magnin T. Alexander Cuney Hare of Boston. His funeral was attended by leading white and colored persons of the city. @ Robert Overby, a 13-year-old col- ored boy of Swedesboro, N. J., is the town hero because he found a broken rail and flagged an express train on the West Jersey and Seashore Rail- road. A mass meeting was held ard the boy received two purses. @ Rev. Robert Bagnall, father of the Director of Branches of the N. A. A. C. P., and retired clergyman of the Episcopal Church died at ‘Toledo, Ohio, February 20th after a prolonged illness at the age of sixty-eight. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, edu- cated at Howard University of which he was one of the early graduates, was engaged for a time in school work and then entered the Presbyterian ministry. He afterwards became a priest in the Episcopal Church. For five years he was Resident Professor at Bishop Payne Divinity School and afterwards pastored churches in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Toledo, Ohio. His funeral was held in the largest white parish of the city, and the Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by the priests of Toledo, officiated. SOCIAL PROGRESS @ Mrs. R. Augustus Lawson is head of the Woman’s League of Hartford, Connecticut. The league has a com- munity house where 2,597 children were cared for last year, and 553 books loaned for reading. Twelve different organizations used the house for meet- ings. The league is a member of the Community Chest. W. C. Gordon Mrs. Susan Dorsey @ The wages of the workers on. the sugar plantations of Java are from fifteen to forty-two cents a day for a twelve hour day. Java sugar is com- peting with the sugar of the world. George E. Cryer, Mayor of Los Angeles @ The Lincoln colored home of Springfield, Ill., has celebrated its 30th anniversary. [he home was founded by Miss Eva G. Monroe. @ The Harmon Awards were con- ferred in nine cities. James Weldon Johnson received his at Ford Hall, Boston; Edward H. Margetson and William G. Still in New York; W. A. Overton, William E. Scott and Eric Walrond in Chicago; R. Nathaniel Dett at Hampton; Laura Wheeler Waring at Philadelphia; Clarence Cameron White and John J. H. Bean A. Baumann Davis at Institute, W. Va.; and Wil- liam G. Pearson at Durham, N. C. ‘The Harmon awards for 1928 will be given in seven different fields. En- tries may be sent to Dr. George E. Haynes, 125 E. 22nd St., New York city. The closing date is August 15, 1928. @ Negro farmers are deserting the country districts so fast in southern Georgia that the Georgia Mechanical and Industrial College is inaugurating a Negro farm and home ownership week to study methods of counteract- ing migration. @ The Hampton European tour this year will sail June 16 on the steamer “Resolute,” to visit London, Oxford, the Shakespeare country, Holland, Belgium and France, including the battle fields. The trip is primarily for teachers but others will be admitted on application. @ Out of 2,290 under the age of 21 sent to the Tombs Prison in New York City during the last year, 396 were colored, and yet not a single colored church or organization has any worker among them. @ A series of studies in American Imperialism in Santo Domingo, Bo- livia and Cuba are being issued by the Vanguard Press and are selling at one dollar each. @ The Afro-American Life Insurance Company of Jacksonville, Fla., had an income during 1927 of $1,011,260, a gain of over $61,000 over the pre- vious year. Its assets amount to $687,- 000. A. L. Lewis is president. @ The National Benefit Life Insur- ance Company which now owns the Standard Life Insurance Company of The N. A. A. C. P. Citizen’s Committee of Los Angeles, page 127 C. H. Conner W. L. Gordon April, 1928 B. Stephens H. C. Hudson J. J. Cantwell 125 J. W. Martin # 3 |
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R. H. Smith G. D. Taylor Georgia, is suing the Southeastern Trust Company of Georgia, a white company, for assets amounting to $750,000 which the white company is alleged to have retained without war- rant. MUSIC AND ART @ A sculpture in terra cotta of the head of a Negro boy called “Sammy” was exhibited by Sargent Johnson of Berkeley, Calif., in the Harmon Art contest. He was awarded a special L. M. Blodgett F, Harvey prize of $250 and the head was bought by Mrs. Ernest Alexander of New York City. @ F. James Bradley, of Mattapoi- sett, Mass., teaches wood craft in boy and girl scout camps, paints, and col- lects books and antiques. @ The Hampton Glee Club, under the direction of R. Nathaniel Dett is singing spirituals to white and colored audiences throughout the South. @ The Washington, D. C. Krigwa Little Theater has presented Georgia E. N. Warren Douglas Johnson’s “Blue Blood”, Eulalie Spence’s “The Hunch” and Willis Richardson’s “Flight of the Na tives”. @ A sextette of the Bethune Cook man College, has been singing in the hotels of Florida before many distin- guished citizens, including Thomas Edison, Senator Dupont of Delaware and Senator Reed of Pennsylvania. @ Archibald J. Motley, Jr., of Chi- cago, whom THe Crisis has men- tioned before, held a one man exhibit A. A. Gittens ae COTORED MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE A. Front Row: R. L. Brokenburr, C. W. Flor- Top Row: M. W. Dogan, W. T. Nelson, W. R. Valentine, Max Yergan, J. S. Jackson. 126 ence, John Hope, R. R. Moton, C. H. Tobias. Y. M. C. THe Crisis | | il | , | | ¥ |
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Joseph Cuney, Sr., page 124 of painting at the New Gallery, New York City recently. ‘Twenty-one can- vasses were exhibited and Mr. Motley received much commendation. @ George Garner, the Chicago tenor, has given a recital at the Salle Chopin, Maison Pleyel, Paris, and also at the International Center of Music. He was given an enthusiastic reception. @ Roland Hayes has made a pro- found impression with his concerts in Russia. He sang in Moscow at the invitation of the Russian Government. His classical songs were received with great enthusiasm, but when he sang the Negro “spirituals’” he received an ovation “such as is rarely, if ever, known in the concert halls of present- day Moscow”. Mr. Hayes has also sung in Italy and Holland. This fall he plans to return to America to make his fifth tour of this country. @ Miss Hazel Harrison, who was born in La Porte, Ind., studied piano with Victor Heinze in Chicago and later in Berlin, where she made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra. Later she was a pupil of Busoni and Petri. This season, Miss Harrison is playing the Chopin’s ‘Twenty-Four Preludes as one number and the color light music by Laszlo. Miss Harrison has long been the out- standing pianist of colored America. MEETINGS @ The Third Annual Public Welfare Institute for Negro social workers of North Carolina has been held at Dur- ham. @ The N. A. A. C. P. will be wel- comed to its 19th Annual Conference in Los Angeles from June 27 to July 3 by a Conference Committee headed by the Mayor. Sixty-Seven well- known citizens have already consented to serve on the committee. F. J. Moses, page 128 @ The 8th Annual State Inter-Racial Conference of Kentucky has been held at Louisville, and progress reported. Two new junior high schools, two new grade schools and an enlargement of éther colored schools are planned for Countée Cullen Takes Tea in Chicago With the Alpha Culture Club April, 1928 127 3 ‘ x $ +4 -_ es
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Miss Hazel Harrison, page 127 Louisville. Plans are maturing for a department in the University of Louis- ville for Negroes. @ The Y. W. C. A. Conference of young women of North Carolina and Virginia will meet at Bennett College, Greensboro, N, C., in June. Miss Wynona Bond of Boston University is chairman. @ The 20th annual meeting of the Oklahoma teachers was held in Feb- ruary, at Oklahoma City. W. G. Sneed was president. EDUCATION @ Morgan College, Baltimore, Md., has been given approved standing by the Senate of the M. E. Church. This is the first Negro M. E. College to be so recognized. @ A state wide examination on high school subjects was given to all high school seniors in North Carolina. The colored children made a good showing and in Latin, French and _ science equalled the scores of the white stu- dents. 128 @ F. J. Moses, Jr., of South Caro- lina was Private Secretary to the Gov- ernor of South Carolina and in 1875 was elected one of the Circuit Judges of the state. In 1880 he became Pro- bate Judge. @ Hartshorn Memorial College, Richmond, Va., has hitherto been co- ordinated with Virginia Union Uni- versity. After June 1, it will become an independent institution, limited at first to high school work, and eventu- ally becoming a woman’s college. @ Samuel Huston College has been recently rated as a standard A college by the North Carolina Board of Edu- cation. The college is making a study of education in Texas. @ Miss Helen Daniels, an 11th grade pupil at the Downington Industrial School, Pa., received first place among the contestants in the annual essay contest. Fourteen schools in Chester County competed in the contest. NORTH AFRICA @ The Egyptian Confederation of Labor has been violently suppressed by the government and the British, the excuse being that the Confedera- tion had communist tendencies. Most of the leaders have been put in jail or killed. A new confederation. of trade unions has recently arisen, including the state railway men, printers, bak- ers, masons and hair dressers. @ The Italians are fighting the Arabs and mulattos in Cyrenaica, North Africa. In one engagement 29 were killed and 250 prisoners taken. WEST AFRICA @ Chief Joachim Acolatse of Keta, Gold Coast, West Africa, is dead at the age of 87. He was one of the great leaders in the economic de- velopment of the colony. He is suc- ceeded by Robert Joachim Acolatse, @ The bridge over the River Benue, Nigeria, will be the longest in Africa. It will cost nearly $5,000,000 and consist of thirteen spans, the total length being 2,584 feet. The con- struction has just been contracted for and it will be finished in five years. @ The Kenya and Nigeria Railway has been extended from Turbo in Kenya to Mbulamuti in Uganda. This is the most important extension since the original line to Mombasa was built, 30 years ago. @ A bill is being prepared for the French Parliament providing for the spending of $500,000 for preliminary surveys of the Trans-Sahara Railway running from the French colonies of North Africa to those of West Africa. It is estimated that a capital of $65,- 000,000 will be needed to build the railway. @ British Nigeria has now a popu- lation of nearly 19,000,000. It is a political organization involving “indi- rect” rule: that is, limited local gov- ernment under the chiefs. The rev- enue of the native administrations dur- ing the years 1926-27 amounted to nearly $5,000,000. The value of Nigerian trade for 1926 is eight times as great as in 1900. @ King Albert of Belgium is going to visit the Belgian Congo at the open- ing of the Lower Congo-Katanga Rail- way. @ The report on the British Man- date in Cameroon, West Africa shows that very little is being done for edu- cation. Out of a total revenue of $425,000 only $40,000 was spent for education. The exports were worth over a million dollars. Local native rule is widely recognized. THe Crisis af =. ig? 4 Po, cha ~ » ~ : 3 “Wi
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EAST AFRICA @ A considerable number of natives are in training in the mission schools of Portuguese East Africa. One, at St. Paul in Gaza, has more than 2,000 pupils. [hey are taught Portuguese, some foreign languages, crafts and agriculture. @ Because of the murder of a Dis- trict Commissioner in the Sudan, Great Britain has sent a force to wage war on the Nuong clan in the eastern part of the Bahr el Ghazal province and also against the country of the Lau Nuers in the triangle between the Nile and the Sobat Rivers. In the latter operation the British and Sudanese troops bombed and killed hundreds of cattle. @ In 1914 the Higher School of the Gordon Memorial College in the Su- dan had 67 pupils. In 1926 there were 303 and in 1927, 360. It is ex- pected that there will be 500 in 1929. There are courses of training for en- gineers, teachers, accountants; and also of Kadis for the Mohammedan law courts. In the northern and central Sudan there were in 1926, 18,983 pu- pils. @ Uganda exported 125,788 400- pound bales of cotton in 1927. @ The new Sir Lee Stack Memorial School at Wau has been opened in the southern Sudan. SOUTH AFRICA @ The Carnegie Corporation of New York has granted $500,000 to East and South Africa. Very little of this attects Negroes: Seven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars is suggested for a research into “Bantu mentality”; Ninety Thousand Dollars is for ex- change visits between West Africa and America of leaders in science, social work and education; technical educa- tion for non-Europeans will receive some support. @ Indians in South Africa are re- turning in considerable numbers to In- dia. “lwo Thousand One Hundred went in 1926 and 2,986 in 1927. The migration is increasing this year. @ The I. C. U., the black Labor Union of South Africa, has been re- fused admission into Southern Rhode- sia by the premier. Clements Kadalie declares that the Union will be or- ganized there in spite of the ban; that free speech “is non-existent in south- ern Rhodesia as it is in other parts of the British Empire” and that the Na- tive Affairs Act is a “slave measure” which brings us back “to the border line of the Dark Ages”’. @ The National Council of the In- dustrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (I. C. U.) met in Johannes- burg in January and memorialized the South African Trade Union Co-or- dinating Committee for afhliation. The manifesto accuses the Trade Union Congress of race prejudice and refuses reriodical meetings for con- sultation. It declares that Negroes will not be patronized as inferiors. “We are the real working class in South Africa.” @ General Arthur I. Ferraz is the new Portuguese minister for the col- onies. He succeeded Commander Joao Bello and was some time ago Governor General of Mozambique. @ The revenue of Tanganyika terri- tory, formerly German East Africa, is estimated at $10,000,000 for the year 1928-29. @ (The Transvaal African Congress has petitioned the Minister of Native Affairs not to send natives of Central Africa into South Africa on account of the feuds between the various tribes. These “foreign” natives are often not subjected to the pass laws and other restrictions, which raises strong feeling. WEST INDIES @ The Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad, B. W. I., has a course of three years. The cost is about $1,000 a year for students. The President of France and the President of Liberia April, 1928 & bei | va 129
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THE FAR HORIZON THE RISING NEGRO HE Emporia, Kansas, Gazette has this editorial : A most interesting little book on char- acter analysis, by which the average man can obtain some sidelights into his own character by answering a few apparently guileless questions, includes this tricky one: “Do you think a Negro doctor is as capable as a white doctor?” And a large part of the population, governed by prejudices of which it is unaware, would answer “No” and, turning to the back of the book would find that this answer stamped them as having racial prejudice. The Negro professional man in Amer- ica, outside the larger cities, labors un- der tremendous handicaps. Considering the obstacles imposed on them, it is amazing that so many have been able to succeed. In the larger cities, brilliant Negro lawyers and singers, successful Negro surgeons and actors, are no longer a curiosity. But the Negro professional man has to contend with the prejudices of his own race, as well as those of the white people. Many Negroes, accustomed to take the white man at his face value, uncon- sciously accept his assumption of superi- ority in the professions, and when they are sick or when they need a lawyer, they prefer to intrust themselves to a white doctor or lawyer, although there may be Negro professional men who are much more highly skilled. These preju- dices are as deeply ingrained in the Negro race as they are in the white race. It is commonly observed, in states which permit traveling Negroes to eat in the dining cars, that the Negro waiters fre- quently take occasion to slight and to insult in small ways the Negroes who venture in. The Negro waiters feel that the Negro diner is “putting on airs” by eating in the dining car, and take occa- sion to show their prejudices. The Negro race, if it is to gain equal- ity in the professions with the white race, must respect its own professional men —its many brilliant teachers, actors, lawyers, doctors and ministers. The Editorial is true in the main, but is untcortunate in its illustration: The porters on Pullman cars and the waiters in dining cars almost without exception are especially courteous and solicitous with Negro passengers. This is based on the Editor’s own experi- ence in travel which has covered the whole United States and many parts of it repeatedly: and it is based on the testimony of thousands of other trav- elers. 130 THE RELIGION OF STUDENTS ELLE C. MORRILL writes in the Epworth Herald, Chicago, on the religious difficulties of Negro Stu- dents: Students at home in the country in the summer vacation are tempted to stay away from the long harangue of the illiterate preacher. The normal school graduate who takes a rural school faces Scylla and Charybdis. If she does not attend services, to her, crude and unin- teresting, she will mot be regarded as a proper person to teach the children in a simple-minded, religious community. If she is asked to teach in Sunday School, her refusal may brand her as a heathen; her acceptance may prove her a heretic! Someone has said that Christianity has not only love but dynamite in its teachings. A study of the teachings and life of Jesus is a dangerous theme for Negro students today. They are coming to see more and more that he had no place for, no sympathy with the preju- dice which they see practiced daily by white Christians who crowd the white churches on Sunday. To see this dif- ference without being cynical; to be de- termined to live up to the ideals of Jesus even if no one else in the world should do it, this is another problem that faces thinking Negro youth. ; Negro students, then, are of various religious types, even as are white stu- dents, but they have the added problem of the contradiction between the universality of Jesus and the narrow prejudices of white Christianity. Few of them are con- tent, as were their grandparents and in some cases their parents, to leave all social adjustment to Heaven. There seems likely to be an increased turning away from religion which need not be, if white Christians learn to say and act as they meet these brown Christians, “No longer do I call you servants, but I have called you friends!” FROM CULTIVATED MIS- SISSIPPI E quote a recent editorial from the Jackson, Mississippi, Daily News with apologies to the World Tomorrow. There is another Negro publication, known as “The World Tomorrow”, en- couraged if not actually fostered by that despicable organization of social equality advocates known as “The American As- sociation for the Advancement otf Col- ored People”. It is an organization that has not to its credit a single achievement for the advancement of colored people, and perhaps the less said about the per- sonnel of its membership the better. We are not getting down to the sub- ject. A recent issue of “The Chicago Defender”, sent to the “Daily News” by special delivery, contains the following editorial: In his campaign speech, just prior to his election as Governor of Mis- sissippi, Brother Bilbo, according to “The World Tomorrow”, made the following statement: “There are not 2,000 negroes qualified to vote.” “The World Tomorrow” follows this up with the statement that “The United States census of 1920 de- clares that of 453,663 Negroes 21 years of age and over living in Mississippi 290,782 can read and write.” With these facts upon which to work, the question now is, How did Governor Bilbo get elected? How did he arrive at the conclusion that only 2,000 persons were quali- fied to vote? Just what, besides be- ing white, is a qualification to vote in Mississippi ? And, incidentlly, wasn’t it this same Governor Bilbo, who, during one of his previous administrations, wired Dr. DuBois in answer to a query as to what he intended to do about a lynching in that state: “Nothing. Go to h—”! At any rate, that’s Mississippi for you—and that’s its Governor. If Bilbo really did send that telegram to DuBois—and we can readily imagine he did—then we glory in his spunk and also applaud his terseness of expression. DuBois is a Northern Negro who hates the South and everything Seuthern. He is brilliantly educated, but has a warped mind. He is perhaps the most vicious,’ vindictive, volatile, amd uncom- promising hater of the Seuthern white man who ever lived. If yeu have any doubts concerning this diagmesis, read 2 few of the books he has written. Apropos of the small number of Negroes eligible for suffrage in Missis- sippi, “The Chicago Defender”, “The World Tomorrow”, and ether social equality publications, have only to read the constitution of the commenwealth to find out how we have reduced Negro suffrage to a minimum. Incidentally, the aforesaid constitution has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States, so there is nothing they can do about it. At any rate, the people of Mississippi are not going to do anything to relieve the deplorable condition complained of by “The Chicago Defender” and “The World Tomorrow”. We are quite well satisfied with things as they are. In the language of Theodore Bilbo, “Go to hell!” THe Crisis | |
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DISCOVERING SEYMOUR CARROLL N unnamed daily paper in Green- ville, South Carolina, is quoted in the Nashville Baptist Union Re- : aR Carroll is the son of Rev. Richard Carroll, broadly known in South Carolina and other Southern States as a Negro Baptist minister who has wrought long with exceptional ability, and did much toward a better under- standing between the whites and Negroes ‘in the South. Rev. Richard Carroll is now an invalid. We hail with satisfac- tion tokens that his son Seymour may hecome a voice concerning race relations in the South as sane and wholesome as has long been that of his father. The substance of the utterance of Mr. Carroll, who is Field Secretary of the American Humane Education Society, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Mass., was in his criticism of the National As- sociation for the Advancemnnt of Col- ored People, with headquarters in New York. It is our understanding that this is the organization of which the radical and bitter-hearted Boston half-blood Negro and Spaniard, W. E. B. Dubois, is the informing spirit. DuBois is be- lieved by informed persons to be doing more at the present time to stir up race antagonism than all other forces com- bined. He is the editor of a periodical, and through it his characteristic work is to propagate malignant views against white people. Unhappily the Dubois cult has already made inroads among some Negro elements in the South. Negro preachers, who are leadership of the race, generally deplore the Dubois method—and ‘this is reassuring. * * * Seymour Carroll plainly told his Southern Negro school audience that the National Association for the Advance- ment of Colored People has done more to hurt the Negro in his relation to the whites in the South than to help him. Many whites have come to the same con- clusion, and we rejoice that this gifted young Negro leader, showing the same fine courage his father has always shown, does not hesitate to come out and tell his people what he believes on the sub- ject. IN THE COCOA COUNTRY HE London, England, Daily Sketch has this note: When he was going down from Ash- anti to the Coast a little while ago he Stopped at a wayside halt, and went into a tiny village store. There he noticed a boy of about six- teen, dressed in a smock and nothing else, addressing an envelope. The writ- ing was so good that Colonel Levey asked if he could see it. It was ad- dressed to the Master of an Oxford col- ege. “You write very well,” said the Col- onel. “Where were you educated ?” “At the Government School in Coom- assie, sir. I am writing now to Oxford, use | want to go to the University.” April, 1928 Colonel Levey looked at the boy. It was only a smock he wore. It might just as well have been a loin cloth. So he asked him where he lived. “Over there, with my father.” The boy pointed out of the door to mud hut across the way. “And does your father know that it costs money to go to Oxford?” “Oh! yes, sir. He knows it will cost £500 a year, and he will allow me that.” Colonel Levey, wondering how £500 a year was to come out of an Ashanti mud hut, asked what the boy’s father was. It turned out that he was a cocoa farmer, the son of one of King Prem- peh’s savage warriors, but now a man of property and prosperity. TRIAL BY JURY IN BRITISH WEST AFRICA MERICAN Negroes should fol- low with interest the fine fight which Dr. Bankole Bright, a well- known barrister of Sierra Leone, is making to restore trial by jury in Sierra Leone. ‘The facts of the case are thus stated in an editorial in the London African World: This dissatisfaction with the criminal law of Sierra Leone which has long ex- isted in that Colony, has been given def- imite form by Dr. Bankole Bright's ad- dress to the West African students in London, on which we commented in our issue of October 22nd. The trial of Mr. C. T. May, former Mayor of Free- town, and three of the officials of the Corporation for embezzlement attracted attention and called forth much com- ment. This has now been focussed by Dr. Bright in a series of statements which cannot be ignored by the Colonial Office or the local government. Dr. Bright is a well-known public man, whose words carry weight. As a medi- cal practitioner of long standing he has gained the confidence of his people who have elected him to the Legislative Coun- cil as the Second Urban Member. Speaking with the responsibility of that position he makes serious and definite criticism of the administration of the law in the colony. He states that in 1894 the legal system under which trial by jury was established and had been carried on for 85 years to the general satisfaction was altered because the Gov- ernor (Sir Frederick Cardew) was dis- satisfied at the acquittal, by a jury, of an African official charged with embez- zlement: in order to secure the convic- tion of this official the “Assessors Ordi- nance” was hastily passed through the Legislative Council in spite of protests from the Bar and the public. By this ordinance the judge presiding at a trial is bound, if the Attorney-General ap- plies for it, to appoint assessors to hear the case instead of a jury, but is not bound to accept their verdict. Dr. Bright alleges that the Attorney-Gen- eral exercises this discretion only in cases in which educated Africans are criminally charged. [Illiterate Africans are allowed the privilege of trial by jury, but educated Africans, especially officials and public men, are tried by a judge who can, and frequently does, ig- nore the opinion of his assessors, and can convict accused persons whom the assessors have pronounced not guilty. Dr. Bright has stated that “95 per cent of educated Africans tried by Judge Pur- cell with the aid of assessors have been convicted as the result of the judge over- riding the assessors’, and cited specific cases. A person thus convicted has no right of appeal, but the judge may, if he so elects, state a case for the Full Court. Even if the judge should elect to do so the appeal is virtually to him- self as he sits as President of the Court which hears it. It is not surprising, therefore, that Dr. Bright has raised the question of a West African Appeal Court for both civil and criminal cases which has been pressed by all the Col- onies for some years past. They are able and willing to bear the expense. As Dr. Bright’s speech has been reported in the Press, and is issued in pamphlet form, it cannot be passed over on a plea of official ignorance. His challenge must be taken up; his position as a member of his local legislature gives the Gov- ernment opportunity to call upon him to substantiate, or withdraw, his allega- tions; if it fail to do so its failure will be regarded as avoidance, or admission of their truth. N West Africa, London, Dr. Bright replies to critics: I submit to the British public that I have established a case for the considera- tion of the Colonial Office and the Brit- ish public. I submit that I have estab- lished the fact that there has been mis- carriage of justice in Sierra Leone; that the adminsitration of justice in Sierra Leone courts is less satisfactory than the administration of justice in some of our primitive courts. I submit that I have established the fact that the Ordinance is used as a lever to wreck the honour of educated Africans, particularly the pub- lic man, and I say that the essential facts have been established not only by myself but by the majority of the edu- cated Africans and by the records of the courts of Sierra Leone. I submit that I have made out a case for the repeal of the Ordinance, for the re-introduction of the system of trial by jury in all cases, and for the creation of an independent criminal appeal court. I feel that by the present operation of the Ordinance Government is setting up a class of educated criminals who when opportunity arises will become hostile to British rule and order. I appeal to the British nation to call for a halt to this travesty of justice. I appeal to the Colonial Office to recognize its sacred trust to protect the liberty of the people of West Africa. No Englishman would, conscious of what is taking place in the courts of Sierra Leone, allow such op- erations to continue. , Something has happened lately which has set us all thinking. Mr. Osoba May, son of Cornelius May, a victim of this Ordinance, is dead. This young 131 |
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man, we know, has, apart from other conditions, died with a perplexed mind on account of the treatment of his father. It is stated (I do not know how true it is), that after the conviction of his father he approached the Judge re- questing him to send him to prison in place of his father. After his father’s conviction, Osoba May cut off most of his associations; he brooded over his father’s trouble and walked in the streets of Freetown with bowed head and heavy mind. He was positive that his father was innocent, and he believed that his imprisonment was a plot. He was per- plexed and dejected, and even on his dying bed it is alleged that he never failed to repeat that his father had been wickedly treated, and we know that he died deeply grieving over his father’s mistortune. | stand for a strong organic connec- tion between West Africa and_ the Motherland. I shall ever resist in my humble way any attempt to soil or break this connection, but I shall always insist that justice be meted out to all, irrespective of creed, class or colour. When we remember that Government has control in selection of jurors, by which I mean that the Attorney-General has the right of ulimited challenge, a system which has now and again been put into operation, and when we also re- member that a special jury list of re- spectable and educated members of the community could be made up, we feel that trial by jury could easily be rein- troduced. We appeal for the reintroduction of the system of trial by jury in all cases, together with the constitution of an in- dependent criminal appeal court for West Africa, where three independent judges, from England, would administer the law according to the law. THE COLOR BAR IN SOUTH AFRICA HE Star of Johannesburg, Trans- vaal, South Africa, has this edi- torial : The very heart of the problem of the relationship of the white and coloured races in South Africa is exposed in Pro- fessor W. M. Macmillan’s latest book, “The Cape Colour Question”. The author delves deeply into events and con- ditions in the Cape Colony during the earlier part of last century and throws fresh light upon much that was previ- ously obscure. We are given in some detail the interesting history of the Hot- tentots, the native race inhabiting the Cape at the time of its first white col- onization. Soon after the nineteenth century opened, this race had been al- ready merged into the Cape coloured people, receiving in the process an ad- mixture of Bantu, Malay and European blood. The Hottentot type persists to a large .extent, and the author himself stresses the fact that the remarkable rise of this coloured race in the scale of civ- ilization is due, not to the infusion of a small proportion of other blood, but to 132 contact with Europeans, even though such contact was, until comparatively recent date, by way of slavery or serf- dom. The rise of the coloured people, intellectually, socially and politically, is all the more striking in view of the events which accompanied it, first the abolition of slavery, then the politico- missionary campaign, in which Dr. John Philip was the chief figure, and finally the establishment of representative gov- ernment at the Cape. The book is largely concerned with the activities and writings of Dr. Philip, and it vividly presents the struggles, bitterness and blunderings of those days. If it may not at once rehabilitate Dr. Philip in the esteem of all South Africans, it will cer- tainly do much to remove the absurd misconceptions which have prevailed in the past, and which have been strength- ened by the biased accounts of his life and times which have passed muster as history. LABOR UNIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA HE Cape Town correspondent of the African World, London, dis- cusses the problem of native trade unions: The problem of native trade umonism becomes increasingly acute, and it is ob- vious that the movement is destined to become a vital factor in the economic life of the country. To endeavor to stamp out the movement would be futile, and for that reason the hostility of cer- tain farmers towards laborers, belong- ing to a trade union is to be deplored. There is no earthly reason why a native should not belong to an organization which seeks to safeguard his interests. It is as well to recognize the fact. The policy of evicting natives from farms and of replacing native labour by European labour in some industries has led to considerable bitterness, which was expressed at the first annual convention of the African National Congress at Kimberly. The natives, it was con- tended, had helped in the development of the industrial and commercial life of this country. In consequence it was not fair for the white man to take up an attitude of antagonism to native labour- ers. The black races were urged to stand together as one man. European trade unions are finding the growth of African trade unionism em- barrassing because they find it hard to reconcile their views on equality of op- portunity, irrespective of colour or creed, with their refusal to co-operate with their black brethren. The I. C. U. wants to become afhliated with the white trade unions, but the latter feel the time is not yet ripe for such co-operation, “whilst keeping in view the soundness of the principle that all bona fide trade unions and employees’ associations should be linked up in a national co-or- dinating body, and through that national body to the international organization.” A pretty high-sounding phrase, which reminds one of the old saying about matter is sympathy without relief being like myus- tard without beef. The truth of the that the trade unions have shied at the issue, and are playing for time in the hope that some solution wil] turn up. Among the objections to afhliation with the I. C. U. is that the 100,000 members claimed by the I. C. U. would on a card vote in any congress outvote all other unions put together if a division took place, as is possible, on race lines, THE SOUTHERN MOB WO extracts illustrates the mob spirit of the Bourbon South. James Bond writes in the Louisville Herald Post: As an evidence that mobs often lynch the wrong person, it is related that while a mob of several hundred ‘white tarmers in Arkansas were searching the country-side in an effort to locate Elbert ‘Thomas, 18-year-old Negro boy, whom they suspected of being responsible for the death of Julius McCullum, 11-year- old white boy, the colored youth’s body was discovered lifeless in the woods half buried under a clump of bushes and partly in the water where he had put up a heroic fight to save the life of the littke white boy whom he was suspected of slaying. This became known when Grady Swain, white, 19, confessed that he and Robert Bell, ‘white, had mur- dered the little boy because they knew he usually had money on his _ person. The confession states that not only did they drown the white boy, but killed the colored boy in his effort to save his little companion. HE following extract is taken from the Potter's Wheel: Few men _ build schools, _ revive churches, improve economic conditions —and are asked to move on _ because they succeed. Yet that is part of the story of Mr. Hannar, a young Negro preacher trom Georgia, as he told it in a great Metro- politan church in Boston. Mr. Hannar is a graduate of Pea- body Academy, in Troy, N. C., graduate of Talladega College and Seminary, and has had training for rural church work. His first charge was at Bexar, Ala- bama. Interested in community im- provements, he secured a Rosenwald school for his colored parishioners. It was a good school—so good that the school inspector used it to shame the white people by a too-pointed compari- son with their own educational facilities. This fling did not have the desired ef- feot. It inspired not shame but jealousy. Hannar had incurred the hatred of cer- tain financial interests in the community by obtaining farm loans at 8 per cent, thus depriving the local Shylocks of the 15 per cent they were charging ignorant Negro farmers. The school jealousy was excuse enough and the Negro leader was asked to select a new field of labor. THe Carisis ~
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KRIGWA 1928, $1350 IN PRIZES THE CHARLES WADDELL CHESNUTT HONORARIA OR the best contribution, picture or article appearing in THe Crisis this month and every month for the next year: $25 $50 Total for the year........... $600 THE ECONOMIC PRIZES The following colored banks and insurance societies have promised us $750 for prizes on Negro economic development: The Liberty Life Insurance Company, Chicago The National Benefit Life Insurance Company, Washington The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Durham The Northeastern Life Insurance Company, Newar The Southern Aid Society, Richmond The Supreme Life and Casualty Company, Columbus The Victory Life Insurance Company, Chicago The Binga State Bank, Chicago The First Standard Bank, Louisville The People’s Finance Corporation, St. Louis The Prudential Bank, Washington The St. Lukes Penny Savings Bank, Richmond We are offering with this sum prizes for short stories, essays or cartoons, which will illustrate or study or tell the story of the economic development of the Negro: of Negroes as laborers, as farmers,’ as skilled workers, as business men, in all the different lines of business. One Second Prize..................... 100 One Third 100 Two Fourth Prizes.................... 50 each Eight Prizes for Honorable Mention.... 25 each Write us for information. OF THINGS CONTEMPTIBLE EDUCATION Pag in a while one comes across a backwash of race discrimina- tion, so contemptible as to be almost unbelievable. We set this down to keep the record accurate. In Phila- delphia a young colored man suddenly disappeared. He was a brilliant stu- dent and a fine, manly character. His frantic parents sought him by every method and failed. Finally, they asked the Philadelphia daily papers to carry his picture offering to pay any cost. Not a single Philadelphia pa- per-—the Public Ledger, the Bulletin, the Inguirer—none of them, would carry the picture. They said it was against their policy to print pictures of colored folk! The boy has never n found. April, 1928 ERE comes again our up-to-date United States Bureau of Educa- tion with a bulletin on “Statistics of State School Systems, 1926-27”. But do not look for any real information on Negro School systems of the South. Oh no! Not a word as to their cost, the taxation of rent and labor that supports them, the division of public funds—on all this silence like the grave. We can, of course, learn that the annual cost of state school sys- tems, per pupil attending, is: 39.00 Mississippi ;........ 30.00 South Carolina ..... 46.00 While the average for the nation is $100 and several states reach $150. Everybody knows that in the states above the expense of Negro schools does not reach $20 and yet the great United States Bureau of Education has not got the guts to learn and tell the truth about it. THE HOUSE OF THE BLACK , BURGHARDTS F one slips out the Northern neck of Manhattan and flies to the left of the silver Sound, one swoops in time onto the Golden River; and dodging its shining beauty, now right, now left, one comes after a hundred miles of lake, hill and mountain, in the Old Bay State. ‘Then at the foot of high Mt. Everett one takes a sol- emn decision: left is sweet, old Shef- field; but pass it stolidly by and slip gently right into tiny South Egre- mont which always sleeps. Then wheel right again and come to Egre- mont Plain and the House of the Black Burghardts. It is the first home that I remember. There my mother was born and all her nine brothers and sisters. ‘There perhaps my grandfather was born, al- though that I do not know. At any rate, on this wide and lovely plain, beneath the benediction of grey-blue mountain and the low music of rivers, lived for a hundred years the black Burghardt clan. Up and to the east on a hill of rocks was Uncle Ira; down and to the south was Uncle Harlow in a low, long, red house beside a pond—in a house of secret passages, sudden steps, low, narrow doors and unbelievable furniture. And _ here right in the center of the world was Uncle ‘Tallow, as Grandfather Othello was called. It was a delectable place—simple, square and low, with the great room of the fireplace, the flagged kitchen, half a step below, and the lower wood- shed beyond. Steep, strong stairs led up to Sleep, while without was a brook, a well and a mighty elm. Al- most was I born there myself but that Alfred Du Bois and Mary Burghardt honeymooned a year in town and then brought me as a baby back to Egre- mont Plain. I left the home as a child to live in town again and go to school. But 133 Du Pore | |
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fore furtive glimpses I did not see the house again for more than a quarter century. Then riding near on a chance journey | suddenly was home- sick for that house. I came to the spot. There it stood, old, lonesome, empty. Its windowless eyes stared blindly on the broad, black highway to New York. It seemed to have shrunken timidly into itself. It had lost color and fence and grass and up to the left and down to the right its sister homes were gone —dead and gone with no stick nor stone to mark their burial. From that day to this I desperately wanted to own that house for no earthly reason that sounded a bit like sense. It was 130 long miles from my work. It was decrepit almost be- yond repair save that into its tough and sturdy timbers the Black Burg- hardts had built so much of their own dumb pluck that— “Why the stairs don’t even creak!” said She, climbing gingerly aloft. But | fought the temptation away. Yachts and country estates and limou- sines are not adapted to my income. Oh, | inquired of course. The re- plies were discouraging. And once every year or so | drove by and stared sadly; and even more sadly and brok- enly the House of the Black Burg- hardts stared back. Then of a sudden Somebody whose many names and places I do not know sent secret emissaries to me on a birth- day which I had firmly resolved not to celebrate. Sent emissaries who showed me all the Kingdoms of this World, including something in green with a cupola; and also The House: and I smiled at the House. And they said by telegram—‘“The House of the Black Burghardts is come home again —it is yours!” Whereat in great joy I celebrated another birthday and drew plans. And from its long, hiding place I brought out an old black pair of tongs. Once my grandfather, and mayhap his, used them in the great fireplace of the House. Long years I have car- ried them tenderly over all the earth. The sister shovel, worn in holes, was lost. But when the old fireplace rises again from the dead on Egremont Plain, its dead eves shall see not only the ghosts of old Tom and his son Jack and his grandson Othello and his great grandson, me—but also the real presence of these iron tongs rest- ing again in fire worship in the House of the Black Burghardts. PROTEST WISH to enter a protest against the carelessness being used by Negro editors and Negro authors in writing 134 the name of Paul Laurence Dunbar. With greater and greater frequency in newspapers, magazines and even books by Negroes the middle name of the poet is being written Lawrence. There were few things that irritated Paul Laurence Dunbar more than to have anyone write his middle name with a “w” instead of a “u”. I wish to protest also against the use of the word “Aframerican” in a derisive and burlesque sense. I have a somewhat personal interest and pride in this word because | was, I think, the first American writer to use the term. I used it in the preface to “The Book of American Negro Poetry” to designate in a general way the poets of colored blood of North America, South America and the West Indies. Sir Harry Johnson used it in the same sense before I did. It is a needed term and besides is practical and scienti- fically correct. It ought not to be degraded by being used as a synonym for “darkey”, “blackamoor’, “dinge”™ and such words for the sake of “smart Alec” writing. James JOHNSON. San Jose, California, February 7, 1928. EAR SIR: In response to your notice that my subscription thas expired, I am en- closing check for renewal. I am a member of the local N. A. A. C. P. and am working actively with them, and it has been in my mind for a long time to write to THe Crisis and make some criticism of its policies and content. It has seemed to me that it is en- tirely too “high-brow” a magazine for general appeal. Our group here is entirely working-class, and while some of them subscribe, I doubt if any of them read much of it, or understand in the least the scholarly satire of its editorials. These seem to me to be addressed to a very limited group of Negroes and white liberals. The workers do understand your protests against lynching and other out- rages, and from your notes and photo- graphs, know that there are success- ful bankers, business-men and artists and attractive looking girls, and this may give them a certain vicarious sat- isfaction, appealing to their race van- ity. But does it not accomplish ex- actly what the white papers (I should say “yellow”’’) accomplish when they laud American enterprise, rouse na- tional vanity, and make the workers believe that all may become million- aires and presidents? In other words, lull their discontent and resentment and make them easier to deal with and suppress? I think it does. When one of your prominent intel- lectuals rises in public conference with whites and appeals to them to give “us” social equality and “we’’ will deal with our masses, this attitude reaches its limit. I think THe Crisis should repudiate such an appeal, and realize and emphasize the fact—for jt is a fact—that your intellectuals them- selves will never receive social recogni- tion while the economic necessity ex- ists for keeping the races hostile. They must fight side by side with the work- ers. The Editor is frankly sympathetic with Russian conditions and the race equality that exists in Russia, and must understand that it is only the Russian economic change that has made these conditions possible; yet he himself tacitly excludes workers from impor- tant committees, and THe Crisis-prac- tically excludes labor discussions from its pages. I do not believe THe Crisis can afford an uncompromising working- class attitude, but I do think this na- tional organ should recognize that something like 98 per cent of the race are workers, and that advancement does not mean for them a rising out of their class to become bankers and oil well owners, or even artists and teachers. I think it should be recog- nized that Negro bankers and _intel- lectuals will deal with their working- class just as the white bankers and intellectual prostitutes deal with the white workers. Note that when the Negro porters become too strong, and the movement could not be killed, Ne- gro bourgeoisie joined with A. F. L. “fakirs” to control the movement. The Negro organ should at least appeal to the understanding and to the interest of the 98 per cent, and should address its editorials to these. Only so can you build up a mass-or- gan, and only so can you stimulate vour masses to fight their own fight— and yours—with you. Sincerely yours, ANNA PorTER. P.S. There should be constant stress laid on the organization of Negroes as workers, and affiliation with white workers. I can hardly expect you to publish this, but I should be very glad if you would and get a discussion with your subscribers, letting each give his eco- nomic status. I am white bourgeois “intellectual”, no occupation. After all which is the Greater Life —the Finer World? A world full of real problems—a life terribly in ear- nest with Danger and Death; or 4 world carefully upholstered, with God tempering the winds filled with mat- ters only transient and make-believe! ‘Tue Crisis | | —
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ATLANTA UNIVERSITY IONEER liberal education. P Advantages of a growing city and fraternal relations with other institu- tions of higher learning. College and Normal Departments. Practice teach- ing in grade and High School work. Graduates make good in Northern Uni- versities. FOR INFORMATION, Address The President, Atlanta University ATLANTA, GA. MorEHOUSE COLLEGE (Formerly Atlanta Baptist College) ATLANTA, GA. College, Academy, Divinity School N institution famous within recent years for its emphasis on all sides of manly development—the only insti- tution in the far South devoted solely to the education of Negro young men. Graduates given high ranking by greatest northern universities. Debat- ing, Y. M. C. A., athletics, all live fea- tures. FOR INFORMATION, Address JOHN HOPE, President Clark University ATLANTA, GEORGIA “Culture for Service’”’ QVER 100 acres of beautiful campus. Twelve build- ings with new $215,000.00 Administration Build- ing with modern Chapel, Laboratories and Gymnasium. Clark University offers unusual educational oppor- tunities to aspiring young men and women. Terms reasonable. Departments: College of Arts and Sci- ence, Normal Training School, College Preparatory, Music and Home Economics. For information address M. S. DAVAGE, President HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, D. C. Founded by General O. O. Howard MORDECAI W. JOHNSON, President EMMETT J. SCOTT, Scretary-Treasurer Purpose T © provide the Twelve Million Colored People of the United States with College-trained and Professional Leaders through its Courses in the Arts, the Sciences, in Education, Commerce and Finance, Public Health and Hygiene, Music, Engi- neering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Religion and Law. Students May Enter for Collegiate Work at the Beginning of Any Quarter Autumn Sept. 24, 25, 26, 1928 FOR CATALOG AND INFORMATION WRITE: F. D. WILKINSON, Registrar HOWARD UNIVERSITY Washington, D. C. Talladega College TALLADEGA, ALABAMA Sixty-first Year F. A. SUMNER, President UP-TO-DATE in i's equipment. High standards of scholaship. Thoroughly Christian in its ideals. DEPARTMENTS: Theological Seminary, College of Arts and Science, offering special courses in Educa- —_. Social Service, Music, Physical train- ng. Six hundred students, 65 teachers and workers, 800 acres, 35 buildings, electric lights, steam heat. Beautiful and healthful location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. An ideal place for young men and women. For further information address M. B. MILLER, Registrar. Knoxville College KNOXVILLE, TENN. OD PP PPP PPPS PPP PPP PPP PPP PPP OPP Beautiful Situation and Healthful Location. Best Moral and Spiritual Environment. Splendid Intellectual Atmosphere. Noted for Honest and Thorough Work. Fully Accredited for Teachers’ Certificates by State Board. Home-like Dormitory Life with Careful Supervision. Live Athletic and Literary Interests. COURSES: College, Normal, High School, House- hold, Arts and Music. Expenses Very Reasonable Catalog and other literature sent free upon request. Address: J. KELLY GIFFEN, President. KNOXVILLE, TENN. The NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGE for NEGROES Formerly the Durham State Normal School OFFERS THE FOLLOWING COURSES 1. THE LIBERAL ARTS COURSE Leading to the A. B. Degree and offering sufficient work in Secondary Education to enable students to secure High School Teachers’ Cer- tificates, Class A, and High School Principals’ Certificates at the com- pletion of the course. 2. THE SCIENTIFIC COURSE Leading to the B. S. Degree. 3. THE PRE-MEDICAL COURSE A two-year pre-medical course preparing students for entrance into medical colleges will be given. 4. SPECIAL COURSES IN COMMERCE AND MUSIC The faculty consists of men and women from the best colleges and universities -~ the country and meets the requirements of the North Carolina College Con- erence. FOR CATALOG AND FURTHER INFORMATION ADDRESS: THe NortTH CAROLINA COLLEGE For JAMES E. SHEPARD . DURHAM, N. C. KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ATLANTA UNIVERSITY Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga. TRAINING OF St. Mary’s School An Episcopal boarding school for girls, under the direction of the sisters of St. Mary. Address: THE SISTER-IN-CHARGE, 6138 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. Professional Course of Two Years Address April, 1928 135
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A CLASS “A” COLLEGE a with New York Board of Regents raining Two years (Class One) College work required for admission to the Departments of Medicine and of ,"Sligh School or Normal School required for admission to the Dentistry. Graduation from a four years Departments and Nurse For catalog application THERE IS AN ESPECIALLY GREAT DEMAND bienk address FOR OUR DENTISTS. JOHN J. MULLOWNEY, M.D., President of Meharry Medical College, NASHVILLE, TENN. Agriculturai and Technical College of North Carolina AT GREENSBORO An “A” Grade College An Agricultural Department Courses leading to the degree of B.S. in Agriculture. A Technical Department Courses leading to the degree of B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engi- neering and Architectural Engineering. A Science Department Hampton Institute Hampton, Virginia THE COLLEGE 1 DIVISION OF EDUCATION—four-year high- school teacher's course leading to degree of Bachelor of Science; and two-year courses for primary, intermediate and wupper-grade teachers. 2 DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE — four-year 0 a course leading to degree of Bachelor of ' Scienee. Courses leading to the degree of Bachelor 8 DIVISION OF HOME ECONOMICS—four- of Science. : year course leading to degree lor A Department of Education of Science; and two-year course. 4 DIVISION OF BUSINESS—four-year course leading to degree of Bachelor of Science and two-year course—aims to prepare men and women for business positions or to teach business subject. 5 DIVISION OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION r-year course leading to degree of Bachelor of Science: and two-year course— aims to train skilled builders. 6 DIVISION OF LIBRARY SCIENCE—one- year professional course—aims to prepare librarians for normal schools, colleges and branch libraries in city systems. ’ THE SUMMER SCHOOL—<courses leading to degree of Bachelor of Sciénce and State Oertificates. & DIVISION OF MUSIC—four-year course lead- ing to degree of Bachelor of Science. THE ACADEMY A etandard four-year accredited high school, preparing for college entrance. TRADE SCHOOL Four-year courses in each of twelve trades. Courses leading to the degree of B.S. in Education, for the training of Vocational Trade D rade Department Offering the following trades: Betetderine. Plastering, Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Automobile Mechanics, Machine Shop Prac- tice, Zadering. Shoe Making and Repairing, Plumbing, Electricity, Forging. A Standard Technical High School A High School which prepares students for College and for Vocations. A Strong Business Department Courses in Typewriting, Book- keeping, Commercial Law. MODERN EQUIPMENT SPLENDID LOCATION MODERATE EXPENSES FALL TERM BEGINS SEPT. 14, 1928 For further information, address F. D. BLUFORD, President A. & T. COLLEGE Greensboro, N. C. JAMES E. GREGG, Principal HAMPTON INSTITUTE, Virginia The TUSKEGEE NORMAL and INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE Founded by Dr. Booker T. WASHINGTON Offers Exceptional Opportunities to Negro Youth for Thorough Education in Hak School and College Courses and in Agriculture, Mechanical Industries and in Industries for Women. Teachers in Elementary Schools, for Teachers of Mechanical Industries and in THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANI- 4 Business Training. orty trades including rpentry rick - laying, Auto-Mechanics, Applied Electric ity, Photography, Printing, Machine Shop Practice and Tailoring. FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE COURSES leading to the Bachelor of Science degree are offered in Agriculture and in Home THE WOMAN’S INDUSTRIES include Home Economics — Courses in Foods, ——" THE JOHN A. ANDREW MEMO ing, House anagement ition to ° . Home Crafts and Ladies’ Tailoring. RIAL OSPITAL and Nurse Training School provides a three-year course in Nurse Training which onli its gradu- THE AGRICULTURAL DEPART- MENT with 2,000 acres of land offers a comprehensive four-year course in Second- ary Agriculture and a full four-year col- lege course in Adva Agriculture to train young men and women as Farm Demonstration and Home Demonstration Agents, Teachers of Agriculture and as ific Farmers. ates for registration in all southern states. A SUMMER SCHOOL FOR TEACH- ERS, of ten weeks, divided into two terms, nning June Ist and meeting the re- quirements of the Boards of Education of all southern states. TWO-YEAR COLLEGE COURSES are : ¥ Information furnished upon application offered in Education for the training of William H. Carter, Treasurer Robert R. Moton, Principal TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE, ALABAMA 136 Common School in Oklahoma (Continued from page 116) number enrolled in such districts. The poor comparative showing is made de. spite the fact that the independent dis. tricts are in session more days during the school year with more opportunities oftered for absence. Many causes for such showing may be assigned, such as: longer distances over muddy roads jn rural districts; sidewalks and _ shorter distances in independent districts; the greater variety and larger amount of work done by rural children at home: the more attractive school environ- ment in the towns and the cities: bet- ter prepared teachers required of in- dependent districts; larger groups of children of the same age and _ attain- ments in the larger schools, making it possible to engage in more school ac- tivities and to offer a greater variety of courses; and the system of promo- tion to the next higher grade which induces better attendance. ‘These and other causes are responsible for the poor attendance in rural districts and the better record made by children in the independent districts.” HE fact that Negro attendance is even lower than for whites de- mands some explanation. Of the fac- tors referred to above as affecting regularity of attendance, the matter of child labor on the farms, as well as attractiveness of program, probably represent the differential suggested here, though probably all of these cir- cumstances affect the Negro schools more largely than they do the white schools. It is discouraging to note from our data that average daily attendance fig- ures have not shown an increase in Oklahoma during the last three years. It is also strikingly evident that coun- ties in which the average daily at- tendance is below 50% that there 1s no possibility of doing efficient work. Attention is particularly directed to Tillman county, with an average daily attendance of 44%. Reference to the tables showing per capita expenditures will indicate that Tillman county is among the group of counties with an exceedingly low per capita expenditure. Summary ONDITIONS of attendance upon the schools of Oklahoma main- tained for Negro youth show little im- provement in the three year period represented by the state report of 1922- 1923 and the present survey for the year 1925-1926. Attendance figures show such dis- gracefully low averages for most of the counties of the state that it is ob- vious that many children are receiv- ing but little profit from their irregu- lar attendance. The urban districts THe Crisis | |
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Lincoln University Pioneer in Collegiate and Theological Education cered by the Association of ee of accredited Vriddle States and Mary OPP PII SSI LN Graduates are Leaders in the At a professions and in all parts of the country. Address: Wm. Hallock Johnson, President LINCOLN UNIVERSITY CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA VIRGINIA NoRMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE (Virginia State College for Negro Youth) PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Classed as an “‘A’’ college by Virginia and North Carolina The College offers an excellent FACULTY, good physical conditions, curricula leading to degrees in the Arts and Selences, Eudcation, Music, Home Economics, Agriculture and Industrial Education and a FOUK QUARTER SYSTEM of Organization. Graduates given high rating by Northern Colleges. Spring Quarter opens March 17 and Summer Quar- ter June 16. Expenses moderate. For further information write to Miss J. Louise Barrett, Registrar VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY RICHMOND, VIRGINIA ATED as a class A college by the State Boards of Education in Vir- ginia and North Carolina. In addition to the general college cur- riculum, work is offered in the follow- ing departments : Teachers College Pre-Medical Theological Law Commercial For additional imformation address THE PRESIDENT The Cardinal Gibbons Institute RIDGE, ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MARYLAND A school for Negro young men and wo- men ef character and purpose. Course of Junior High School grade offered for the coming year. General Mechanics, Agriculture and Do- mestic Science are taught in parallel courses. Living conditions simple, healthful, well- supervised. For further information, address Victor H. Daniel, Principal, Ridge, Maryland Fisk University IN THE CITY OF NASHVILLE The College Accredited four year liberal arts college. With 12 major departments. Music Department College major leading to B.A. degree. Diploma in music. Graduate Department Graduate work in Chemistry, English, History, Philosophy and Sociology. SPRING QUARTER OPENS March 20, 1928 Summer Session for teachers begins June 9, 1928 For Particulars, Address THE DEAN Fisk University Nashville, Tenn. SHAW UNIVERSITY Founded 1865 Devoted exclusively to College and Theological work. “A” class college having a prestige in _ gro education. Given graduate sanding universities of the North. igh increasing emphasis is yy upon college standards and the promotion of col- in scholarship and athletics. ven: A.B., B.S., Th.B. and B.S. onomics. ghee attention is given to the training of teachers. Terms pend or catalog. Address: dent, SHAW ERSITY, NORTH CAROLINA JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY (Formerly Biddle University) FOUNDED 1867 FOR MEN ONLY LASS “A” College and High School, so recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Education. A Standard Theological Seminary. Member of the Association of Col- leges for Negro Youth. Large endowment. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, address H. L. McCROREY, President Charlotte, North Carolina Bethune-Cookman Colle ge (Formerly The Daytona Normal and Industrial Inst.) DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA OCATED in the beautiful Halifax country on the East coast of Florida. An institution where opportunity is afforded for the highest and best in education. Offering courses in JUNIOR COLLEGE Normal Training School for Teachers College Preparatory work offered in Commerce, Music, Do- mestic Science and Art, Agriculture and Car- pentry. Athletics encouraged for Boys and Girls. Dormitory Facilities unsurpassed. FOR INFORMATION, Write to Mary McLeod Bethune, President Epwarp WATERS COLLEGE [he Aacrum School of Music OGers Courses in Piano, Pipe Organ, Violin, So armony, , Theory, eggio, Harm Now England Conservatory method. cellent faculty. Fine dormitory rooms. Director: MRS. ESTELLE ANCRUM FORSTER Graduate N.E.C., 1919-20. SEND FOR YEAR BOOK. ADDRESS: 74 W. Rutland Sq., Boston, Mass. JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA An Ideal Christian Home Schoc in the Heart of Beautiful Florida For students unable to stand the rigors of a hig Grammar unior Senior Hi School, Normal — School of Theology, Music, Commer Courses, College Courses leading to B.A. Degree, anual Training, tic Science and Art, Band, Military Training for men, Physical education for women. Albert Cooper, ident Bishep Jehan Hurst, Chairman Beard Trusteces The Atlanta School of Social Work INCORPORATED GOOD PAYING JOBS FOR TRAINED NEGROES IN SOCIAL WORK Prepares Men and Women for This Interesting Profession. A NEW DIRECTOR AND AN EX- PANDED PROGRAM THIS YEAR. For Further Information, Address the Director. Forrester B. Washington, A.M. Atlanta School of Social Work 239 Auburn Avenue Northeast Atlanta, Georgia Simmons University, "Pounded vist The only institution in the State having f object Collegiate, Ministerial, Medical and La training for Colored Citizens in Kentucky. Special training in Insurance, Social ing and Hospital Work. ee Normal, Commercial, Music, Domestic ence, Missionary Training Class. classes, offered PARRISH, April, 1928 137
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surpass the rural districts in this re- spect, although there is a wide varia- tion here, likewise. The basic factors responsible for this condition lie in the inherent na- ture of rural life and the necessities of seasonal occupation and employment of child labor upon the cotton farms. That these conditions might be modi- hed, however, by consolidation of schools, by increased salaries, and by longer school terms, is very evident trom comparisons with data showing the better school attendance obtaining in the cities. Matthew Anderson (Continued from page 117) the reach of his power that he was not always willing to do for them. And, even to those who were not, in any special sense his friends, he was always ready, when opportunity pre- sented itself, to show them a kindness. He was a splendid specimen of a man physically—large, robust, well proportioned, every inch a man. His physical and mental vigor was remark- able. It was really wonderful what he could do, the pace at which he could keep going, day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out. Only latterly, and once in a while, I have seen his strength wavering, seeming to be growing less; but even at such times, he has been able by sheer force of will to carry himself through what- ever he had in hand. I used to mar- vel, at times, as I looked at him, espe- cially latterly, as he was advancing in age, getting up towards four score, at the energy which he displayed. He never seemed to realize the fact that he was growing old, that his Life’s task was drawing to a close. ‘The thought of dying seemed never to have crossed his mind. He was all the time planning, not to die, but to live. He had work, he said, the last time | talked with him, that he wanted to do, and that it would require at least fifteen more years to do it. So that when death came to him, it found his mind, his heart, his whole being taken up with the thought, not of rest, but of work, work, hard, hard, work. In this respect, unlike Hezekiah, his wishes were not to be gratified. But he had done enough, his task was fin- ished, and a noble task it was, cover- ing many years and involving the most strenuous toil, often under most dis- couraging conditions. But he never faltered; he was pressing on with a firm and abiding faith in God, that he would not be allowed to fail in the work which he had undertaken. And he did not fail. God was back of him, and raised up for him all along the way, a host of true and tried friends who encouraged him by their words and by their financial aid. NE of the most notable things about his career in this city, is the large number of the very highest type of white citizens that he won as his friends and that he held firmly to the end. The very last time that | talked with him, one of the things that I charged him to do, was to make a We teach shorthand that one can read and transcri ‘““ouch"’’ rapidly and accurately; unique. The Stenographers’ Institute fv". Duncan’s Business School STENOGRAPHERS EFFICIENTLY TRAINED be; students are taught to manipulate typewriting machines business law is fascinating; A HIGH STANDARD OF EFFICIENCY If the applicant has the educational qualification and willineness to work incessantly, the course finished in a few months. Spring re begins April 2. 1928. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE: to anybody—Clerical, Domestic and otherwise. 1227 S. 17TH 8ST. EDWARD T. DUNCAN, Principal PHILA., PA. and our bookkeeping and filing system is may be 138 Also Funds and Scholarships for CHURCH or itinerary offered. We make the trip possible for you, and pay all expenses. Votes for securing Goods used by every man, woman, and child im the U. S. A. every day. p yourself, school, church, club, Trips and prizes obtainable regardless of number of votes secured. Have us explain. nomination now. CAMPAIGN UNDER DIRECTION Go To PARIS and Europe FREE YOUR CLUB———-BY CERTIFIED PLAN this voyage co Paris and Europe obtained by getting orders for more than 20 guaranteed house- Nominate yourself, teacher, minister, or for this voyage. We will show them how to AMERICAN SERVICE INSTITUTE A Real Education and Vacation for Yourself, Mother, asl or Minister SCHOOL Everybody is going to Europe now. Sail with a fine group of cultured people. Glorious hold mecessities at popular prices, low as 10c, highest $2.00, average 50c. Scores are entering now. Campaign till July 2ist. Costs nothing to enter. Much to gain. mother get it. Gee all information, and special advantage for your nominee by mailing us your CENTRAL OFFICE: 40 SO. CHURCH ST., BECKLEY, W. VA. FOLLOW PHYSICIANS’ EUROPEAN TOUR (Second Tour) Sailing from New York, May 24, S.S. Westphalia, Cabin Class Itinerary includes Germany, Czecho-Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, England and Ireland with a Comprehensive sightseeing Program 75 DAYS—$1,045.00 The Physicians will visit clinies in Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Lyon, Zurich, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Membership open not only to physicians but to their friends and others interested in Europea travel. This is a rare opportunity to visit Europe under ideal conditions. For complete information write Dr. A. Wilberforce Williams 3545 State Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS SEE EUROPE NEXT SUMMER Six Weeks Tour, $385 Become one of a small party of cultivated, congenial rsons who are going to tour France and England under the direction of an experienced European traveler. Visit Shakespeare’s home, Eton, Oxford, London, Paris, Alsace- Lorraine, The Prov. ence, Touraine. Enroute and in Europe lectures will be given on the places to be visited, on con- temporary French life and politics, on French architecture, and ample facilities will be pro- vided for conversational French. For detailed itinerary and _ particulars address PROF. N. P. BARKSDALE Lincoln Univ., Jefferson City, Mo. THE FRANCIS E. W. HARPER GIRLS’ DORMITORIES 1424 Christian Street Philadelphia, Pa. Heme Privileges and Special Rates to Students and Professional Women. MISS JESSIE M. WATKINS, Supt. <0 PARIS S WORTH 1,000 VOTES FOR AS MANY AS NOMINATED BEFORE APRIL 10th. Gentlemen:—I desire to (enter your campaign and to) nominate the following persons: “ev My Address Please Rush each one Information and Equip- ment. THe Crisis | | | | | = | | i
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Why Should This So? OR the year 1927, six thousand two hundred and fifty-three people paid for a total of EF $6,980,882.00 of life insurance with this Company but at the same time two thousand five hundred and fifty-nine people discontinued payment of premiums and allowed policies to lapse amounting to $2,699,587.00. This means that we had to work fully four months of the year, pay some $80,000.00 in expenses, without making any progress at all. One-third of the year to catch up with lapses—only eight months to go forward! We do not believe our record is exceptional for companies doing business with Colored People. Some of these lapses are natural—people lose their jobs; misfortune comes to take the money that might go to pay premiums. Some of these lapses are our fault—agents are over- anxious; persuade people to “sign on the dotted line” when they are not able to meet the payments regularly thereafter; sell the more expensive policy when the lower premium is all the policyholder can pay. We try to correct these mistakes when the lapses occur, but that is often too late. By far the greatest portion of these lapses occur in the first policy year—People are indif- ferent about the fact that they lose the money already paid, drop their life insurance at the first pretext to join something else. Many of them apply for new policies in six months or a year and go through the same process again. This is very expensive for the Company. These people believe in Life Insurance but they fail to realize that an Ordinary Life Insur- ance Policy, unlike some other forms, is a cumulative saving. Like putting money into the bank, premium payments must be made regularly and continuously in order to have the values in the policy accumulate from year to year. The Life Insurance Company has to reserve these savings and pay the policyholder interest on the accumulating amounts. Many people like to play with fire. Our Company is young but hardly a week goes by without a letter from some relative of one of these lapsed policyholders—dead—trying to col- lect the insurance. The letter we have to send them doesn’t lessen the heartache any, neither can it help to clothe the children during the cold winter months. Maybe this doesn’t apply to you, but you can keep our most serious problem in mind, and help us instruct those who need instruction. Victory Life Insurance Company Home Office: 3621 South State St. Chicago, IIl. Pea ae wel “$200,000.00 Capital and the Only Negro Company Operating Under the Vietory Life Insurance Compam~ Supervision of the New York Insurance Department.” AS THE FIRST NEGRO ORGANIZATION PERMITTED TO DO INSURANCE BUSINESS Policies may be secured from our agents or by mail anywhere UNDER THE RIGID REQUIREMENTS OF PHE in the United States ril, 1928 139 | |
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MORGAN (COLLEGE John O. Spencer, President John W. Haywood, A.M., S.T.D., Dean LOCATION os town between North and South COURSES:—Semester Credit System. A.B., B.S., and B.S. in Education degrees. Advanced courses in Education Certifi- cates for high school teaching. RATING:—Accredited by the Association of Colleges and Preparatory Schools for the Middle States and Maryland, by_ the State Board of Education in Maryland, and other States. POLICY :—Co-educational. FACULTY:—University trained specialists. SITE:—Eighty-five acres, beautiful scenery, athletic fields. DORMITORIES:—Equipped and supervised. SUMMER SCHOOL:—(1928) Six weeks, June 25th to August 3rd. DORMITORIES OPEN:—September 2, 1927. REGISTRATION :—Sept. 23rd and 24th, 1927. INFORMATION :—Address Edward N. Wil- son, Registrar, Morgan College, Balti- more, Md. Rust College GOING TO COLLEGE? Come to Rust College—Beautifully Located. Students from Fourteen States College of Liberal Arts, Standard Normal, Home Economics, Music, Junior and Senior High Schools. Efficient Faculty. New Equipment fer Laborateries, Enlarged Library. Rates Reasonable For further information write President L. M. McCoy Holly Springs : Mississippi Allen University Columbia, S$. C. A Co-Educational Institution Offering Courses in THE JUNIOR COLLEGE FOR TEACHERS ARTS AND SCIENCES THEOLOGY sic COMMERCE HOME ECONOMICS TEACHER TRAINING A SPECIALTY DEGREES: A.B.. B.D., Th.B., A.B. in Education Approved by the State of South Carolina. Aided by the Slater Fund and the General Education Board. Facilities increased this year. DAVID H. SIMS, President BISHOP JOHN HURST, Chairman Trustee Board Wiley College MARSHALL, TEXAS M. W. DOGAN, President H. J. MASON, Executive Secretary ideals. Traditions, Standards of the Finest Quality. Faculty composed of high grade teachers. Maintains following departments: College, Senior High School, Extension, Correspon dence, Music, Commerce, Home Economics Founds- tion for Study of Prohibition and the both research and publicity phases. Offers abundant opportunity to students for train- ing in qualities of leadership. Excellent student personnel, fine College atmos- wholesome student activities. Championship debating and athletic teams. Graduates admitted on approval to ~4 universities. Diploma recognized in number of s For further information, write or REGISTRAR. LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE An “A” Class College Founper sy J. C. PRICE N. C. CO-EDUCATIONA RECENTLY RE- ORGANIZED PRESENTS VERY STRONG FACULTY Offers the Fellowing Courses: THEOLOGICAL ScHooL Arts anp SCIENCES Domestic Arts SCIENCES Commesctan Music Teacner Trarninc eligveus ehlotics For bt Information Address James Edward Mason, Financial Secretary St. Paul Normal and Industrial School LAWRENCEVILLE, VA. NorMAL SCHOOL TraDE SCHOOL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL ScHOoL Academic and industrial instruction; « tan stian and Meral A Seund Christian Character with Trained Hand and Head. are the objectives ef education at St. Puul’s. enuet NORMAL AND FOUR YEAR HIGH North School is also ac- credited by Oberlin, Howard, Lincoln and other well known institutions of higher learning. THE TRADE SCHOOL offers an unexcelled trades to become efficient workers choice. THE AGRICULTURAL SCHOGL offers « three course feal theoretica! practical farmer or farm demenstrater. INSTRUCTION IN ALL DEPARTMENTS REE, ven by an experienced faculty coln, Fisk and d Atlanta being ameng the institu- represented. A equipped gymnasium provides for the Dreecribed ceurse in physical edu- . THE SCHOOL HAS A STRONG ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT. Baseball, football, basket tennis and track comprise its legiate sports” It is @ me of th C. L A. A. are reasona or Catalog and other in- formation, write REV. JAMES S. RUSSELL, D.D. Lawrenceville, Va. WANTED EVERYWHERE. Geed Auto Mechanics, Blacksmiths, Cooks, Seamstresses, Typists, — Bookkeepers. Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural Schoo] DOWNINGTOWN, PA. (Under the Supervision of the Pennsyl- vania Department of Public Instruction.) SPECIALIZES in training good workers and good citizens and offers to boys and girls over thirteen years of age Healthy Climate Outside of City Junior and Senier y Ay Courses Preperty Supervised A je and Soolal Recreation For further information write J. H. N. WARING, JR. Principal Haven Ceachers College Conservatory of Music ef Business intra-mural and inter-collegiate athietics Terms Reasonable For catalog or further information address J. Beverty F. Suaw, President MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI Florida Normal and Collegiate Institute ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA (The Ancient City of Sunshine Land) Junior HicuH Senior Hicu TEACHER TRAINING Junior Courses Pre-MEDICAL AND VOCATIONAL CouRSEsS For further information address NATHAN W. COLLIER, Pres. Men “n." FREE BOOK Explains opportunities as Motion Picture Camera Man, Portrai it, News or Commercial Photographer. You can learn & home or in our New York Studios, Spare or full time. N.Y. institute of Photography, 10 W. 33rd St., N.Y. Dept.- A PLAY Gives more mere cash inte the that a Chureh or the can 7. likes to attend the District Convention It is a scream and at the same time it is Sense— Because it teaches a number of good lessons. GET If AND GIVE IT—PRICE 500 Miss Nannie H. Burroughs Author and Publisher LINCOLN HEIGHTS WASHINGTON, D. C. You are reading these | advertisements. Why not let other persons read yours? Dear Reader: Is THE CRISIS among the peri- odicals in the Reading Room of your Public Library? If so, see that it is properly displayed. If not, put it there. Subscription $1.50 per year. 140 Tue Crisis | tera, st Accredited Summer Schoo! for Teachers Beautifyl Park-like Campus agriculture, poultry keeping, ony and animal of capable, earnest men and women from some of ee > 4 e S urnish |
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HARTSHORN MEMORIAL (COLLEGE Richmond, Va. NOW—An Academy Eventually—A College for t he Separate Education of Young Women. This institution which has been set apart for the separate education of young women ever since its founding in 1883, will, in the immediate future, devote every energy upon grace, and, espe- cially, academic work only, since college work has been discontinued for the present. It is an accredited high school by the State of Virginia, and offers two courses: a General Course and @ College Preparatory Course which will admit to any college. Hartshorn offers, besides its pure scholastic cur- riculum, a home influence where the development of Christian character is the fundamental purpose. Send for a catalogue to the President. DAVID G. MULLISON, Pres. RICHMOND, VA. THE CHEYNEY TRAINING SCHOOL FOR ‘TEACHERS (A STATE NORMAL SCHOOL) CHEYNEY, PA. A PENNSYLVANIA State Normal School offering, in addition to the regular Normal Academic Course of two years, professional three r courses in Home Economics and Shep Work. A diplema from any of these courses makes a graduate eligible to teach in the public schools of Pennsylvania. Fer further information and catalog, write LESLIE PINCKNEY HILL, Principal CHEYNEY, PA. The Lincoln School for Nurses in the City of New York offers to young colored women having completed a four year high school and holding a diploma, a three years’ course of instruction in nursing. Capacity of hospital—420 beds. For information apply to: Superintendent of Nurses MISS S. J]. FORD Lincoln School for Nurses New York, N. Y. Teachers Wanted Session 1927 Teachers: Have you considered carefully the business side of your orofession? Are you a member of the Interstate Colored Teacher’s Agency? 501 NORTH THIRD ST., RICHMOND, VA. IF NOT, JOIN We find positions for you in any state you Register at once. t delay. J. H. Blackwell, Ph.D., Manager desire. DEAR READER I; there a CRISIS agent selling single copies m your community? If so will you help in- crease his sales? If there is no agent in your community can you recommend some reliable person or persons who could serve us in this capacity? Our terms to agents are liberal. Address: THE CRISIS. April, 1928 list of the many white friends of promi- nence that he had made—lawyers, doc- tors, bankers, merchants, manufactur- ers, ministers, public officials. I don’t know whether that list was ever made or not. I was anxious for it, because | felt that it would be the strongest evidence of the place which he occu- pied in the confidence of the best peo- ple in this city where he has lived and wrought for half a century. I think of the Clarks, father and sons, of Mr. Webb, of Mr. John Wanamaker, of the Disstons, of the Cramps, of the Hoggs, of Mr. John Converse, Judge Ashman, Colonel McClure, Mr. John McGill, Mr. Ogden, Dr. Floyd Tompkins, Hon. George S. Graham, and a long list of others that might be added. When you think of the fact that he won and kept the confidence and respect of such men and women, | know of nothing that speaks more favorably of him and of his work than that simple fact. ‘The best white peo- ple of the community thought well of him, gave of their means to help sup- port the work in which he was en- gaged. It will be impossible, at this time, to appraise properly the work that he has done in all its bearings and relations. We know, however, that he has left behind him institutions and influences that will go on making them- selves felt for good, long after these funeral ceremonies have passed away. Matthew Anderson has left his im- press here that time will not be able to eftace. In the years to come, as we look at these buildings and these beau- tiful grounds, we will think of him: his spirit will be ever about this place; we, who have known him, and have seen him in and about these premises, ever concerned about keeping them at- tractive and beautiful, will never be able to come here without thinking of the man who created all this and who has kept it fresh and beautiful all these years; and it will continue to be kept so, as long as his spirit abides here. I am sure we will not forget him, or forget the many years of pa- tient toil that he thas bestowed upon this work which was ever near to his heart. Fifty years ago, four of us were in Princeton Theological Seminary to- gether—Hugh M. Browne, Daniel W. Culp, Matthew Anderson and my- self. Anderson graduated in 1877, Browne and myself in 1878, and Culp in 1879. Culp was the first to go; then followed Browne, and now An- derson has joined the procession. I alone am left of the four. Anderson and myself were very close friends and it was always my thought, in case I should survive him, to be present at his obsequies, and say over him the parting word. But, I am deeply sorry Judson Douglas Wetmore Attorney at Law 1440 Broadway New York (Telephone Lackawanna 5494-5) Member of all courts of New York State and of the Supreme Court of the United States, will lend money on Ist, 2nd and 3rd mortgages. Real estate of all re bought, exchanged and sold. 1882 1927 LANE COLLEGE Jackson, Tennessee A GROWING College with a splendid his- tory and a bright future. It offers modern courses in Collegiate, Theological, Musical, ollege_ Preparatory, Teachers’ Training, Home Economics and Pre-Medical subjects. Proper standards of conduct as well as scholarship are maintained. Well equipped laboratories, dormitories with modern conveni- ences and facilities under positive Christian influences are supported. For further infor- mation address J. F. LANE, President, Jackson, Tennessee. COLORED DoLLs AND NOVELTIES Pretty Light-Brown and ulatto with Real Hu- 19 inches, $5.50 each, $42. doz. 23 inches, $7.50 each, $49. dez. 30 inches, $11.98 each, $88. doz. AGENTS WANTED BETHEL MFG. CO. Dept. C. 97 South St. JAMAICA, N. Y. just at this time that I am so circum- stanced as to make it impossible for me to be present and to take part in the services. And this is why I am sending these words to be read in my absence. I shall be with you all in spirit, and shall join with you in pay- ing the last tribute of respect to the memory of our departed friend and brother. Farewell, dear old friend! Some sweet day, in the better land, we shall meet again. Bathesda (Continued from page 122) right! The dadburned misery has gone completely, and look! The swellin’ is goin’ down right before my very eyes!” “Good God! ‘tis a miracle we've just witnessed! The woman’s a saint.” And he hastily crossed himself, while | Talk and Cry. Sizes — to 80 inches. 15 different styles. 100 other novelties. |
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WHERE TO STOP THE CRISIS Directory of De- pendable and Clean Hotels. No hotel will be listed here which is not recommended by our friends. If complaints are re- ceived, the hotel will be denied further advertising space. COLUMBUS, OHIO The Plaza Hotel Modern and reasonable conveniences, superior service rates. We cater to the sod public. Adams 9378 LONG STREET A HAMILTON AVENUE THE CRISIS proposes to feature and expand this column. Will our friends write us of their experience and recommend hotels in all leading cities? Itis the Duty of Human Beings to be attractive The EAST INDIA HAIR GROWER will help you by increas- ing the strength and natural health and beauty -of your hair. Wi ME. 5.0. "LYONS ia your Hair is Dry and Wiry or if you are bothered with Falling Hair, Dandruff, Itching Scalp or any Hair Trouble, we want you to try a jar of EAST INDIA HAIR GROWER. The remedy contains medical properties that go to the roots of the Hair, stimu- late the skin, helping nature do its work. Leaves the hair soft and silky. Per- fumed with a balm of a thousand flow- ers. The best known remedy for Heavy and Beautiful Black Eye-Brows. Also restores Gray Hair to its Natural Color. Can be used with Hot Iron. PRICE SENT BY MAIL, Stc. ic Extra for Postage AGENTS OUTFIT S. D. LYONS 316 N. Central. Dept. B. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 142 ining le HOME OF PORO TOILET PREPARATIONS | D Facilities Complete St. Louis, Mo., U.S. A. Write for particulars — PORO COLLEGE employing either their spare or full time Annie M. Turnbo-Malone, Founder and Sole Owner odations for Ladies and Gentlemen who seek an atmosphere of quiet refinement There are openings for enterprising race women to increase their earnings as PORO Agents, _ LEADING SCHOOL OF BEAUTY CULTURE 4300 St. Ferdinand Ave. EASTER DRESSES AND ENSEMBLES Easter dresses and ensembles especially designed to silenderize the s‘out figure. Let us save you the middieman’s profit. You can ck your own colors, designs, and materials direct from our factory, then send us your meesurements. We make garments and lingerie to fit you on your order. We can give you the perfect fit in the best materials, perfect workmanship, at the lowest possible cost our made to order Ladies’ Garments and oe from Factory to a make in gatins and in all the latest styles. Smart THE STANDARD - GARMENT "MANUFACTURING COMPANY 5050 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE., CHICAGO, ILL. 5 the other man tested his healed arm by swinging an ax. Bathesda went down the hill with wide masculine strides —the light winds causing her snagged skirt and white apron to billow and flurry. Her eyes were two muddy pools of tears. She was testifying. “Up Calvary’s rugged brow did I go, this day with Thee, dear Lord . . . To the very foot of the Cross . . . and I saw the bloody nails in and forgiveness; diction. Browsing Reader (Continued from page 123) Thy precious feet the cruel and he makes the throbbing of drums, thorns and the bitter cup was’ the whirling of lithe black bodies in spared me . me, a worthless mad jungle dances, and the sleek black worm . but Thou didst drink it beauty of the people vibrantly real in the minds of his readers. Marvet JAcKsON to the dregs!” And she went home with a new THe Crisis power—with understanding, tolerance to be one of her peo ple; to take care of Becky with her Lil Jim and Big Jim; and the fragrant drops of rain pelted her in gentle bene- life of the slumberous Haitian jungle. Mr. Seabrook describes a native cere- munial gathering in honor of a “king “e i 4 Bes | i Fy om | | | | $ | silks absolutely guaranteed to be the t that money can 2 shades
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they are—the leading spiritual records of the hour — first, as usual, and by the world’s very best artists on Paramount Records: 12589—-I Have Anchored My Soul and King Jesus, Stand by Me, Norfolk Jubilee Quartette. 12585—-Where Shall I Be and He Arose from the Dead, Deacon L. J. Bates; Guitar Acc. 12555—-John Done Saw That Holy Number and Sympathetic Christ, Sermons by Rev. M. L. Gipson and Sanctified Congregation. and Get Away Jordan, Paramount Sacred our. 12520—Sinner, Don’t Let Dis Harvest Pass and In Presence of the Lord, Famous Jubilee Singers. (Soloist, Ernie Mae Cunningham). 12516—I Believe I'll Go Back Home and Sinner, You'll Need King Jesus, William and Versey Smith. (Guitar and Tambourine, Acc.). 12506—Jesus Gonna Shake My Righteous Hand and Receiving the Message, Bid- dleville Quintette. 12503——-He’s the One and You’d Better Mind, Pace Jubilee Singers. (Soloists, Hattie Parker and Mrs. James Simpson). 12386—All I Want Is That Pure Religion and I Want to Be Like Jesus In My Heart, Deacon L. J. Bates. 12542—-Wait Till | Put om My Robe and There’s No Hiding Place, Famous Jubilee Singers. 12073——-When All the Saints Come Marching In and That Old-time , Religion, Paramount Jubilee Singers. Electrically 12527—-The Scarlet Thread in the Window and On This Rock | Will d d! Build My Church, Sermons by Son of Thunder (Johnnie Blakey). Recor ea. 12035—-Father, Prepare Me and My Lord’s Gonna Move This Wicked Paramount Records Race, Norfolk Jubilee Quartette. are recorded by the latest new electric SEND NO MONEY! method. Greater If your dealer is out of the records volume, amazingly you want, send us the coupon below. clear tone. Always |} Pay postman 75 cents for each rec- the best music— ord, plus small C. O. D. fee when he first on Paramount! ; delivers records. We pay postage on shipments of two or more records. Order your favorites from your dealer, or send us the coupon. air New York | Recording Laboratories | 4 i42 Paramount Bldg., Port Washington, Wis. 12585 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 5 () REC.U.S, PAT. OFF. QheDopular Race Record , 4 dl Fav orite 7 > SIT 7 \ 4° 4 | hh | if | | | | | 4 | | | | 4 a 12516 ) 12386 ( ) 12527 ( ) City . Sta‘e
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