New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-05-09

for views sxprsssd By correspondence written and
interesting communication will be gladly received
Letter from North Carolina.
RALEIGH, N. c., April &c, 1872.
TO the Editor Of the NeT National Era
After lapse Of several months resume
my pen, trusting that few lines from
RALEIGH,
the capital of the Old North State, may not
prove wholly uninteresting to your numerous
readers, especially since there is so much
matter of interest of which to write. First OF
all, we desire to devote word or so to our
beautiful little city. Situated near the centre
of the State, perhaps more favorable spot
both for health and beauty could not have
been found in the State. Its present popula-
ton is something over 1000, of which 1900
and over are colored. Taken as a whole, we
venture the assertion that no city in the Uni
ted States, of like size and population, can
present more evidences of thrift, enterprise,
and indomtable perseverance on the part of
its citizens. Raleigh is destined to become a
large business city. The amount of improve
ment which it has undergone since the sur
render is astonishing. Our business streets
are being adorned with the most perfect
models of architectural skill, while magnifi-
cent dwellings are going up all around. Not
withstanding the cry of " hard times" and
scarcity Of money, the progressive spirit of
the age moves on unimpeded. Old rickety
frames, the relics Of what were, are being torn
down and superseded by massive structures
of brick and iron. New streets are being
opened, and others extended; and the for
rest of sturdy oaks surrounding our city are
bowling in meek submission to the demands
of advancing civilization. immigration has
turned this way, and Raleigh is rapidly filling
up with people from every quarter of the
globe. Whether this last will be anything to
the interest of the colored people, we are not
prepared to say. Some think so, some other
wise but whatever may be the consequences,
we had better prepare to meet them, for it is
pouring in at a wondrous rate. Good Judges
tell us that if the influx continues as at pres
ent, in ten years the population of the city
improvements going on here, we are glad to
say that the colored people are entitled to a
commendable proportion of credit. The
Jealous strides which they are making to Sc
cure comfortable homes, betoken the early
dawn of more happy and prosperous future
The "home' mania is intense. In whatever
portion Of the city you go, the workman may
be seen applying the finishing touches to some
neat little cottage, soon to become the pro-
perty-the home-the !" vine and fig tree" of
some worthy and industrious colored family.
Many of these houses display a taste well
deserving the emulation of any people. This
is . source of much encouragement to all true
friends of the race. Such practical demon
STATIONS are fast dissipating the long cher
ished argument of the enemies of liberty, that
the negro is not fit subject for the enjoy
ment of freedom" Ere long they must be
ashamed of such an absurdity, and some other
more potent in serving their ends substituted.
Time will fully and forcibly develop the real
character Of the negro, insomuch that all will
BE constrained to acknowledge, that in COM
mon with the human family, he bears the inn
press and image of his Almighty Creator.
But we should remember that the mere &C.
QUESTION of lands and houses cannot Of itself
make US such q people as we can and should
be. That to occupy respectable position
among the other nations of the world, we
must make corresponding advances in litera-
ture, the sciences, and arts, in fact, every
profession, trade, and calling having ten
dency to elevate and ennoble us as a race.
That we must produce and sustain colored
papers, and doctors, and lawyers, and histo-
rians. That we must be represented in the
diversity of industries of the land. We are
of the opinion that this grand idea is not
urged upon the masses of our people as ffe-
uuen fly as it should be, and herein do we
charge our leaders with gross dereliction of
an important duty, when they take so little
notice Of q principle so essential to the build
ing up of their race.
coI.ORED CHURCHES IN RALEIGH.
There are five colored churches in Ra-
leieh-the first and second Baptists, the
Episcopal, Christian, and the A. NJ. E.,-all
having very good places of worship and fine
congregations. In point of numbers and re.
inement, the last named is largely in the pre-.
dominance. 1t is under the pastoral care OF
Rev. Jos. Nicholas, with membership Of six
or seven hundred. Of the others we have nc
knowledge as to membership, &C.
SHAW COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.
Through the persistent efforts and untirinl
energies of its principal, Rev. H. NJ. Topper
this institute, we hope and believe, has beer
permanently established. 1t is situated il
the southern portion of the city, just east o
the Executive Mansions. The site is flint
one, embracing several acres Of valuable land
1t was formerly the property and privat,
residence Of Hon. d. NJ. Barringer. 1t has
commodious building upon it, constructed at
ter the style Of the old Southern aristocracy
with largo number of out houses, and sit
t>ck in lovely yard, shaded by giganti
oaks. We learn that the school is in flour
3shins condition, and promises of much sub
.A.ptial COED T., those for whose benefit 1t wa
inhpe,sd. It has been in operation for tw
r "A .nfa ~ n