The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-11-13
[By another correspondsntl l

w dre prepared 10 say tn6t HACK ls
neither lamb nor lion but a
clairvoyant, since we really sympathized
with Wraign in bis opinion respecting a
State Teachers Association, but do not re.
member having seen one word in print re-
specting it from us. Hack gets things a
little mixed sometimes, it seems, as he cred.
its us with saying which dropped from the
pen OF the other correspondent. We are
only responsible for that which is written
over the non de plume of Piccola We de-
cline giving our experience in the Colored
Teachers Association-that is if we had
any-believing that Hacks would be more
lengthy and interesting; suffice it to say
that whenever we have belonged to any
| society, literary or otherwise we have
always done everything In our power to
enthuse life into it, both by our presence
| and papers. But will Hack state the cause
of the short life of literary societies il. Gin
cinnati2 Are we too intellectual or not
enough SO? Are we satisfied with what we
already know or does the spirit of disunion
prevent our success7 Would that there
were among us spirit of encouragement
toward these who would dare to dol Would
that harmony might prevail among us that
general good should be natural RESULT
Would that You were always written with
a capital instead of the pronoun II Would
that there were oneness of aim on the
part of those who have been blessed with
genius and talent with exchange ofideas for
for mutual benefit. We dare not think that
our people are idle, for in this time one
might as well be out Of the world as to re-
cline into the lap ofignorance. Reason tells
me that oftimes timidity is the cause of ST..
lence and apparent inactivity. DR.. Chas.
Craig spoke truly when he said, "The pub
lie speaker of the present day labors under
difficulties of which the speakers of the last
century never dreamed, for while the au-
dience of the past received what was said
without question, those of the present day
are usually the mental equals or superiors
of fthe ones who address them. The free
and independent thought of this age, accepts
statements only where they are proven to
be truth, while the development of mental
power seems equally great in every other
department of life. The valuable in.
ventions of the day are counted by thou
sands.
The increase of scientific study is univer-
sal. The spirit of inquiry in all fields is so
marked as to cause comment on every side;
while people seem investigating and ad.
vancing in every direction which can help
them morally, mentally or physically"
But let US suppose that the world is full
of critics, SO much the better for US. That
should not deter US from continuing our
search. Shall we refuse to proceed because
one differs from from us-certainly not-he
may be just as honest in his conviction as
we are. Emerson says: "Intellect annuls
fate" If man believes his destiny an unen-
viable one in comparison with others, his
intellect prepares him to look in a different
direction; and tomorrow finds him out
growing the clogs which oppressed him to-
day.
If we have failed in past attempts to es-
tablish an association and keep it alive, that
is no argument why another attempt should
not be made. There never was anything
attempted in time which pleased erybody;
there are always those who force upon us
the truth of the proverb, "Worth begets in
in base minds envy; in great souls emula-
lation.' Since our last writing we have
waved our handkerchiefs and said:
Hurrah for victoryi let the welkin ring
With sounds of victory borne on eagles wing;
Let shouts Of gad,ess from loyal hearts resound
From lakes to gulf from to sea- the United States
around.
The Union is preserved, in spite Of all her foes,
And our country is saved from countless national
woes.
We shall continue financial aud civil policies,
Under whose premiums prosperity has lived
Protection OF the right Of all the Nations sons,
Irrespective Of complexion or former condition.
Freedom and equality to all before the law,
And the watchword of the nation be peace instead
of law.
Behold us, all ye uations far, far across the seal
We have rid the storm In safety and cast anchor
nowin G..
we'l have just sdninistration another four years
more,
And alessening of the public deb. steadily as
Jar Credtt shail be good In every foreign land,
And tn one great bond Of brotherhood veil vsll
together. hsAdfn hand.
prccnTA