Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1886-11-27
a eoLoRED, COLLEGE.

49, Il a CULVAEU, CULLEdE.
Some Of our State papers have
nearly lost their balance on learn
ing that the colored teachers Of the
State wanted college for the edu-
cation Of our youth run at the ex-
pense Of the State. They say the
Negro will demand admission in the
State University at Chapel Hill.
That great dilema is now upon
the good people of the State.
That threats are made, &c.
Let the good brethren keep cool.
There is no danger of harm. Our
teachers have asked those in au-
thority, and will ask the Legislature,
( TO take some action to give us a
school Of higher grade than we now
3 have, run by the State. There is
not a normal in the State two years
higher than our graded school in
this city. What must become of
our boys when they are sent out
from this school? But these wise
Democratic editors refer US to Shaw,
Biddle, Zion Wesly, and other col
leges in the State, but what has the
State to do with them? Must we
be compelled to send our boys to
these sectarian schools, for the sup
port Of which the State of North
Carolina does not appropriate one
cent, ormust we let them go without
a higher education?
Biddle, Shaw, Bennett, &c. are
supported by the charity of our
good Northern friends, and the leg
Islature Of North Carolina has no
more to do with them than has the
Gar of Russia. 1t cannot be ar
gued that we are not ready for
higher education, for no one will
dare say these colored colleges in
the State and country are failures.
The mere mention of them by these
gentlemen is an admission that we
use them to our advancement.
Should the proud State Of North
Carolina force her colored popula-
ton to depend upon the charity Of
the North for high school training?
Are these Eighty quill drivers aware
of the fact that very excellent col
elege over in Pennsylvania sent out
fourteen graduates from the good
J Old North State in the year 1885?
North Cardinals colored sons are
scattered all over the country seek
ing college education. Seventy-hve
'colored North Carolinians in single
college in one.year over FIVE hundred
miles from homel Is it fair in the
face Of all this to still deprive our
youth an opportunity to get his edu-
cation at home? 1t is not fair. Let
the State make necessary appropria-
ton for the higher education of the
colored youth as we'll as for the
white. Isn't that fair? The pride
Of the white men of the State is in
the State University-the alma
matar Of North Cardinals noblest
sons. Why should the colored men
Of the State have to point to North
crn institutions or Northern chari-
tiesl Why not give us the same
honorable State pride as our white
brethren?
We make no threats. We want
no social equality. We want fair
opportunities to educate our youth,
and we want the State to do its
part. The writer had the pleasure
Of attending the colored State
teachers convention, and hearing the
speech by Mr.. Hawkins SO severely
criticised by the democratic press.
There was nothing wrong in the
speech. He simply asked, If the
legislature refuses to provide for us,
who can object to our knocking for
entrance at the doors Of the State
University at Chapel HIP" Will
some Of these wise editors point out
that clause in our constitution that
would prohibit us from that State
institution, while no equal provision
is made for us? Even if they do so,
it does not make Mr.. Hawkins
question criminal.
1t is thought that the colored
State normals are not meeting the
desired object and that if consolida-
ted and grade raised to that of an
ordinary college, much more good
would be done the people. 1t is
earnestly hoped that the incoming
legislature will carefully consider
and wisely act upon this very i'm
;portant question.