The climax. [volume] (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1887-1897, 1890-07-09
NEGRO ECONOMICS.


Essay by George W. Bell, of Lebanon,
a colored pupil at Berea College, contain
ing some sad truths and valuable sug-
gestionsl
'An age OF wonderful phenomena"
an age supremely grand in all the de-
partments Of human thought, the morn
ing star of the twentieth century has
burst upon us; and civilization, by the
quickening influence, is making strides,
hither to unknown to endeavor; and in
her triumphant march is relocating 70
the rear one after another of the great
questions that impede her onward
course. Russia, trembling by reason of
popular Indignation, is now seeking TO
alleviate the condition of her suffering
millions, while England's grand old man
hopes yet to achieve the cherished OBJ
jet Of his heart-Ireland's Liberation.
But Westward, the star Of empire
takes its course, and to-day lighted by
beacon fires Of the twentieth century
sixty million freemen march on toward
the grand summit Of human possible
ties.
Here, as Afro-Americans, let us pause
on the verge Of the last decade Of the
18th century, and, free from egotisn,
consider how we are meeting the great
questions, by reason Of the interest that
on them hang-the possibilities Of the
American negro, the salvation Of Africa
may be justly styled the great question
Of economics Of the negro race.
Negro Christianity can not be ques-
toned, the fcrvOr, the earnestneSs and
hopefulness OF their devotions are pro-
verbal, but what about the accumula-
ton Of wealth and the requirements of
education? We may be helped in solv-
ing two Of these questions, but the acqui-
sition Of property wealth-is distinctly
ours. Our independence demands it.
1t is the basis of all civilization.
Honest property-wealth is the econo-
MIXING Of the God-given resources Of
nature, the meeting Of the needs Of man.
1t is the natural sequence Of all Chris
tan teaching.
Our Christian duty demands that We
secure wealth. The inalienable rights
plus property ought to constitute the
basis OF all citizenship. OF a truth, our
very existence, in this wonder of age,
demands property. l am aware OF our
seemingly wonderful progress, since the
day Of emancipation. But what race
ever had its birth in the heart Of such a
civilization In the garden spot of the
world land Of lakes and rivers, land
with the stateliest forests and the rich
est mines on earth in the bosom OF
such land we had our birth. In the light of
these facts, why has not our progress
been even more wonderful?
OF the past, we need not be ashamed,
but what Of the present? Observation
affinns that We, as a mass, are not keep
ing pace with the age in the accumula-
ton of wealth. We are being branded
as a race Of spendthrifts. As race we
are spending more than one-third of our
income in pic-nics, buggies, and excur-
sions. More Is being spent annually for
whisky and tobacco than is being invest
ed in property. Nine out Of ten of the
great mass Of colored young men, eat,
drink, and dress as princes and die as
paupers. Those who should be leaders
in lessons OF economy are the leaders in
riotous living and dress. Where, oh,
where, shall We hurl ourselves; what
legacy shah We hand down to posterity 4?
Our legacy for ages has been one of pow
erty and ignorance, sickening to the hui
man soul and we are handing the same
down to posterity, with all the addition
al curses Of the 18th century. In the
decades Of the past, We have been OBJ
jects of pity, the special care of divine
Providence, seris and chattels Of Ameri-
can civilization, but the great Umpire Of
nations called TO halt the onward march
of civilization, and marked the stop
with million graves.
To-day the march of civilization is
again onward and upward. And the
mighty wheel Of progress pushed for
ward by millions Of freemen can not
stop, and we must fail in line, help push
If on TO its final consummation, or fall
crushed by It's ponderous weight.
Let us then awake to the grand duties
and responsibilities of the hour. Call a
halt ON our lavish expenditures, put on
spurs TO industry, and make one grand,
noble and continued stand for God and
posterity. Preach it from the pulpit,
teach It in the school-rooms, practice it
in daily life. Let our Would-be leaders
hold fewer political conventions, say less
of the past, and more Of the present.
Then viii our faces cease to be remind
ers Of poverty and Ignorance; then viii
universal and unquestioned equality Of
rights,soeial and political, prevail through
out our land.
The Harrodsburg Democrat says:
'High Bridge came very near being the
scene Of another wreck Wednesday.
While No. Is was standing on the bridge
a,Vaifirsr orders- or taking wafer NJ Is