The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-09
COLORED INDUSTRIAL FAIR.

An industrial fair resembling IN Its ger
eral character the one now In progress at the
Exposition grounds can always be made
highly beneficial to the interests of the col
ored race if it is organized properly and con-
Quoted in the right spirit. II should be rep
resentatve OF the best products of the ne
gro's skill, ingenuity and industry. IL care
is taken 10 render it such by an intelligent
selection Of articles and by an equally intelli-
gent energy in their subsequent arrangement
there is no reason to doubt that in such an
industrial fair the colored people will always
appear to advantage.
II their exhibits at the best are not dis
tinguished for great variety. this is due to
some extent to the comparative restrictions OF
the occupations which they follow. The
bulk Of the members Of the race are COM
mon laborers engaged in unproductive work.
but there is still a considerable proportion
who are employed in tho ruder forms OF man.
ufacture, which can be appropriately repre-
sented at an industrial fair.
1t is not surprising to find that the depart
ments Of woman's work is the most encour-
aging and interesting feature in the present
exposition. and this is apt to be the case on
every similar OCCASION because there is more
ingenuity Of this general character in the in
dividuals Of tho race, and there is also more
room for its display.
The disposition Of all our white citizens.
who give serious thought TO the matter, is to
warmly encourage the industrial fairs of the
negroes as FAR as thew are sought to be made
tie means Of the advancement and improve
ment Of that part OF the community. The i'm
pulse that prompts the Inauguration Of such
fairs is q commeudable one, whether origi-
mating in some measure in a spirit Of imita-
ton or not. They can only tend TO encourage
respect for labor and may lead 10 a rivalry
which will have the effect of stimulating the
exercise of skill and ingenuity among the
more intelligent and ambitious individuals of
the race
Whatever will exert direct influence upon
the negro by showing him the value. the i'm
poTtance and the dignity Of work cannot fail
to promote his welfare and in doing 50 10
make him more useful member Of society
His destiny is entirely dependent upon his
own industry and skill. and the more rapidly
he progresses in both, the more striking will
be the improvement in his general condition.
The industrial field in the South is sub
stantially an open field to him. and if he fails
TO maintain position Of advantage in It. the
fault is only TO be attributed TO himself
The industrial fairs Of the colored people
should not he merely occasions for social
communication and festiyity, to which there
is no objection in themselves. but opportun;-
ties TO show the world that freedom has i'm
proved and not lowered the industrial capaci-
ties Of the negro. and that hs is entitled to
respect for the advance which he has made
in all Of the lines of production in
which he is engaged. This is the only way in
which individuals OF the race can elevate their
position in the general community, and TO the
acquisition of industrial knowledge, skill and
ingenuity they should devote their best
thoughts and energies as the frat step after
sobriety Of life to success in their worldly af-
fairs.