The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-04-13

A Chance the Blacks Neglect.
I In an interesting article in the current
I number of the NJr'h american heyjc'0 an
titled 1.-The Negro as a Mechanic Hon.
/ Robert Lowry. ex-governor of Mississippi,
discusses the following question: "Can the
negro be trained as a mechanic. or is he by
nature adapted 10 other WORK than tlat of
an unskiLei la6orerin Mr.. Lowry has no
hesitation in answering the question IN tia
Affirmative. He points out that when
the blacks were slaves there were
| excellent carpenters, mas1ns sh9emaaers
and blacksmiths among them, ami there
ars many excellent BLACK mechanics now in
| the south. Ia any southern town they can
be seen working side by side with
white mechanics. The number of them
now, however in proportion to the black
population in the southern states is not
| nearly so great as it was in slavery days.
The reason for this is not because there is
| any prejudice against them, or any DISPOSE
ton to shut them out OF the trades as there
is in the north, but because they have
''deep-rooted aversion and hostility to
entering into an indenture as apprentices
for two years or more even for the acquire
ment Of proficiency as trst-rate mechanics"
and also because of the rules of the
mechanical trades which permit of only
limited number Of apprentices.
The blacks regard the signing of an in
denture as an abridgement Of their liberty,
and they are not far enough away from the
slavery period yet to appreciate fully the
character of an indenture and the necessity
for it IN becoming proficient in a trade.
The other reason, namely, the limited
number Of apprentices admitted into the
trades, does not affect them seriously, be-
cause if they don't want to become ap-
prentices the limiting Of the number Of ap-
prentioes isn't of much consequence to them
except In so far as it prejudices them
against the mechanical trades. They under
stand that in the north and west blacks are
not admitted into mechanical trades at all,
and therefore il they should become first
class mechanics they could get employment
only in the south, while white mechanics
get work in any state.
But there is no reason why the blacks
should remain out OF the mechanical trades
on this account. There is enough for them
to do in the south, and the demand for good
mechanics is steadily increasing in every
southern state. And black women would
find plenty TO do as dressmakers if they
would prepare themselves for that work.
There were good dressmakers among the
black women In the south quarter of a
century ago and doubtless there are some
good ones yet.
The trouble with the blacks is that they
do not take advantage of the opportunities
which are open TO them. Those of them
who are capable of learning trades would
rather do something which calls for less
physical exertion. They seek to be school
teachers, preachers, lawyers aud editors,
and the most of them are failures.
The time is coming when the demand in
the south for workmen in all the mechan-
ical trades will be very much greater than
it is now and besides. there will be greatly
increased demand for operatives in factories
aud mills. The blacks ought to prepare
themselves to do the kind of work that
will be offered in abundance to all who can
dol
Several schools have been established to
teach the mechanical trades. There is one
in this county, under the supervision of the
state. 1t will undoubtedly be helpful to the
blacks bat, after all, the old-fashioned way
Of learning q trade is the best.
The blacks do not seem to realize the Inn
portance Of preparing themselves for life
of usefulness. Both the men and the women
grow up as a rule without any definite aim
and, therefore, are only fitted to be COM
mon laborers. There used to be many ex-
cellent cooks among them. 1t is difficult
matter to find one now. Many of them COM
plain of their condition, but they them
selves are to blame for it.