The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-06-14
THE INDUSTRIAL CONG sRss,
Composed Of colOrsd People, Met at Tillot
son Institute Yesterday.

The Industrial Congress, composed
of colored farmers and men of al
other professions, which was called
by the citizens of Austin and vicinity
was called to order in Allen hall Of
Tillotson college by Professor Brown
president of that institution. There
were about 40 men and two or three
ladies present. They proceeded By
electing Mr.. James Grumbles presi,
dent, and Editor r. II. Harbert secre-
tary pro tenn.
Editor H. G. Gray was made re-
porter to the Galveston News, and w.
II, Patterson was requested to report
to The STATESMAN and the San An.
tonic Express.
Mrs. Jennie Lambkins of Austin
read a paper on "How 10 Improve
Our Homes The paper was an earn
est plea TO our people to adorn and
beautity their homes by every whole
some contrivance at their command.
Professor Bemis, of the industrial
department of Tillotson, gave very
practical way by which he had known
some very poor people to make their
home very neat and comfortable
habitation. Professor Maxwell also
made a lengthy talk. Rev. o. l..
Madison made some very useful re
marks, and urged the men
of all professions to work
in harmony for the common good.
HOW TO IMPROVE OUR CONDITION AS
FARMERS
Was next discussed by Mr.. DECKER.
son, who furnished striking example
of what industry and economy will
do for man. Starting out after the
war with six children and 81 so he
made a crop with one OK from which
he saved $50. Pushing his advant-
age he soon paid for 100 acres of good
land and is now living comfortably at
home with all the stock about him
that he cares to pasture. He is an
enthusiast on tickling the soil He
thinks no other occupation is so safe
and that nothing else will do to trust
but cotton and corn.
Mr.. Ben Baker spoke with great
animation and thought what we need
was more cotton to make up for low
prices. Said he was running his farm
on chickens, eggs and butter.
Mr.. Jas. Gramble next spoke ON the
subject. He thought lack of intelli-
gence was the great set back to the
colored farmer, that all he need do is
to get up and bestir himself and quit
blaming white people for bis poverty
and ignorance, and all would come
right. Raise what you eat and keep
out of debt. Mr., Gramble was heartily
cheered and the general sentiment
seemed to be the old complaint that
81 am not to blame Tor my ignorance
and poverty" is played out and that
the negro must get up and hustle or
stand aside.
Professor Bemis gave a most inter-
esting account of the condition of New
England farmers, among the naked
rocks as compared with the rich, black
soil OF the South.
Prof. K. l.. Blackshear on Why
We Should Educate Our Girls and
Boys, entertained the audience with
a very interesting address, insisting
that education should fit rather than
unfit our young people for manual Ia
Dor, and thought that much should
be done in the way of Industrial edu.
cation: that the highest aim of an ed
ucation should be TO make intelligent,
and useful citizens. On
motion of Mr.. Gray the temporary
officers were made permanet.
The following preamble and resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, We have learned in this
something of the successful
plans OF our fellow men in their vari-
Gus industrial pursuits, and
Whereas, All seem much enthused
over the prospect of new and pro-
gressive change among the laboriDg
masses, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of this
that the Industrial congress
Is an unparalleled means of exciting
to thoughtful activity the dormant
energies of our people.
Resolved further, That we recon-
mend to the colorea people of all pro-
LESSONS throughout the state the great
Decessity of these meetings as fronght
with the same Wholesome influence to
some extent that county fairs have
mad upon the industries of the coun-
try. -.-.~s = e-1-s:r
Resolved further, That we return to
our homes with a determination to
make better crops, fewer debts, more
TO eat, and raise better stock than
aver before, and that our homes shall
be heater and furnished with every
comfort consistent with prudent econ
omy.
A. s. BELL
MILTON ALEXANDER,
G. w. WILSON,
BEN BAKER,
w. r. PATTERSON,
COMMITTEE.
A fter voting thanks to President
Brown for the use of Tillotson college
the meeting adjourned.
Oe
The Court Must Be Obeyed.