Smyrna times., 1894-04-04
The COlOred People and Education.

The cOlOred ministers held what thew
call District Meeting" in Smvrna
last week. Thursday and FRIDAY. the
chief subject being education, on its
broader Anes-nOt only in books but
how to become the most proficient in
all the departments of lite where their
occupation leads them.
In response to an invitation issued bv
the authority of the trustees of the
State College conference ofthe colored
people OF Delaware was held at that
institution, near Dover on Friday Mar.
23rd. There was large attendance.
and after mature deliberation and full
discussion, the following paper was
adopted:
In view of the conditions that confront
US we, some OF the representative colOred
people of Delaware, have met in cOnference
to consider our individual, educational So.
cial and moral welfare, and we deem it ex-
pedlent and right to give expression to our
opinions concerning the means that we be-
lleve Will stimulate advancement along
these lines. h
First. We are thankful to God that our
condition IS no worse than it is, and that
there Is no conflict between us and our
white neighbors but that our relations with
them are friendly and we have their sup
port IN our efforts toward better and
broader civilization.
second. The majority of our people de-
pend upon manual labor for support: few
OF them own or rent farms, or engage in
mercantile pursuits, and we feel strongly
the want OF capital to carry out any ex-
tend public measures for our welfare.
Third. We note a steady improvement
IN the daily living of the most intelligent
among US; and our clergy are bending their
efforts to our moral and financial better
ment, as we'll as to our religious instruction.
Fourth. The State appropriation and
the meagre amount of taxes paid by our
people are not sufficient to give us suitable
school facilities; a large number of schools
run only five months each year: our teach
ers are but poorly and too poorly qualified
for the duties which they assume; as re-
suits OF these things there is a lack of inter-
and children. POI o''''
Fifth. With these facts before us we
urge our people to be more saving of their
wages, to spendlesS in excursions, and to
avoid strictly all liquor saloons and gamb-
ing places. We recommend that a large
numoer OF our young men be taught trades
and that they be urged to prepare themsel-
yes TO enter as largely as possible all the var
ious VOcaIlohs OF lie. We would especially
JOY to broaden the field of labor for our
women. We should practice every economy
in order to purchase lands and own homes:
should pay all taxes assessed against us by
the State tor school purposes and should
raise by voluntary subscriptions, money TO
provide better school facilities, to paw our
teachers better wages and to lengthen the
school term. We also urge our people to
give the strctest attention and the greatest
care to their home life, for in the Christian
home, as we'll as in Christian education.
rests the hope of the race and the nation.
Sixth. We hereby express our ratfca-
tiOn with the work done in the State Col
lege for Colored Students, and recommend
more earnest cooperation with it. We
appreciate the value of summer training
school for teachers, and would count it a
great step forward if such school could be
established at the college.
FINALLY. We recognize the advIsability
OF holding an annual meeting or conference
for the promotion of the objects here set
forth"