Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1895-12-20


better, but there is no place in which to
use it. The prejudice in the north takes
another form. and leaves the Negro with
very few things at which he can work.
For instance, there is not a Negro driving
. team for transfer. express or hack line
company. Whereas in the south Tiers
are plenty Of them. Mr. Mayweather
was born and raised in the south and
came to Iowa several years ago. He Is
steady and industrious.
A very pleasing entertainment was
given at the Eighth Christian church on
Wednesday evening. 1t was composed
of Rotations. songs, short talks by Judge
w. A. Spurrier and Rev. DR. Williams.
and refreshments. Miss Bessie Stewart
presided and introduced the participants
in a pleasing and appropriate manner and
also acted as accompanist. The little
ones deserve special credit for the way
they acquitted themselves. Judge Spur
rier was especially pleased and regretted
that his family were not with him to en-
JOY the occasion. Many Of our while
fellow citizens would be convinced that
the Afro-Americans are not standing still
ifthey would but visit some of these en-
tertainments. Rev. T. A. Clark is putting
forth every effort to suecaed and is meet
ing with hearty cooperation. The pro-
gram:
Defamation. Ethel boWmer
Select reading Blanche Renix
Defamation .Gertie McCrayen
Recitation ..........G oldie Murray
Solo Ethel Stewart
Trio. Misses Porter, Hicklin and Cravens
Among the most thrifty Afro-Americans
in Polk county are the farmers. There
are several industrious farmers here who
are gaining wealth and independence.
Among them are Messrs. a. E. Lewis,
Bass, Richardson, Mash and Joiner. A
farm is one of the best and most indie
pendent places in the world. The farm
is not the place for man or woman who
| is afraid to work both hand and brain.
We visited the farms of Mr.. Bass and
Mr.. Richardson and found them in excel
lent condition. Mr. Bass has two inter-
ing girls, who can entertain nicely in the
parlor or make good hand on the farm.
Miss Cora Bass has delivered some of the
best orations ever heard in this CITY,
dramatically correct and sound in logic,
and showing the erudition of the scholar
and close student Of events Mr.. Richard
sons young daughter attends the city
schools and will undoubtedly be the pride
OF her parents and credit to the Afro
Americans of Iowa. We believe that
there should be more attention given to
agriculture by Afro Americans. There
are too many of them congregated in cit
les. Their avucations are limited and
their remuneration small The farm
ownership and the farm labor has been
and will be done by Afro-Americans,
particularly in the south.
f-
A number of correspondence were
omitted. but we were unable TO print
them. Our business now necessitates the
employment of another full -hedged com
positor If our agents will bear with us a
few issues we will give them an excellent
paper and print all the news
The Ladies Afternoon Social club met
on Wednesday at the home of Mrs. I. E.
Barton 1t was most enjoyable session.
Mrs. Cheek being royal entertainer.
The club will meet three weeks hence At
the home Of Mrs. Bette Griffin.
Des Meines is noted all over this coun-
try for its fine and numerous school
building and the proficiency of its teach
ers There is room for many more
scholars. 1t is surprising to note the
fact that there are SO few Afro-Americans
boys and girls who attend. Several
years ago two. three and four graduated
from the schools. Everyone felt proud of
the fact and appreciation was shown by
presents, large attendance and the con-
gratulations of friends and well wishers.
Many thought that the number would in
crease, but they were doomed to disap-
pointment. The year 1895 closed with
but one graduate to the credit of the Afro
Americans. There are many young girls
and boys who would be greatly benefited
by being kept in school. Besides the