The age-herald., 1898-05-25
BETTER EDUCATION
 FOR THE NEGRO.
BY BERTHA H. GELDERs.


 The first impression of foreigner in a new country, among new people are often peculiar and startling. An American traveing In Europe Is impressed with the olHerence in appearance and manner of the people with whom he comes in contact As r ne passes from country to country the difference in the characteristic features, manner of speaking and moving of a people l becomes one of the most interesting of studies. These people are Caucasians. nevertheless they appear almost like enigmas to the average traveller.
 
 What are the impressions of Europeans when first becoming acquainted with the inhabitants of this country? Leaving aside the haste and rush characterizing the movements of the average American and the impression produced by these on "a phlegmatic German" for instance, there are other more startling impressions in store for him.
 person may quickly become accustomed to the peculiar manner of people of the same race but impression produced by a people of different color, different speech l and manner, are, to put it mildly, some what puzzling. If the foreigner were at that stage acquainted with Americanisms, the expression "All coons look alike to me-" would probably best voice his senti- ment when first coming face to face with the real, live negro, whom he has hereto fore only seen at museums or the circus after paying his few pennies of admission.
 
 The first impression produced upon me by the darky representatives of the race was that of half-savage beings, decked out in the finery discarded by another class of people. The utter absence of the pic .ur- esque and quaintness that my eye had been accustomed to in the dress of the lower classes of Europe brought out the stronger the fantastic and ridiculous in their ap- pearance.
 Some nine years ago the servant question was much greater problem in Birmngh am than it is now. Having been accustomed to the best of white servants, it was more difficult for us than our neighbors, espec- ially since we could not understand the negro, nor the negro us. We had to resort to the most primitive way of communica- ton. If my memory serves me we'll the, | first sentence learned in English was, ''Do you want to hire out? And my chief amusement during the first few weeks was to sit on the porch in a rocking chair that unknown luxury of the European) and stop every passing negro with my do you want to hire out?" I thoroughly enjoyed the grimaces I received in answer, for I could not understand what they said. Before long, and after some experiences that left me "a sadder If not wiser woman" ceased to see the funny side of the problem And as the years have passed and my un- derstanding has broadened and allowed me to learn more of cause and effect, have become more and more impressed with the responsibilities devolving upon the whites among whom this people live to raise them up and make them honest, law-abiding citizens.
 visit to the Negro Industrial School at Hampton, Va, last year served only to strengthen my belief that education can De the only solution of the negro problem. I was much impressed with the apparent influence for good practical education had exercised upon the young colored people present
 Anyone attending the closing exercises of the COlOreQ ScnOOl ldSt Iiudy H6hs hh ehiS city could not help feeling certain grau- fcation that Birmingham is doing what she is for her colored citizens. About fifty boys and girls were seated on the platform, representing the sixth and seventh grades of the schools. Thirteen of these received their certificates. The pupils appeared modest in demeanor, were neatly dressed. well drilled, in fact showed a wonderful aptitude and great appreciation of the advantages afforded them by the city. The exercises were very creditable. The singing was good. The compositions read were appropriate and well read.
 They appealed to the negro's patriotism. his race pride, Ais honor and integrity. A voice was raised against the gaudy dress ing among the negro women; the love of dress denounced as the root of all evil in the negro home. The educated negro will make a better citizen, better laborer and better servant. It is true we often see sad results produced by unsound educa- ton in the negro, but we also see this among the whites. A systematic, well-di- rected education is bound to bring good | fruit, and as these schools from year to year prepare boys and girls for their duties in life, Birmingham may look forward to a law-abiding, industrious class of negro | citizens.  POINTED PARAGRAPHS.