Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-11-04

The following communication will |
explain itself. Mr.. spurgeon IL we'll
known in this city, and his occupancy /
OF his present high position will be
source of pride and qualification to |
1his community. Els words are well |
worthy Of consideration by the aspir- |
ing youth of to-day:
SKoRETARY's OFFICE OF TIE
UNITED STATES LEGATION.
MoNRovIA, LIBERIA, Sept. 20, 'e9.
Hon. John Mitchell, Jr.,
Editor OF the Richmond PLANET;
Dear Sir :-You will find enclosed
draft from me on the Secretary of
State. Washington, for five dollars, in
consid Grafton Of which desire You to
forward me the PLANET punetually
aud regularly.
need the PLANET especially that
may keep in touch with the city of my
birth and the state of my nativity.
She has faults, yet 1 am thoroughly
impressed that America is the home
Of the American Negro. Hence. Vir-
giDis, and thou Kentucky, Virginia's
most lovely daughter, with all thy
faults, l love thee still
In thy borders, Influenced by the
halo of our free public school system,
inspired by the marvellous heights at
tanned by our boys and girls, who have
enjoyed the blessings OF our greas in
situations OF learning whether indus
trial, classical or both. homes of Gull
ture, wealth and refinement abound
among the American Negroes.
REFEREECR TO DUB VIRTUES.
Within these homes morality and
christianity are made the corner
stones upon which rest their present
happiness and their future prosperity.
With these families the Christian
Church, from whose pulpit learned
and pious men expound the gospel,
reigns supreme.
Their love or country is sttested by
their loyalty to the government, their
respect and honor to its rulers and
their patriotism in espousing the
csuse OF national defense. Their chill
dren are taught TO cheer its Gag where
ever IL floats.
II they once stood and pleaded as
wards of the nation, they now move
and act in the nations al arena as citi-
Gems and defenders.
So intrIcately interviewer with the
warp and wool Of this great Ship OF
State are the elements OF his identity
that the interests OF the Negro are in
sepai able from that of the other races,
the sum and total OF whom make up
the nation.
OUR sUFFERINGs AND DRAWBACKS.
Much exists, know to awaken the
tear and the sigh on the part Of the
Negro-yet l knew also that God is
not dead / know further that the
certitudes of Christianity and the
principles OF education are being more
diffgsed and absorbed by inc masses,
whether they be black or white.
These are the personalities OF LIES
combat and IL properly applied will
bring wealth, intellectually, culture
and refinement; prime requisites OF
success in contending or struggling
with the Anglo Saxon, and needful
qualities for civilization wherever its
light prevails.
THOSE WHO LEAD Us.
Frederick Douglass, our immortal
leader, Langston and Bruce, each dur
ing their life time and in their own re-
epective ways commended for and m
folded these truths, but only q part OF
the nation heard and received them.
To-day as we approach the morn
1ng or the twentieth century, we be-
hold one as it were, coming up from
the wilderness, leading the masses
from that blackness, which has cursed
and oppressed them. Though his name
be Washington, he is proclaimed Moses
and the south and the north hear and
receive him.
With the sage OF Tuskegee in the
arena, reinforced with the efforts of
Paul Laurence Dunbar, Tanner, the
artist; Mrs Robert Church Terrell,
Bishops Grsnt and Walters, Mrs. Ida
WellH-Barnett, each in their respective
way, contributing toward the general
uplift of the masses and the better
ment Of the government, looking down
golden age lowering over US.
GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE.
] see in reality and indeed the honest
acception Of the FatheEhood of God
and the Brotherhood OF Man.-Yea. /
see liberty, equality and fraternity for
every man before the law.
For right is right,
Since God Is God,
And right the day will win.
To doubt would be disloyalty,
To fslter would be SIM"
FraterDslly yours,
JAMES ROBERT STURGEON, Ii. D.
FROM ELK HORN.