Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-07-17
The colored Race.


Mr.. Editor.-I think that the relations
existing between the white and colored
races in this community. as shown IN the
recent smallpox trouble, ought to be
known and emphasized as worthy of all
commentator. More consideration and
regard for the colored race could not
have been shown or better care taken of
them.
Buildings, temporary, but large and
comfortable, were erected in a pleasant
location for the accommodation of those
who were already suffering from the dis
ease, the patients We're carefully
the best of medical attendance was Sc
cured for them, and they were furnished
with food and careful nursing and every
thing necessary to their comfort and res
toration to health. Those who had been
exposed to the contagion and were liable
to be taken down at any time, were put
in separate comfortable quarters and
properly cared for. AS much clothing
had to be destroyed. new clothing was
furnished to the needy. The waterpipes
and electric wires were extended to the
hospital grounds, so as to furnish a con-
venient and abundant supply of water
aud light. All this was done at public
expense. and of course will increase
taxes. OF these taxes the negroes them
selves will pay very little, but there has
been no murmuring on the part of the
white people at the increased amount
they will have to pay. All approve the
action of the authorities and rejoice in the
comfortable condition of the sick. and.
will cheerfully bear the increased burden
OF taxation.
But perhaps the most remarkable man
Hesitation of regard for the rights and
feelings OF the colored people was shown
in the closing of all the churches of the
town for two sabbaths. 1t evidently was
not well tor the churches of the negrce
to be open for worship. 1t would have
been a means of spreading the disease
among them. There was no such fear
in regard to the meeting of the white
people in their churches There was not
a single case of smallpox among them,
and there was therefore no danger of
spreading the, disease by their meeting.
But if a distinction had been made and
the churches of the negros only had been
ordered to be closed, there might have
been dissatisfaction among them. They
might have felt that their rights were in
vaded and their privileges unduly cur
I Al.
feelings, and for this reason only. the au-
thorities recommended that none of the
churches should be opened, and this sug-
gestion met with ready compliance, and
it is gratifying to know that the colored
people appreciate what has been done
The congregation of one. at least, of the
colored churches has passed resolutions
expressing to the mayor their apprecia-
ton of the efforts made in their behalf
This, Mr.. Editor, is one way of solving
the race problem. The colored people
are among US. and they can do very much
for us in the way of rendering many
kinds of service. This service is of very
great value and, should be duly apprecia-
ted and remunerated, and everything
done to promote its efficiency on the pc ri
of both races, and to their mutual advan-
tage. Let pleasure be felt and shown by
the white people at every instance of
prosperity among their colored neigh
bors. Let them encourage life of clean
illness and comfort and show how to at
tain to such life. Let the honest and
industrious among them be honored and
helped to educate themselves in every
way, and when sickness and poverty and
trouble comes upon them let sympathy
and kind consideration be shown them.
This IS a christian duty, and it is also for
the best interests of both races.