The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-10-10
IT GIVES WISE ADVICE
An Address to the Negroes
of the State.
Issued by a Committee Appointed by the Re-
c'nt Negro Conference That Was
Held IN Raleigh.

At the Negro Convention held in
Raleigh last month. a committee was APP
pointed to issue an address to the colored
people of the State. The committee in
compliance with the action of the con-
vention, has issued the following address:
1.-The committee of the negro conference
lately held in Raleigh, N c., to draft and
send down letter to the colored people
of North Carolina, realizes the gravity of
the situation and is impressed with the
responsibilities. Possibly no convention
of prominent negroes may now hope to
escape criticism from some source or
other
This letter is written with an eye
single to the moral, material and intel
lectual uplift of the masses of colorad
people of the State. This is not the day
OF small things. We must hope much,
expect much and labor for the greatest
results.
with regard to recent history in our
State, we beg the people to wait on the
Lord Stand still and in His salvation.
We are profoundly grateful for the past
and return our sincere thanks to all who
have in any wise aided us We are facing
new conditions now, and we must turn,
as never before, our faces towards the
rising sun.
1--WE call attention to the question of
vital statistics. Consumption is working
havoc in our ranks and some of our best
and most promising are falling on every
side. Personal cleanliness, good whole
some food, warm clothing and comfortable
houses are at the foundation of our sue
cess and stability as a people. Cleanli
ness of body and soul is well pleasing
to God.
"Our young people must be taken Off
the streets and either kept in school or
put at some profitable employment. We
must inculcate manlness and self-re-
lance.
'Those who secure paying positions
without the bounds Of the State may try
the experience and go. But wholesale
immigration to any part of this country
is fraught with too many perils and dam
gers. We advise the people against this
at this time. Seventy-five per cent of
the white people of North Carolina are
conservative. If we can interest them
in a cause which effects them and us, be
assured, they will befriend and protect
us.
"The labor problem may be a serious
one and the whole State effected thereby
Therefore avoid entangling alliances with
all irresponsible people The substantial
people of the State are our best friends.
Fern business unions in every town
in the State. Put your money together
run brick yards lumber yards, cotton gins
and grocery stores. Let everything be
done on business principles. BE sure that
you keep all written contracts inviolate
Save all your receipts and other legal
papers. Remember business is one thing
and friendship is quite another thing
Trust the men and women of your race
who have honesty and ability. Treat every
one kindly, but shun criminals ard black
legs. When negro deliberately disgraces
himself he is no longer entitled to honor
respect and protection in his race. Con-
denim crime whenever and wherever it is
found and never harbor the guilty. Tie
yourselves to the soil and the neighbors
about you.
''You are entreated to talk lass, think
more and do more. BE suspicious of all
money traps. An intelligent, prosperous,
Gou-1earlng people VIII always nave
strong friends and command respect.
1--WE respectfully appeal to the con-
sentative white people of North Carolina
in behalf of the children of the black
mammies who nursed your fathers and
the uncle Joe's and Ben's who protected
your mothers and your homes during the
dark days of Southern history.
eve need and desire your friendship
and protection, and we beg that you cul-
tivate the friendship of the negroes in
your midst.
Give us the gospel of love, purity ard
peace and help us to help ourselves.
May God bless North Carolina.
&C. H. KING,
&C. DILLARD,
81. A. RIVES,
&C. A. KING,