The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-25
COMMENDABLE ENTERPRISE.

Some time ago the Journal commented
on the successful operation on a compare
lively small scale of an industrial school
for colored boys and girls in a Massa-
chusetts town. the institution having been
established wholly through the efforts of
the negro residents OF the place. The sug-
gestion was made that an undertaking
which was possible in a town Of moderate
size ought TO be feasible in this city. which
contains SO large a negro population and
where such a place of education is greatly
needed. Whether or not this suggestion
had any influence in bringing about the
movement now under way to establish
such a school, as announced in the local
columns during the week, the Journal does
not know. but the enterprise is certainly
one to be commended. The Manual Train
ing High School. open to colored students
as well as whites, is doing a good work,
but does not meet all requirements. But
few young colored people are able to take
the full public school course, the majority
being obliged to drop out before reaching
the high school. A school, however, which
would not insist upon an advanced mental
standard as a condition of admission, but
whose chief purpose would be to train the
students in occupations by which they
might earn a living would fill a very dis
tinct want. The complaint sometimes
made by negroes that they cannot get
work because Of Determinations and preju-
dice against them, though 1t has some
4 foundation ic not on the Wh0la wp11
FUNDED. At least the men and women
who are thoroughly competent in any line
of work seldom nave reason to complain
of enforced idleness. So long as they do
not make the mistake of too many white
people and look upon manual labor as be-
meath their dignity and not quite respect
able they will find their services in de-
mand. In fact, they are likely to gain by
this folly Of their white brethren and sue
coed to the profitable callings the latter
are casting aside in favor of occupations
of a different, though not necessarily high
er, grade. The industrial school at Tuske-
gee must serve as the model for others
that come after it, though the latter will,
of course, be subject to the notifications
oH0 " PidCc II dNdll-
able funds. What is being lone for the
young men students at the Alabama school
has been told repeatedly. In this issue of
the Journal a correspondent tells of the
practical training Of the young women
there. The first principle instilled by Book
er Washington, the wise, into the minds of
these young people is that all labor is hon.
orable; the next that no task is so humble
that it is not worth doing well. With
these ideas in mind and any useful occupa-
ton thoroughly mastered, the student is
we'll equipped and his future depends on
himself.
The projected enterprise in Indianapolis
deserves success, and the success is OF
quite as much Importance to white as tc
black citizens, for by providing such q
place Of training they help to lessen the
number o. boys and girls now drifting into
idle and vicious ways and in danger of be.
coming a menace to the community. N
better place for the investment of spare
dollars can be found than in the founding
of this school.