The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-26

they i've. wherever they are thrifty: and
economical, with few exceptions. that
such negro is given a consideration
which IS not true OF the ignorant and
shiftless black man.
am very anxious that IN the develop
ment OF tbs organization we not only
encourage mere trade which In large
degree means the handling of goods
which have produced by others, but
mat more and more each year we
encourage our people to become first
hand, intelligent, skillful producers Of
original wealth. especially in the direc-
ton OF agriculture. Most people who
nave gotten upon their feet have at one
t Tune or another in their history laid the
ioundatlon for their success in intelli-
gent, sRlllful cultivation of the SOIL In
the agricultural districts Of the South
our people have an opportunity for de-
Veiopment, for laying the foundation Of
Weath and success that is scarcely af-
loroed any people in any other part OF
the world: Let US not neglect or over
look the acres of diamonds which are
rlght about our feet. We want to teach
our children to dig wealth out of the
soil by which they are surrounded in
every section of the South.
TO DEVELOP BUSINESS.
Every man connected with this organi-
H,sA't''i' ~ he1ltel Ills DUSiiiSSs' AAA.N!
be. should bear in mind that he has not
only responsibility to develop his own
business. but should go further than that;
he owes a duty to the community IN
which he lives. and one of these re-
sponslbilities should be to use his inf1u-
ence to take from the street corners.
from the bar-rooms and dens of sin and
misery every colored boy and man found
In idleness. One of the curses of our
race. and one to which we cannot shut
our eyes in honesty, Is the larg number
Of colored men who are inclined to flock
to the cities and yield 70 the temptation
of trying to live by their wits without
hard. earnest, productive Industry. Let
us rid the race Of this class of people as
fast as possible. More and more our
people are looking to such men as COM
pose this organization for guidance and
leadership. The mere "ta3klng man
is beginning to disappear as potential
influence. The people want the working
men," those who have proven bv their
fruits. by actual. tangible. visible re-
suits. that they. are entitled to respect
and confioence for their leaders.
WANT THRIFTY LEADERS.
The type Of minister who heretofore mas
spent his time in merely traAvehns from
one community to the other, without
home of his own, without bank account.
without financial credit. will more ana
moro lose his Influence as leader. The
rcople are beginning to look for leader
ship in the type Of a man who owns ms
home. who has a bank account. who mas
the respect and confidence of not only
til. black people, but the white. people IN
tie community where he lives. by the
side of every church I want to see we'll
cultivate farms owned by our people. BY
the side of every certificate OF church
Ut. r - a
7 want to see our people in every part
Of tlfe country get the most thorough and
best educa ton. but as race we want
to remember that education, without being
USED in the direction that our people most
need help. will prove of little permanent
value to the race. An idle educated man
standing on the street corners with his
hands in his pockets is not worth one
Whit more to society than an ignorant
nan on the streets with his hands in his
pockets.
While in many parts of the South we
have disadvantages and difficulties which
are often trying and hard to bear. at the
same time we should bear in mind the
fact. to which all of you will testify, that
when it comes to a pure matter Of bust
i ess we have an opportunity and encour-
agerrent In the South that are seldom
afforded our race in any part of the
country. repeatt let us take advantage
oH these opportunities and use them as
stepping stones in our efforts to get upon
our feet as a. people. ~
A STIRRING APPEAL.
AS look over this large and repre-
sentative body gathered from nearly every
State in the Union. there is one orner
piece of advice which I want to leave
with you and which hope YOU will bear
in mind during the three days denpera-
tons of this organization. l nope rnaL
each one of you has come here deter
mined to get something OF encourage
ment, something OF Information ana en-
thusiasm which you can take back home
with you and put into practical use for
the benefit of the community IN wnlcn
you live. Let US never grow respondent,
douD-ful or discouraged. There is some
thing in human nature everywhere when
recognizes merit in the form Of success
full industry, business intelligence ana
high Christian character.
After we return to our homes let us
bear in mind that in the long run and
in the last analysis our influence ana
power for good will be measured by what
our neighbors black and white, have to
say about US rather than the words OF
the man who lives a thousand miles dist
ant from our territory. We should NOT
despise small beginnings. We must learn
to build from the ground upwards, and
not from the sky downwards.
Following was the remainder or Inc
programme of the evening session:
The Negro in Insurance-W. F. Graham
Richmond. Va.
Shoe Polish Manufacturing-A. C. How
ard. Chicago III.
Fashionable Dress Making-Dora A. Mil
lar, New York, N. 2.
Three Feet Make Yard"-Dr. ]. W.
E. Bowen, Atlanta Ca
Contracting and Building-H. a. Tandy,
Lexington. Ky.
The body at II o'clock adjourned until
room to-day, when the sessions will be
resumed The final session will be held on
Thursday.
GERMAN LOVER WINS