The colored American., 1902-04-05

| tact. The list now numbers about thirty
colored clerks IN a total of nearly 1000.
Capitol Hill is proud of the presence
IN their midst" of such a representa-
tive citizen as DR.. J. R. Wilder. He is
the leading force in the intellectual and
social life of that center of wealth and
culture, and not only is his opinion
asked by nelghbors of his own race. but
suggestions for sundry public improve
mentS are sought from him by the best
people OF the Caucasian contingent
lie enjoys lucrative practice, his we'll
groomed, blOOded mare and up-to-date
phaeton beng seen at the door of
hundreds OF homes in all sections of the
city. DIR. Wilder does not speak often
to audiences. but when he does talk he
says something" and gives counsel
that fingers long with the attentive lis
tener. This was evidenced bv a
thoughtful paper read a few evenings
ago before Bethel Literary. Dr.. Wilder
IS descended from an ancient line of
South Carolina aristocracy. and is the
son of Hon. Charles NJ. Wilder. who
recently died at the Columbia. S. c..
family homestead. The senior Mr.. VIII
der was the first colored appointee under
President Grant to a Federal office.
making him in all probability the first
Negro IN the land to receive a civil
commission from the United States
Government From 1860 to 1885 when
Cleveland became President, he was
postmaster at Columbia. During all this
period he enjoyed a spotless reputation
and administered his trust with both
fidelity and ability
Or. Wilder is the worthy son of
noble sire, and all rejoice in the pros
perity he has gathered unto himself
Death is always pathetic, even when
occurring at the natural time. in the
fulineSs OF years, following a career
rich IN hOnOrs and complete in its round
of usefulness. But, it is all the more
pathetic when one is taken away in the
flower of manhood, in the midst of ac-
tvltles that delight the soul. robbinq
the individual of the pleasure that
comes of work we'll done and the world |
OF genius that makes bright the age
IN which he lives. These reflections arose
IN my mind as | scanned the printed re- |
port of the dying regret of Cecil |
Rhodes, the uncrowned king of South |
Africa:
30 little done; so much to be done Z"
And yet his forty-nine years of earth
y sojourn had been a oeriod of IN
,easing labor, and his rewards had been
many. Truly, success as measured bv
nan is proportioned by the height of
lis ideals
Speaking of energy, or the lack of il
he Man-on-the-Corner has been won
lerlng what It is that makes the Young
olored man so listless, so purposeless, |,
o unsystematic in his manner of doing :
BUSINESS! 1t isn't always want of on II
ortunlty, for hundreds of our voung =
eople have good jobs or are in a posi- :
ION to get them, if they would get a :
move on themselves" 1t isn't want of !
me Tor they report punctually and .
ften at the barroom. the card table i
nd dance hall. 1t isn't want of edu- =
ation, tor they have from one TO three |.
lpiomaS from noted schools. write ex- =
client articles when they feel disposed H.
nd deliver mastery" speeches at the
literary | have in mind certain
'Iored place of business. where =,
-opped IN the other day. Several D
'ung men are employed there. The &
'oSs was on the warpath, stirring I'M ~
customers. Here is what I saw -,
ne ne fellow, who had evidently been lgf