The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-11
Patience COunseIed Under DiscOur-
agement. and Cooperation Pledged
with the AnglO-Saxons.
NEED OF HIGHER EDUCATION
PROGRESS TOWARD A
BETTER MORAL ATMOSPHERE.
Uses and Growth of the National Ne
gro Business League-BIack Men
in Many Lines of Industry.

ATLANTA, Ga, Aug. 10.-The adoption Of
elaborate set of resolutions and the
farewell address of Bishop w. j. Gaines
brought to a close, tonight, the Negro
Young Peoples Christian and Educational
Congress, which has been in session in this
city for the greater part of a week. The
closing meeting was attended by more than
5000 people. The resolutions adopted by
the congress are in part as follows:
"Our purpose here has been to deal with
problems which confront the Republic in
its complex national life but more espec-
tally to deal with those problems that are
essentially the negro's, and which, in the
very nature of the case. must be virtually
solved by him. While on the other
hand, we have had wrongs and
grievances many, on the other
hand, we have had opportunities and priv
ileges innumerable.
Whatever of burdens we may still have
to endure, OF adjustments which are yet
to be made, throw ourselves upon the
justice and fair play of the American peo-
ple North and South, and declare our
reserved conviction that right in the end
will prevail
I'm spite of the theorists and their
theories, both before and after emancipa-
ton, we have shown ourselves able to live
and thrive. A generation ago we came out
of bondage without a foot of land. with
out a home, without name. Even the
clothes which covered our poorly clad
bodies was not ours. To-day we have sons
lands, some homes. some money. Yester-
day we had nothing, to-day we own mil
lions of acres of land, pay taxes on prop
erty worth millions of dollars and raise
more cotton under freedom than under
slavery.
Many problems regarding the mental
ability of the negro have been solved. 1t
is no longer question as to whether he
can learn or how much he can learn. After
years of experience, we have pleasure in
being able TO say that educational
methods are both practical and effective.
While much has been accomplished in the
intellectual development of people,
candor compels us to admit that much yet
remains to be done.
I'VE earnestly recommend to our people
throughout the country that they teach
their children the dignity and value of
manual labor, and that they give them the
benefit of an industrial education which
will enable them TO enter the worlds in
dustries with as much knowledge. skill and
dexterity as members of other races pos
sess. That for the purpose of securing
competent men and women to lead the race
in its struggle for greater knowledge purer
character, better religion. nobler manhood
and larger accumulation or wealth we must
encourage the higher education of as many
of our boys and girls as are susceptible Of
higher training.
"Our highest aspiration is not that of
the Anarchist TO destroy not that of the
brother to cooperate with our fellow-coun-
trymen in building up on this continent
a civilization which will recognize in prac-
tiCe as well as in theory the fatherhood
of God and the brotherhood Of man.
While there is still room for a better
and higher moral life among us, yet un-
mistakable evidences of a purer home and
individual life are most gratifying. In
fixing our moral status we ask you
matter of fair play. Go not judge US by
our worst-as has so often been done-but
rather by our best.
I'VE are cognizant of the civic and DO
litical inequalities under which our people
are suffering; nevertheless, we urge our
people 10 continue TO strive to shape con-
duct so that they may prove themselves
deserving of any right and privilege now
enjoyed by every other American citizen.
We stand ready to join with the Anglo
Saxon, learning the same lesson he learned
from the ancient Greek, TO lay firm hold
Of the root of civilization. and then with
light and learning to carry il around the
world. and more especially to Africa"
y mammoth temperance meeting was
held in the afternoon, at which representa-
tive temperance orators from many parts
of the country delivered addresses
Before adjourninS sine die the congress
perfected a national association by electing
the following officers: Bishop Wesley j.
Gaines. Atlanta, president; the Rev. f.
w. ID. Isaac, Nashville, Tenn, Bishop Alex
ander Walters. jersey CITY. N J. RishoD
r. 5. Williams. Augusta Ga, the Rev. -.
j. Saunders Charlotte, y. c., vice presi-
dents: /. Garland Penn. Atlanta CORES
ponding secretary; the Rev. w. NJ. Alex
ander, Baltimore, treasurer; the Rev. b.
w. Arnett, jr.. Wilberforce. o., c. T
Walker. d. D.. New York, John c Dancy.
Washington, members of executive COM
mittee. II was decided TO hold meetings