The colored American., 1902-04-05
there's a chic among ys takin. notes >.

convenient to have strolled along Six
teenth street, between K and |. a Sunday
or so ago, he would have te1egraphed
to MS publishers TO prepare for revis-
ION edition of his famous story. "a
Modern Instance" An episode, which
probably wouldn't have transpired in
any other country, and which will be
cited all over our land as a national
event happened this way:
Two gentlemen of the proud Cau-
caslan race, came down Sixteenth
street, engaged in close conversation.
One wore silk hat, was dressed in the
taultless product of the artistic tailor
and his bearing was that of a typical
American statesman. The others fine
head was surmOunted by a SLOUGH hat,
his face was bronzed by exposure under
tropical skies and his remarks were
vigorously emphasized by gesticulations
which suggested the earnestness OF an
advocate who wished to leave no doubt
as to his meaning
Two white boys approached. leading
bicycles. Seeing a small girl whose
Negro parentage was in unmistakable
evidence, they began teasing her by
slaps and pinches. She was frightened
and began TO cry.
The vigorous gentleman looked I'D
and taking IN the situation, demanded
IN ringing voice:
Let that girl alone!"
What have you to do with it ;" re-
piled one of the boys dehantlv.
III have you arrested" reioined the
athletic champion, in tones of indignant
determination.
II have you arrested" was the taunt
OF the mlschlevOus yOungster
AS the gentleman made a dash for
ward as If to bring the boys to account.
both sped away in fright and the little
colored girl went on her way rejoicing.
ne reScuer was Theodore Roosevelt,
President of the United States. His
companion was Henry Cabot Lodge
Republican leader in the Senate.
Just now there is much apprehension
over the future of the colored clerks in |
the Census Office. The Negro never
was adequately represented, and as |
result OF many decapitations by reason |
OF completion OF work, the black mans |
quota has been reduced to an infnitesi |
NAL quantity. The Afro-American
council IS attempting to inquire into the
matter, and to take steps to save re-
spectacle fraction of the Negro force
Dut the method of procedure is an nm
solved question. A committee to see
PRESIDENT Roosevelt is proposed: but in
view OF his well-known objection to tb-
oack.door entrance of a large BODY Of
people into the classified service. I Gee
little hope that he will interfere. He is
also opposed to considering representa-
tion on the basis of color, and would
oouDtless reply that sheer merit ought
to settle such questions. and refs
cornnittee IN to Director Merriam. 1t !. {
10 MI Merriam that such an appeal S
should go, for he is the natural arbiter /
ana 10 use pressure above his head Z
might render him less liberal than he | Z
would be II approached directly. in a t
"eii-tempered spirit. His good Office. "
>ouId be exercised to immense advan- Il
age II he chose to bring them to hear O
n Our favor-but after all the fact bsd | \
better be admitted that political null" G
5 10 be the force that will determine d
ne retention of a or B, black or white :,
nave no faith in the effect of anv an =
cal for justice in this scramble. unless "a
uStlce IS accompanied by the eIoouent E,
upport OF heavy Senator or Renrr- dl
entatlve- Dispensers of natronsoa W
no must ask Tor appropriations are Il
ompelled to turn to hearkin unto the hi
oice OF the men who do the voting in o
lie big house on Capitol Hill. The q
erks on the staff of these folks. and fo
no can be OF actual service out IN the ha
veral Congressional districts are the str
es whose names will be selected to ar