New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-06
AN AFRICAN HEROINE"
Efforts of an Educated Colored Woman to
Solve the Negro Problem.

An indication that the problem of the colored
race may yet be solved by the colored people them
selves might be found in an institution at Mayes-
Vile, S. c., toward which many readers of The
Tribune have generously contributed thereby max
ing its success possible.
Some twenty-One years ago a colored girl named
Emma J. Wilson, who had by her own persistent
efforts and the help of two kind friends sue
ceeded in gaining a college education. returned to
her home in Mayesvlle. She had many offers OF
lucrative employment. but the sight of the boys
and girls of her own growing up in ignorance
stirred her compassion. 1t little she could
do without money, but she consecraed all her pow
ers and all her life to the effort to help them She
began to teach in an old church placed at her dis
posal for nominal sum. and speedily con-
WINGED by the eager applications of children and
parents that there general desire for educa-
ton. She toiled year after year, using such
tattered schoolbooks could be obtained and en-
poying any volunteer help that could be secured
The white people of the neighborhood noticed what
she doing. and gave her their cordial approval
and wise counsel.
The education this devoted colored girl impaired
was so thorough and so practical, and she showed
so clear and sound Of the precise knoWi-
edge that would be helpful to her race, th;+t
the school increased rapidly, both in numbers ana
public confidence. The difficulty in extending its
benefits was, usual, Of funds. A school
building was needed, educational apparatus was
essential and some small sums were required to
pay the bare living expenses of the teachers. The
poverty in of their homes was inconceivable
and many of them. who were walking four or hve
miles morning and evening to attend the school,
We're unable to pay even 10 cents month Tor
tuition.
Clearly help was needed and the white and
colOred people alike testified that II was deserved
Emma J. Wilson was sent North to see If she could
persuade people in NewYork and New-England TO
aid the school, Her mission was successful Small
sums We're given by friends of the colored race and
were most carefully husbanded.
Gradually with great effort and the most rigid
economy, money accumulated wherewith TO
purchase a plot of land which stood an old
building that could be used as schoolhouse. This
was occupied, and the process of development went
on. People at the North who visited the town were
amazed at the thOroughness and enthusiasm of
the managers. and brought glowing accounts of the
success of the work. Finally the Mayesville Edu-
cational and Industrial Institute incorporated
and became a recognized power In the state
Booker T. Washington from time to time gave ad-
vice and sent teachers from ruskesee to ala IN the
About two years ago with an appropriation from
extension was made. "A farm Of ffty-two acres was
purchased. and the erection of new building which
could be used for boarding pupils was begun. ms
IS to be the nucleus of other buildings which VII
scholars and seventeen boarders, and there would
have been many more boarders had there been ac-
work carpentering, backsmithing. shoemaking and
wheelWright work, and the girls are instructed IN
domestic service, cooking. laundry work, sewing
and dressmaking. all this being in addition to the
Better far than anything established for them by
white people" says citizen of Mayesvlle, is such
a work this originated and developed and man
aged by the cOlored people themselves. Their en-
terprse far sighted plans the accurate and careful
keeping of their accounts and their rigid economy
are beyond praise. All that they need-ard they
need this badly-is help for further development.
They need implements for their farm; they need
money TO build dormtOries and to furnish the build
ing. and they need educational apparatus. So much
has been already accomplished. so much more could
be done if more help were furnished. that there IS
the best of for liberal gifts. They are
working out their salvation with marvellous
intelligence and with that rugged grit and energy
characteristic of the American character The
best of all help help people TO help themselves,
this is precisely what is done by giving to the
NayesvilIe institute. out of it coming skilled
mechanics able to earn a livelihood for themselves,
and well trained girls for domestic service or for
wives who will be real helpers of their husbands.
Thus the institute is aiding in the elevation of the
race and the solution in the most hopeful way of
the negro problem. Money alone is needed
Subscriptions for the Mayesvie Industrial Insti-
tute may be sent 70 r. H. Dana, No. 5S State-st.,
BOSTON