davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24
A REMARKABLE NEGRO
WAS BENZ. BANNEKER.
The "Black Astronomer" Who
Helped L'Enfant Lay Out Washing
ton. City OF Magnificent Distances

Much has been said recently In re-
gard to fittingly commemorating the
services Pierre L'Enfant rendered the
national capital when he laid out
Washington and made it a "city of
magnificent distances" A contributor
to the New York Sun suggests that
If such honor is to be paid to the archi.
tect, his associate in the undertaking
must not be forgotten. A Maryland
negro, Benjamin Banneker, known as
''the black astronomer" was called
upon to assist L'Enfant, and so satis-
factory was his work that the COM
mission retained him until the service
was accomplished.
Banneker was born in 1881. He had
an industrious and thriving father, who
left him in possession of a snug little
farm. The boy grew up, working by
day and studying by night. He was
largely self-taught, and took delight
in working out the most abstruse math-
ematical problems, and writing the an
swers in rime. He also had a mechan-
ical genius, and constructed a wooden
clock without ever having seen one,
his only guide being watch. Many Of
his nights were spent in the open air,
lying on the ground and observing the
movements of the stars. Indeed, so
exact were his calculations that he not
only made an almanac himself, but he
corrected some slight errors which oc-
Cured in Ferguson's and Leadbetter's
calendars. \
The only time when Banneker left
his home for any distance or length of
time was when he served on the WASH
ington commission in 1889. The MEM
bers of the commission were much
pleased with him, both personally aud
professionally. /.
A pleasant picture is left of this
much-respected negro. He never mar
ried, living alone on his little farm,
cooking his own food and doing his
own washing. He was fine looking
man in his habitual suit of gray cloth.
and his broad brimmed beaver hat. His
nature was kind. hospitable and hui
name. One of his frequent saying Is
preserved in his own handwriting. "It
is said that evil communications cor
rupt good manners;' + hope to live to
hear that good communications correct
bad manners" &,
This worthy man had one great fail
ing-his love for strong drink. While
in the Washington commission he did
not allow himself to taste liquor. II
feared to trust myself even with wine,"
he said, "lest it should steal away any
little sense have"
No one realized the degradation Of his
habit more than he, and he finally over
came it.
While the funeral services Of Benja-
min Banneker were being held at the
grave, his little house caught fire. and
burned up with every specimen of his
ingenuity and scholarship. His best
work. however, will last as long as
Washington retains its fine avenues.
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24
Press Convention.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo,
JUNE Is, 1905.

JUNE Is, 19O5.
To THE PRESS s:-Pursuant to the
regular appointment under the
Provisions of the Constitution, the
Western Negro Press Association
of the United States of America is
hereby called to convene at Musko-
gee L. T., in it's Ninth Annual Ses-
sion, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday, September goth, 2Ist and
22nd, 1905.
All Proprietors, editors, man.
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

After forty years of freedom in a
Biblical land, surrounded on every
hand by schools, colleges and acad-
emies; in a constitutional republic
and in the very heart of the
worlds commercial arena, we find
the American Negro having to HIS
credit the greatest and most Won
derful progress of any race which
has ever been made by freedmen
in the whole history of civilized
nations. From the slave he has
arisen and now occupies a seat in
every congregation of art, learning
and trade-he has spent his day as
an apprentice ana stands forth to-
day as master of his chosen call
ing. From every hilltop and from
every illey they come-he is in
deed at the turning point the
most important point in the his
tory of any race or people. He
has two roads from which to
choose-the one will carry him to
higher and more commanding po-
sitions other will lower him
from his present position. Which
will he take? We all know
which we would like to see him
take-but time alone will say
which he has taken. Right at this
period requires the most conserva-
tive minds, the most sincere work,
the most relentless instruction to
steer the race in the proper chan
nel-this is 10 time for insincerity
or bickering-but requires earnest
ness and soberness to properly ac-
complish this most strenuous task.
Never since the first Afro-Ameri-
can were landed on American soil
in 1919 has there been such cease
less, heated and diversified discus
sion about the American Negro,
his progress and his future as is
heard on every hand to-day. All
this discussion is not meaningless
it seems that the whole civilized
world has just awakened to the
real facts as to who the Negro is
and what he has been doing.
In order to hold their position
under such constant bombardment
pro and con-the American Ne
gro-must put his best efforts for
ward and grasp the situation with
irony hands.
This is, indeed, the crucical
point in the American Negros' his
tory. With the many philosophers
with their varied schemes and isms
for and against the race, it is a
perplexing problem to deal with.
Most assuredly it is condition
and not theory which confronts
us. We cannot theorize and deal
successfully with them, but we
musrmeet them as all other condi-
tions are met, face to face, manful-
ly, unflinchingly and resolutely.
That the Negro holds his own
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

ed choirs of the Eight street Bap-
tist church and ST. Johns A. M.
E. church. A cordial welcome
was extended to the ladies by May
or West in behalf of the people of
Pueblo. His greeting was hearty
and his words well chosen. The
response on behalf of the State
Federation was made by Hon. W.
B. Townsend of Pueblo. Next on
program was to have been a paper
"Value of Race Literature" by
Mrs. Katherine D. Tillman of
Colorado Springs, but she lay
seriously ill at her home. Prayer
for her welfare was offered by Mrs.
j. P. Watson. The musical selec-
ton of this session; a vocal solo
by Mrs. E. Dishman of Denver,
and piano solo by Miss Winni-
fred Harrison, received hearty ap-
plause. The presidents annual
address by Mrs. Ida Joyce-Jackson
was the climax to day of eloqu-
ence. Mrs. Jackson's remarks
were soulful and filed with recon-
mendations for the uplift of the
race. Her concluding remarks
based on the state motto was
Lifting as we climb, struggling
and striving, let us go onward and
upward, hoping that the buds and
blossoms of our desires will burst
into glorious fruition before many
years"
Friday mornig was held one of
the most interesting sessions of the
convention. The session opened
by music and the invocation by
Rev. Fl. F. Bray. A paper "Our
Women in Business" was read by
Mrs. Julia Emery of Colorado
Springs and was much appreciated
as also the Piano solo by Miss Mel
lie Baker. Mrs. Arrested, super
intendent of the rescue work of
the Harper W. G. 7. u, made
stirring speech on the necessity of
her line of work and few dry eyes
were in the house as the enormous
proportions of sin and suffering
were depicted.
A paper by Mrs. S. 9. Morris of
Denver 1.-THE Millenial Dawn"
held the audience spell bound.
The graceful delivery was a notice
able feature. Mrs. Fl. D. Earl of
Colorado Springs read an interest
ing paper "a Mothers Duty to Her
Daughter"
The most interesting features of
the afternoon session were the pa
pers, "Art Work" by Mrs. H. B.
Fox; Our Part in the Life Left of
the Race" by Mrs. S. B. Jones
both of Colorado Springs and pi-
ano selections by Mesdames G. L.
Smith and Maud Savage.
AT 8 p. m. the closing session
was held, three interesting papers
were read. Mrs. Cornelia Flem-
ings of Colorado Springs subject
was 1.-The Highest Ideals for the
Negro Youth, Mrs. Martha Sprat-
lin of Denver further set forth the
need of clubs and rescue work in
her paper on ''Women's Club and
Rescue Work." w. FL. Fife, of
Pueblo read a paper the "Duty of
Women" The recitation "The
Pilots Story by Miss Leona Trout
man Of Denver, the two piano se-
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24
110,547 members and $14,376,372
worth of church and school prop

John S. Durham, assistant at
torney to the Spanish Claims Com
mission with headquarters at Ha-
vana, Cuba, is spending his vaca-
ton with friends in New York and
Philadelphia,
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

DIR. NJ. A. Majors, of Chicago
has founded system of reducing
flesh, curing obesity, dropsy and
all forms of stomach and liver
complaints. He recently opened
fine office with modern applian-
ces,. in the down town district
districts. DIR. Majors has patients
in Illinois, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska
Nevada, New Mexico, California
and Texas.
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24
RACE NEWS.
Gathered From Our Exchanges.

Cleveland has Negro Board of
Trade.
Howard University has gradua-
ted over 400 Negro lawyers.
The Frederick Douglass Memoir
ial Exposition of North America
will open May l, 1906. at Wash
ington, D. @.
Governor Glenn, of North Caro-.
lima. has named the date for the
execution of the two white men
who were convicted of rape.
DIR. hampton, financial secretary
of A. M. E. connection, recon-
mends as the vital essentials for
the Negro; The Bible first, con-
stitution next, and the bank book.
The Negro Baptists of this coun-
try have 16, 996 organized church
es, 1854 ordained ministers, 2,
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

Paul Laurence Dunbar's new
volumn of poems is emitted Lyrics
of Sunshine and Shadow" 1t is
issued by Dodd, Mead & Co., New
York. Mr.. Dnnbar's health is
greatly improved.
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

Cleveland has a Negro Board O.
Trade.
The Colorado statesman., 1905-06-24

Howard University has gradua.
ted over 400 Negro lawyers.
The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-10-06

handled us so roughly about a month
before at Battery Harrison, and now,
Miss Fannie, allow me to thank you
for knowing me along with that brave
father of yours, who is now doubtless
Ike the rest of us, now gray beard
ed old man, but still in my vision OF
him in the full vigor of young man
hood, ready to blush at my illusion
to his sweetheart, and for your nice
interesting letter, which put in motion
long train of "reminiscences, so full
of noble aspirations and glorious
deeds, that the darkness which has
followed cannot tarnish their bright
The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-10-06

ness.
Give my love to your father and tell
him shall not be satisfied unless he
gives you hearty smacking kiss for
me. With love and good wishes for
YOU all, I am, whether we ever
meet or not,
Your sincere FRIEND
John Bratton'
The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-10-06

,1pD DoG-Liver colored SETTER
t,1 cut-Can be had by calling Oh
An+;ne M Buzhardt and paying tor this
notice.
The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-10-06
ONE MAN CAPTURES
SIX HUNDRED
DARING FEAT OF J. B. LYLES
OF GEN. BRATTON'S STAFF.

Gen. Bratton, in Telling the Story,
Describes the Deed "the Most
Conspicuous Feat of Valor and
Skill, that Came Within my
knowledge Personally Dur
ing the War Of Secess-
cess;on."
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
TO FORM COMPANY
TO BE INDEPENDENT

Chanute, Kan, April 10. = Repre-
sentatives of thirty Independent oil
companies which control three-fourths
of the oil production of Kansas met
here today and decided to form a
company representing 100000 of
invested capital to build a fuel oil
pipe line from the Kansas oil field
to Kansas City and to construct a
refinery and storage tanks in that
city.
The company to be formed will be
the only one which will compete with
the Standard Oil Company for the
markets of the middle west. The
producers decided that consolida-
ton of all their interests Is the only
salvation of the independent opera
tors in Kansas. Two months ago the
producers appointed committee to
investigate TIE fuel oil market at
Kansas City and the cost of a pipe
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
STRIhE ON IN CHICAGO
AMONG TRANSFERS

Chicago, April 10.-Chicago is again
In the throes of struggle between
capital and labor unions. AS on form
er occasions, the unions have resort
ed to the use of the union teamsters
to bring them victory in the struggle,
which promises to spread to many
branches of the teaming industry of
Chicago.
The present struggle had its begin
ming in strike several months ago
of a few hundred garment workers
employed by the mail order house of
Montgomery, Ward & Co. The clos
ed shop is the issue and in order to
bring the firm to the terms of the
union a strike of the 200 drivers and
transfers employed by the concern
was called today.
AS has always been the case in the
past when the teamsters were called
on to assist by sympathetic strike,
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
MAN OF THE WORLD
TALK AT CONFERENCE

New York, April 1O.-In an address
today to the candidates for admission
into the Methodist ministry and the
New York conference, Bishop Hamil-
ton of San Francisco, presiding officer
of the convention, said the skillful
preacher must be man Of the world.
He warned them not to bother about
heresy or become heresy hunters, and
declared that there was too much
philosophy and too little scripture in
the study of doctrine. He told them
to give the man with the hypothesis
of the Bible the right of way II he had
the proper spirit, but not to accept
all they heard.
Above all, said the bishop
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
Statehood in a Year
Says President Roosevelt

not tell you that what really counts
In any state is the character of the
men and women who make up that
state. You have a wonderful soil, a
wonderful climate. You are develop
ing great industries. But all Of that
will not avail IL you don't have the
right type OF men and women in the
state. That is what counts. | be-
lieve you are getting that type. Tbe-
lieve you the paying heed to the edu-
cation Of the young people, of these
girls and boys that | see before me,
who, in ten or fifteen years, will be
running things (Applause.) do not
want to preach, but do want to say
just a word or two to make you un-
derstand the responsibility that rests
upon you. Rightfully we take the
most pride in our country. We have
right to say that this is a pretty
big country, because it is. But even
more important than being proud of
it now Is to see that those who come
after us will have the same right to
feel proud Of it that we have; we are
proud now Of what our fathers did
in the days that tried mems souls, and
in time of war or in time of peace, we
must SO conduct ourselves that those
who come after us will have the same
right to be proud of their ancestors
of this generation that we have to be
proud of our ancestors of the civil
war;
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

line to that point. The report of this
committee today influenced the pro-
ducers to form a company and com
mence the construction of pipe line
and refinery here at once.
The Standard Oil Company, 1t is
said, had force of men here today
watching the proceedings Of the indie
pendent producers. The Standard
forces announced that the presence
of these people was merely a coinci
dence. There were present at the
meeting today representatives of
companies operating in the Indian
Territory but only Kansas companies
will be represented in the company
TO be organized.
1t is believed that the Organization
of the independent operators into a
company will insure a market for the
Kansas producers independent of the
Standard Oil Company.
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

the downtown streets of Chicago to.
day were scenes of disorders which
followed fast on each other when an
attempt was made to deliver goods
with non-union drivers. Many team
sters, garment workers and their
friends filled the streets, and many
clashes with the police occurred. In
several instances it was necessary
for the police to arrest a number of
the belligerents before the blockades
could be lifted.
A decision to ask the United States
district court to restrain the strikers
was reached tonight by the employers.
The petition will be filed by the Gen
eral Managers Railway Express Asso-
citation and it will require another in
junction broad enough to include the
other employees associations which
are liable to become involved in the
struggle.
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

South McAlester. /. T., April T.
A. crowd Of 10000 including delega-
ton from McAlester Anderson, Krebs,
Bache, Dove, Hartshorne, Haileyville,
Quinto, Wilburton and other points,
greeted President Roosevelt. The
Choctaw school for Indian boys, Jones
academy at Dwight, adjourned and
teachers and students came here in a
body. The presidents declaration that
he would receive senators and repre-
sentatives from the new state within
year or two provoked the widest
applause given any part Of his stir
ring speech. Jake Collins, an Indian
rough rider, was the only individual
to succeed in grasping the presidents
hand.
Let the children come to the
'front.' said the president, as the
crowd thronged around his car, and
the children did come to the front
with rush, the grown-ups standing
by to make room. The president said:
My friends and fellow country
men: It has been a very great pleas
ure to me to come through Indian
Territory today and to realize that, if
am spared, | shall in the next year
or two, be greeting senators and rep
resentatiyes in congress from the
great state of which you will be a
part. (Cheers) am particularly glad
to greet, everywhere | have been to-
day, so many school children. need
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

don't preach 1t unless you know
what you are talking about The
Methodist church does and Is expect
ed to furnish the gospel for all other
churches. =
In recommending the admonition
for fasting the bishop intimated that
certain acts of prize fighters might be
observed and emulated with good re-
suits.
"Out where live, = said he,
men who stand up and strike one
another's faces for $4,000 Of gate re-
ceipts. go away for weeks before and
take care Of their bodies so they can
Withstand the strain of the conflict, z
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
Kina Warmly Welcomed.

Calais, France. April S.-King Ed
ward arrived here. The crowds gath
cred about the landing place loudly
cheered the king. The latter thank
ed the mayor for the warm reception
accorded him. After having mnched
at the railroad station buffet King
Edward left for Paris.
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
Was Granted an Audience.

Toxic April S.-Prince Yichaikak,
as special ambassador bearing the
congratulations of the emperor Of
Korea on the success of the Japanese
army at the battle of Mukden. was
granted an audience by the emperor
at noon today when he delivered the
autograph letter which he carried.
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13
Military Trains Collide.

Hardin, April 10.--By n collision Of
military trains west of Hardin eight
soldiers were killed and 2S wounded.
The accident was due to the fact that
the locomotive crew, who We're worn
out with excessive hours of continu-
Gus work, fell asleep and ran past sig
nails
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

Rt Rev. George Strossmayer, bish-
Cd Of Diakovar and apostolic admins.
traitor Of Servia. died at DialiovaS.
He was consecrated in 1850.
The Globe-republican., 1905-04-13

A telegram received at st, Peters
burg from Pckin says the illness Of
NJ. Paul Lessar, the Russian minister
to China, is critical.
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-25

The KIngs ard Qussns Coue,ay
Burlesens that : the sttrzction At
thsOp house Ksdn-$szy Nzrch
Ist. CONES With eErSlve recon
uendation frou the press q the
state. Particularly does Il abcun5
n music and comedy that / clean
and Wholesome Mr.. A. Bauhan
Fsl barltons singer CT Ki-aivs hsS
Lc1isa1a rroduct,oGs lsy with the
co1pauy. and uightly rsEderS that
Socl stirring hallz6 '-I6-sz-ssf nv
dear old -oshs- was Qzsez
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-25

CIV. CharIevilIe has
opened up undertake
ing parlorS on the COR
ner of 2nd and Chick
aSha Avenue and is
prepared to do en-
balming. Phone 236.
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-25

Within the past twenty years there Of ira
mas Deen steady development of con I'll -
hdence In the out-ofdoor method OF feel 80
treating pulmonary tuberculosis The he -oSlanG
wonderful success that has attended fai
the outdoor treatment in all countries
irrespective Of altitude or special eli -~SA n
matte advantages has demonstrated
tne immense value Of the outdoor life tory os the
as curative means This is not sur
prising, since man is naturally an
orooor animal The indoor life saSrre did James
most civilized human beings : his incomea
nous price o" for the TrI I'VE pay short sketch az tie
houses Not only pulmcs alter Walcigh.
culosis, but large nun rar-s4 .ss4 Esn~ rs~,ss
chronic malades are III 49,
growth Of the lowered aring the 80 years ware
which results from thhea did King James die and
posed .swu BY modern civil said Of his last davs.
mild return Ntrs 70 sa' at Was the most important
thing needful at the I'm ms lite froz- a religions
cold weather we cf Is ,-ssw-s
doors, but we can
our living roomso- What can BE- sasd of the PRO-
bedrooms witbresS os tie Kingd0sa po,isicallya
gms Ient raa uOru ar II. Why VS. Chariss ard bis
which v government unpopulara
II. What wzs tho Court os The
STIR Chamber and way s caIlsR
IS & Glve short history 0f the
q Covsr1nssrs-
ind
low ~ Wy ~ ~-S IA~A y S-A2A-
ne forI and What 6oeS history saw al
ch ~ ses.rs
III IS TEL something cs the 6rst
lhe asEenPt made hy Ireland to gain
MN in1epenlsecS
~, Ridpash'S History.
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-25

II clogged. Ifor Sale.-A good draft team
s., S..S,. we ,fiueluess and wagon, On terms L
are the eanst - purchaser. Call at gas Kan.
/ eases, and o.s Avenue II.
The fuel
the dining r All kinds OF scavenger work done
ent on the ID short notice. Leave your ordei
OIgasneu uishen nou, Kemp's furnisurestore. If
from this k j. .. noaIrignt-
breathed in,
to burn the Come and see how old dad IS al
PIX Dreaths OF eIacS's shop now located
as mucn OF this eleme.. .-oxys - 49,. r-.-~s
seven Dreaths Of oyerheated indc
ar AS man breathes about elghteencaSt oI ola
liines per minute this means loss of - A
iour thousand breaths day by living ia -e
n hot close indoor atmosphere nil1S -
me amount taken in depends on ~.
0apits OF life deep breath mu - --.' 49,
earned. lew moments yigorc ateS, Best terms
aor a,,r exercise viii do It. Tbre-payment. Money
quickens ls the besI1 angs IA delay-LEsrEE l.
fresh air is pumped lHhce over Sarbachs. t
. rapid rate. The d
,inders are burnin
system is being eli reliable information On Old
Don't be afraideo address. The IniernatiOn-
- "Au He4i'n and Company. Lawton.O 7, =
AlcohScurSsons on March 9Th 1905.
The laborefet in the band wagon and pro-
t'gt bot + use nyo cure seat On the ground door.
igued, Il seeing IS believing. If