The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-08-16
National Negro Business Mems
League Will Meet i'm Baltimore.
WV. IL. Vernon Delivers a SchOl-
arly Address.
STAY WHERE HE is.
Orator Thinks Negro Must
Work Out Destiny Here.
Best People in Am eica SYM
pathize With Negroes Efforts.

If the American negro can acquire
the courage and optimism that is
shown by his leaders in the National
Negro Business league, there is not
much doubt about a great advance OF
the colored race at all points. w. l.
Vernon, who addressed the meeting at
representative hall last evening, is
registrar of the United States treasury
"a man who has achieved something.
Mr.. Vernon is a Kansan, holding re-
sponsible position with the govern
ment which ne fills in a satisfactory
manner, and is therefore qualified to
talk on 1.-The Negro and the Nation,
which was his subject Mr.. Vernon is
a firm believer in the ultimate success
of his people in winning political
equality in this country and is jealous
of every right of his race under the
constitution. He believes that the
negro must win success right where
he is and be part of this nation.
Among other things, he said: THE
growth and spread of goodness in
mankind has given the American
negro cause to look up and take hope:
The sentiment of the better people of
this country is to help us all they can.
1.-The direct primary system which
is being advanced in many parts of
the north is a great step in advance
toward q better government. Other
governments have risen and fallen be-
cause they forgot some of the es-
sentials to their existence. Rome for
got the foundation of fraternity, lib
erty and equality upon which she
builded, and fell Governments have
continued to rise and fall but still
this country of ours has gone on sue
ceeding until now we have the great
est nation on the face of the earth.
The American republic is really the
light of the world and I am proud to
say that the American negro is help
ing this forward movement. I am
certain that the best people of Amer
NV n
show that we are going forward all
the time. It is this story of hope that I
like to hear. I like to remember that
during the dark days of the civil war.
the negro did not commit crime
against those of the white race con-
fided to his care.
Il do not believe that the negro race |
should go elsewhere to find its oppor- |
tunity We are going to work out our |
destiny right here in this country be- |
cause that is the only thing to do. And /
the day is coming, too. when in this |
country, all men will recognize the |
fatherhood of God and the brotherhood i
of man. The race that can produce /
such men as Booker T. Washington, and |
many others whom I might name-men-
who accomplish results-need have no /
fear of the future. We are going to |
work out a wonderful result in this /
country. This nation is going on to
greater things and the doctrine is 60
ing to spread over the whole earth under |
our leadership"
Following Mr.. Vernon, John T. Writ
of Pittsburg. Pa, gave a talk upon
Practical Catering" He told of his
rise in the catering business. He began
as q waiter and has attained good re-
suits. He attributes his success to
original methods. Mr.. Writ appeared
in evening dress.
Mrs. Belle Davis also discussed the
subject and said that starting a few
years ago without a penny, she now has
stock valued at 100000
P. Fred ROmore of Joplin. Mo, spoke
IN Manufacturing Harness" He
started four years ago with 1920 and
asst year did a $4,000 business.
W. c. Gordon of ST. Louis, Mo-,
talked about his experience in the I'M
1ertaking business. On account of pref
1dice it was a litter struggle making
Z start but by sticking to it, he has
succeeded until he is now worth about
80, 600 and does a yearly business of
$4,000. The undertaking business has
been one of the best things that the
negro has found in his search for a BUSH
less of his own which will bring good
'eturns.
Fred d. Patterson, fourth vice presi-
lent presided last evening.
Music was furnished by the ST. John
Jubilee octet.
AT the close of the evening session,