The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1908-05-27

The commencement exercises of the
Pensacola Normal School were held
yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at
the X. of p. hall. This school is one
of fine purpose and operated entirely
Independent of assistance from either
county or state, the moneys for its
maintenance being furnished by both
the white and colOred people of this
vicinity. The school is yet too young
TO graduate any of its pupils, hut there
are forty in the senior class who will
graduate next year. 1t is noticeable
that about SO 1S per cent of the pupils
are male. In the white schools the
male percentage is said to be about
20 per cent.
This large male attendance is said
20 be due to the attention that is given
to manual training by the institution
About 800 colored people were
present at the exercises yesterday
]. H. Sheriff., secretary of the Y. NJ
c. A. here delivered the commence
ment address. Mr.. Sheriff. is Singh
larly fitted to serve in this CAPACITY
for he has been more or less con
nected with educational movements
and is a sincere believer in the edu-
cation along the right lines, for all
people
The Introduction of the speaker to
his audience by G. w. Lewis, princi-
pal of the school, was the signal for
applause, and at frequent intervals
during Mr.. Sherrill's discourse he was
interrupted by the hearty applause OF
his audience. MIR. Sheriff. said. in
part:
J. II. Sheriff..
The history of all races is the
same. All peoples have faced the
same question There are no laws
OF nature and of God which operate
differently upon different people. so
might make this address in general
terms and not beg the question. but
from the letter of invitation received
nom your president, i understand that
these exercises are not intended to be
mere show, but that they nave a Sc
riOus purpose which calls for more in
innate and personal discussion.
IF Judged by its best representa-
t1ves, no race on earth can show
greater advancement in so short time
than the negro race has shown in its
few years of contact with the moving
current which bears us along toward
what we call civilization. As evidence,
OF your recognition of this there is
Il race pride which respects
and glories in the race name, so I
shall have no hesitancy In addressing
my audience today as negroes.
The problems which face YOU TO-
day as a race and as individuals are
no different from those problems
which face all races and all individ-
ualS and this right solution in YOUR
case will be brought about by the
practice OF the same natural, simple.
homely virtues that have always made
for strength and value in race and
Individual character. There is no
short cut to success nor potent way
to develop strength. The things most
worth having cannot he given to us,
nor stolen by us. nor found in all this
busy world, but there is no treasure
of heart or head or hand which can be
kept from us if we are willing to nav
the price marked upon ii in plain ns-
ures by the hand which placed in US
the aspiration to possesses.
There may be things denied VOL
which seem to be your right. but in
solid fact these things will not b,
yours uRtil you have produced the
visible and tangible proof that YOU
are able to handle these things. and
no power can keep them from You
when your race produces this proof.
9ullocTS and OeSCrOyeFS.
IF the destiny of the individual is
bound up in the fate of the race. it
is also true that the race can ONLY
progress through the betterment OF
the individual and therefore there
rests IN the hands of each of YOU this
sacred treasure, the destiny of yCur
race. Who is building up the negro
race today? Those who by honesty.
industry, and Self-sacrifice are striving
for true, clean lives. and not those
who are looking for miracles. Who is
holding back and dragging down the
negro race today? 1t is not adverse
or race hatred or any of
these things. 1t is the shiftIess and
ignorant, or the educated and selfish
members of your own race that do Won
real harm.
Now let us see what are some Of
the most valuable possessions that life
can give and what is the price that
The laws Ct nature demand that we
shall pay for each.
There Is no institution more Cos
~ related to the good of a race high
moral and physical life in, or more
conducive 10 right and the individual. !
than a true home. As a race vOu
have not had time TO build many trug
homes with The accompanying family
lF4Oe Wh'Ch InEO"S ats STRENGTHENING
and hallCWei influence around the in
diyiduaI wherever he goes. but ycu
have made a splendid beginning.
Every little cottage, no matter how
small. is 2 mighty influence for good
upon the race and upon the nation, !
and think what il means to the indi-
.idual5 IN that home. The price Of
little piece Of property is industry, |
SELF deniaIs. 1t brings self !
aspect and good habits. II commands !
respect from others. Il takes the |
oosessor a long way along the road |
coward his rights. But the mere |
house is not the home There are /
many palaces that are not homes and |
many shacks that are. Home IS |
|" herever true love and fruitful family |