The Colorado statesman. [volume] (Denver, Colo.) 1895-1961, 1909-03-20

other hand forget the power of awak-
ened manhood, nor the possibilities of
an aroused ambition.
Again let us not forget, that a col,
ony well established, may in the fu
ture offer a place of refuge to a larger
number of American Negroes. The
tendency of our times is towards race
agitation. The growing education and
ambition of the Afro-American and his
desire to enlarge his borders, but poor
ly harmonises with the habitual all
ruling power of the American white
man. The fact that every year brings
sharper competition between these
two factions is not to be overlooked
What the outcome will be no one
knows and few even dare to prophisy
We recognize that we are in no way
prepared for a contest of skill or re.
sources, and in case of general feel
ing of intolerance of our presence,
what refuge have we? Some may say
for verification on small scale look
at the Atlanta riots, the New York out
break, the Springfield outburst. We
hope and pray that these conditions
may not arise again but what assur-
ance have we that they will not occur
here in our own city? What preventa-
tive have we, what refuge? And who
can say but that these outrages may
not at sometime involve states instead
of cities and become general instead
of local? True in fore-casting such
condition we fall back on the love of
common justice in the American peo-
pie land it is in many cases admir-
able), but to presume too far upon
this is to neglect our own self protec
ton. Suffice it then to say let us
not forget that a colonial refuge would
not be amiss in time of oppression and
general distress.
The last thought that | wish to call
your attention to is the possibility of
being of help to our brothers in the
land of our forefathers. 1t may be a
part of the great plan of providence
that we should be trained and
schooled by American slavery and
hardships while we are receiving the
light that we may take that light back
to the land of our origin. few short
years or even few hundred years to
Ha t., 1
though the hours of our affliction may
seem an eternity to us they are but a
moment in Gods great plan. And so
our sojourn in America may be but a
| link in the chain of civilizing- Africa
At present there seems to be but
a fringe around the coast of Africa
that is civilized while great part of
the interior is roamed by hordes who
never heard of our western civiliza.
| ton. What do we owe them, we who
have seen the light? We are the best
fitted by nature to carry the light to
our own brothers. We can more cas-
| lily understand them because of kin
dred feeling and blood, we can appre
ciate their secret longings and sup
pressed ambitions. In us they can, or
should, recognize true friendship and
mutual understanding. What will we
do with this God-given privilege and
possibility? Shall We attempt to evade
the duty or shall we face the situa.
ton manfully?
In closing this paper l wish to say
that there are two important reasons
why we are not making more of our
possibilities both in this country and
in Africa. One is the lack of down
right honesty with ourselves and
| frankness with our fellowmen and the
other is petty jealousy and pickering
among ourselves. Larger experiences
and broader education will eliminate
much of this. But if we are to make
the most of life and it's opportunities
let us hasten to lay aside narrowness
and prejudice and to see this and all
subjects in their true light and strive
| to be men in the truest sense.
.. FINS.