Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-03-19
Mr.. Carter Speaks.
.ditor of The PLANET:

Editor of The PLANET:
Dear Sir:
In your editorial reply to Mr.. Ste
mons concerning the dismissal of
colored walters from hotels, at Prov
idence and perhaps in other northern
cities, will serve as an incentive to
the lethargicsl element of the Negro
people. IL is a fact that we Southern
colored men here in the North have
let go by many precious days in idle
song and laughter, which might have
been turned into cents and dollars,
and many opportunities that might
have been made good in the organi-
zation OF legitimate business. Espec-
tally do we now see the need OF this
when coiored men are being super
ceded by white men in the ordinary
vocations Of life. An ounce OF fore
thought then, regarding future de-
velopments would be affording many
pounds of convenience and prosper-
ity now. But. be that as II may,
there is no reason why men Of the
Negro people should hold a monopoly
on public or private waiting, for
much OF such service is performed
here in the North by white women,
as well as by white men. and the
men OF that race are taking hold of
other things, as a means OF living.
The writer could give quite a few
instances relative to this matter. but
one is sufficient. An Englishman Of
my acquaintance. who followed pri.
vate waiting for n living, was dis
placed by women OF the white race.
He received $50 for his private work
as butler. but he is now getting 500
per month. for overseeing and doing
fine gardening. This will emphasize
the fact that In these days OF many
changes man, especially the black
man will not find 10 convenient 20
cling to one vocation as a means OF
living. The thing for colored
men on this side OF the line to do,
is TO organize a business, and let the
whole race in such communities
give &C. their undivided support
which makes the Jews a strong and
an cnterprising race OF people.
The business progress which the Ne
gro people are making at Richmond.
Norfolk, and perhaps at other cities
in Virginia, is a criterion up to which
the colored man in the North must
! endeavor TO measure. Fifty men OF
the cOlored race with 500 each, or
! twenty-five men with 5000 each
! would not be "A bad capital on which
to start a business.
Much OF the business already
| established among the colored peo-
| pie In the South. started on a capital
far less than $1,000. Perhaps none
OF the savings banks OF Richmond,
Va, now owned and controlled by
| the colored race had more than that
amount In cash capital, when the
doors came open for business. And
surely the Richmond Va. PLANET,
now n leading weekly, among the
African people had not that amount
DR.. Booker T. Washington, al
though much criticised by some OF
| his people. deserves much credit for
| bringing the Tuskegee School from
| nothing to where IL now stands as
| monument TO his physical and
mental labors. He had no capital 10
| start with. but when the great pur-
pose OF his earnest endeavors was
understood by the unlocking world
capital came 70 his aid from far and
near. Let us not whine nor sit sigh
ing awaiting the tide of progress to
wash toward our doors, but let us
enter with a new spirit into life's
earnest battle, to make a place for
ourselves and a name OF our nation.
ROBERT w. CARTER,
Brookline. Mass.
February 25, 1910.