The Colorado statesman., 1911-09-09
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No one who has kept trend with the
current affairs for the last forty years
would deny for one moment that the
negro people have made great progress
along many lines. They have abler
educated ministers who preach the
gospel In the highest and best sense.
They compare very favorably in that
respect with any other people. But 1t
must be admitted that this number is
in the minority rather than the ma
jority.
There are far too many who do not
do anything but talk and beat the air.
And the Voice regrets to say that
these have greater following than
the intelligent God-sent ministers. 1t
is a case where ignorance is bliss
tis folly to be wise" They tear down
rather than build up. But there is
large minority who do credit to any
race anywhere and the Voice is de-
lighted to say that the number is fast
increasing. They are not those who
believe that all you have to do is to
open your mouth and IL Will be filled
by some miraculous power. but that
you must prepare by hard study In
some theological seminary or college.
And they are making It less popular
for the ignorant ministers who put
their hands in their ears and whoop
and imagine they have preached
good sermon when finished. Then, too.
the younger race is being educated
and are growing intelligent, and will
not have that kind of stun. And hence
tg opIt Of hofnrp
that kind of ignorant and supersti-
tious talk must give way for truth and
spirituality For those who worship
God must do so in spirit and truth.
We have many doctors and some
lawyers being graduated yearly, and
many of them are doing good work
for their race and community in which
they live. They do not belong to the
criminal class. Very seldom you hear
of any of this class OF negroes COM
mitting any crime. They are self
respecting and law-abiding. The only
fault We find is their lack of unity
among themselves. But we see some
improvements along this line. The
Voice seems to think there is better
understanding among them. They
seem to understand one another and
work for the highest good OF their pa
tients.
AS to what the negro editors are do
ing, we only refer to the address de-
livered by Mr.. Booker T. Washington
in New York before the Negro Nation
al Business league.
He told the truth when he said
that no people" ought to receive the
patronage OF our people. He said.
without these papers negro enter
prises never could have made the prog
ress which they have. The true negro
paper not only serves Its own race,
but both races. For It cements the
friendship between them. or course
there are exceptions. There are those
that are calamity howlers, that al
ways see the dark side rather than
the bright. But the Voice is an opti-
mist and believes that the law-abiding
and God-fearing among our white
neighbors want us OF succeed. and not
withstanding the rabid talks of the
politician, we believe that the best
white people wish us well and that
we will secure every right guaranteed
us by the state and federal constitu'
ton. The Voice further believes that
industrious, law-abiding and God-fear-
ing as many of our people are,
need have any fear of the future. Let
us not then be discouraged when
things don't come our way at all
times.-Piedmont Voice.