The Colorado statesman., 1911-11-25


the stability Of civilized society is the
outcome of proper adjustment OF
human affairs. which general dinu-
sion of knowledge embodies. In
many localities where lack OF edu-
cational activity is noticeable, the re-
suits may be traced to the unsatis-
factory surroundings, meager equip
ments and inefficient forces OF the
public schools located In their midst.
Such circles, already widely spread
are increasing yearly; and their
baneful influences are exerting them
selves in a marked degree, whlch
proves to be of great detriment to
large portion of the negro common
wealth. Observant eyes, scanning
the mental horizon, cannot fail TO
detect the dark spots creeping upon
its borders, threatening to overshad-
ow our intellectual sun by the thick
ness Of their mantle. The danger
arises not more from the manifest
Indifference of officials exercising
supervision Of the public funds, than
the apparent blindness on the part
of parents who fail to see the ne
cessity OF personal sacrifice to enable
them, by largely suplementing the
scanty appropriation from the public
purse, to secure the services OF those
instructors whose fitness would ele-
vate them and lift the community to
higher grounds. Imbued with false
notions as to that which leads to in
dividual Importance and determines
ones social status among his fellow
men, the negroes, in no small num-
bers, are abject slaves to fashion,
which has developed unquenchable
desires for finery and dimmed their
range of vision in quest OF nobler
things. Hence ignorance is gaining
ground where intelligence should rule.
Outward appearance is not always
true test of prosperity; for extrava-
gance is the forerunner of poverty.
To elevate the mind, and beautify
the inward man for the reception OF
noble truths are, to many, after-
thoughts whose existence appeals to
fancy rather than reality. The spir-
1t, herein portrayed, is not univer-
sal, however. There are chosen
few, comparatively speaking, whose
zeal has not tagged from discourage
ment; nor have they failed to show
their hands and exert their energies
where meritorious services are re-
quired. Time was when authorities
did much to encourage parental ef-
forts in the intellectual field and
stimulated endeavors by the aid of
liberal compensation from public cof-
fers. A generous rivalry on all lines
of activity, sprang TN; and the re-
sources of the various colleges of At
lanta we're heavily taxed to meet
the existing crave for knowledge.
They were cases of necessity; thor
oughness was required in dispensing
information; and ample preparations
we're necessary to meet the demands
of the hour. In every stage OF hui
man action, Indifference creeps in
when interest takes its flight; and
when our minds become thoroughly
adjusted to surrounding circum-
stances, we settle down to state Of
apathy unmindful of the great dam
ages being wrought through the in
fiuence of incompetency. The cheap
est material Is often the costliest In
the end; and we often lose dollar
in our efforts to save a dime. A
butchered mind in childhood Is a
drawback to the individual in matur-
er life; and such is caused by a
want of foresight created by igno-
rance and greed. Let there be light"
said the Creator in the beginning,
and there was light; but darkness
was dispelled by a Master mind. Ig-
norance supporting it's kind can make
no satisfactory report; and its mis-
sion will tend only to render condi-
tions more appalling. The errors we
commit against ourselves should ap-
peal to our correction, since our well
fare alone Is the most affected, and
others are not supposed to be wor-
ried about our own concerns. We
hope the ray may dawn upon our be-
nighted souls and awaken our slum-
bering senses, that we may rightly
view the path of wisdom, and choose
to walk therein.