Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-01-05

The vlaae OF societies to the bene-
Mt ~ the people IL OF recognized I'M
portance; but, aside from the burial
Of the dead. there should be, IN ex-
istence, a sturdy purpose for the ele-
walton OF the living There is some
what OF divine spirit in the human
heart which prompts to deeds OF
charity: but 1t IL somewhat doubtful
that ou7 efforts in this respect are
actuated by a spirit Of love. Various
motives are the forces which induce
adherence. Curiosity leads some,
while others are impelled by q de-
sire for the frivolous. Only COM
parative few realize their far-reach.
ing scope Of usefulness, and are will
ing to sacrifice largely for the wei
fare of their brethren. To the many
the real meaning OF such organiza-
lions has not occurred; nor have they
the least conception OF the mighty
deeds capable of being accomplished
by united endeavors. II In fostering
the growth Of societies, the aim reach
es no higher than paraphernalias,
grips and signs, then we weave to
little purpose the threads Of life, and
will fail to bring forth fruit worthy
OF acceptance. Zeal. Improperly d.
rected, may lead as far In the wrong
az In the right direction; and what
ever might be the honesty of purpose
underlying the act, the injury wrought
Is the same. The things most helpful
20 any people are those which I'M
prove their conditions, and remove the
hindrances which obstruct their
course. Organized bodies are enec-
tive means for the accomplishment OF
such results; but wise leadership ana
proper discipline are required to bring
these things to pass. There is power
in numbers, drilled and systematized;
but, unwieldly objects are difficult TO
handle and often produce more incon-
veniences that the profit they create.
Could the negro be made to see fhe
abundant opportunities to be obtained
and utilized through the various Or
ganizations which he controls, his sit
uation in the commonwealth would be
more commanding, and the respect
from his fellowman be greater. There
Is naught to be gained from any pur-
suit bereft Of lofty ideals; and ridt'
Guile greets the ludicrous side OF any
undertaking. 1t is wise to aim high
II you miss the mark; because. then
you demonstrate to the world your
desire for the noble. In the prosecu-
ton .pf an honorable purpose. there
Ii M tdisgrace In failure, II you don't
to despair. The greatest
suqr dues have often been the out
coje rent repeated failures, and have
bier " glory and honors to victorious
ybaforaments Tenacity prevails; but
! !. III, ects grasped should be worthy;
V ;sasir. k5E6 We destroy the good effects.
Of the service In our eager search ior
TITLES. Through lack Of understand
ing. grave errors are committed; and
through our blindness even though
convinced Of the fact, we refuse to
correct mistakes. These short-com-
ings appear to be the inheritance OF
the SONS OF Ham; and to wonderful
extent handicap his operations In the
march Of progress. In his daily In
tercourse, theory and practice are
seldom In accord-even strangely
variant, the former often gaining
the mastery; vet, we boldly proclaim
the rsity. despite contrary evidence.
Through judgment rightly exercised
In the fostering of the organized
numbers, vast machineries could be
moved by these accumulated mites.
It is hoped, however. that the negro
will not always resist the appeals OF
his well-wishers to change his tactics
regarding his material welfare. lest,
through his own neglect, the golden
opportunities now opened to him may
close their doors forever.-Atlanta
Phalanx.