Franklin's paper the statesman., 1912-03-16

interest that was gratifying. Besides
number of the farmers attending the
conference addresses were made by w.
T. b. Williams. agent of the John Il.
Slater and Jeanes fund boards of
Hampton, Va: DR. G. o. Boothe and y.
f. Riley of Birmingham. The organi-
zation of the conference, which will
be an annual feature hereafter. was
perfected by the election of ]. II. Nall
president. X. S. Sykes vice president.
NJ G. Cooley secretary and Fred ID.
Edmondson corresponding secretary.
Strong resolutions were adopted in
which the shortcomings of white and
black alike were condemned and at
tention called to methods of better liv-
ing that would bring about fruitful re-
lations between the races. The reso-
lutions read In part:
Mindful of the many good things that
have come to us since emancipation-of
the progress we have made. of the friends
we have gained. of the opportunity that
lies before for growth In the south
land and growing necessity OF our be-
coming n part of American civilization
In every respective. tho members of the
Corona Negro conference. take occasion
to express our sincere thanks to all forces
and agencies that have made these things
possible for the Negro race.
To the southern white people and to all
people of America who are interested In
the Negro as portion of our cosmopol-
itan population we plead for further op-
portunity to exercise n mans privilege In
all things that pertain to American civ
ilization. We plead for due process OF
law in the determination and protection OF
our rights. as in the case of other citi-
zens, and for full share of the blessings
of our state governments in the educa-
tion OF our children and In the guaranty
of our lives and property.
We are not In tho least discouraged be-
cause OF spasmodic cases of disregard Tor
law and order. Notwithstanding these out
breaks are becoming more and more IRE
quent and are directed against one portion
of the country's people. Wo are fearful
only lest that disregard that is so much
directed against the safety of Negroes may
extend to the whole people and be the
cause of even graver consequences. That
the Negro himself has shortcomings and
II not in position himself to cast the FIRST
stone goes without saying. For these
shortcomings we plead for patience and
sympathetic forbearance that should char
acterize the attitude OF tho weak toward
the strong.
We would enjoin upon people of strength
everywhere the greatest care in their
lives and actions lest the Negro feel a
certain license In copying their unlawful
practices. We earnestly feel and believe
that the administration OF the law in tho
case Of petty criminals might be tenn
pered with justice and human kindness.
The Negro has small chance to prove
honesty of motive when confronted with
the opposing testimony OF white police
official whose income often depends upon
the number of arrests and convictions.
To the Negro we would urge obedience
to all laws, the best use of his time and
tho practice of economy In the purchase
Of necessities.
We recognize The worth Of the Corona
Normal and Industrial institute as a great
factor in the training of our boys and
girls and are thankful for Its influence
among us. We pledge to the principal.
Mr.. NJ II. Griffin. his wife and tho teach
ers who are laboring with them our con-
tinued effort to encourage and support
| the work. We rejoice In this expression
| Of the scliools desire to be Of service to
| the whole people OF the community and
| to spread It's influence into the homes Of
tho people