Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1913-11-07

Rev, Richard D. Stinson, principal
the Atlanta Normal and Industrial in
stitute, for the colored, has returned
from trip to Chicago and other
points in the west. says the Atlanta
Constitution.
While there he made a close study
of the conditions of his race and has
given out the following interview:
81 am more impressed with the real
need Of practical and useful education
than heretofore. am also glad to
say that the best people of both races
are fully cognizant of these facts and
are willing to relieve the conditions
when they find the opportunities that
guarantee the certainty of making the
masses better.
II do not overdraw the picture when
I say the greatest need of the negro
masses in the south as well as other
parts of the country is a useful educa-
ton that teaches how to do something
with the hands.
THE leaders Of my race, the heads
of families, the teachers in the school
room should be thoroughly apprised
of these conditions and go about their
work so that they may do something
definite and helpful.
THE country is taking ON new life
in almost every phase and nowhere
more than in our own section. Why
shouldn't we prepare the masses of
the negro race for it? Those of us
who in the slightest way attempt to
impress our childrace from any other
viewpoint either show that we do not
understand or we try to be an adept
at deception.
1T was this state Of things that has
brought the Atlanta Normal and In
dustrial institute, school for the
training of the masses to do tho every
day things of life, into existence.
have been more than surprised to note
how willing the best and most promi-
nent people of this city and section
have been to encourage a schocl that
makes for tho best interests of our
people.
THE, Importance Of a school like
this in a community can hardly be
overesti1aated. We would not by any
means discourage or oppose those who
espouse the cause Of higher education
by advocating the closing of the col
leges in our midst, for they are doing
a good and commendable work; but
we do say there ought to be tenfold
more schools of this kind among our
people at this stage of their advance
ment so that when the colleges are
building and finishing the top story
these practical schools may be kept
busy with the masses at the bottom,
helping the lay foundation for good
citizenship by training first of all their
hands. teaching the boys how to use
the saw and hammer, the trowel, the
painters brush, how to farm scien.
tifically, ETC., the girls, how to sew
and cook and do homework and the
like.
1T is amazing how MARI young
women there are that have a high
school and even a college education
who could not prepare you decent
meal or wash and iron a decent shirt.
Only the Recording Angel can tell the
deaths that may be attributed to the
frying pan and baking oven. A. young
man seeking a wife had better wed
young woman with ordinary education.
but splendid cook, good seam
stress and good housekeeper in pref
erence to one who could play skillfully
upon the piano Chopin or Beethoven,
discuss psychology and economics or
quote readily from the literary authors
Of the day.
THE tendency Of the age seems
toward specifically, sham and show.
We give tenfold more thought to what