Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1913-05-09

II the things out of which the COM
forts of life are created were properly
improved, they would add much to
the scope OF human happiness.
But. unfortunately, many noble oppor-
tunities are neglected or, purposely,
ignored which. II rightly appreciated.
would smooth our rugged paths.
vs. often fall by the wayside from
lack Of strength to stand. yet in many
instances the weaknesses which pos
sess US are Of our own volition and
not, forced, unbidden. upon US. There
are occasions upon which many enter
prises OF vast importance could be
launched In the interest of race up
building could we see the necessity
Of grasping the opportunities. but we
daily with chance and allow to slip
privileges which, If utilized. would
rebound to credit and honor. Wis
dom. in its development, begets
strength; but it serves no purpose II
it fails to take advantage and use its
gifts for the public veal. Loyalty to
self and those with whom we are
identified prompts us to the proper
nurture OF our sacred trust; but
should we hesitate to act in obe-
dience to the urgent dictates of con-
science our efforts will bring nothing
to pass. Talk stimulates thought.
which foreruns action, but 1t is barren
of results unless some definite step is
taken. 1t is impossible to legislate
desires into the hearts of men, though
laws may enforce activity. But indi-
vidual sentiments must be controlled
by voluntary adherence to the
causes which affect our welfare.
The various avenues through which
we journey to attain our aim In life
are free to every choice, but that
success which rewards honest and
earnest endeavors must be achieved
by earnest toll. Experience teaches
practical lessons on all lines II we
only heed the instruction. but nothing
noteworthy can be accomplished If to
its appeal deaf ears are turned. No
individual or race that refuses to be-
come adjusted to environments and
cultivate that which is freely given
can ever hope to receive respectful
consideration from those among
whom they dwell. In our peculiar
situation we suffer, not SO much from
what Is withheld as from what we
refuse to accept. The meshes in
which our footsteps are entangled are
the creations Of indifference. to those
noble acts Of othel sitter which our
own must be fashioned II we. as q
race, would reach the goal and estab-
lish a lasting foundation. The talents
which Jehovah grants be intends
them to be used to the best advantage
in order to benefit mankind and pro-
mote the progress Of the world. There
are fruitful fields for harvest, and
abundant returns may be garnered
there would the reaperss exert their
energy in fostering the growth OF the
vineyard. Those races shat blindly
walked In utter disregard ~ to what
might have been performed In devel.
opment were ruthlessly pushed from
the stage Of action and are relics Of
tender memory. The happenings Of
the past may become future repetition
to present and unborn generations;
therefore 1t becomes the duty Of every
one to labor to faithful end. Negro
genius should originate negro's aid,
else his claim to recognition in ma.
terial affairs will receive no response.
because In it there can be no reason
able appeal to justice. Let the negro
remember that an end to be attained
must have beginning, and although
success may not always crown his
efforts yet manly undertaking is re-
quired at his hands.-Atlanta Pha'
law "@s Y