The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-09-17
PROGRESS OF THE NEGRO.

trial progress of the Negro than to.
day, known the country over, as
Labor Day."
One hundred years ago the Negro
was laborer-but a laborer bent
and driven under the yoke of despi-
cable servitude 1t was for him to
toll and labor or undergo the cruel
results. Shiploads of Negroes or
slaves, as they were called. were for
chilly taken from their native land to
work and work without promise of
reward. Were | to endeavor to
portray the Negro in the time of
slavery it would be task beyond
my powers. Were | to try to char
acterize this Negro during the time
of slavery, my efforts would prove
futile. But l will endeavor to ira
verse the rocky pathway of the Ne
gro who has risen from the depths of
obscurity to the attainment of light,
respect, and, l may also add success.
The Negro since the time of. his
emancipation. although at first utter
ly despised, hated and forsaken. has
gradually, by frugallty persistence
and perseverance, demonstrated to
the world his willingness to rise and
keep rising. This fact is illustrated
by that educator, Booker T. Wash
ington, who amidst the trials and
tribulations of life, amidst the scorn
and misery early cast upon him by
others, has attained that height
where he today commands the re-
spect and admiration of his fellow
citizens, and of the world at large.
But how did he accomplish this is
the question you would doubtless
ask. The answer is: He aroused
the dormant ambition that rested
within him, he came out Of the leth-
argy, he seized every opportunity
that confronted him, he donned the
armor and sword and. never filter
ing away his time but using every
flying moment something to live and
work for. These facts then, are the
foundation upon which he builded
his success. Colored people today
fall in the same category also and
they must awake and take on the
burden of work and not be content
to drift along in listless way.
When it is remembered that ambi-
ton was the means at his gaining his
freedom, and that he has had ex-
tended to him helping hand. then
looking towards the future with
steady aim and seeking to promote
the best interests among his fellows
for the common good of all.
Another important factor in the
trail of success is efficiency. Rest
assured that efficiency is the key
note to success; and he who would
VIGOROUSLY surmount the battle
lined parapets of success, is he who
imparts to the work he does the very
best that is in him. No man need
be ashamed of his labor so long as it
is honest. Bear in mind that every
man cannot be member of learn
ed profession, engaged in trade or
commerce; for in manual labor one
may find consolation and temporary
relief from great sorrows. TO sue
coed IN life, study your failures and
make their lessons the by ways to
the accomplishment of your ambi-
tons. The world appreciates genius,
for such we must term it. Self-im-
provement leads to better position
and to a greater regard in the eyes
of our race. The sooner you apply
yourself to enthusiastic. hard and
honest work the sooner will you
have attained the goal of success.
Each and every enc should endeavor
to otliterate illiteracy; we should
strive to inculcate principle of thrift
aud industry and to impress upon
the minds of the rising generation
the sense of the dignity of labor and
giving them the word as a sword
and shield with which to fight the
battle of life, to attain the achieve
ment of their ambition; and the path
way to success.
Let us, from today, evolve new
conditions. The responsibility rests
with US to make or mar our progress
in the future. If we strive to do all
we can for the race they will strew
sweet flowers in grateful memory
upon our tombs; if we rise up man.
fully and perform our tasks we shall
win a great remembrance, for re-
membrance alone is life; forgetful-
ness is death. Let us advance mu-
tually towards the great future, the
roseate hues of which we can see
even now, behind the dark clouds.
Let us unitedly strive, by giving a