The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1914-10-16
RACE PROGRESS
IN new JERSEY
WashIngton's Tour Of the State
Benefits General Public.
CHANCES FOR ADVANCEMENT

Recent Campaign Through Rich North
srn Commonwealth Reveals Con-
struetivs Work of Its coIored citi-
xens - How Messrs. vandervali and
eurrell Organized the People.
by N. BARNETT DODsON.
New York.-The recent four days
tour Of DR.. Booker T. Washington
through New Jersey has been the
means of calling public attention to
many historical facts concerning the
activities of the colored citizens of the
state in the past and of showing what
those of the present are doing 1t has
also centered attention on the great
possibilities open to the race to be-
come large landowners, thrifty farmers
and leaders In education. business and
civic movements.
The group of small but thrifty com.
munities In the southwestern part of
Essex county. known as the Oranges.
has a population of 100000, Of whom
10000 are colored. These communities
are rich in their association Of early
colonial and antebellum history. The
Negro was not an inactive or silent
spectator during those stirring times.
He participated in every struggle and
bravely bore his part in the long con-
test for liberty Of the American colo
MIST. The battles Of Springfield and
Orange mountain colony and other Rev.
olutionary struggles have indelibly re-
corded his bravery and valor. During
the civil war New Jersey sent more
than regiment Of brave black boys
and several battalions in the late Span
ish.American war. These undeniable
facts prove the loyalty. devotion and
patriotism of the Negroes of New Jer-
sey in every crisis concerning the safe
ty Of the American flag.
In the civic affairs Of the state he
has played well his part. Contesting
against every unfair advantage and
race prescription. he has maintained
himself and gathered the small crumbs
of opportunity together and still contin-
ues to rise and retain a place among
the struggling and progressive masses.
In the Oranges he has accumulated
nearly 100000 in real estate. none of
which he inherited or received in be-
quest, but has acquired by sacrifice
and labor. Negroes own many large
and beautiful church buildings. an Old
Folks home and several fraternal and
business buildings. In the charitable
work they have contributed.ve large
Dy in proportion to their means.
Shortly after the war an old colored
woman gave her earnings Of many
years to the work Of the temperance
cause. and the imposing structure at
Main and Commerce streets. Orange.
valued at more than $4,000. stands on
the site bought by the savings Of this
old pioneer woman. who bequeathed
her estate for that work. There re-
mains much yet to be done in this fair
common wealth that these people may
have fair chance in the battle Of life.
Those that have located in the agricul-
tural districts have done well. Many
own large. productive farms and each
year. by their push and industry. add
to their possessions.
The men who organized themselves
into state committee for the purpose
of making the trip Of DR.. Washington
and his party tremendous success
were imbued with race PRIDE, They
were eager for their guests to see the
achievements Of the race i'm the state
and for the people Of the state to see
and hear DR.. Washington, who was In
troduced at one Of the meetings by
wealthy and influential white man as
one Of the truly great men Of America.
The leading spirit In organizing the
various cities and towns for the trip
was w. p. Burrell. head Of the social
settlement work for colored children
In East Orange. -
Mr.. Burrell was the executive secre-
tary of the state committee, and upon
him devolved the task of arranging for
dates and places for all the meetings
In this he was ably assisted by Mr..
James N. vandervall, chairman Of the
tour committee, together with the To-
cal committees In the various towns
There was work enough to have kept
several stenographers busy for many
weeks. yet this progressive man Of
great energy and mental strength did
practically the whole job. In speaking
Of how the state organization was per-
fected Mr.. Burrell very wittily says:
"There was a convention held. and