The broad ax., 1914-03-07
By RALPH W. TYLER.

| SSaIe OF Oklanoma are "Dey0nQ the
confines Of civilization" localities
where the yet moccasined, feather be-
decked and blanket robed Indian roams
and where the movies cowboy breaks
the monotony by shooting up the town
In the good old fashioned way. 1t is
hard to convince those who live east Of
the Mississippi and who have neyei
come this way that this town, 1,24s
miles from the nations capital, Is a
beautiful city, with asphalt paved
streets and cement sidewalks, with fine
residences and business blocks.
There are 10000 Negroes in this city,
forming One-third Of the total popu-
latiOn That they are a thrifty set
Is shown by their real estate holdings,
which aggregate $1.5OO.OOO; the $780,
600 they have invested In business en-
terprises and their cash in bank, which
will total conservatively 100000, and
their per capita wealth OF S142.O6
That they are an intelligent set Is
shown by their splendid schools, pub
lie and private; their very efficient
corps OF teachers, their seventeen
churches, some Of which for beauty,
commOdiousness and cost would do
credit to cities with far larger Negro
population.
And here intelligence and clean NOR.
ais among Negro ministers are the rule,
not the exception This 10000 Negro
population supports we'll eighteen Ne
gro physicians, three dentists, fourteen
lawyers and fifty merchants. What
city Of 10000 Negroes east Of the Mis-
sissippi can show a better record7
How many can equal this showing7
The eighty Negro teachers in this city
will compare favorably for ability with
the white teachers Of this or any other
city, and for enthusiasm shown in
their work, their interest in racial up
lift work, few cities can produce their
peers.
The delegates and visitors who will
come here next August to attend the
National Negro Business league con-
vention will not only meet with a reve-
lation in Negro progress, but they will
receive an inspiration from these hus-
Ting, progressive, intelligent MuskOgee-
ties. The finest, largest and most mod
ern clothing store conducted by a Ne
gro is here in Muskogee, and 1t yies in
volume Of trade and the largeness and
character Of stock carried with the
best white clothing stores IN this city
or any eastern city Of the same size.
7. ]. Elliott, who established and now
conducts this store, began his business
career by carrying bolt OF cloth over
his shoulders soliciting orders for tai
Ior made clothes. Adjoining Mr.. e.
liott's clothing store Is the finest dry
goods store-a real, up to date dry
goods store-conducted by ]. ". Ad-
ans, and conducted with marvellous
success.
And nowhere in this country is there
an art studio and Photographic gallery
conducted by a Negro the equal Of the
one here owned and operated by Mr.
Green. 1t has not its counterpart for
size, furnishings and tastefulness
among Negroes in the country and
has few equals among the whites.
Some Of the other lines Of business
conducted by Negroes In this city are
drug stores, four In number; bank, In
surance, undertaking, groceries, tailor
shops, printshops, laundries, confec-
tioneries, cafes, harness making, etc
II Is estimated that the Negro con-
Germs here do an annual gross business
Of 100000.
The Negro attorneys here are a keen,
brilliant set Of men. the most promt
nent being Messrs. Stewart, Brown.
Lilly, McRea, Twine, Jefferson and W.
Scott Brown, a former Cleveland boy. |
The physicians are not only skillful, !
as are the dentists; but. like the at
toIneys. they take a very active In
terest I'm everything looking to racial
progress. I found that 0hiOans have |
invaded this healthy. robust. hustling |
new state in the southwest, for here ]
met Herbert A. Clark, a former Gin
cinnatian. who not only resides here. |
but conducts the Wagner American.
one Of the best race newspapers pub |
ished, over In Wagner. fourteen miles
from Muskcgee; his wife. who Is musi
al director Of the public schools here;
Attorney Twine. a one time Xenia (OJ |
ooy: W. Scott Brown. a successful at
torney, who formerly lived in Cleye-
land, and Ms. Avenger. teacher in the
public schools, formerly a Miss Trent /
M Colnmhna n Finding 20 many old /
lequaintances from my native state 50
Tar from the old base OF supplies"
naturally increased the pleasure Of my |
stay here. But had these not been
here Muskogee's proyerbial hospitality
would have made me feel at home.
One thing eommendable which this
city maintains Is the real live Local
Business league. and this Is the head
quarters Of the State Negro Business
league, a most spIendidly active o.
gaaization. ]