Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-03-30

less and less efficiently cultivated since
he has formed his union and raised wages several
thousand people have come in English islands.
and that he touch with colony of $500 St CTo<
negroes in York, who anxious to return. but
are waiting to see what United States will do
depopulation of St Croix' he says has been due
to the existence of is practically peonage- The
planters all the land and control all the employ
Hence the negro is dependent upon the planter
for a roof and a chance to work. When there was
ar organization he had accept what the planter
chose to pay. being often unable to set enough
money the island the difference between his
condition and peonage was slight
Jackson was born the island and educated in the
local schools. He then became school teacher He
says study of medicine and spent all of
nights trampng about the island with small
stove strapped to his back for heating wafer IN oroer
minister sick negro children. In this way he
gained confidence people and became recog-
nized leader. \ few years ago the decided
of social economic conditions
in the islands, and Jackson, being recognized as
spokesman for the invited to before
a commission in Copenhagen.
His really remarkable powers expression
much attention he took the lecture platform and
well received by radical audiences In Denmark there
is color line such draw in the United States
jackson received socially by the minister of
finance and officials He had opportunity
talk leaders of social reform Denmark. He
turned to his island with complete social philoso
ply and confidence in his own powers.
His hrst move was organize A labor union and
strike for better wages for the field hands. BY
strikes he has raised from % to 40
day. During the last strike the planters turned
the negroes of their huts. homeless
filed the of Christiansed Many people
being without food. Jackson secured two sloops
carry some of them other islands where they
work The Danish government refused to let them
board the sloops Despite this double pressure. the
strike carried through a successful conclusion
without any violence beyond the throwing of few
jackson has always been strongly in favor of the
sale OF the United States, believing
republic will give his people civil rights
This negro leader is accused by the planters of
organizing the union for his profit He replies by
producing his books which show that he receives moth
ing but a salary of $40 A month, bills of to
prove that all the property he has bought is in the
is also OF preaching
hatred, he asserts that does
matter that he is merely upholding capital against
labor.
The serious charge brought agaist Jackson is that
filled the people with spirit of arrogance
discomfort such that they will not work. The trouble
with his labor union the planters is that it will
They also of the opinion that the people
Croix capable of much improvement. They
in Jackson only man who has gained dangerous
power childke and irresponsible people,
ening industry and the peace They admit legal
charge be brought against him. but confident
that a strong military government would way Of
suppressing him and his propaganda There
to kill cat than to choke il with butter,
veteran Irish landowner remarked.
on other he
of civil government with local assembly elected by
the people. This much he feels the United
will grant, 1t is the greatest democracy world
and believes in the right of all peoples govern
ment. He further hopes that eventually govern
will buy the lands few men VIII,
them let the people buy them back tracts,
and sell their to central factory by the
government. Thus does he hope that
centuries shall to securely homes and
their souls under the protection of democracy