The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1918-03-29
HIGHER WAGES is NEGROES LURE
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More than rs per cent. of the
migrants are between the
ages of eighteen and forty-five. Only
10 per cent. are past fifty or under
eighteen. This shows that the mi
grants are desirable laborers and at
the zenith of their producing capac-
ity. So their influx lays little burden
on the city. There are few minors
to be educated and few dependents to
become public charges. Most of the
immigrants are single. Many of the
newcomers when questioned affirm
that they lived in better quarters in
the south though wages were lower.
But here 81 per cent, earn from 81
to SO a day while in the south but
twenty-five got such return for labor
At least So per cent. of the migrants
do unskilled work.
Mr.. Epstein combats the prevalent
statement that the Negroes came
north from prohibition states to find
saloons. The figures prove his denial.
These migrants are churchgoers;
they have made big savings. Many
send money back to former homes.
Alabama and Georgia are banner
states which have suffered the drain
of the exodus. Georgia alone con-
tributes &C per cent. But owing to
the lack of housing conditions many
will go back south when the labor
demand becomes normal.
Next come the problem of ameli-
grafton. The Negroes own problem is
to escape from the measures of sup
preston eXerted in the south. This
migration is but seizure of the oppor-
tunity afforded by the war depleted
labor market The race problem is
thus brought up north. Then the
argument proceeds that making de-
mocracy safe" means treating these
migrants as human beings. Politi-
cally the Negro is as free as the
white. A sample of the contract
signed by the newcomer before en-
ployment here is printed to prove
that the average employer is not
caring for improving the social
condition of the migrant.
The organization of the Negro into
labor unions is not feasible. Some
white unions admit him, while Others
debar him by their constitutions.
There is a manifest reluctance on the
part of the white and Indifference on
that of the Negro. The underlying
reason for this lack of organization
is due, so stated, to the Negro recog-
nizing his own tragedy, which in
cludes slavery in the past, lynching
and mob law and ostracism now
His wages and mere existence absorb
him. Statistics are presented to
show the petty character of the cases
wherein Negroes have been arrested
The percentage of grave charges has
decreased notably in the past year.
The National League on Urban
Conditions Among Negroes is at
tempting to become guide, educator
adjusting agency and organizer fol
the migrant OF course, he is not
confined to Pittsburg.
This league organizes travellers
aid work at the railroad stations and
assists in bringing only the higher
types of labcrers here and then in
structing them by MONDAY and Sun
day talks. Broad efforts are planned
by the league to better housing con
ditions. Attention will be given tt
reducing the high rate of sickness
and death. The danger in prophet
airy medicines will be taught. Amuse
tments and recreation are to be pro
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building and bank deposits will bt
organized.-N. Y. Globe, March Fl
1918.