The broad ax., 1921-11-05
CHARLIE GIBBS JOINS LITER
ATT; PRESENTED WITH BOOK
ON JOHN BROWN BY NOTED
ENGLISH AUTHOR.

VIZ .hbCE@n Two worlds
observe him with interest and adulira-
tlon-one as represented by -VaeheI
Lindsay of Springfield, and the other
as represented by the famous author.
soldier and adventurer, Stephen Ora
ham of England
Charlie" as Attorney Gibbs Is
Familiarity known in and out Of court
where he commands the utmost re
spect of bar and bench has never
made claim to literary ability, but
these great authors have discovered
that he has it.
Recently Vachel Lindsay took
Stephen Graham to Mr. Gibbs Office
and introduced him. At once Graham
was intensely interested. Following
the world war through which he
served in the British army, Graham
came to America and walked over the
same ground which Sherman covered
in his famous march to the sea. He
did not engage himself with the white
folks so much as with the colored.
He was tremendously interested in the
progressive and forward looking Ne
gro.
= Finds Interesting Man.
So, when he met Charlie" Gibbs
he found a rare and really interesting
man. In fact, the British author
was so attracted by Charles" philo-
sophies and self-expression, he re-
turned to see him again. On the sec
ond visit he presented him with a
copy of his book, "The Soul of John
Brown" written from his experiences
while on the march to the sea"
Mr.. Gibbs wrote letter of appre-
citation of this book which deals with
the Negro question. He addressed his
letter to Mr.. Graham through Vachel
Lindsay. 1t is so finely written and
worded in such attractive literary
style, the State Register asked the
privilege of publishing it.
I'm not seeking any publicity"
said Charlie" with characteristic
modesty, but the letter follows just
the same:
Hon. Vachel Lindsay,
6O3 6. Fifth Street, City.
Ny Dear Sir:
Early this morning, about 4:3O am,
l finished reading the "Soul OF John
Brown by Stephen Graham, and
am aware of the fact, that before this
time, he has no doubt left our eoun-
try for his native land, and since !
have not his address, it is an impossi-
bilfty for me to express in my humble
way, my opinion Of his writings,
hence / am writing to you, filed with
the idea that you are perhaps in eom-
munication with him and will at least
tell him that l read his soul of John
Brown"
I did not simply read after the fash
ion of some men, but 1 let myself into
the spirit of the undertaking, landed
with him in New York, visited with
him the places of interest along the
New England shore, rested with him
amid the Inequalities Of Virginia,
stroIIed with him again Ger the
streets where / few a kite as a boy
in Knoxville, Tenn, went with him
further south into the state OF Georgia
and step by step saw the condition,
whether it was good, bad or indiffer-
emit of my people. And when we had
finished our journey through the
Southland and traversed the Missis-
sipri river on our return to the north
again. / sat down along side Of the
great Stephen Graham, Christian hu-
manitarian that he is, and read his
inner thoughts: AS to some things,
he was absolutely right, and IN all
things ne showed a Christian spirit,
and a very high regard for every prIn-
ciple of the Golden Rule.
In one thing only is Mr.. Graham at
error. and that is but natural mas
much as history teaches us that in all
AGES men have sought revenge, both
severaIIy and collectively, for real or
fancied wrongs, but, though the pro
cess be slow and burdensome, though
The wav be rugged and obstacles
ra;sed like mountains, the Negro race
with Gods help and the courage Of
his own convictions, viii mount obsta-
cles. overcome opposition, live down
preiudices, erect new standard OF
Hanbood and fight II out on. this
line. Il It takes al SUMMER
/ do not pose as preacher Of the
new doctrine, / offer no great proph-
5eey of the future. ] have no panaeea
for ali Ills, but, simply plead with all
mankind that my race may be given
! chance as Individuals to make per
sonai advancement along an lines Of
bamzn eudeazoE; and knew from
psrsonai experience that As men come
= rontact with honesty, ability, so
brietx and square dealings that they
viii n time, mutually agree, BY some
unwritten law to forget races and
class distinction and exelaim with one
---.-a a mans a man for al O