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15 Cents a Copy Vol. VII, No. 4 #1.75 a Year 150 THE MESSENGER HOWARD UNIVERSITY: WASHINGTON, D. C. Twenty -five Build Founded by General O. O. Howard ings. A Faculty of One Hundred and Stanley J. Dubkee, A.M., Ph.D., D.D., Emmett J. Scott, A.M., LL.D., Seeretary- Seventy-three. Pretident Treasurer The Capstone of Negro Education

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Regents MNIVERSITY College Entrance X^Prepamtoty SCHOOL Day and Evening Sessions • The best in faculty and equip STATE BANK BLD'G FIFTH AVENUE AT 115 STREET ment at a moderate tuition fee. All classes in both day and Preparatory JV«w York' l Mott Succmtful School evening sessions meet five full periods a We Cordially Welcome the Negro Student week.

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"Read Everywhere by Everybody Who'* Anybody" The Messenger World's Greatest Negro Monthly Published Monthly by the New Hotel MESSENGER PUBLISHING CO., INC. 2311 Seventh Avenue, New York Telephone, Bradhurst 0454 VINCENNES Editor*: A. PHILIP RANDOLPH and CHANDLER OWEN AND ANNEX Contributing Editor*: ROBERT W. BAGNALL, LOVETT FORT-WH1TEMAN, ERNES I Vincennes Ave., 36th Street and Ellis Park RICE McKINNEY. WILLIAM PICKENS. GEORGE S. SCHUYLER. MYRA H. COLSON. GEORGE FRAZIER MILLER. ABRAM L. HARRIS. THEOPHILUS LEWIS CHICAGO Mr. and Mrs. E. Barnett Lewis, Proprietors CONTENTS EUROPEAN PLAN Cover. Alice Holmes Harris, Richmond, Virginia. These "Colored United States." No. 19 : Ohio — Past and Present. By W. P. Dabney 153 140 rooms, 73 rooms with pri Editorials 156 vate bath, electricity and steam The White Rose Ass'n. By Mary L. Lewis 158 heat in every room, unsur The Letters of Davy Carr 159 passed dining-room service, The Critic . By J. A. Rogers 165 courteous employees. The Children's Hour. By Eulalia O. Proctor 167 Theatre 168 Established 1919 Shafts and Darts. By George S. Schuyler and Theophilus Lewis 169 SPECIAL RATES RESERVATIONS Athletics. By Dr. Edwin B. Henderson 170 for Conventions Made by Mail La Femme Silhouette. By E. O. Proctor 172 "Spring." By Josephine Cogdell 173 Write for Terms Now "That Yaller Gal." By Edna Porter 174 New Books 174 "Souls for Gasoline." By Mamie Elaine Francis 175 "The Suttee." By C. McKenzie Muir 177 A Builder of Peace. By Blanche Watson 178

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MRS. SYLVESTER L. MacLAURIN OF WASHINGTON, D. C, WIFE OF ATTORNEY S. L. MacLAURIN THE MESSEN G E R 1 5 3

THESE 'COLORED' UNITED STATES" No. 19: OHIO— PAST AND PRESENT By WENDELL P. DABNEY Editor of "The Union'' Cincinnati, and for many years Paymaster of the City of Cincinnati

Before assuming the form with which we are familiar, captured, cut her little daughter's throat, rather than have Ohio was a part of that vast territory claimed by the her a slave. French and known as Louisiana. Conquest by Great General Grant and hundreds of other great men dwelt Britain resulted in the Treaty of Paris. April, 1763, which in Ohio and with their mothers' milk absorbed the spirit transferred that immense body of land to the English, of liberty and love of justice. and under the name of Northwest Territory, it was in 1783, subdivided. The state's name, Ohio, was derived Education from the river Ohio, which meant, in the Indian vernacu lar, "River of Blood." The Massachusetts Land Company Ohio was always strong for education. Even when it began colonization of the territory, and under Ordinance became a territory, resolutions making provisions for of 1787, enacted by the Continental Congress, slavery schools were adopted. The educational history of Ohio's was prohibited. Five states were made from this ter colored inhabitants practically began in Cincinnati, which ritory, and Ohio was the first to get the 60.000 inhabitants was the second oldest settlement in this State. In the requisite for her admission into Statehood, which occurred minutes of its school board, April 5, 1830, is the following: February 19, 1803. Now in 1925. her population stands "The people of Colour in the First Ward pray that a at 6,321,539 of which about 300.000 are colored. school may be opened in it for the benefit of their Gaines, school Early in the history of the State colored people came. children." According to John I. the first was in 1825, They settled everywhere. In the northern part, then as organized for colored people in Cincinnati now, less prejudice prevailed. Those who settled there in and old Pork House by Henry Collins, a colored man. at remained. They were successful in farming, industries It lasted a year. The colored population of Cincinnati and general business. Many intermarried with the whites that time was about two hundred and fifty. In 1834 Owen and their descendants are conspicuous in the affairs of Nic ens, a colored man from Virginia opened a school State and Nation. A number of slave owners freed their which was successful. In "Schools of Cincinnati," page slaves and established for them a residence in Ohio. 448, we note: "Mr. Nickens was succeeded by John Mc- Bethel was founded in 1797 by Dedham of Virginia, an Micken, a natural son of Charles McMicken founder of ex-slave holder. the University of Cincinnati!" Being importuned to do something for the education of colored youth Mc After the Indian Wars, abolition sentiment was fanned (Old bought 10,000 acres of land north of Liberia, into flame by the tales of Southern cruelty, the capture Micken) called it "Ohio in Africa" and told them to go there and return of runaway slaves, and the rapid growth of and settle. About 119 started. In the Gulf of Mexico, the Underground Railroad System. In defense and advo smallpox attacked them. The Captain sailed to Charles cacy of Negroes and their rights, both before and after ton, S. C. for medical assistance. Those who were well the Civil War, the names of hundreds of whites are were jailed for coming into the State in contravention of written in letters of gold upon the glorious pages of his law. They got out in three months. On to Africa again. tory. A few only can we mention but the young of our In six months, 90 per cent were dead ! McMicken felt race will do well to treasure their memory. that he had done his duty and therefore inserted a clause in his will prohibiting colored youth from sharing in Distinguished White Friends the benefits of any educational facilities he might provide Senator J. B. Foraker, Civil War hero. Statesman, for the youth of Cincinnati! Governor. While United States Senator, made the fight An association was formed which helped in the estab of his life for the company of colored soldiers, so lishment of schools in Columbus, Chillicothe, Circleville, ignominously dismissed during the reign of Roosevelt. Zanesville, Dayton and other cities. Notwithstanding the Lyman Beecher, President of Lane Seminary, famous rowdiness of the whites who by mob violence sought to institution of learning in Cincinnati. Strong in abolition- drive away colored pupils, notwithstanding intimidation, istic sentiments. He was a wonderful orator, father of ostracism and cruelty to white teachers, the schools grew Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe who in numbers and excellence, for the colored people of those wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Forty years ago it was a days fully realized and appreciated the value of education. common saying, "The United States has two great things ; A law was passed for the establishment of schools pro the Flag and the Beechers." viding free admission for all white children. We are were not often barred Judge Albion W. Tourgee, abolitionist, author of "A informed that light colored children from, or to, much discrimination in, the white Fool's Errand," "Bricks Without Straw," and "An Appeal subjected to Caesar;' wonderful works for moulding pro negro schools. sentiment. In 1849 there was a tie in the Ohio Legislature between Whigs and Democrats. A held Salmon P. Chase, lawyer. Governor of Ohio, U. S. handful of Free Soilers as a Secretary of Treasury. Born in the East, located in the balance of power. They made a proposition requisite for their vote : Ohio, famous as an abolitionist. He defended so many- fugitive slaves that he became known as "Attorney Gen (a) Repeal the Black Laws. eral for Negroes." (b) Establish free schools for colored children. Thomas Morris, United States Senator for six years and The Democrats agreed. The law was enacted. But a wonderful orator. Answered most effectively John C. Cincinnati School and Civic authorities declared it uncon Calhoun and in his reply to Henry Clay, February 9, 1839, stitutional and refused to maintain such schools. The he ended with these prophetic words : "I conclude that, colored people got busy, elected trustees, appointed teach the Negro will yet be free." ers, sued for the money and in a year, won ! Thus colored Clark, John Brown, from five to twenty years of age, lived schools were legitimized. Peter H. still living in in Ohio and there his determination to free the Negro was St. Louis, made a glorious record in this fight and after formed. wards in struggles for political freedom. Levi Coffin, head of the Un-lerground Railroad in Ohio. Tn 1886-87, Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett, was largely Thousands of slaves were assisted to Canada. His book in trumental in the repeal of the laws establishing separate tells the tragic story of Margaret Garner, who when schools. Thanks to our colored people of "Jim Crowistic" 154 THE MESSENGER

inclinations, there have been re-established in several In the land of the living there still dwells. Giles of cities, separate schools for colored pupils. Leading in Piqua, who also from a shoe string has run his wealth that regard is Cincinnati, which has lost the valiant, fight into thousands. Anderson and Son, contractors of the ing progressive spirit of its early days. It has two large same town are making good. Negro schools. Strange to say, they were named in Moore of Dayton, one of our greatest capitalists, owned honor ( ?) of Frederick Douglass and Hart iet Beecher the San Marco Hotel of Dayton, several cafes, cabarets Stowe. A Negro High School is looming in the distance. and on the turf had and sold horses of international repu And yet, not many years ago, Prof. Chas. Bell was teacher tation. He still has great property interests. of and other colored teachers taught in our penmanship Around Wilberforce there are Bishop "Josh" Jones mixed schools ! and many other owners of immensely valuable property has schools and Dayton has its Columbus also Negro and farms. annex and segregated rooms for colored children. Col In the upper part of the State dwells Mr. Mushaw the ored citizens of Springfield, about a year ago, made a famous "Onion King," who is identified with the largest wonderfully successful fight against segregated schools. white business enterprises in that section. There are Of all large cities in this State, Cleveland stands well others scattered here and there in regions where the color out in front for its victorious battles against segregation line is so little recognized that they have almost lost in schools and other public institutions. It has a large their identity as members of our race. Berry of Athens, number of colored teachers in its "mixed schools." Ohio, whose hotel was, for many years, known throughout the United States as the greatest hostelry within many Colleges miles of that city. It was ever crowded with the most Oberlin College, founded in 1834, almost from its in select of the white race. In fact. Elbert Hubbard devoted ception became famous or infamous for its advocacy of much space to it in his magazine and l>esides eulogizing freedom and acceptance of colored students, many of the proprietor, characterized Berry's Hotel as "The Best whom attained national distinction. When the discussion Family Hotel in America." of slavery was forbidden about 1834, at Lane Seminary, Parker, of Ripley, owner of a big iron foundry and in Cincinnati, in the students rebelled and many of them his day one of the biggest business men in his town and went to Oberlin. rated as one of the wealthiest men of our race in the The Western Reserve or Adelbert College, Ohio State State. Meyers of Cleveland, confidant of Mark Hanna. University, Cincinnati University and practically all of said to be very wealthy, owns a magnificent tonsorial the big colleges now receive colored students. establishment, one of the finest in America. Senator In 1856 the M. E. Church laid the foundation of Wilber- John P. Green, of Cleveland, wealthy, one of our richest force University. In 1863. the University passed into lawyers and formerly State Senator. the possession of colored men. It is now an institution of the A. M. E. Church but great since the passage of Some Ohio Cities an act in 1887 by the Legislature of Ohio, the State con tributes to the maintenance of its mechanical and industrial Springfield has four doctors, two dentists, five under departments. Many notable men have been associated takers, two lawyers, two drug stores, one hotel with over with the school as students, instructors or trustees. Its forty rooms, two movie theaters, seven grocery stores, reputation is world wide. three buildings, the Odd Fellows Temple. Pythian Temple and the "Gray Office Building." three automobile garages, contractors, Literature and Art two newspapers, a number of business men and hundreds of mechanics and laborers. Many of our men have enjoyed exceptional prominence in every field of human endeavor. Those who were pioneers in attainment of educational opportunities, racial Dayton has nine doctors, four pharmacists, six dentist*, rights and political recognition are too numerous to men four lawyers, two drug stores, one office building, four tion. In literature and are we may name: hotels, two fraternal buildings, one Building and Loan Charles W. Chestnut of Cleveland. Author, Novelist. Association, one realty company, two newspapers. Thou Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Poet. Justin Holland, famous sands of colored laborers and mechanics find ready em musician and composer. ployment in hundreds of big manu facories. The Duiron Duncanson. Cincinnati's wonderful artist of the early Company employs one electrical chemist with three as days whose paintings are now beginning to arouse great sistants, two of them college graduates, and the other a interest. Thomas and Ball, leading photographers of high school graduate. Cincinnati in its early days were famous for artistic In one of the grade schools, colored children are taught ability. in an Annex of frame portables by colored teachers, Athletics while the white children are taught in the main brick building by white teachers. In another district four rooms DeHart Hubbard, all-round athlete and winner of the are set aside in the basement for retarded colored children World's Broad Jump Championship at the Olympic Games, and their colored teachers. Parents protested, "went to leads for this State a brilliant galaxy of young college law" and a settlement in court is still The other men famous in the field of sports. pending. >chools are mixed.

Business Columbus has twenty-four doctors, twelve dentists, In the realm of business. Gaines of Cincinnati, who fifteen lawyers, twenty-nine teachers, one principal, eight died in 1859 at the age of 38. had a big provision store, undertakers. Long Street is the principal business street famous for steamboat supplies, located on the river front. and a number of its business blocks have colored owner-. He was known to the trade from Pittsburgh to New It boasts the only colored picture bouse west of Phila Orleans. Because of his fight for. and interest in. edu delphia built, owned and managed by colore! people. A cation. Gaines High School was named for him. There medical arts building, also built and owned by colored was Gant of Zanesville. very successful farmer, vealthy people, thoroughly modern and architecturally perfect. It real estate owner and proprietor of Gant's Park, probably has a Building and Loan Association, several hiMirance the first of its kind in this State. "Bob" Mallory of companies, two oiling stations and business enterprises of Dayton, whose hotel, a famous colored resort years ago, all kinds, including one of the largest house movers and is still catering to the public. wreckers in this State. About forty thousand colored Gordon of Cincinnati, who came originally from Rich people are in the city and they find employment in every mond. Virginia, and with a laborer's start, developed into capacity. a controller of the local coal market, amassed vast property interests and became our richest citizen. He Toledo has five doctors, five lawyers, two dentists, two was grandfather of Dr. Gordon Jackson of Chicago. undertakers, two newspapers and one draughtsman, several THE MESSENGER 155

creditable church buildings, and thousands of mechanics poses. The thousands of small stores and shops, the hun and laborers. dreds of beauty parlors, etc., bespeak the vast onward movement towards financial independence, the desire to Cincinnati has a colored population of 50,000 with seven speedily reach that prosperity so long enjoyed by the dentists, seventeen doctors, twelve undertakers, two fine people whose energies and ambitions caused our arrival cemeteries in which our people take great pride and to in this country. which they give illimitable patronage. Fourteen lawyers, Newspapers one of whom, Mr. A. Lee Beaty, is a United States Assistant District Attorney, six drug stores, one large Hundreds of newspapers have died aborning; others printing establishment, one haberdashery, a large amount have lingered a few months or years and gone to join of real estate owned by Masons and Odd Fellows, two the great majority. The oldest are: Building and Loan Associations, the Creative Realty Co., The Gazette of Cleveland, nearly forty-five years of several real estate dealers, the foremost in holdings and age, edited by Hon. Harry C. Smith, several times a age being Mr. Horace Sudduth. One of the largest member of the legislature and well known as a staunch furniture moving and storage plants in the State, a white advocate of race rights. company whose president, Mr. M. L. Ziegler, is a colored The Dayton Forum, Dayton, Ohio, has been in existence man. Two principals and about 130 teachers in our several years and its editor, John H. Rives is a well separate schools. known public spirited citizen of Dayton. The Union, Cincinnati, Ohio, is nearly twenty years Cleveland has a colored population of approximately old, edited by W. P. Dabney, for many years, City Pay 50,000 people. There are thirty lawyers, one of whom master of Cincinnati. Alexander Martin, is a United States Special Agent. There are thirty-seven physicians, of whom three are on the There are many little bulletins owned by various staff of leading hospitals of the city, twenty-four dentists, churches. the Empire Savings and Loan Company, the Peoples Col Politics lateral Company, two architects and six realty companies, As the strength of the Republican Party has grown four jewelers and ten garages. Cleveland has several greater, the prominence of the Negro has grown smaller. office buildings and apartments, a Welfare Federation, The passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870 gave him Cedar Avenue Boys "Y", which, is a mixed institution. the right to vote in Ohio. "In the good old days," he Two strictly first-class drug stores, three moving picture served on campaign and executive committees, held many theaters, six undertakers, two large coal yards and four positions in our municipal governments, went to the Leg hotels, three newspapers. There is a Caterers' Club with islature, and even to the State Senate. No conference a membership of four hundred. One hundred and fifty or convention could go on without him. But alas, today school teachers, who teach in mixed schools ; twenty he stands dishonored, stripped by the very party he has social workers, several truant officers and Court Juvenile so blindly worshipped, so loyally served. Officers. Some of the churches are beautiful edifices, Few, if colored men hold executive positions in costing around $100,000. There is one State Representa any, our cities. There is one Assistant U. S. District At tive, Harry E. Davis, and a City Councilman, Thomas Fleming. torney, several deputies or clerks in municipal offices and one councilman. Few serve on committees. Few Cleveland claims a full quota of lodges, nearly all of are ever consulted and fewer get into conference or con which own their own buildings, and a great institution in vention. a delegate at large in a National Con the Phyllis Wheatley, a home for colored girls, which Not vention for many years. The Legislature in late years now has on a campaign to raise $600,000 for a new home. has rarely had over the number it has now, namely, one. In Cincinnati, for years, not a single Negro has been on Homes, etc. any campaign or political committee ! All of the cities of this State have splendid residences Our women take little interest in voting and our men and there are thousands of moderately wealthy people. with few exceptions are "gang" controlled. Fortunately, There are churches galore and much of our capital has judging from the independent sentiment and vote in the gone and is still going in building or renovation of such last campaign, the colored brother has seen a great properties. The brevity of the article prevents enumera light. By voting for people rather than party, the tion of the many "Y's" male and female, the hundreds of future looms before us brighter by far than the past, Associations for general or specific betterment and hun with its sad story of our slavish servility to an ungrateful dreds of fraternal organizations for philanthropic pur party.

PHYLLIS WHEATLEY HOME FOR GIRLS IN CLEVELAND 156 THE MESSENGER

EDITORIALS

The Survey Far more significant than the The whole conference was a magnificent demonstra Graphic articles in the Harlem Number of tion of new and better race relations. It was an the Survey Graphic is the spirit experience replete and rich with the simple lessons which gave it birth. It marks an interesting turn in of justice and humanity. It was a fundamental ap the attitude of intellectual white America toward the proach to a new solution of the race problem. All Negroes. It was planned by black and white intel power to the Industrial "Y" Girls! They are doing lectuals. This is as it should be. Such contact is a valuable and necessary work. creative and constructive even though the product may not always meet with the whole hearted approval Butler Again in the interest of the Ne- of either white or black peoples. At least a larger Stores Cheat groes of Harlem we are compelled section of serious minded white America is brought to expose the cheating of the Butler up to view the Negro problem from the point of view stores. Obviously the systematic manipulation of the of black and white thinkers. That they should vary scales to the disadvantage of the Negro customer is in conclusion and presentation is to be expected. It generally done. For we have discovered this vicious is also to be expected that Negroes will condemn that thing in two different stores. In each, of course, the which they deem as adverse criticism though the ad clerk attempted to appear surprised at his cheating, verse criticism be sound. This is true of all races and immediately rectifying the same. Upon inquiry we peoples. Criticism is what everybody needs but nobody have discovered that there are other persons who have wants. Contrary to a number of Negroes we don't experienced this underweighing at the Butler stores. consider the Harlem issue of Survey Graphic as hos While it may yield them a temporary advantage to tile criticism. Much of it is very flattering; some of practice this deception upon an innocent, credulous it is quite indifferent. As we surveyed it the art work public, it is an advantage which will collapse imme of Mr. Weinold Reiss was the least impressive part diately it is exposed to a sufficiently large number of of the number since to us it was an extreme idealiza people, and we will spare no pains in informing the tion of a pre-conceived notion of what the Negro looks Negro public should this short weighing continue. We like. Still it is quite proper to consider his splendid shall carry on a campaign through the churches, lodges motive in extenuation while we dispassionately register and the homes until the people learn how their dollar our exception to his art forms. shrinks when they trade at Butler's. And since the Butler stores are nation-wide our campaign shall be The Industrial At the Mid-Winter Conference nation-wide. The existing purchasing power of the "Y" Girls in Allentown, Pa., of the Allentown dollar is quite low enough without storekeepers lower section of the Industrial "Y" Girls ing it still further by beating the scales down or Y. W. C. A. we found a new spirit at work. It was snatching the article off before it registers the proper the true idea of the Christ ethics. Colored and white weight. Negroes will do well to be on guard when girls did their work, their eating, their playing and they trade at the Butler stores that are now taking in thinking together in the sunshine of joy and happi hundreds of thousands of dollars of their money from ness. This was their first conference where colored year to year and not giving them one red cent back and white industrial girls had met together in that in the form of wages. There is not a single Negro section. It was an experiment. Formerly the colored clerk in the Butler stores in New York. Instead of girls held their conference at Cheyney, Pa., and the giving anything back they are taking more than they white girls held theirs at Allentown. Their only form are entitled to. But this must stop and it will stop. of contact was through an exchange of telegrams. Later they exchanged delegates. From the delegate Ku Klux Klan We are in receipt of an elaborate a joint conference was evolved. Finally it was agreed Wants Negroes bit of literature describing the that the colored and while Industrial "Y" Girls had to Join merits of the Independent Klan of common problems, common interests and common America. They have been kind aims that ought to be discussed in one common con enough to organize a jim-crow branch, and with an ference. Hence the Allentown experiment in February eye singled to the psychology of the unsuspecting last. Negro, have given it the fly-paper title : "The Abra letter, We addressed the conference on New Race Rela ham Lincoln Auxiliary." The inviting us to tions for Old which provoked a frank, candid and become members, addressed us as "Dear Protestant constructive discussion from both white and colored Americans." How do they know that we are not girls. There was no feeling, no bitterness, no re Catholics or Jews? There are Negro Catholics and criminations, and their discussion ran the gamut from Jews. Of course, such Negroes would be pitied as industrial equality of white and colored girls to the the victims of unholy influences who need to be re intermarriage of the races. Upon our suggestion the claimed in the fold of 100 per cent Protestantism. conference adopted a resolution in the interest of We are advised to beware of the insidious influence colored girls being permitted to enter Bryn Mawr's of the Roman Catholic Church and other un-American and true Summer School, from which they have heretofore agencies seeking to wreck our government our been debarred as a result of a clause in the charter religion. Think of it! An organization whose record at denying admission of colored girls into the college. has been written in blood and tears the expense of One of the former Bryn Mawr College girls presented the Negro, of law and order and the government, the resolution. A committee was also selected to pre whereas the Jews and Catholics do not only uphold sent the resolution to the joint administrrative com law and order, but have been unremitting and generous mittee of the college. This was a remarkable and in their work for the advancement of the Negro. One definite step toward educational-racial democracy. has only to think of Julius Rosenwald and his mag THE MESSENGER 157 nificent gifts to Negro education in the rural districts sented by the Protestant Faith and believing that all of the South to appreciate the attitude of the Jew to Protestant Denominations regardless of race or color the race problem. Were it not for his sympathetic should unite in one Universal Movement for the per interests, Negro children in certain sections of the petuation of Protestantism, this Abraham Lincoln Black Belt of the South would hardly get any school Auxiliary of the Independent Klan of America is ing at all. He has also been responsible for the build organized to unite, in one great association, Afro- ing of a large number of Y. M. C. A.'c for Negroes Americans who believe in God and in accepting the throughout the country. All Negroes are aware and responsibilities that He has given them. This Organ highly appreciative of the splendid work which the ization holds allegiance to the Independent Klan of Catholic Sisters have done and are doing to educate America with National Headquarters at Muncie, In the Negro in the South. Some of the most modern diana, and with the carrying out of the rules and and exemplary schools of the South for Negroes are regulations herein prescribed. under the supervision of Catholics. It was the fine Objects and Purposes. work of the Catholics which defeated a law in Florida which prohibited white persons from teaching in The Objects and Purposes of this order shall be to schools for Negroes. Every intelligent Negro in the unite in fraternal bonds Afro- American citizens who South realizes the meaning and value of such a con own no allegiance of any nature or degree to any structive stand. It was the Ku Klux Klan which was foreign government, institution, sect, ruler, person or fighting against white persons teaching Negroes. Not people ; whose morals and habits are good ; whose only that, but only recently the Catholics, with a view reputations and vocations are of a respectable nature ; to improving the relations between the races, . gave who are sound in mind, and above all the full age of Dr. DuBois an honararium to write a book entitled eighteen (18) years, under a common oath into a "The Gifts of Black Folk." This book is a mortal fraternity of strict requirements, to promote love for blow to the Nordic myth of race superiority. What our Country ; to practice clanishness towards each better method can be adopted to improve race rela other ; to safeguard the sanctity and the honor of tions than the compilation and dissemination of litera women ; to so live and conduct ourselves that racial ture which is calculated to inform the world in general purity will be perpetuated on earth, as in our judgment and the people in America in particular of the con God intended. tributions which the oppressed Negroes have made to Such piffle ! Our own advice is the well-known the making of America. The Catholics are to be injunction : "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" : Beware congratulated for this magnificent demonstration of of Greeks bearing gifts. their belief in justice to the Negro. At present, the Catholic are planning a Cardinal Gibbon's College for Solving the The following news item reveals Negroes in Maryland. This record speaks for itself. Housing a constructive piece of social engi- Referring to the and the race, no Negro of intel Jews Problem neering the unions are embarking ligence can be oblivious of the great work the Spin- upon in order to raise the standard of living, to de garns have done for the group in the National Asso velop the higher life of its members. It may be one of ciation for the Advancement of Colored People. And the logical ways out of the housing crisis which the it is a matter of common knowledge that the Jewish New York State Housing Commission and President labor unions are the most liberal of any to the Negro Coolidge have recognized and warned the country of, workers. as well as indicated certain legislation for relief : Thus this sudden apparent change of heart of the Klan is to be taken with salt. is a grain of It very Garment Workers Plan Co-Operative Homes unlikely that the leopard can change his spots, though he can change his name. Still we don't doubt that It was announced recently that the International some naive, uninformed Negroes, played upon by Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, the International Hat, this subtle propaganda, and inveigled by a few schem Cloth Cap and Millinery Workers' Union and ing, unscrupulous Negroes seeking power and pelf, the International Fur Workers' Union of the United will be taken in by this notorious gang. For the bless States and Canada have taken an option on a square ings of membership Negroes will be only relieved of block in the Bronx on which will be built co-operative $5.00 initiation fee; $1.00 yearly tax; and not less apartments. than $3.00 in dues a year. Now we see that this sud The plot is bounded by 159th and 160th Streets and den love for the Negro is the result of the "nickle extends east from Mott Avenue. Plans include use under the foot.'- Ten dollars per year from millions of of only 30 per cent of the land for the buildings, with gullible Negroes ! What a vision ! Why wouldn't a central garden plot covering the remainder. There they make the gesture of a change of spirit? Be it will be from 200 to 220 apartments, of three to seven remembered, too, that the costume is red, white and rooms each, and a number of garages, if the city blue ; blue for the head cap, with a white cape set off authorities will permit. against a long red robe with a blue belt and the picture A down payment of $150 to $200 a room is con of Abraham Lincoln on the left side of the breast of templated, with running payments of $10 to $15 a the robe. What a brilliant color invention! We sus room per month. These payments will provide for pect that the red and the picture of Lincoln are cal all expenses and retire the mortgages. culated to ensnare the colored brethren. Negroes in these unions should be quick to take For the enlightenment of our readers we herewith advantage of this exceptional opportunity of solving append the Preamble and Object and Purposes of this their housing problem. 100 per cent Protestant, Nordic organization : Next Month: Preamble. The Negro and Nordic Civilization Realizing our responsibility to God and Man to per By George S. Schuyler petuate the true Religion of Jesus Christ as repre Delicious Irony Served with Rapicro 158 THE MESSENGER

THE WHITE ROSE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION THE FRIEND OF THE STRANGE GIRL IN NEW YORK By MARY L. LEWIS Formerly President of the Board of Directors of the White Rose Home

one of those unprincipled men who haunted the wharves in those days (and to some extent do so still), managed to seize upon the girl and lure her away from the wharf. To the most earnest inquiries only one answer was re ceived — yes such a girl was aboard but nothing had been seen of her since the boat landed. A general alarm was sent out but nothing was heard of the girl until she wan dered back to the wharf after three days. She could not locate the place to which she had been taken, but her experience was sad and bitter. She was sent back home and Mrs. Matthews resolved that she would use all her energies in seeking to prevent another such disastrous occurrence. Thus as far as we know the First Travelers' Aid was formed by the White Rose Industrial Association and the little band of women for some time took turns in "meeting the boats" and leading "the strange girl in our midst" in the right direction. Often times the girls were penniless and knew not where they wanted to go. Again the address of their friends or employers was safely locked away in their trunks. The women did this vol unteer service for some time, and the name of the rooms was changed from the White Rose Mission to the White Rose Home for Working Girls. Here many a poor MISS MARY L. LF.WIS misled girl has found rest and shelter and food and kind friends. As we think of this organization and the splendid In 1901 the Home was moved to 217 East 86th Street. service that it has rendered in the twenty-eight years of Friends both white and colored contributed to our support its existence, we call to mind the woman who was respon and we were able to secure the services of a woman, sible for its organization —Victoria Earle Matthews. Mrs. Hattie Proctor of Norfolk, Va., to meet the girls Lonely and grief-stric' en at the death of her only son, at that end, and first, Miss Boyd, a Sunday School teacher she sought relief from her pain, not in the "halls of at Mt. Olivet Church, to meet them at this end. Later pleasure," not in the many channels of selfish indulgence this work was taken up and most efficiently carried on open to those seeking diversion, but in service. for years by Mrs. Matthews' sister, Mrs. Anna Rich. In 1897, therefore, moved by the great need of the During these years there have come to us all sorts children now growing up in large numbers, with little or and conditions of girls. Some were well educated, earnest, no training, on the upper east side, she opened the "White of sterling worth, capable and willing to take care of Rose Mission" in East 97th Street. The Rev. H. G. themselves, needing only the advice and encouragement Miller was a staunch friend and supporter of this move of a good woman. Others were in need of help in many ment. It is a great pleasure to the writer to recall that ways. They had no money, no knowledge of the ways the first meeting of the White Rose Industrial Associa of a great city, no friends. All were welcome and for tion was held in her mother's home. The small group more than a quarter of a century all have received what of earnest women held together wonderfully. Mrs. J. S. ever we had to give them. By God's help we gave ac Politte and Mrs. S. E. Wilkerson worked faithfully until cording to their need and our ability and are not weary, they were called to their reward and Mrs. Pope and the but are continuing the blessed work. Approximately writer are still working with the good men and women 30,000 girls and young women have been sheltered, many who have come to our assistance and have made it fed and all given a lift in the right direction by the good possible to continue the work to this day. women who have realized that it was "more blessed to The work for the children went forward so encourag give than to receive." ingly, that the landlord gave the floor in which the Mrs. Matthews and many of those who labored with meetings were held, rent free, for six months. The her have passed into the "Land Eternal." Still with us, Kindergarten under Mrs. Alice Dunbar Nelson, then is that worthy woman, Miss Mary L. Stone who, although Miss Moore, the classes in cooking, sewing, etc., and the of another race has given unstintingly of her time, her wholesome influence of Mrs. Matthews and her assistants means and her best thought to the carrying forward of had wrought so great a change in the conduct of the the work. Many new friends have joined our ranks, but children of the neighborhood that he gave the ladies we need many more that the great cause may not suffer. permission to use the floor gratuitously to the end of the year. Dr. Booker T. Washington and Paul Laurence Our Great Needs Dunbar were among the distinguished persons who visited 1. Members of the Association paying per year. the Sunday meetings and addressed the children. $1. 2. Friends to contribute to the Home Fund that the One day in the Spring of 1898 Mrs. Matthews received beautiful Home we are purchasing at 262 West 136th a letter from Miss Moorehouse, a white teacher at Boylan Street may be secured, and our work made permanent. Home Jacksonville, Fla., saying that they were sending a girl to New York to work and asking Mrs. Matthews 3. Contributions toward current expenses. to meet her. The girl was to be identified by a red "Come over and help us" to continue this work whose ribbon pinned on her coat. principal object is to protect our girls, to direct and help Although Mrs. Matthews was at the dock promptly, them amid the dangers and temptations of our great city. THE MESSENGER 159

THE LETTERS OF DAVY CARR IV slavish adherence to the ideals set up by the Western European, and, on the other hand, through our enforced third floor back. The subjection women. A Davy's of segregation within our own group, lacking the perspective social Some more jazz. A modem philosopher. which enables even some white men to see the beauty in St. Anthony. our diverse and to him exotic types. I cannot forget one Monday, November 6, 1922. or two passages in Batouala, that unlovely thing, which show the reaction of the unspoiled native African toward I promised to tell you about my room, and this is just the physical appearance of the white man. I suppose it it the night to do it, for seems infinitely cosy and de would be pretty difficult for us to realize how far we have sirable, with the cold rain driving against my windows, inbibed the white man's ideals through education and a and the wind rattling the sash. It is indeed night to

environment, and I should certainly be willing to admit stay indoors and read or write. Imagine me in smoking without argument that this was perfectly right and jacket and slippers, with a package of Pall Malls within if it proper, and as it should be, were not for the fact easy reach, and my trusty fountain pen in hand ! Here

that it is just our darker brothers who seem to lack ut goes ! terly the capacity to appreciate the beauty of the darker

is a reasonably good-sized square room My apartment types of women. with a long and most comfortable bed-couch along one

I heard someone say the other day that even the darker wall. The couch is quite luxuriously furnished with pil women themselves acknowledge the inferiority of their lows of all kinds — for Harvard, Fisk, Shaw, Tuskegee,

type by trying so hard to approximate the other. That is Wellesley and the U. of P. are all present. The last I hardly a fair rejoinder, think. Women the world over, two were contributed by Caroline, who says that since and since the world began, have been slaves to the con she uses my room so much, she feels she ought to do ventions of their own milieu, and to achieve social suc nate something to its furnishings. Genevieve is a Wel cess means still, in most cases, to get

is husbands) lesley graduate, and the U. of P. pillow all that is (which they must conform. If that means slitting their cheeks, left of a former attachment of Caroline's. The result of wearing rings in their noses, binding their feet until this conglomeration is a perfect riot of color, and sug they become miniature monstrosities, twisting their inter gests thoughts of a conference of the League of Nations. nal organs all out of shape by confining their bodies in Over the couch, and well placed for reading, are two

a steel and canvas cuirass called a corset, they will do very satisfactory electric lights, with rather attractive these things, anyone of them or all of them, not shades. only uncomplainingly, but eagerly. All civilized and cultivated Between the corner the foot of the couch and the at races ridicule such practices and very rightly, indeed, but a back window is wall bookcase, which holds over three — mark you, my friend ! —each group ridicules the con hundred volumes. A revolving case nearby holds my dic ventions of the other groups, and not its own. tionaries, atlas, and similar much-used books, in addition We read about the hideous footbinding process of the is to a tobacco jar, and such conveniences. Then there aristocratic Chinese and shudder, but how many women a small, but quite serviceable library table with one long of your acquaintance have the feet with which drawer, and two smaller drawers very cleverly contrived they were born? Dame Nature had intended women to at one end. Two small, stout chairs, my beloved arm If walk with their heels elevated two inches above the ball of the chair, and my trunk, with a heavy linen cover, complete foot, don't you imagine the old lady would have made a the visible furniture equipment. Behind screen, in a the proper adjustments sort of recess between my clothes-closet and the closet herself? Don't misunderstand

me ! Heaven knows the result, as seen by the masculine of the room adjoining, is my dresser. In the clothes- is eye, all that one could wish, and personally I have closet, which is equipped so as to get the limit of capacity,

no objection. But for that matter, neither have I any I keep another chair, in the very unusual event of a

active objection to a man slaving in the mines of West multitude of callers. There is a mantle on one side of Virginia to furnish the coal to the room on which are kept the books of the moment, keep me warm! If the result pleases me, why worry about the process? library books and the like, and these I maintain in neat array by means of two Florentine bookends. There are But to return to my muttons ! All this tirade apropos only three pictures — the Salome you used to like so much, of Miss Thomasine Dawson ! Caroline gave me an open

my mother's picture, and a photograph of you, which ing by referring to Miss Dawson's comment on your usually adorns one end of the mantel. You should feel picture, and I said I hoped you might be here for the I honored, old pal ! Your picture is the one you had taken game Thanksgiving. Then asked the ladies' permission

to read I that wonderful day in April, 1918, at Dijon ! Will you your letter, which had just taken off the hall ever forget it? You always did look like "somebody" in table. — I your regimentals as all the French lassies seemed will When opened it, such exclamations there were at the — ing to testify and it was this portrait which took Tom- number of closely-written pages. mie Dawson's eye. "What, in Heaven's name, do you two men find to I That reminds me that saw that same lady this very say to each other?" Caroline cried. "It is useless for I day. When came in from dinner she and Caroline me to pretend I never noticed them —such fat letters I were in the parlor, and as stopped at the hall table to they are. And of course I thought they were from your

get my letter they hailed me. I don't wonder they run best girl." together. They are both goodlooking, but such entirely Then she laughed, and Miss Dawson laughed, quite different types that each sets the other off by contrast. boisterously. There was evidently some joke between

There is a curiously vital something about a handsome them which they did not see fit to explain to me. When, brown woman which seems not to be possessed in the after glancing nastily over thejetter, I told them you had is same her it degree by fairer sister. What it? Is the decided not to come for the game, they were voluble

greater physical vigor of the darker I, race which shows with regrets. I need not say that myself, was very through ? much disappointed. However, let us hope that Christmas — We say we men of the so-called better class —that will bring a different story. there are more beauties among the fair women of our group, but are we good judges? Are we not so preju * * *

diced mere I — against color that we cannot really judge fair Have ever written about Verney's diary I suppose

ly in such cases,

thus, on the one it hand, exhibiting our that's what you might call it. He says is a sort of 160 THE MESSENGER I spiritual and intellectual diary, and that he keeps another "Partly. One of my teachers is ill, and am not pre I and separate record of his social life. This intellectual pared anyway, so I am going to cut the other class. diary is an unsystematic record of the books he reads, feel dopey. I'll have to cut out these midweek frolics, I with the thoughts suggested by them. As 1 looked it or I'll be old before my time. I ought to sleep, but over it reminded me of the big book kept by the Philos prefer to read and give you the pleasure of my presence, opher in the movie of "Blood and Sand." Do you recall Old Grouchy."

it? There are some interesting things in it. I wonder I grunted, as is befitting an "old grouchy." what has given Yerney his point of view. He's a curious "Oh, you've very welcome," said Caroline, sweetly, and Here are a few ex mixture of idealism cynicism. with her head buried in her book. I looked around, his tracts which I copied the other day, with permission: started to speak, then thought better of it, and went on

"During the heyday of the Victorian era we were writing. I finished my letter, and began to read in the afraid to call a spade a spade. Somewhat later on wc first volume of that frivolous work by Westermarck en commenced to poke fun at all verbal prudery which was titled. "The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas." too pronounced, and began to insist upon calling a spade By and by, Caroline yawned portentously, stretched a spade, whenever it was absolutely necessary to mention herself luxuriously, and came over and consulted the big

it at all. Some twenty years ago we seemed to discover dictionary, at the same time scribbling some words on a that young folks were getting worse in some respects, bit of paper. Then she resumed her comfortable place and it was generally agreed that our reticences were at on the couch. So we bottom all their began giv a the of shortcomings. "Old Grouchy, I have finally found name for you." them the truth as to the and biologi ing plain physiological she said, after a few moments. cal facts of life. Today we discuss, openly and publicly, "Yes?" and before any type of audience, subjects which, a gen "Yes — it's been troubling me for some time. You see eration ago, would have been out of place before any but the name 'Old Grouchy,' though in this case accurately a most carefully selected group. The "flappers" of this

expressive, as a name should be, is inelegant, exceedingly age seem to know far more than their mothers do, and is unsesthetic, in fact. Then, too, it not comprehensive they read books which their grandmothers would have enough, it does not include all the factors. Now "god burned, and go to plays which—thirty years ago —would father" seems to be the word I want. The dictionary- have been debarred from any stage. But in this case if says," — here she consulted the bit of paper —"Godfather, the truth has made them free, it has not made them clean. a man who becomes a sponsor for a child at baptism, and There is only this difference noticeable to me — they are makes himself a surety for its Christian training.' far coarser than the generations which have gone before. Om'tting the trivial matter of presence at baptism, the Personally, I cannot see that this is a gain. Is it a gain rest is all right. So please consider yourself, from now for purity to get used to filth ?" on, my official godfather." read Dr. Freud, or his follower, "Whenever I after "I agree, at any rate, that it is better than 'Old " Dr. Jung, I hold my head and ponder : 'Am I crazy, or Grouchy.' is he cannot, both of be sane." crazy? We us. "I hope you will not fail to perform seriously the "Race hatred in this town is worse than in mid-Georgia. duties imposed by your new office." Down there a white man can kill a colored man for any "You have not given me an easy job." cause or no cause, and with absolute impunity, and he can

"No, Godfather dear, there is all the more reward for with the same impunity abuse, beat, cheat, humiliate and duties well done." degrade him at will. Knowing this, he does not hate him, difficult unless the colored man shows too great skill or resolu "No doubt there should be, in all fairness." tion in thwarting his white neighbor in carrying out And thus did "Old Grouchy" pass away, and "God his most amiable intentions. Up here no white man will father" take the place thus vacated. The minx intro try to beat or abuse a colored man unless the odds on duced me last evening to the famous Dr. Weld, her pas tor, as "my godfather, Mr. Carr." The reverend gentle his side (the white man's) are at least five or ten to one. If they are less than five to one, the scion of the man stared at us both in apparent perplexity, but Caro superior race is liable to get the worst of it. Being thus line never once blinked. So he received the introduction thwarted in his God-given right to beat, cheat, abuse, without more ado. I saw Mrs. Rhodes, who was present,

open her mouth as if to speak, but she evidently thought mutilate or kill his inferior, his hatred, lacking a vent, better of it. Everyone who lives in this house has dis eats in. This was the reason why the riots of 1919 were

covered that the easiest way is the best, where Caroline's so popular, until the colored people awoke." pranks are concerned. These are just a few bits chosen at random from hun

I have been to dreds of closely written page^ three dances within the past two weeks, two of them small, private affairs, and the other semi- "With so many ideas," said I to Don, "you ought to public, given for the benefit of the N. A. A. C. P. Per write for publication."

haps one comment which might interest you is the rather He smiled indulgently, and shook his head. general observation that there are a great many good- "I am afraid have no desire to I great do creative looking people in this town, and that your folks, Old work," said he. "If I have any 'itch for writing,' as Fellow, have emerged from the barrel. One other thing I it, Horace so aptly calls seem to get rid of it in this might interest you. I danced at two of these affairs with harmless fashion." Thomasine Dawson, and, for all the same lady is no ab

As for me, I only wish I had one-half of Don's wealth normally ethereal creature to look at, she is veritable of ideas. his and his After noting equipment diffidence, thistledown on a dancing floor. We two seem to be on it makes my ambitious literary plans seem rather pre perfectly easy terms, somehow, and we are becoming sumptuous. great pals. Caroline really seems pleased that I have I a The other evening while was very busy composing taken such liking to her friend, though, if such be vir the first draft of an important letter, Caroline came in, tue, me for the straight and narrow henceforth and for a looking little bored or tired, or something of the kind, ever more ! and, taking my French dictionary from the revolving Jeffreys, who has been rather scarce about the house bookcase, disposed herself comfortably on the couch, and lately, which fact accounts for my not saying much about began picking out the stories in Maupassant's La Maison him in recent letters, was at the two private dances, and Tellier. This has been her favorite amusement during to use Tommie Dawson's phrase, "He's a regular jazz- it

the three be next, !" past two or days. What will Heaven hound To give him credit, he is an unusual dancer, ! if only knows and, his dancing is now and then objectionable, he I it, "Are you cutting classes tonight?" stopped long gets away with and it does not seem to lessen his pop •enough to ask. ularity. At one of these dances he was rather busy with THE MESSENGER 1 6 1

some strange people, of somewhat unprepossessing ap "Grouchy, dear, am I so very bad ? Tell me, honestly." who, in humble seemed a trifle out pearance, my opinion, Why this girl takes me for a sort of wooden Saint of place. He must have thought so, too, for, at any rate, Nitouche the Lord only knows! I did not see him present them to either Caroline, or "Yes," I replied irritably. "You are very bad! You Tommie, and I know he did not introduce them to me. have no business to come up here at this hour of the On that occasion he and Caroline had a tiff. I am not night. Suppose Jeffreys" — for I confess I was thinking sure what it was about. She did not offer to tell me, very hard of him —"suppose Jeffreys should come up, and of course I did not ask. What I noticed was that what would he think?" right in the middle of a one-ste"p they stopped, and she

care he about I hate went over to one corner and sat down, while he trailed "/ don't what thinks anything. to that after her, as if reluctantly. As I passed them, dancing him! But you needn't worry. He's gone nasty with Miss Dawson, Caroline's face was flushed, and cabaret with his flashy friends from Baltimore. He

wanted me to go. I told him I had to draw the line Jeffreys was smiling rather sarcastically, it seemed, and — —" somewhere. Then he and I never he looked both flustered and angry. When the music got angry, thought stopped, Miss Dawson excused herself, and she and Here Caroline, after twisting her face into the most Caroline went into the dressing room together. Jeffreys dreadful contortions, commenced to cry, and real tears seemed a bit sulky for the rest of the evening, but Caroline dropped steadily down my immaculate shirt front, and

was soon showing her usual high spirits. I noticed also glistened on the satin facing of my dinner jacket. I was that she and Jeffreys did not dance together again until decidedly more annoyed than moved, and, as this cloud after supper was served. burst showed no immediate signs of abating, apprehension Tommie and I ate supper together, and we were sep got the upper hand of annoyance. Suppose Genevieve

arated from Caroline and Jeffreys by the width of the should hear. I thought of her coolness after the night

room. I noted Tommie eyeing them speculatively, and of the cabaret experience, and I confess that I felt I caught her eye and then I, too, looked at them and wretchedly uncomfortable. The little clock on my table

back again at her, inquiringly. She understood my un showed a quarter of two ! Shades of my puritanical Pres I spoken question at once, but did not respond to it. Nat byterian grandfather ! said some more or less mean urally, I did not repeat it in words. By one of those ingless things meant to be comforting, and tried at the sudden feminine twists, which, often, to us unseeing same time to disengage myself from the confining arms, men, are unintelligible, but which in women are the re but she only held me the tighter, shifting her grasp from sult of a perfectly logical, though silent and therefore my shoulders to my neck, and buried her face against

invisible, process of reasoning, she was especially cordial my shirtbosom, and sobbed unconstrainedly. I assure you

in her manner, and I was quite charmed by it. When that, under the existing circumstances, I did not enjoy

we arose at the sound of the orchestra's opening bars, it a bit. But I patted her on the back, and wiped her she squeezed my arm and whispered, "Godfather, you eyes with my handkerchief. are a dear, and no mistake!" Finally she calmed down and smiled rather wanly at me. To which I replied without hesitation, "Virtue, my I "Go to bed, Caroline, you're all tired out !" said in dear child, is indeed sometimes its own reward !" the most fatherly tone I could assume. We both laughed, and were whirled away on the magic "All right, Old Then she looked wings of a waltz. To you, poor mortal, who have never Grouchy." ruefully at the "havoc that was shirt front," and most had that divine experience — a waltz with Tommie Daw my tried to rub son—these words mean little. Some day, my friend, ineffectually the stains of combined powder and tears from coat. you may know. When the music stopped again, I held my

her hand for a moment and looked into those wonderful "Poor fellow," she murmured, "it's a terrible thing to a is black eyes, with the tiny flashing diamond point of light be godfather, it not? Goodnight, I feel better, thank

deep down in the heart of each one. Then I said: you." So I led her to the door, and with one last pater nal on the shoulder, "Tommie, dear, I am just beginning to understand pat bade her goodnight. about Heaven !" In my brief but checkered career, and in an experience extending from the levees "That is no proper speech for a godfather, Mr. Sir !" of the Mississippi to the rice swamps of South Carolina, and But she squeezed my arm again, and turned, laughing, from Jacksonville in Florida to Idlewild in the to greet her next partner. heart of Michigan, not to men tion New York, Nice, Late that night when I came in, Jeffreys and Caroline Philadelphia, Boston, Paris, Metz,

and way stations too I were standing inside the parlor, which was dark, though numerous to mention, have had a there was a light in the hall. Though I hastened up occasion thousand times to ask this question : Why a

does woman a stairs, I could hear that they were indulging in mutual like nothing better than to see how far

recriminations, for both were speaking in low, but rather supposedly decent, gentlemanly fellow will let her go? I

have it tense tones. observed in women of every class and of many

races. A certain I often read very late, especially after a dance, for I type of woman just cannot help tempt a man is am rarely sleepy then. So, on this occasion, I turned on ing who supposed to be on his good behavior. I my light, and tackled Westermarck— a good nightcap, suppose the lure is on the one side somewhat like I assure you. It was not long before I heard the front that which entices one to the very outermost edge of the

door slam. This surprised me, for I was wondering deepest abysses, and is related on another side to that who was going out so late. Then I heard Caroline's step, fascination which draws us irresistibly to touch any a and rather dragging it sounded. Then my name was painted surface marked "wet." If man is labeled called softly, and I went to the door. Caroline was stand "safe," such women must find out just how safe he is,

ing near the foot of the last flight, hesitating as to and they will take any risks to do it. And I am talking whether she might come up. When she saw me she con now about reasonably nice women, and not the other kind. tinued her ascent. Considering the lateness of the hour, Caroline is an organized bundle of fascination, and, hav this seemed to me an indiscretion, and I was not a lit ing studied me and made a careful estimate of my safe- it tle annoyed by it, knowing that neither Mrs. Rhodes nor ness, she thinks her duty to test that safeness to the I Genevieve would approve. My welcome, therefore, was a very breaking point. Sometimes think she realizes how I I she teases me, trifle cool, and remained standing, hoping that thus I and then again think the opposite, for might abbreviate the interview. she has a rare assortment of inconsistencies and contra

But I seemed destined to have my trouble for my dictions in her make-up. pains. Caroline came up to me, and putting her arms I have just been looking up St. Anthony, the famous

about me, snuggled her head close against my shoulder. hermit of the Theban desert. As a fellow-sufferer, and it a I She had been was one I crying, plain. Her face was flushed, with record, thought might well get a few

but, in the midst of my annoyance and discomfort, I re pointers the from career of this august personage. I call noticing how unusually pretty she was. note in my encyclopedia that he lived and died in the 162 THE MESSENGER

odor of unusual sanctity at the advanced age of nearly sine Dawson would condescend to use this room, I could one hundred years. Buddie, I don't know much of his bunk in that little storeroom off the hall. It's a perfectly temptations, but I venture the assertion that if he had had good room, with enough light, and it's well enough ven wished on him the job of being the godfather to Caroline tilated for this season of the year. In an hour I could — it Rhodes, he would have never been heard of outside of the fix it up so that would be quite habitable. But though — I it bush leagues. I don't like to offer anything with a string to should * * * rather hate to give up my room to strangers. My was including you in that plural, old fel But, enough of my troubles ! Tell me more of what godchildren (I I I am rather fussy, and maybe am, but you, or you are doing. I had a lojig letter from Marcia today. low) say Tommie, or mother, or Genevieve, would honor me She says she had a bat with you the other evening. I your

this my humble abode." I made a mock envy you, my boy. She's a smart child, and no mistake, by accepting

bow, and ended with a flourish of my right arm, in reg and it is no pain to look at her, and those elegant little frocks! Give her my best, tell her I am working hard ular elocutionist style. a and living like a monk, but that I shall leave my cloister If I judge from its reception, my speech was per long enough to answer her very welcome epistle. Be fect artistic success. Caroline left her sedate pose on the good to yourself ! straight backed chair, and quicker than you could think it, it, much less write she was on my lap with both arms around my neck. The game's the thing! More kisses. Three fair ladies "You dear old darling, you." vis-a-vis. On the trail of the villain.

And she kissed me twice on the mouth ! Sunday, November 12, 1922. Then, before I could formulate a thought she was back are Everyone is talking about the game. There parties in her chair again, looking at me with a quizzical ex coming from Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York, Philadel pression which defies description, and which has eluded and all so it seems. phia, Baltimore, intervening points, thus far my best efforts at a satisfactory interpretation. The Rhodeses are going to have their full share of com "I have been twice paid," I said, bowing, and regretted pany surely. Tommie Dawson is to be Caroline's house is the remark on the instant, for I think it best to ignore guest over the holiday, Wednesday to Sunday, and there these emotional outbursts, as the most effective way to are three girls, friends of Genevieve, coming from New limit them. York, and Mrs. Rhodes' brother and his wife from

were rather to it, for we must give Uncle Brooklyn. Jeffreys has asked permission to have a friend "We put

a room, friends over Thursday and Friday, and Mrs. Rhodes, who wants and his wife nice and then Genevieve's must have comfortable quarters. Mother was to make everyone happy, has consented. Everybody who reasonably

to ask is Caroline's regular name for is to be in the house will dine here Thanksgiving Day going Jeff (that

if he could not help us out, but be except myself, the Hales having invited me to dinner that my fellow-lodger) if she a chance, he asked her he might not put day. I was glad to have an invitation out, for, though fore got

his friend Tommie did not want to come, but I told I feel it would be an imposition on Mrs. Rhodes' good up. her that there would be room for one more anywhere, nature to accept her bid, still she would probably be of

fix it all fended should I do otherwise. When I told them I was and she would just have to come. But this will Genevieve and the three girls can use the two invited out, they all expressed regret, and I really believe right. room, can have the they are sincere. But I think it is better all around that beds in our and Uncle and Aunt

middle room, for brother is going to spend the whole I do not have to be an added burden. It makes me feel at the house. And that will leave Mother a bit more independent, at any rate. After they h;id holiday "frat" room, which she will need, as been discussing these things in a sort of family council her own surely you say. Tomorrow we'll our heads together, and fix up that in the parlor, at which I was present, I went up to my put

little room. I wouldn't mind ta'

looks to be something wrong with that word "chicest," I have been puzzled as to just what to do about the

but if c-h-i-c spells "chic," you must surely add "est" game. Of course I have seen these things often enough for the superlative. I note that old man Webster says to know that men are very desirable as escorts. Jeffreys it, nothing about but we'll let it go at that. It is not and his friend will probably take Caroline and Tommie,

the first word I've coined, or you either.) though I have not heard that definitely stated. However,

But to return to Caroline. it is safe to assume it. I have not the least idea who the

"What do you want, Old Dear," was her characteristic New York girls are, and until I do, I don't like to com

greeting. "I feel so excited at being sent for— sum mit myself. I should be glad to take Genevieve, of

course, I I moned, as it were, to the venerable presence of my aug but until know more about the visitors, guess I ust godfather. I hope it's not anything in the nature of won't get myself tied up. I'll find out from Caroline

that — ah— chastisement you once mentioned." who the New Yorkers may be, and if they are unknown She threw the two books she was carrying on the to me, you can look them up at your end.

couch, and sat down, wonderful to relate, in a straight * * *

chair. Even a hoyden will think of her clothes now and

wit, dead, a then. Some long since had bright thought which has been handed down from generation to generation in "I have been thinking over what you are plann'ng for this town, and quoted to each newcomer in turn. Though

Thanksgiving," I said. "Where are you going to put all a bit hac neyed by now, of course, it was clever in its

these people ? Your mother will have to work her head day, and is still perfectly descriptive. It is this: The off the house, and managing attending to the meals for District of Columbia has no climate, but only weather. so many, and she, certainly, ought not to have to give up Now when you have lived here a while you realize that

her room, she will be out at I for played night, or am the anc'ent wit who said that was positively inspired.

much mistaken. Now I if I suppose offered to give up Caroline had not been gone fifteen minutes, when what room, and elsewhere, would my go you not want to let had promised to be a perfect fall evening turned out me— eh?" I badlv, and it came on to rain in torrents. had planned

"No, indeed," said Caroline, "Mamma would not hear to take a walk, and perhaps call on some of my friends, I of it, know. Besides, where could you go? Everyone but this did not look promising for anything like a stroll

will be overrun with visitors." for pleasure. Then I thought of Caroline and the nobby I "Well, have just been thinking that if you and Thoma- new hat, the trim little walking suit, and those dainty THE MESSENGER 163 little French pumps. Really, Old Friend, that is where And as I looked at them I began again to wonder at Caroline shines. You have seen nothing "classy" until what has been to me one of the insoluble mysteries in the you have seen her feet. But that is an irrelevant aside ! attitude of our race group. Why, why, why, with such Of course some admirer might bring her down in a car, a variety of beauty of every type under the blue canopy, but admirers, or at any rate desirable admirers, are not must we discard as worthless all but one, and that the always present when needed. I read a while longer, and one in which we can hope least of all to compete with the then went down to the 'phone. I called the University, other race groups environing us? I do not believe, and and asked if I could speak to Miss Rhodes. In a few never have believed, that women of their own choice moments I heard her clear, almost boyish, treble. She make of themselves neither fish, flesh nor good red her was surprised when she knew who it was, then quickly ring, but they do so through a sort of moral and social asked if her mother was ill. I reassured her, and asked compulsion, because so many colored men of the more her if she had anyone to bring her home. prosperous class seem to be attracted only by fair women "No," she answered. "I was just wondering what I approximating the white type. should do." Does it not strike one as a dreadful confession of ad mitted the of me cannot see how "It would be a crime to spoil that pretty rig of yours. inferiority? For life I What can I bring you?" else to regard it. Maybe it is more true here than else

where. In fact, I feel reasonably sure that it is, local "Oh, I wouldn't think of having you come out in such

society being somewhat more sophisticated. But again I a storm."

recur to my thesis, that I feel that the men have imposed "Nonsense, I was coming out anyway. I need the ex this monstrous thing on their women. ercise." I I When reflect on this, can forgive Caroline a lot of So after a few more perfunctory objections, she told her foibles, as, with the usual aids, she could surpass me what to bring, and told me at what time she would be most of the devotees of the Great God Enamel, for she free. I hunted up Mrs. Rhodes, and she got the rain has the features, and a shape and poise of the head hard

attire together, a pretty mackintosh and a pair of the to surpass. The fact that she is vastly prettier in her — most ridiculously little overshoes you ever saw I could exotic way than she would be if whitened to the dull put one of them in my vest pocket. I donned my old American level, would, of course, make no difference with — — army storm coat what memories it conjures up ! and most of them, and I imagine they actually disapprove of

sallied" forth into the gale, enjoying the high wind and the her for not making the change. As for Tommie, she is

pelting rain. When I got to Florida Avenue and Seventh perfect as she is. Her skin is like brown satin, only

Street it had not slackened a bit, so I went around to the there never was satin half so fine, and it would be if T street corner, where the waiting taxis stand. In that ridiculous, it were not a thing to weep over, to reflect respect it reminds one of Lenox and 135th in New York. that the Anglo-Saxon civilization of America has made

My watch showed 8:25, and Caroline had said she would such beauty a badge of inferiority, and has made us re be ready at half past. I hunted up a chap whom I have gard any lying imitation of the white man's type, however a employed once or twice since I have been here, and in two spurious to the most casual glance it may be, as real

minutes we were up the long hill and in the University achievement. But pardon this aside ! grounds. Caroline was in the vestibule waiting for me, In the midst of our conversation, Tommie started as and in a moment, having been duly invested with over if she suddenly had recalled something, got her handbag shoes and mackintosh, and protected as to the cute little from the side table where she had thrown it on coming hat by my perfectly good umbrella, she was comfortably in, and produced therefrom a letter, which she tossed seated in the taxi, and we were on our way home. across the table to me. "I knew what I was doing when I picked my godfather," "I thought our sociologist might be interested in it," she she said laughing. "But it's really awfully nice of you." said, laughing. I I And she snuggled up close to me, and slipped her hand opened and read. As have not the letter by me, I through my arm. She reminds me of a nice, purry kitten can only reproduce the gist of it, which was somewhat as when she is in a good humor. follows: The undersigned (writing from an address in New York, not two blocks from old an "It's such a wild night," said I. "How would you like you, fellow),

nounces that he is going to be in Washington on the to get Tommie, and some eats, and go home and have a spread ?" Tuesday before the game, and will have on hand a re markably fine assortment of high grade fur coats, eve "Oh, that would be jolly," and she her hands. clapped ning gowns, silk lingerie, stockings, and the like, at un So we took in Tommie's house on our and, to save way, usually low prices. If responsible persons, having in mind taxi hire, I took the home first and girls then had the definite wants, will communicate with him, he will try to man drive me back to a delicatessen store, where I paid meet their individual needs. Terms of course, in con him off, and sent him on his way. sideration of the really nominal prices asked, must be In a few minutes I was back home again, laden down I cash down. When had finished reading, I looked in with good things. What a time we had preparing that quiringly at Tommie. stuff and setting the table. When everything was ready, "Those same chaps operated at Philadelphia last year. we called Genevieve —Mrs. Rhodes had retired and begged I saw some of the things they sold," she said. to be excused. That was really a delightful evening. is "What the idea?" I asked, to see Just as a woman likes nothing better in this wide world just what she would than to be the center of attraction for a group of men, say, for I recalled what some of our New York friends told us the so I suppose we men like now and then to have the un past summer. divided attention of two or three attractive women. I ad "What idea would you get if a man had $500 fur coats mit I enjoyed the situation to the full. for sale for anything above $75 each? And fifty dollar We enjoyed the collation in the cozy dining room, with gowns for $10 cash? And $4 silk stockings for 75 cents the rain dashing against the windows and the wind rattl a pair? And everything new and absolutely up-to-date?"

ing the frames. They were interesting faces which looked "I should say it looked rather bad for somebody." at me from the three sides of the table, and nowhere else "I can make it more pointed than that," said Tommie. I in the wide world but in colored America 'would you be "In Philadelphia saw one of those coats sold to a well

likely to see three such contrasting types in one room. known New York woman for a mere song. Later on in

There was Genevieve, who, barring a little tropical the winter, she was accosted by detectives in a theatre warmth in the lines of her mouth, would 'pass for a de on Seventh Avenue, and the coat identified and taken from scendant of English or American stock; Caroline, whose her on the spot." it vivid coloring, dark skin, and flashing eyes would sug "Yes, I recall hearing about from New York friends. gest Spain, or Sicily ; and Thomasine Dawson, who might The interesting, though somewhat disheartening, fact is have graced the throne of one of the ancient rulers of that their only reaction was that the poor woman had the Nile! rotten luck," I said. 164 THE MESSENGER

"Any number of people got these letters. The broad were decidedly off-color, when in walked Reese, and when cast sending of them seems to suggest a feeling of security he saw me he took a seat at my table. if on the part of the seller." I asked him he knew any of the strangers.

"How much of this sort of thing is done?" I asked. "The big man," he said, "is a sport, which means that "I have no idea,'' said Tommie. "But too much, I fear, he makes his living by gambling on the races, and in for our self respect. You have seen one, at least, of these other similar ways. The woman is nobody in particular,

a other fur coats, yourself —oh, I shan't say whose it is!" I think, just kind of cheap adventuress, and the

I know. The first two are from Baltimore. "Well, I suppose when folks must keep up with the man don't

I that young Jeffreys would be seen with Joneses, or die, the method or process is of comparative am surprised

in a like this." ly little importance. It's only another instance of the them place demoralizing influence of our anomalous position in I have been recasting what the folks at the house have

American life. Truly, in many ways we are Ishmaelites, told me about Jeffreys. He has a very unimportant gov with every man's hand against us, and our hands against ernment clerkship, from what I hear, certainly not one every man, so that even our own crooks feel safe in the to furnish him with such an elaborate wardrobe, and the shadow of this situation, confident that if we will have money for his almost weekly trips. I have noted that his no share in the spoils of their crimes, we will not, at any articles of jewelry, of which he seems inordinately fond, rate, betray them !" are unusual in number and variety, and many of them, of taste, are evidently quite costly. "Did it ever strike you," interjected Genevieve, "that while not in the best a three occasions, I have seen him display when a people really religious, both by temperament and On two or bills amounting into the hundreds. For example, training, come into close and forced contact with a soul roll of cabaret, he slipped less civilization like that of the Anglo-Saxon, that they the night we were in that ill-omened which he handed the waiter from are in very grave danger? They are likely to lose their the twenty dollar bill I a in saw two or three century own warm spiritual feeling completely, while, on the other thick roll which plainly see he may be an interesting hand, they do not gain, as an offset, the colder ethical notes. So you can why

I out to satisfaction that standards of the other race. It's the old case of swapping problem. have figured my own to Baltimore are "business" trips. Without con horses while crossing a stream." his trips

necting name in any way with the matter, I brought "Your explanation certainly fits many of the points in J's up the general question d propos of the party at his table, the case," said I. "Well, it is an unpleasant subject. It's and Reese said that several well known men of sporting dreadful to have to wonder where some of your good propensities make these regular trips to Baltimore, and friends get their pretty clothes." that at least one local character was completely ruined Then we went up into the parlor, and turned on the in business by being fleeced by the sharpers of that hustl victrola, and —oh, fortunate mortal —I danced with Caro — ing city. But that sort of thing is an old story and line and Thomasine and Genevieve in turn. Genevieve is ever new. The real gambling mania seems about as hard a fine dancer, though she is so one would never very quiet I is not an ad to overcome as the "dope" habit. hope J. it, I but Tommie, as have said, is a nine

suspect a already venturer of this type, for I should hate to think of days' wonder. She's a ball of thistledown animated by man like that imposing upon a household like the Rhodes'. the combined spirits of Grace and Rhythm. I could * * * dance with her forever, and never tire !

I have been studying my fellow-lodger, and, without How goes the world with you, Buddie? Life is very having the most definite material con premises for my interesting hereabouts, what with absorbing work, and the I clusions, feel sure that there is something wrong with possibly of meeting new people every day. I have not him. If he were not living here, or were not so very been able to tell you about everything and everybody, attentive, even though somewhat intermittently so, to naturally, but some day, when you come this way, I will

Caroline, I should not bother my head about him. Even show you my diary, which is a condensed record of the is, as it with the painful memory of one unhappy expe most important things. a rience of similar kind, in connection with which I reg a Speaking of diaries, I have often planned to keep a istered solemn vow that I should never, Heaven helping "journal intime," as our French friends call it. Of me, interfere in any way in another person's concerns, it

course it is more than a notion, for one has always to is a question whether I ought to bother about him or

take into account the chance of it falling by accident into not. But ordinary human curiosity is sometimes hard to alien or unfriendly hands. However, as an experiment, overcome, and when you add to it a touch of the tempera a I have begun one on very small scale, and some day, ments of Sherlock Holmes, Monsieur Lecoq and the im

perhaps, I shall try it out on you. moral Dupin, what are you to expect? I did not at all like the gentleman's deportment on the night of the quar I see my friends the Wallaces, Hales and Morrows rel of which I have already told you. He has been, for every few days somewhere. Lillian Barton has been out I some reason of his own, unusually attentive to Caroline of town for over a week, but am hoping to see her I a recently. I suppose that might be explained by the very Saturday or Sunday. Verney and have struck up I it simple reason that he is fond of her, in love with her, very nice friendship, and am finding both enjoyable or whatever you would call it. She does not lack attrac and profitable, I assure you. He has lived just enough

than I to make his the tions, as you may have gathered from what I have said longer philosophy, gathered by way, about her, and certainly, even without being acquainted both enlightening and stimulating to me.

with her at all, one might infer the fact of her attractive I almost forgot one important thing. Tommie Dawson

ness from the large numbers of young men who dance said that when next I write I should say "Hello" for attendance upon her. her to that goodlooking soldier boy. I hope you appre

fortune, it I friend, but to measure To make a long story short, saw Jeffreys yesterday ciate your good my with the flashy friends of whom Caroline was complain adequately you will have to see Tommie. is ing the other night. They were eating dinner in a res My literary work going swimmingly, especially the

taurant where I sometimes dine. Jeffreys had his back research side. The Americana collection in the Library I to the door, and consequently to me, as went in. I took of Congress is unusually rich, and, while the local history I a seat so that might see them fairly well without being sections in which I am particularly interested occasional a I conspicuous myself, allowing hat-tree to intervene some ly fall short of my desires, find quite enough to keep I I what between us. Then ordered my dinner, and ob me busy. The slave trade material is fascinating, and served the party at my leisure, spreading out my news have located one or two rich "finds" in the special collec I paper before me the better to mask my intentions, and tion at Howard. I am enclosing a list of books which hoping that someone might come in who could tell me wish you would try to locate in the New York libraries — who the strangers were. I had just about come to the between the University and the Public Library you ought conclusion, from sight and hearing, that Mr. J's friends to be able to find one or two, at least. What you don't THE MESSENGER 165

succeed in locating I am going to try to borrow from Har I am sending you herewith parts of two sample chap vard. It looks as if, to put the finishing touches on the ters. Tell me frankly what you think of them, both as to local color, I may have to go to Charleston and Colum matter and manner. Don't try to spare my feelings, but bia. But there is still much I can do here, and I can de if you think it necessary, "lay on, Macduff!" I await cide about the rest later on. your criticism with interest.

THE CRITIC By J. A. ROGERS Author of "As Nature Leads," "From 'Superman' to Man," "The Ku Klu.r Spirit," Etc.

Dean Miller Takes Fright at the Emancipation timid dean arises to warn them that they are "venturing of the Negro Woman too far!" SpeaVing of kitchens, does the dean think, for instance, thinks that the Kelly Miller, of Howard University, that the Negro woman is venturing too far from the Negro woman is venturing too far from Kaiser Wil- white woman's kitchen? Would he have the lady pro —Kinder, Kuche, Kleider, Kurche helm's four K's (Chil fessors and doctors back there? dren, Kitchen, Clothes, Church) — and rises to warn her. — En passant one might say that that is what Prof. Mil "Race Suicide" ler says the Kaiser's aggregation of K's are. Unless I am much mistaken, they read: Kaiser, Kurche, Kinder, The cautious dean also deplores so-called race suicide, Kuche (Kaiser, Church, Children, Kitchen). It wasn't saying: the late "Almighty's" habit to omit himself from the head "The biological function of the female is to bear and of any list. One suspects that the dean introduced those rear children, which, if effectively performed, will neces four K's into his article rather because of their allitera sarily engage the chief energies of the producing sex. tive, spectacular effect. Women neglecting clothes? Ye No scheme of philosophy or social reform can alter this gods ! basic responsibility imposed by nature from the founda For the first of his four, Dean Miller bases his belief tion of the world of living things. upon "studies in eugenics, based upon the 55 colored mem "The liberalization of woman must always be kept with bers of the Howard University faculty. He found that in the boundary fixed by nature. Tampering with the in the families from which these teachers came there decrees of nature jeopardizes the very continuance of the was a total of 363 children, or an average of 6.5 for each human race." family. On the other hand, the 55 offspring have a total The biological function of woman if to bear and rear of 37, or only seven-tenths of a child, for each potential children. But has she no other functions? Again, far family." from agreeing with Prof. Miller, I give the Negro woman Armed with these figures, the dean goes on to say : credit if she endeavors to be something other than a "From a wide acquaintance with the upper section of mere breeding machine. the Negro race under a variety of circumstances and Having children is by no means the sole reason for conditions, I am fully persuaded that the Howard Uni being. Birth and death are as inevitable and immutable versity group is typical of the like element throughout forces as the winds, the tides, and the motions of the the race, so far as fecundity is concerned. A study of planet, hence we needn't worry our heads so much there. the teachers in the public schools of Washington, the Mankind grows as spontaneously as the weeds in a clear physicians, lawyers and other educated groups would tell ing. Root them up as fast as you will, but they appear the same sterile story." nevertheless. Dean Miller concludes with : Moreover, the world has probably millions of years "I take little stock in the derogation of these degener more to last —time for countless generations to be born ate days. I do not believe that the cut of hair or the in. Why not, then, more cultivation of the species and style of dress is coefficient of character, nor that girlish less propagation of it? In proportion as you have more liveliness is inconsistent with womanly loveliness and of the latter you have less of the former. worth. But I do believe, with an unshakable conviction, that our women are venturing too far from the four * * * K's —Kinder, Kuche, Kleider and Kirche." What if the race is being recruited from "the lower stratum," as the dean complains : it has ever been thus. Is Prof. Miller's Pessimism Justified? And, speaking of the lower stratum, is not the scum Far from sharing the dean's fright, I think his article frequently the highest stratum of the pot? a piece of optimism so unwarranted that it moves one to Yes, there are other things quite as worthy as bearing laughter. Dean Schuyler ought to be able to whittle any children, and that is the cultivation and pruning of so number of shafts from it. ciety by these "sage femmes" decried by Dean Miller. The intellectual gap between the Negro man and the * * * Negro woman is a very wide one. "Who's Who In America," is by no means a criterion of worth and ac "The liberalization of woman must always be kept complishment, still it is a fairly reliable gauge. Of sixty- within the boundary fixed by nature," says the dean. four Negroes named in "Who's Who," only one was a What is that boundary ? How reminiscent is this argu woman. The white women, on the other hand, were one ment of one the dean has always inveighed against: the in sixteen of the white men. Four times as many as the assertion of the Nordics that intellectual development is colored women ! bad for the Negro and that he should be kept within the Of the half a dozen or so principal groups composing boundaries set by the Almighty? this nation, the woman is by far the most back Negro * * * ward, if we except the Indian. She has been far too de voted to a fifth K (kinks). Now, however, some of the In an attempt to tone down his reactionary views, Prof. members of this very backward group are beginning to Miller makes a gesture at liberality by stating: step out into the intellectual field and, God bless you, the "I believe that the superior women, equally with the 166 THE MESSENGER

superior men, should have the fullest opportunity to de Sometimes it is that of a fifth-rater. Which reminds velop and exert their higher capacities." But this is more me of a story, as the after-dinner speaker would say reactionary yet, for here again is the Nordic doctrine of Some years ago, at a meeting for Negro uplift in Chi superior race, pure and simple. Why not opportunity for cago, at which there were many influential white news it a everybody, for so-called inferior as well as superior? paper men, a Negro suggested that would be great

step forward if the white editors would cut out tales of What Was Cleopatra? Negro crime from their papers. Thereupon Victor Law-

son, of the Daily News, promptly retorted: "And if we George Wells Parker conducts a column in Negro his did, where would the Negro press get its news?" tory. A correspondent sent him the following question : Similarly, to get into the routine list, one must receive a colored woman ?" and his reply is : "Was Cleopatra recognition from the white critics, even though it is an "Cleopatra was a mulatto, being a mixture of Greek and admitted fact that they are generally ill-informed on the

Egyptian." Negro situation. Which leads one to ask : where would

Mr. Parker also says that Mahomet and the Empress Afro-America gets its names of "big" men were it not Josephine were of Negro descent. We have been follow for those same white agencies who, only in rarest in ing him for some time and note that he is developing the stances, will permit the Negro to tell his own side of the Nordic habit of reaching bac'< and claiming the noted story, uncensored, in books and magazines published by

peoples and civilizations of other races a la Prof. Henry them ?

Fairfield Osborne. And thus in this case the censor is really the judge of

Cleopatra, whose real name is Arsinde— Cleopatra was what is meritorious. only a title — was the direct descendent of Ptolemy, a Here is a list of Negroes representing the modern Macedonian noble, and one of the leading generals of school of thought, few of whom one hears anything in

Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander, the regular "respectable" channels : Ptolemy ascended the throne of Egypt, and thereafter, W. H. A. Moore, poet; R. W. Bagnall, Hodge Kirnon, down to Ptolemy XII, the heirs to the throne married Reginald Margetson, Edgar Grey, Arthur King, W. A. their sisters, after the fashion of the Incas. In other Domingo, Eug. Gordon, Robert Harden. A. Philip Ran words, Cleopatra was in every sense "the daughter of dolph, Chandler Owen, George Schuyler, Theophilus the Ptolemies." Lewis, Ferris, Arthur D. Bibb, W. H. Schomburg, J. W: H. Tibbs, Chas. S. Johnson, George Frazier Miller, The Slave Still Takes the Cue from His Master Hubert Harrison, Abram Harris, W. L. Sherrill, and Gordon Owen. There are others, like Kelly Miller, Jr., Some years ago, I submitted to a friend of mine for Lovett Forte Whiteman, Franklin Frazier and Willis criticism a manuscript in which I had made a collection Richardson, whom I do not know personally, as I do the

the names it, of of leading Negroes. Having read he said above. to me: see no different from "I you are the others. You Place this group in any select gathering of white in have picked out the same old routine of names. Why tellectuals and its members will distinguish themselves. don't you do some thinking for yourself?" Some of them are better equipped mentally than many of I The lesson learnt then, I see, has be yet to learnt the big ones, in my opinion. Harrison, for instance, is the the whom by many, majority of are classed as big Ne best informed human being, black or white, that I have groes. Although a brilliant group of new men have en met. Lewis has written the finest short story, both as the field — tered thinkers who voice more penetratingly to content and technique, by a Negro, in my estimation ; and the scientifically aspirations of the group than them Hodge Kirnon is a finer poised and better equipped so selves — these yet big Negroes from their silence appear ciological thinker than any other Negro I know of; and to be ignorant of their presence, as the masses of the Schuyler is as sparkling, witty and effective as Bernard whites are ignorant about them. And may not the rea Shaw at his best. son for the silence of the big Negroes proceed from the Suppose the big Negroes come out and take notice of same cause that inspires the masses of the whites to be some of these, instead of forever dishing up to us those

silent about the ? big Negroes selected for them, many of whom, as I said, are fifth- Now and again a new name enters the charmed circle. raters?

A Hustling Agent

Here is the live and hustling representative of The

Messenger in South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Stanley is originally from Portland, Oregon, but recently decided

to move to South Bend where the opportunities for a progressive and industrious person are very favorable.

Mr. Stanley is a man of wide travel and experience with

a wonderful gift of salesmanship. In a very short time

he has built up a large circulation for The Messenger in South Bend by putting his usual vigor and vim into

the work. He reports that The Messenger is "selling like hot cakes." Mr. Stanley uses the house to house method of circulation and his efforts have been crowned is with great success. He a member of the Masons, Knights of Pythias, St. Peter's Lodge No. 31, Bethel 3, Chapter No. Pilgrims' Commandry No. 3, Fezzan's Temple No. 26, and St. Joseph's Lodge No. 51. THE MESSENGER 167

THE CHILDREN'S HOUR THE DAYS OF '61 Installment No. 2

By EULALIA O. PROCTOR

Dinner over, and the last bit of the luscious young More chorus work on the part of the youngsters and, corn, which had constituted their chief dish, picked from having recited their wishes, they perched on either side the cob, the children were off for the fields at Grand of him, where not a word or gesture would escape their father's heels. attention. The tobacco and melon vines were in adjoining patches, "Well, the first thing I remember when I was a boy in a little hollow just off the shady lane which led to the about the age of you two young rascals was being awak main road. Jojo never failed to pause and admire the ened late one night by the sound of new voices talking beauty of the tall, thickly-leaved plants, with their dark to my parents. There was much of exclamations and sheen, and the rich red of the blossoms. "Doesn't seem thanksgiving and a great deal of tearful laughter on the that they're just tobacco ! Why, they're prettier than part of Mother and the strange woman's voice. There hollyhocks to me!" she commented, as she passed between was something familiar in the ring of the man's tones, the rows, sniffing the heady scent luxuriously. and I knew it must be Uncle Alex, whom I had never seen, but of whom Father spoke so often. This was Grandfather's hobby, this raising his own Peering through the cracks in the garret floor, for that tobacco, right here in Illinois, and Jojo remembered was where we children slept, I saw that it was Uncle vividly the first time she had assisted in curing the leaf Alex. Having seen my father and all his brothers, ex which was to grace the big pipe that was Grandfather's cept Alex, there was no mistaking the family likeness. constant companion. Giving it the final drying in the He was tall and broad of shoulders, with the flaming red oven of Grandmother's great oven, stripping it off the hair that marked the Bruce clan. Not quite as tall as woody stem, and crumbling it between her fingers, until my Father, though, and with an agile grace that Father it was very fine, was a delightful task for Jojo! had lost with his years and toil. Uncle Alex was younger From the tobacco patch, they went to the melon vines, and quite handsome. He wore earrings in his ears and where Bobby did most of the spraying, while Jojo squealed a gay scarf around his neck. In fact, his dress was quite rapturously every time she sighted a big green worm. in keeping with his disposition, that of a roving adven That meant a new target for Bobby's deadly aim, and turer. He had run away to sea long before the rest of how the worm squirmed when the deluge struck him, ani the family migrated to America, and his life had been mated by the boy's unerring fingers ! a richly 'broidered story of adventure, which he hinted at Finally, when Grand father straightened up, with a in his brief letters to Father. The last time I had heard whistle of approbation which meant that every worm Father mention a letter from him he was in South Amer was on the list of casualties, Bobby and Jojo raced away ica, with a sailing vessel out of Portugal. That was to the favorite seat at the foot of the big maple. Grand months ago— and here he was, tonight ! father came on more slowly, and settled down with a After feasting my glance on him, I turned to the lady fling of his hat at a saucy blackbird in an adjacent who was seated with her arms twined sapling. affectionately about Mother. She was tiny and dark of skin —almost "What's the order of the afternoon, young folks?" black, yet with a red cast that gave her a curious metal "When you were a boy about our age, Grandfather, lic sheen. Her hair was thick and silken and bound please !" around her head with many glittering pins. Her dress

GRANDCHILDREN OF MR. DENT OF LIB ERTY LIFE INS. CO., CHICAGO 168 THE MESSENGER

was of heavy silk and much bedraggled, with the hem natives. When a new Governor had come who had at thrust in the tops of a man's pair of boots. Her voice tempted to set up a caste system, which excluded the was deep and sweet and her accent was strange, almost children of these intermarriages, the Bruce and Morse unintelligible to me. Finally I awakened the boys and we families had come to America and. after days and months must have presented a picture, the seven of us, on our of wandering, had settled in Tennessee, and then to Illi stomachs, bare legs waving from under our long night nois. How they came to Illinois is another story. shirts, toes wriggling excitedly, as we eyed the visitors At breakfast, in which all of the family joined. Uncle through the cracks, breathless lest we should be spied and Alex retold, for the benefit of the latest arrivals, just reprimanded. how he had reached Illinois. He had sailed from the Finally we were able to quiet down and go to sleep, Islands to New York city, where he had exchanged his knowing that only morning would satisfy our curiosity, money for American currency. From New York city, for we would not be permitted to come downstairs sooner. he had gone by train and carriage to Green County, When we trooped downstairs the next morning, the Tennessee, to look after some property there, for which guests were at the gate, talking with the rest of Father's he had sent my father purchasing money when they had brothers, who had gotten word of their arrival and had settled there, and title to which he still retained. driven over early. Mother was all excitement, and was The Tennesseeans with whom he had to deal cared quick to tell us that Uncle Alex had come home and had little enough for him, with his foreign ways and dress, brought a bride from the Islands with him. The Islands ! but the sight of Aunt Marcia, his new bride, seemed to To us, the Islands meant almost as much as Heaven, bewilder and irritate them. True, they were "foreigners," for Mother and Father had come from the Islands them these two, but he w-as "white," unmistakably — while she ! selves, and were always talking of the time when we Black and full of airs, daring to refuse a civil reply to should be safely schooled and they would go home to those who hailed her and asked her business. She wasn't visit their relatives. Then we simply knew that the anything but a black wench, a nigger, same as the folks Islands were in the West Indies, somewhere that it tooV who worked on the plantations down in the lowlands ! long months to get to, and that the Bruce and Morse Those people did not arrogate themselves —they dare not ! clans were colonists there, who had intermarried with Should she? (To be continued)

THEATRE

Blue Monday Night and the supply of pork chops running Billy Gulfport, Billy Brown and Billy low, they go down to the Lafayette The Higgins were in the cast, but they offered Napoleon said that an army travels on atre and put on a Revue. This is what nothing new to the jaded theatre goer. its belly ; I think a show often travels happened the week of March 2nd when The same was true of the Dai -ing on its nerve. At least, I thought that an aggregation of dancers, singers and Demons of Dewey Weinglass. 1 Here way after seeing the "Famous Georgia comedians anxious to meet the landlord was Smart Set nothing in the production to thrill Minstrels" at the Lafayette placed themselves under the direction of Theatre. the audience and little to entertain it. Frank Montgomery and Rosamond Still, I shall be charitable J. 1 suppose it suited Harlem "The and say that the Johnson, and faced the expectant audi exhibition was fair, despite the Mecca of the New Negro," because the fact that ence as The Harlem Rounders. The best I was compelled to hear 11,968th same cast put on the same show in the for the thing about the revue was the music by time such ballads as "Walk, same theatre the week following, but Jennie, J. Rosamond Johnson. Otherwise, it Walk," and without the same name — they called "Red Hot Mamma." If I was quite an ordinary performance, if have to listen to those two themselves the International Follies ! songs again, one excepts the singing of Abbie Mit 1 know the law will have me up for chell. It is true that funmakers like George S. Schuyler. homicide. I imagine these "Georgia Smart Set Minstrels" travel with some circus in the summer and make the rounds of the colored theatres in the winter. At any rate, it reminded me a great deal of entertainments I have seen in the side shows of the larger circuses. There was the same quartet, the same half dozen end men. the same raucus voices of the blues shouters, the same ancient jokes, the same mediocre hoofing, the same kind of monologist who makes one yearn for the possession of a brick. There were four women in the com pany. Two of them merited a second or third glance. One of these comely damsels, Nellie Worthy, gave one of the best exhibitions as a contortionist I have ever seen, and her partner, Willie Ed wards, is a very capable slack wire ex pert. The show closed with a so-called farce comely which afforded an oppor tunity to bring in the ghost scene so beloved of Negro playwrights. I shall pass over this without comment. I understand this show played to big houses and the audience was quite sir- able and well pleased the night I was there. Evidently it was what the people like. Vox Populi Vox Dei!

The Round-Up of the Rounders Whenever a group of colored actors in BLANCHE CALLOWAY EDITH STMS Harlem find themselves without a vehicle Sunset Cafe, Chicago Cottonland, Chicago THE MESSENGER 169

SHAFTS AND DARTS A PAGE OF CALUMNY AND SATIRE

By GEORGE S. SCHUYLER and THEOPHILUS LEWIS

The Monthly Award: We unanimous being older — and hence more experienced strivings are an old age of ease and com ly agreed this month to award the hand — than the toiler sex. probably saw this fort ; which is also true of the wahine. some cut thunder-mug to long ago. If anyone was to face the glass Dr. * * * Norton G. Thomas, a columnist on the buffets of Circumstance, why not the staff of the inestimable Negro World. new arrival who had been evolved for Forewarned is forearmed. Having Rev. Thomas unloosened the following that purpose, while she got the best placed the parasite of the species under gob of guano in the issue of March 21, of whatever there was to be had? The the microscope and studied her aims, 1925 : "'In Cuba, on the borders of Vene laughable part about the whole thing is objects and methods, the sophisticated zuela, in Central America, in Australia, that up to the present men have been so mere man is prepared to cope with any in Africa, in Alabama, in New York, in loath to destroy such a caste system of and all of the dodges and devices for Michigan, daily children are being named sex. which she is justly famous. He is in " 'Marcus Garvey.' Yes, Prof. Thomas * * * the same enviable position as the keeper is earning his salary. Finding such advantages ready made of a poker game who knows the marks for her upon entering the world, women on all the cards. As in every other * * * have been left free to concentrate on one pursuit, vocation or profession, only a The New Emancipation: Under the thing in life: snaring and keeping a meal few become masters in broadology ; most guise of being the weaker sex, unable to ticket. The average man. of course, is men are as ignorant of the ways of the protect themselves, the women have for too dumb to see this. He judges the opposite sex as a Baptist minister is of ages been getting away with murder. I woman by himself— he, with his hundred comparative theology. And again, as in am by no means the first philosopher and one interests ; she with one, and only every calling, expertness is only reached — who has observed that morals, ethics one and consequently he is alwavs mis after years and years of study and re — customs and conventions have long been judging her and she is outplaying him. search most men only tear aside the the great bulwark of men's exploitation Were he to judge her by the rules of the veil of feminine camouflage when they by women. For instance, it is obvious market nlace : as a merchant marketing are too old to profit by it. Of course, that monogamy was the invention of a commodity for a profit, he would long there are a few young bachelors like my unattractive or elderly women as a bul ago have seen the light. It is by study self who get the lay of the land early in wark and protection against the prowess ing the problem from this angle that the life, but their's arc only small still voices of flappers. I venture that the universal wary bachelor and the disillus'oned hus in the wilderness of feminine propaganda. condemnation of consanguinous mating band are able to arrive at the truth. They As Karl Marx, the God of the atheistic was the first wedge in the struggle for note with surprise after a little observa Socialists maintained and prophesied, the free trade and against monopoly; for tion that the methods of the merchant changes in the economic life of the mod : mer certainly there is no biological argument and the mama are the same The ern world are breaking up the old, legal, against it. I suspect also that the o'd chant's first consideration is to advertise moral and religious concepts. Capitalism in customers; apple-sauce about woman's place being in order to attract the mama introduced wo.man to the work bench the home was first hit upon by shrewd does the same but utlizes coming-out alongside her lover or hubby. With fat females who preferred the safety of the parties, good clothes, silk stockings, at tened pay envelopes, the more ambitious hats, fireside to the danger of the forest, and tractive lip sticks and powder to femmes set up a yelp for equal rights. subtly suggested the slogan to the old do the trick, instead of window displays The majority— wise women and stupid and newspaper advertisements. When — men of the tribe. Probablv the notion iren were opposed to it, but the minority the merchant has a deal of competition that women should stay home in time of of worldly men saw in it the coming of and war while the noble male went out and the future looks ominous he holds a Utopia ; for with the demand by the got his head split, was of similar origin. sale and lowers his prices ; mama does women of equal rights would logically — It would not at all surprise me if women likewise it is commonplace that femi come the demand from the men for equal themselves weren't almost wholly re nine virtue and chastity disappear in di duties. In proportion as women received sponsible for the entire collection of non rect ratio to the excess of females over the right to be lawyers, truck drivers, sense now incorporated Into the warn males in any community. The merchant ballot box stuffers and headwaiters, they and woof of contemporary ctlvcs which seldom admits that any article is second would also have to accept the duties of r-akes them a pr'vleged class in societv ; hand, because commodities that paying off the landlord, buying theatre a "etted, pampered group, chuckling to have been used bring a lower price than t'ekets. and standing up in crowded street t,-e gether over their wisdom. mused ones. The wilv mama uses cars ; "chivalry" now enjoyed by the same tactics, and, like the merchant, males. * * * » when the fact cannot be concealed, the * * It is emit? probable that man. instead commod'tv is made to aopear as valuable of evolving first, actually came last on as poss'ble. thus bringing in a tidy re I view the much discussed emancipa

gard. a the scene —a creation of the female who Note the dashing grass widow. tion of women with more glee than desired to free herself of numerous mo The automob-le merchant will re-fin'sh preacher does the serving of roast p chicken notonous and onerous duties destined to use'' car and then placing it in his or the lifting of collection. No man be the lot of a denizen on this whirling showroom among palms and antique fur with intelligence enough to laugh at the ball of mud. The old story nf creation niture, advertise it : "Slightly used Buick annual low comedy of election, a Sp'ritualist in which woman is the cause of man's Sedan, 1924 Model. Good as New." seance or the funeral of an downfall needs to be analyzed in the He often gets a purchaser who can't af undertaker, is opposed to that con Ii^ht of the new psychology. The fellow ford to get a new car. In the same way, summation so devoutly wished by the who invented that story wasn't far from the youn? widow often beats the flap advocates of women's rights. Not that freedom, the truth, for the men have certainlv pers by skillful salesmanship. There are he wants women to have more been earning their bread in the sweat of safety-first horsemen who prefer a does he espouse their cause. Not at all.

On the he a their brow, and the women have been broken steed to an unbroken one. So contrary, seeks merely cur tailment of their ages-old reaping the advantage. in the marriage market, the hombre special privi leges. He knows that with the equali * * * seeking a snug harbor fights shy of the zation of economic income will come an spirited debutante. The vision of future The new school psychologists tell us alternation of buying candy, paying vaca possible cuckoldry often steers a far- homo sapiens always has a greater itch tion expenses or purchasing drinks at for privileges than for duties, and, as the sighted fellow into the arms of a mid the cabaret. He envisages a future so young adult first comes into contact with dle-aged widow. Just as the merchant ciety in which all the obligations now Life, and attempts to enhance the value of his the hobnailed boot of he recoils imposed on the joker will be shared by yearns for the rosy, workless, well-fed wares by telling of the great traditions a the jane; society in which women will days of infancy when he possessed all of his house, so la femme rampant plays a earn their way and pay their way ; the responsibilities. up her distinguished ancestors —with the the rights and none of society, in short, where the female of This flight from responsibility is so gen help of the mater — to the eligible throng a the species will be pardner and not a eral that even a college graduate can see of cake eaters. As the merchant sells parasite. in it a characteristic of the great talking "service," so the mama sells "virtue." ape : man. The female of the species The ultimate object of all the merchant's (Continued on page 174) 170 THEMESSENGER

ATHLETICS

By DR. EDWIN B. HENDERSON Head of the Department of Fhysieal Training in High Schools of the D strict of Columbia

Tiger Flowers, who reads three bible verses daily, is present white civilization, fight, win and rule. On the a deacon in his home town church, and who has con courts every ounce of brawn and every ion of brain verted $100,000 of ring money into Atlanta real estate, energy is used in competition. They will transfer that can't see why to make money with a superior scientific scrap stuff to bigger arenas some day. exhibition of instinctive brute skill and courage is in * * * consistent with being a Christian. Neither do we when times we consider what Christian governments are doing in The past basketball season excelled all previous in number of teams and class of players. Leading aggre Haiti, Africa, India and Egypt. gations appear to be the Renaissance of New York, Pan Nor can we see why professionalism of this sort is thers of Quakertown, Alcoes of the Capitol city, Athenians different from that of the big league players or from in Baltimore, Eighth Regiment of the Windy metropolis, that of the professional musician or artist whose suc and Loendi of Pittsburgh. The Renaissance impresses cess is measured nowadays by the size of his engage most. Father Time is cracking away at "Cum" Posey's ment price. The so-called songs of a people are for bunch, as indicated in the game's with the Alcoes of Wash the most the songs of their economic struggles, their ington and the Panthers of Philadelphia. On a neutral heroes and their wars. Like the bards of Greece and court, it is the writer's opinion that the Renaissance quintet could trim the pick of all of our teams. Rome and epic writers who told of their great athletes In the college game, Morehouse, Wilberforce, and and warriors, so we glow over Peter Jackson, Joe Hampton look best. Phillips High of Chicago, by reason Gans, Frederick Douglass, Black Patti, Attucks, and of the victory over Armstrong High School of Wash many in the recollection of the present generation. ington and the publicity given to this game in the Chi * * * cago Defender, is the outstanding secondary team. Neither team was as good as the last year five. Balti For many years the tramp athlete was the star of more High School quint is probably as good as either. college teams. He would enter and play football at one Basketball is affording heroes and hero worshippers school, fail in allsubjects and the next year upon induce winter activity. It has become the indoor game of the in ment play at another school and perhaps one other. door civilization. People who dress more for style than for warmth and comfort can't watch and enjoy physical Then some athletes at our leading institutions played contests in bad weather outdoors as they once did —then through prep, and college and professional schools. again there must be more excuse for more dancing in from were Players one school always being importuned some places. But, aside from its drawbacks, the game to come to a rival in athletics. There were no eligi is stimulating wholesome regard for things of the body, bility rules. A player was a student but for a game, so necessary to make clear and vigorous minds. often. The situation became intolerable. Associa We copy virtues and vices. Basketball started off a tions and conferences followed with rules made to keep purely amateur game, sponsored by schools and reputable education the business of colleges and to make athletics clubs. The main incentive was the fun of the game. someone conceived the commercial idea. There are an educational agent. Then but few out and out professional teams', but a large num The Colored Inter-Collegiate Association since 1912 ber of players who are getting so much per game or per has done great work. It made football cleaner and season are yet playing with and against teams supposed fairer. Officiating developed from the stage of slave to be amateurs. Making a business of sport may be as psychology that believed the only fair and good official justifiable as being an artist in any line and living by was a white skinned man to respect for colored men means thereof, but masquerading is wrong. Profession — who have done commendable work. alism develops an entirely different set of ethics dollar ethics. When sport was the play of kings and peasants, or to For Lincoln Howard Universities become ath Greece and Rome thrived, but when the game became letic free agents is retrogression and will sooner or means of sustenance, and kings had their work and later be harmful to sport at these schools. Not many peasants theirs and not all time could be given for sport, moons ago Howard's teams were either prep players the professional athlete triumphed and, with his ascen or professional school men who had been varsity stars dency, Rome and Greece declined and fell. Educators elsewhere. Now Hampton has a collegiate course, and statesmen realize that a people who play are a happy people and grow, but when their is all done for Union is a Class A college. Others are pulling up playing them, history teaches us Nations grow weak. Our real fast. Who heard of St. Paul before the C. I. A. A.? amateur clubs and college conferences need to draw their How many farmer are now in school virtue boys by lines and rules tighter. of the glamour of the athletics of near home schools? Ousting of Lincoln from the C. I. A. A. is the latest The C. I. A. A. wisdom in ostracizing H. U. is event from that quarter. Though gently done, the breach doubtful. The only sensible thing to consider is the in the C. I. A. A. is made wider, but. like some wounds, value of Conference athletics to education and the race. opening more is favorable to cure. Charges and counter charges, attack and defense in the last fusilade of pam * * * phlets issued by Howard, Alumni, and the C. I. A. A. Fifteen years ago the writer organized the Y. M. maVre interesting reading. We need a little less of the C. A. basketball team in Washington, D. C. The foolish loyalty to institutions in favor of more and better service to the young men of the race. This motive would Smart Set A. C, the Alpha A. C, and St. Christopher make a stronger organization to keep athletics an educa had teams and there were few besides. Today nearly tional force, instead of a commercialized sport for the hamlet, club or every school boasts an ambitious five. edification of spectators, alumni, and gamblers. For the Our boys, the boys of Japan, the Philippines, China, good of athletics to develop our young men, to keep the Jew boys, are through games finding the spirit of the games clean of professionalism, to provide for their THE MESSENGER 1 7 1

Standing, reading left, to right: R. Wiggins. D. Moore, E. Hargrove, M. Thorne, R. Renfor, C. Alexander, J. Thatcher; sitting, reading left to right: C. H. Williams, director; W. I.ambright, M. A. McNichols, Chester Jones, J. L. Langston, E. E. Brown, G. E. Smith, asst. director. wholesome conduct, nothing yet is an improvement upon the conference plan. It is not too late to hridge the gap. The Virginia and North Carolina institutions are hound to make great progress in the next few years and, as they have proven worthy contenders on gridiron and athletic field, a little more of the growth they are making at the same rate will make them equal contenders in the field of higher education. In Washington, we have been shown again just how Photos of Style justice and segregation works in a democracy. When Senator Pbipps and Representative Madden had about And Dignity won the fight to reduce the population of the great un washed, Senator Walsh led a fight to prevent a Negro The high quality of Woodard bathing beach on the shores of the Tidal Basin of the Photographs is notably attested by Potomac, when $30,000 had already been expended to put prominent a separate bathing beach across from the beach used by the large number of white people for many years. He observed in his mind's men and women in the social, Miles M. Webb eye this great number of peoples, half nude, of colors theatrical, commercial and politi from white to black, disporting in the summer time near cal life of both Chicago and Kan by where the people drive their autos every evening and, sas City, who prefer their dis with righteous indignation, he protested so vehemently tinctiveness. They find in these that the government thousands to remove appropriated photos a class and charm that is the work other thousands began. Years ago, when a obtained only in work of the skilled "white" beach was located on the Monument grounds, Woodard artists. The making of open to the sunlight and air, Negroes were forced to children, make merry in the water in a small tank with walls run faithful resemblances of ning up 20 feet, to prevent any but a god and his angels adults and groups of various de Lottye H. Jacobs viewing the bathers. There is a chance that Negroes scriptions is an art with us. may in numbers go down and swim with the white bathers of Hair this year, if there are enough in Washington with the Makers the attractive Bobbed Chart! which are widely used in Chi little nerve needed. If not. they will swelter and sweat cago. New series now ready, contains as has been the custom several seasons. for 16 beautiful stylet posed by unusually Among the men making a living by mauling Nordic charming girls. Prices $1.25 each. In idols. Bob Lawson, with a record of 17 straight knock lots of 10 or more, $1.00 each. Send outs at this writing, seems destined to blink in the light money order today. once showered on the withered Deacon Flowers. Law- son, weighting 180 and aged 22, shapes up like a tawny KANSAS CITY, MO. 1811 VINE ST. H. E. Young panther and hits like a pile driver. That Canuck. Delaney, can be beaten by someone, but the Georgia Peach, Tiger Flowers, can't. In the last fight, Monsieur Delaney said it to "Flowers" with everything but the ring posts, knocking him out twice in one round. Tiger will make a lot more money, because fans like his style of milling, but he will never go to the top so long as Delaney lives. Nurmi and his Finnish brethren have eclipsed all American stars, even though Joie Ray and Lloyd Hahn have done some phenomenal running. Our boys are in front in various parts of the country, but no national celebrity has come to the fore this winter. Charlie Major, former De Witt Clinton high jumper, is well over 6 ft. 1 in. in the jumps in New Fngland, and Gus Moore, with his high school mile of 4:32 for a new P. S. H. L. record, are noteworthy in the East.

Watch for our Fraternal Number.

Mention The Messenger 172 THE MESSENGER LA FEMME SILHOUETTE By EULALIA O. PROCTOR

Men Whom We Love cult ! College days are the halcyon days, the older folks

tell you ! Psychology is a fascinating study and you — and brilliant winter sunshine ! The win MARCH mentally tag each new acquaintance, "Exhibit A," etc. irised brilliance through which one surveys pedes dow, an You think of the new insight you have into human nature leisurely proceeding, grateful for the tempered west trians and you smile when you remember all the '"kid" affairs wind and the dry sidewalks ! In the yard, the poplar you had ! You know men, now ! fabled trees are budding up, as if they believed that the — ' Then Billy comes along and life is indeed halcyon earth dweller had not seen his shadow and burrowed ! Billy is an athlete and a young god Billy can do that catkins are brown and gold, popular deeper. The tiny quarter-mile dash in next to nothing! He has taken spring shades, if Dame Fashion's forecast is to be ac part in the Olympian games, as is befitting a god, and Beneath them, one catches a glint of green in the cepted. he doesn't mind recounting his experiences for you. The sere and one thrills responsively. snuggling grasses medal that he won at the University of California meet Spring is coming — and Romance is abroad ! if it, is being put on a new ribbon, but you may wear you The couple just passing, did you see that smile they wish. (He doesn't explain that the old ribbon was worn exchanged? Romance lurks with them, putting them out by the three or four girls who have returned it at his apart from all the world and giving them an enviable request when he met a new love.) And he'd like a smiled so at you? When have aloofness. When have I picture of you, to fit in his watch case! Across from it. so and intensely returned my smile? Who you eagerly when you finally give him the best one you have, having are you, Man whom I have loved? ' stolen it from Mother, is the inscription, University of an cat who — Reminiscence stirs uneasily, overfed naps Pennsylvania, May, 191 ." Gracious, but he has some is the for peacefully, but who roused by slightest bidding trophies ! doors. are Man— entrance at any of the five Who you, You start a scrap book for his benefit, and he gives you aroused, Reminiscence Men? Repeated tapping! Fully a few clippings, himself. Every line you can discover in yawns and stretches ! The irised window becomes a sil- any periodical goes in there. Every snapshot you can and the versheet on which memories flash vividly eyes beg, steal or is there ! When walk across the — buy you of Reminiscence are hot embers fanned opal and topaz, campus, you are secretly desirous that someone will say gold-brown and green-gold, as the scene comes back. . "There's Billy Jackson and his girl," and that the en Once ago and another such late winter, with twilight lightened visitor will ask you to wait while they snap the a cloak one dons gladly for the homegoing ! Deserted two of you! You hang around the gym, to thrill at the corridors, where a morose janitor sweeps savagely as the sight of his sturdy limbs, and to be queen of the world ! last student flees his detention ! Out into the brisk air we when he comes over to you and chats a few minutes go, for a comradely walk with a man whom we love. You can overlook his rudeness to others, can see why he

What does it matter that he is banned by stern parents, would monopolize a conversation ! You defend his crude a whose austerity will amount to punishment if we are table manners, and glorify his untidy dress! He is — detected? Secure in the magic wrap of the dus'x, we great man great men disregard trivialities ! stroll onward, oblivious to stern parents, delinquent The time approaches for the frat Annual ! You are grades, treacherous pools of water, everything except this secretly worried, because Dad has disregarded your plea man whom we love ! for a new dress. Maybe Fate will intervene! (Your The inherent love for a uniform has flamed alive with acquaintance with psychology does not give you any hint our knowledge of him, for his "bellhop" suit of blue is of Dad's changing on such matters, but Youth is opti mistic, tailored to display his shoulders to perfection. His cap in spite of Science). Fate does intervene! Not always sits jauntily awry and his close, brown curls are with a new dress, but with new information, which robs faintly aromatic of roses. (Once, he told you that an act you of a desire for Life, much less for mere dresses ! ress, playing at Keith's, had poured perfume in his hair and With characteristic rudeness, Billy ignores you, embar rasses you were vaguely disturbed and conscious of a deep dis you, by obvious ignoring, and then you hear that is Billy importing a like for her.) His eyes are very deep and he can look really good-loo'-ing girl, with scads at you so intensely until you are conscious of tiny rips of money, from Chicago for the frat dance. He's wear in one's petticoat and second best stockings, and torn ing her picture in his watch he just won at the Univer linings, but if he is conscious of such revelations after sity of Michigan ! Into the little box in which you are a piercing glance, he never mentions it. His conversa sending back his medal, you drop a tear or two and, in tion is of the bill at Keith's, and the Credit Men's con the mental gallery in which you enshrine your loves, vention, which is on at his hotel, of the weekly dance you shroud another picture ! at the Masonic Hall, and the "swell kids" who have come (To be continued.) over for it, from Brookton. And again you are vaguely- troubled and long for the day when Dad can't dismiss

the subject of dances with such finality ! Meanwhile, you munch the candy hungrily, lest there be one left

piece J Day an Night Classes Open All Year when you get home, and try to talk about your lessons, and why you were late tonight, and — oh, just anything! New Derrick Subjects are irrelevant when you are so much in love Business College

A National institution dedicated to the late Bishop Derrick with the most sought-after man in town ! Sufficient that he walks with you, talks to you, holds your hands, and Business Training here means a kisses you when you reach convenient shadow ! . . . future success and And how you cried, nights and nights, when your new prosperity! chum tells you that this man whom you loved has told Courses include: Shorthand, Typewriting, Office Practice, her brother "you were crazy about him, that you were Bookkeeping, Commercial Law, Insurance, Real a good little l id, but too green for words and too afraid Estate, Elementary Subjects of your old man to be any fun !" And you renounce Dormitories for girls. him forever, but for a long time you thrill infinitely when Cafeteria in Building Write for catalog and blank his name is called, or when you hurry by the Hotel and ! see him sitting there, . . . handsomely languid M. J. Derrick, Principal 1926 More school days, but the campus is larger, the at GREEN STREET PHILADELPHIA, PENNA.

tendance greater and the subjects are a bit more diffi

Mention The Messenger THE MESSENGER 173 PROMOTE RACIAL PROGRESS

years ©f

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Mention The Messenger 174 THE MESSENGER

self- I'll not give myself away. nothing more than the intelligent That Yaller Gal writ I'll sell you my stock in trade— interest stressed by other Negro last de (La. 1924) Its the oldest in the world. ers of a radical trend for the You can buy me, yes indeed. cade. Mr. John, listen to me: Only let me tell vou this: His devastating criticism of the ap Don't pull any foolish stunt. Man, you've got to have dollars palling waste of money and energy by And don't make another move. With that quarter to get mel the Negro churches and lodges in need keep your hand closed up tight. lessly expensive structures and useless Just Enn» PnRTFO Nothing you think of doing conventions is very gratifying to the intelligent reader. Here is a book cal culated to make the Aframerican do NEW BOOKS some hard thinking. It is noteworthy that it was printed by the press of "ESSENTIALISM AND The NegRO PROB one of our most successful Negro or LEM." By E. D. Kennard. Published ganizations, the Independent Order of by The Saint Luke Press, Rich Saint Luke. It is to be hoped that mond, Va. other Negro organizations will follow books by Negro Of solutions to the Negro problem suit in publishing authors or white sympathizers and there is never a paucity. Geniuses that the white publishers will are ever arising in our midst with friends because of race prejudice. plans to clear away all obstacles and not handle Unfortunately the work is not well smooth the to Utopia. Some path written and typographical errors favor emigration, others lean toward But the good solid thinking segregation, and many shout for abound. on every page, and the wholesale miscegenation. Relatively is in evidence book, for that reason, is recommended speaking there are as many adherents to our readers. for each of these plans in the Cau casian-American group as there are in George S. Schuyler. the Aframerican group. Especially in the latter case of miscegenation; as readily seen by a glance at the census returns of 1920. Then there is a group these three somewhere in between Shafts and Darts that emphasizes the necessity of a Can ever make me afraid — group economy; an idea best outlined page 169) Fear died in me long ago. (Continued from by Dr. DuBois. You may live in the Big House In our huge metropoli, methinks, indi Kennard, without mentioning And own all the land in sight: Mr. cations of the new trend are on every DuBois, most of his book But you can't get me, unless, Dr. uses hand. Soon it will spread to the far emphasis on the You come across as I bid. and lays most of his corners of the earth along with the economy for the And hear all 1 have to sav. necessity for a group triumphant march of missionaries, ma He also favors a You and I are related — Negro in America. chine guns, Mother's Oats, morphine and Africa, but be You don't like that do vou? strong Negro nation in manufactories. Mankind has emanci to the Dark Well, its true, nevertheless. is against any emigration pated itself from chattel slavery, feudal Negroes here until they It doesn't matter to m_e. Continent by ism and well-brewed beer. The emanci to the Now that I see things clearlv. are prepared to be of assistance pation of the wage slaves is on the burden. Great-grandmother, a victim Negroes there instead of a threshhold. Enter now the New Eman eyes upon — With all the rest of her tribe. Me looks with approving cipation ! Not of women they should towns in — Paying the price of slavery the idea of separate Negro oppose the loss of their privileges but Down thru the generations. this country. His criticism of the in of men ! is very * * * Wasn't 1 just a love-child. fantile paralysis of Gaxveyism Killing my mother at birth? sound and he larnbasts the squander of all countries. Unite ! Then grandmother did washings ing of money on the holey ships of Bill-payers nothing to lose but your chains, To send me to school to learn. the Black Star Line in a very thor You have is a world to gain. To learn that 1 have freedom ough manner. The "Essentialism" and And 1 b.elong to myself ! standing begging. Now, you're there #c~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~»<~:~»x~:~» Jl. Willing to eat from my. hand: % Before, you offered a coin. Thinking I'd jump at the chance. Pythian Bath House Some poor devils would, mavbe. Black-white-red-vellow or brown. Skin doesn't matter, really. When a man gets excited. and Sanitarium I know you, you White-Blackguard ! You low "Yaller Gal" Coward ! Knights of Pythias of N. You're wild about mv color. A., S. A., E., A., A. and A. I can see it in your eyes. forgotten your You've woman. (Operating Under Supervi Big — Alone there in the House sion of U. S. Government) A wife has a thankless part— Why, she'll love vou for nothing. 415Vfc Malvern Avenue happy And be at the tho't. Springs Nat. Park, Ark. But no, you are'nt satisfied. Hot You want everything vou see : And sometimes vou crave blindlv X Hot Radio-Active Water Furnished by the Government X For the very soul of me. Sanitarium has 10 Rooms, Diet and Operating Rooms & When you were a little bov X For All Baths. They whipped vou on mv account : and Running 1 wept my aching heart out X Hotel has 56 Rooms; Telephone, Hot Cold X ! While you bore it like a man Water in Every Room. Rates $1 to $3 per day And came bringing me candy | As soon as you stole awav. BATH RATES: Now, you're grown up and vou come | With that pitiful "two-bits" — Baths . . . $13.00— 10 Baths $6.50 cheap-skate $21 .... Thinking I'll fall, you ! Well, you've got me dead wrong, see? 21 Baths to Pythians and Calantheans, $8.50 Oh, I'm for sale allright. sure : ❖I But its at my price, not yours. Mention The Messenger THE MESSENGER 175

SOULS FOR GASOLINE

By MAMIE ELAINE FRANCIS

"Well, see, we keep a record of all these things," The office had only been open for a half hour and a you in, in steady stream of young girls had been pouring I explained. factory She was momentarily embarrassed, and then an response to our advertisement for unskilled none." workers. Girls of all types—black, white, Italian, swered, "I have — wearily through Again I was startled. Jewish only one American. I went mean never attended church, or any the routine; gave them blanks to be filled in, made "You you've of that sort?" patient corrections and directed them on to the thing it. Not in our office. Our presi foreman. I couldn't believe dent, Sears Westmoreland, "the old granite man," By half-past nine the stream had thinned. Occa has a hobby in establishing Bible classes all around the sionally a girl came in. These later ones had been country, and most applicants for employment at our other places and were unsuccessful. They made no offices profess incredible devotion to some faith or at masking the bitter disappointment mingled pretense other. with a desperate sort of hope. In fifteen minutes the "Oh !" she was smiling now. "I've attended almost office was empty, and I busied myself with the sorting every variety of Christian church, if that's what you and filing of cards and scrawled blanks. mean. I just meant that I'd escaped from it all." someone standing before the I became conscious of I marked her down as Protestant and then forgot one to face. Without look desk. Another hopeless her. It wasn't until two weeks later when I checked "Name, ing up I asked, please?" up on the foreman's report that I remembered her. murmured, "Liane Leclerc." A low, crooning voice Her production rate had increased twice as rapidly as I was too lazy to guess, and she carefully spelled it the others who entered with her. That same day the for me. A soft, singing name. I thought. "French?" welfare expert told me that she seemed to exert a I was so sure of it I had already written it down. refining influence on the other girls. One soft voice "No." There was a slight pause. "I am from New had toned down forty harsh ones. Orleans." For the next week we were busy making charts of It annoys me to be mistaken so early in the day. I correlations between tests that our psychologist had stared at her and my mouth dropped open in rude as given in all departments, and individual production rec tonishment. Liane Leclerc was certainly not French. ords. Liane Leclerc gave the psychologist an unpleas The girl before me was of a clear copper brown, with ant shock. She had an intelligent quotient higher than superbly chiselled features. Her great black eyes that of the foreman. Higher than that of the produc almost caressed me in their smouldering warmth. It tion manager, had it been known. She refuted one of is the way a cat must feel before a low hearth fire. I his pet theories about the universal low mentality of could see that she had heavy black hair, bobbed and Negroes. However, she was promoted and the fire in uncurled. I thought of Octavius Roy Cohen. If she her eyes burned brighter when they told her about it. ever got into the Saturday Evening Post she'd be a Then one day she came to me for a release. She "High brown, about half-past eight." The fire of her gave no reason. She didn't know what she was going eyes and the bronze gleam of that brown skin would to do next. We were sorry to lose her. Everyone certainly evade print. liked her in spite of her color. I subdued my interest and went on with the routine. Again I forgot her rntil a memorable night when "Ever had any experience on lathes?" Anderson paid a bet he'd lost by taking me to a new She confessed she hadn't. That didn't matter. The supper club that colorfully advertised the snappiest foreman was breaking in a lot of new help. Hawaiian revue on Broadway. "Did you attend grammar school ? Good ! Any Anderson's cousin was a waiter and we had rather higher education ?" excellent seats. I enjoyed the revue. I don't get a She hesitated slightly and said she had not. She chance at those things often. A chorus of sunburned answered the other questions rapidly. I was some beauties swayed and shimmied about our table. I felt what surprised. Although she spoke with a southern somewhat uncomfortable. Anderson and I seemed accent, her English was faultless. to be the only ones present not listed in the social reg I rang the buzzer for Smitty, the office terror, to take ister. My evening dress laughed sadly at itself, and her to the foreman. I was almost gleeful. In there Anderson fidgeted in his cousin's extra dress suit. I with that ethnic hodge-podge she ought to create a wanted to leave. I had had enough of supercilious riot. We employed quite a few colored girls, and they stares, but Anderson wanted to see the star. He had worked together by choice. We never had any trouble read every press account of her. He whispered to me : or hint of prejudice, and we were proud of the fact. "She's a genuwine Hawaiian princess. All the men Then there was Anderson, the foreman's neurotic as are crazy about her." sistant, w-hose sole ambition w-as to abide forever A ukulele quartet was on the floor now, and the soft beneath a permanent moonlit sky on some remote strumming of strings made me forget my dress. Then South Sea island. She would stimulate his imagina Anderson half rose from his seat. He was gaping at tion. a girl in a comfortably nude costume. Her back was Smitty, as usual, took his time, and I glanced over turned to us. She was brown, and wore only a grass the blank. skirt, a jeweled breast bandeau, and a wreath of flow "Just a moment, Miss Leclerc. I've forgotten your ers about her neck. She was singing now. A sad, religion." wailing melody, but what a throbbing, vibrant voice! She turned slowly and came back to the desk. Anderson had shut his eyes. He wanted her in his "Why, is it necessary ?" she asked. own setting. The song was ended, and bills seemed 1 76 THE MESSENGER to snow about her. She was truly a riot. Someone he would proceed with inspired fire. I can't ever was yelling for her to dance. She began the slow drown out the sound. Gradually increasing in tempo swaying movement of some strange tropical dance, and and fervor, he would persuade and then exhort and gradually worked into a thing of passionate abandon. command his followers to give up sin and prepare Then she turned toward us. It was Liane Leclerc. for heavenly joys. Most conservative ministers do She smiled at me and her eyes asked me to excuse that. But you must understand the psychology of my her presence there. In a minute she was gone, and people to picture the effect of it upon them. we left. I was glad Anderson hadn't found out who "They have the true faith. It is pathetic and beau she was. Dreams shouldn't be destroyed. tiful, such a faith. If they could only see my childish Today she came into my office, and during lunch she vision of true faith. No! Soon the old woman in told me her story, almost stroking me with the melody our pew would shriek and stretch out her arms to God of her voice. in a heaven-sent burst of strength. Then weak, and "First, you must forgive me for one thing. I told spent, she would rock and moan, foaming at the mouth, you that I had only attended grammar school. That crying audibly, mumbling praises in His name until a is untrue. I am a graduate of Wilberforce University. new exhortation gave her strength to again cry out. I have found that one cannot secure any sort of em Then she would scream to Him for deliverance, and ployment as a colored college graduate. Employers rise to a majestic height, tears streaming down wrin become annoyed. They cherish an illusion that we were kled old cheeks, and with that agonizing appeal in her born in ignorance and should in all decency die in cracked voice. ignorance. I have tried for months to secure some "Soon the entire congregation would be sobbing a sort of work. I wanted to go to Columbia for my mas passionate prayer, seeking light, and truth. It was ter's degree. There was nothing. I had lost my splendid until you came to analyze it. Their faith teaching position because I refused to read the Lord's was being led into negative channels. That amazing prayer each morning. Perhaps you thought it strange acceptance of Divine guidance was brutally whipped that I was content to work here with my hands, oper into an orgy of emotional hysteria. There are those ating a lathe for eight hours of the day, almost uncon who believe that any excess of passion is immoral. sciously. There was no alternative. My intelligence, What, then, of this passionate indulgence in religious my training, meant nothing. They looked at my skin hysteria? Was it moral to excite emotions to a de and shook their heads. gree of cataleptic stupor? And all in the name of a "You wonder why I left here? I was asked to kind and loving Creator? teach a Bible class. I couldn't, and I had to leave. This "There was 'Brother Mason,' a quaint, bent old man. dancing stunt—well, it will give me money for school Each Sunday he occupied a seat in the front pew. next year. I couldn't take a group of girls in there He must have been one of the deacons. The minister and tell them about a thing that I had come to hate seemed to be preaching to Brother Mason one Sunday. because of the insidious danger of it." I learned later that one of the old man's grandsons I'm no saint, but I couldn't see any insidious danger had been in some trouble about bootlegging, and the in teaching a Bible class. The Recording Angel likes minister had gotten him out. Brother Mason was that. usually quiet, but on this morning he, too, got happy. She told me. He was praying for his grandson. Everyone prayed. "1 was deeply religious as a child ; I loved the beauty The old man got up and went about the church sing of the Episcopal service. The majesty of the proces ing that beautiful hymn, 'Leaning on the Everlasting sional, the glorious music, the soft, persuasive tones Arm,' singing happily in his quaint dialect : 'Leanding, of the rector, were all woven into a shining fabric leanding, leanding on de ebberlastin' arm.' The others that was my spiritual life. I had not been out of New took it up, chanting softly, while the old man sang the Orleans, had not met many of my people, and I was refrain. Then he cried out, 'To Glory! To Glory! certain that this splendid fabric of faith was uni The blessed Holy Sperrit is a-callin' me to Glory!' versally shared. "Suddenly the old man 'fell out.' The Spirit was "Then, at sixteen, I was sent to school in Washing upon him. The next Sunday his pew was vacant. He ton. My relatives were intensely religious, staunch had died that afternon, 'in the arms of the Lord.' He Baptists. It is the impressionable age, sixteen. Doubts had never regained consciousness. and desires are nascent. They are so easily driven into "I began to doubt the justness of a God who could the wrong channels. You've heard of the old-time suffer such a thing to be in His Name. My aunt had Negro revivals ? No ? You would laugh. But to me begun to despair of saving my soul. I hated to go to —religion had always been a happy thing. I soon church. It was too much like tearing out the soul of learned that it was not that, but a stent, ascetic fear, my race, and saying, 'There !' It responds so to the a terrible preparation for death, or life hereafter, if word of God. you will. "In school I was passing through the flapper stage. "Each Sunday I was forced to attend church with All vestige of my former faith had fled. Church in my aunt. I recall the minister, a fine, intelligent man. terested me because everyone from 'Strivers' Row' How could he use those glorious passages in the Bible attended with the newest thing in clothes. I had ceased to work my people into a state of emotional frenzy? to bother about the shouting and falling out. It almost I never knew. I would sit beside my aunt, dreaming bored me. throughout the service, dreading its close with a con "Then a Sunday came when an eminent evangelist stantly ingrowing horror. In our pew was an old was scheduled to hold a revival during the service. I woman, a former slave. It was her weekly delight to was comfortably settled in my seat, dreaming about get happy. That's what they call it. And I would the Christmas holidays and home. My aunt nudged watch her in fascinated fear. She would doze fitfully me rather ungently. 'Get up!' she whispered. Auto through the service, and then awake to rhythmic matically I got up. No one else was standing. The punctuations of, 'Amen, Glory to de Lawd, Amen.' evangelist beamed upon me. And as the minister heard these first reassuring cries, "'Only one sinner in this whole congregation?' THE MESSENGER 177

"I grasped the fact rather stupidly that he had re 'Give up your soul, damn you, give up your soul. I quested all sinners to rise. Neither passionate wish have eight and I want all. I must buy food to eat, ing nor relativity would enable me to vanish, so I and gasoline for my car, and if I do not save all, I stood there. I tried to shrink, but seemed to loom up cannot stay the week. Give it up, your damned re until I filled the church. I dared not look around. bellious young soul! They must say I saved all the Three hundred pairs of eyes were staring at me in sinners !' shocked pity. "The evangelist was shouting. I couldn't pay atten "The evangelist called for the sinners to come before tion to him and the devil, too. And the devil had the the altar. My aunt shoved me, and I stumbled up. needles, and the needles almost had my soul. Then Furtively I counted. Only nine sinners, including suddenly the devil's voice merged from the evangelist's myself. I wondered if there weren't some complacent and I knew it had been his all along. I hated him. liars out there in the blessed two hundred and ninety I didn't care about the needles. My flesh had become saved ones. numbed. The evangelist called upon the entire con "The evangelist was praying earnestly. It might gregation to pray for me. And I laughed. Great silent have been the voice of John the Baptist ringing from peals of laughter. The evangelist had eight souls for the altar. For a moment I felt a happy return of the food and gasoline, and he couldn't get the ninth. I golden fabric of faith. It seemed to fold about me, stopped laughing for awhile and listened to him. 'This and shield me from those terrible eyes burning through poor young girl, so sweet and innocent. She cannot me from belind. see the Light. She will not be saved! Wait until "Then he asked us to kneel. I had on rolled stock I told them that my soul was not for gasoline. How ings and a thin silk dress. The carpet was worn and funny it would be. I looked at my wrist-watch. I hard. It dug into my flesh painfully. That inexorable could see it all now. I had been kneeling on that burn voice rang out. 'Give up your soul, give it unto the ing carpet for fifteen minutes, with the needles digging Lord ! Repent and be saved.' One sinner moaned and away each second. Those poor sinners ! When the arose, sobbing loudly. He was congratulated, and pain became unbearable they got religion, and got up! shouts of praise to the Lord all rang through the "Somehow the service ended. My aunt had slipped church. from the church. She was ashamed. I found my coat and "Again the voice went on, no longer gentle and per gloves and went out, smiling at everyone. They suasive, but with a passionate appeal. Another sinner smiled back and echoed, 'Bless the Lord !' They got up. The Holy Spirit had come upon him with a thought I had been saved at last. The evangelist met me great blaze of light. I wondered if I, too, would be at the door. He clasped my hand and murmured, saved. The carpet seemed to be a thousand red-hot T am glad, sister !' needles beneath my knees. Each needle was a voice, "But he didn't smile. I laughed and answered, 'You saying in silent vorture. 'Give up your soul, give up have enough. Eight for food and gasoline.' I was your soul !' out in the air, still laughing. I have never been into "By now there were only three of us kneeling. I a church since. I am more tolerant now. But I do not felt faint, and it seemed as though the Spirit of the want souls for gasoline. You see how it was?" Lord was about to rush over me with a great pricking There was a wistful note of broken faith in her of needles. I vaguely thought that it was a part of voice. I saw, and I smiled in understanding. From giving up my soul. I didn't want my soul torn out the recreation room the refrain of "Onward Christian by those whispering needles. Then a new light dawned Soldiers" drifted in to us. She shook her head sadly, upon me. I saw that it wasn't a great Divine spirit, and as if to shut it out, she bowed her head and went but a leering devil, plying the needles gleefully, saying, out of the office.

The Suttee Our dust may unto dust be given, But soul to soul we'll rise to heaven. By C. McKENZIE MUIR

Suggested by a recent article in the Gleaner relating the P''e UP the faggots 1 light the fire ! revival of this custom in India. Then to your loved ones go ! My love lies on the funeral pyre Oh ! tell me not of Christian laws ; And faith to him I'll show ; here For my love lies dead ; Rest on my knee, dear heart, thy head, And shall I linger on because Mine, mine in life ! now thou are dead ! I crave my life instead? No ! better far with him to be Around thy form mine arms From bitter taunts and sneers set free. I twine ; I shroud thee in mine own long hair ; The candles flicker ! light the pyre ! That hair that mingled oft with thine, I have the circle trod. And pillowed thee in slumber dear, My love is dead, and I desire When naught could sever me from thee To be with him in God. In one long living ecstacy. Robed in the robe, when we were wed I long to share his immortal bed. We knew what rapture flesh could give, We shared each fond delight, Earth unto earth, and dust to dust, And now alone, I cannot live May end the Christian's love, To bear the widow's blight ; Mine ever in Nirvana must, Blend in one, oh! friendly flame; Find endless bliss above In life, in death, one and the same. 1 78 THE MESSENGER

A BUILDER OF PEACE

By BLANCHE WATSON

"The prophets may prophesy falsely, but the priests heed men write "Personal grief is as dust in the balance them not, and the reject their teaching, the end people and when weighed against the loss to humanity : for where thereof shall be peace among the children of men." shall it find the champion to replace him?" E. D. Morel {Truth and the War). There were doubtless tears in the eyes of many Edmund Dene Morel has gone, and many are they Americans when they read of the death of the man who are saying of him, that "he has done a hero's whom they knew perhaps mainly as the editor of For work, with a hero's motive and a hero's courage." eign Affairs and only remotely through his books and Mr. Morel was an incomparable fighter. His was pamphlets. These people read his paper because they a double fight, against slavery, and for peace; but. in knew that from it they would get the truth — if the his mind, the former struggle was contained in the lat truth was to be had; because they got from it facts ter and greater. "This crusade," said he, at the con that no other publication would put before them ; be clusion of his twelve years' warfare to save the native cause of its spirit of fairness ; and above all because of races of the Congo, "has been a great peace crusade." the man who was its inspiration and center of action. This man was in truth a crusader — an heroic figure: So admirably worthwhile, indeed, are all the writings and he is dead at fifty-one, worn out by the strain of of Mr. Morel that, when the history of these troublous it all— the goal unwon. times comes to be written, there can be no doubt that If victory in the cause of peace was not to come to they will be among the most authoritative sources of this good knight there is left behind him wide fields of information. rijiening fruit that "others will be blessed whilst gath So, posterity will have the advantage of most of us ering" — to use the apt phrase of his friend, Ramsay who live today. Posterity will witness for E. D. MacDonald. It is for those of us who believed in him Morel, as it has done for that other magnificent fighter and with him, to continue the battle. We can never for peace, William Lloyd Garrison, in whose spirit he go wrong if we keep in our hearts and minds his words believed, and in token of which belief he prefixed to —almost his last words — spoken to the electors of his famous book "Red Rubber," which enlightened the Dundee in his last splendid political victory, "Be of world as to the Belgian atrocities in the Congo, the good cheer. Truth and Justice will prevail." Shall well-known words of the great Abolitionist : not we, those of us in various of the world, who parts I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as desire to forward his with him : carry message, say justice. Let us so labor and strive . . . that, if not 1 am in earnest, I will not equivocate ; we ourselves, then our sons, building upon the I will not excuse ; foundations we have laid, shall, despite the pro I will not retreat a single inch ; phets, contribute in giving to the world a new mes And I will he heard. sage of assured hope. . . . Posterity will bear witness that I was right.

Thus Time, which has already given him a generous And we may safely leave Mr. Morel's fame to that meed of justification, will go on justifying him. future time. We are all, even his lovers and friends, E. D. Morel was a man whose interests lay almost too near to him fully to realize just how great, just wholly in public affairs. His angle of vision, how how good, just how fine, just how noble he was. Per ever, was far greater than that of most public men, haps the best word now is that said with such simple for it took in the whole world. He was truly an in pathos by one of the printers who was brought into ternationalist. He shaped world movements. He the most intimate contact with r>:m in the work on furthered the cause of humanity regardless of its Foreign Affairs —"Dear Morel!" status, color or nationality. It is of such as he that Blanche Watson.

Spring Millions of Eyes peeping in wonder, Tiny creatures with tinier orbs. . . . The amourous lips of the Sun Millioms of legs cautiously stretching Softly smiling Fluttering of untried wings . . . and flight Bend to Earth . . . and She Bursting her crust of wintery dreams Nestors . . . home-building Comes from her shell Straw-hunting all day Like a young partridge. . . . Fleece-weaving and chirping loquaciously. . Wet and Wide-eyed . . . Goats askip on mountain sides But strutting. Quick-hearing . . . Triumphant. . . . With clatter of slender hoofs Bullocks at play . . horn to horn Overhead —clouds — Clashing . . . Cries of birds mating. . . . Adolescent with languor Heat-ripened beasts Or . . . frolicking gaily like puppies . . . Honey-mouthed flowers The bellies of streams Dragon-flies chasing Swollen with current — reckless Crickets a-singing And tumbling ; fecund with power . . . Everywhere eager offering of love ! Stridently mocking all venerable old rocks — And Spring's Libation So solemnly grave, upjutting and stern — Of sun and rain Passed ... as seaward bound they dash along Drenching and blending it all. . . . From silken cocoons By JOSEPHINE COGDELL THE MESSENGER 1 79 BOYS GIRLS MEN AND WOMEN WANTED NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

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