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. -y- ?HTT" -,nitT"5 Is p- THE BROAD AX TVBLISOEO "WEEKLY. Tnu promnlte wd at an time" xiphoid the true principle of Democracy, but Catholic. FrotertanU. Priests, Infidel. Ninrle Taxera. BepnbUeans, or anyone else can hare their aay. ao Ions as their lan guMge 1 proper and responsibility U fixed. The Broad Ax U a newspaper whoso platform Is broad enonsh for all, erer dalmlor the editorial rlxht to speak Us own mind. Local communications will rteelro atten tion. Writs only on one side of the paper. Subscriptions most bo paid In adTasee. One Year. Six Months I-00 Adrertlslns; rate made known oa appli cation. . Address all communications to THE BROAD AX 5027 FEDERAL STBEET, CHICAGO, M. PHONE DBKTBT. iSSO. JTJIJCS F. TAYXOB, Editor and Publisher Entered as Second-Class Matter Aur. 19, 19QZ, at the Post Office at Chicago. Illinois, under Act of March X, X8T9. AN APPEAL BY A DESERVING YOUNG COLORED WOMAN OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. "For as oft as ye have done it unto the least of these ye have done it unto me. t I present herewith a copy of a letter given me a few days ago by a kind hearted lady, who, in a modest way, is doing all she can to comfort, cheer and assist unfortunate humanity. I am sure, that nothing I may say, will give additional force to the pathetic appeal the following letter contains: Los Angeles, Calif., 2S10 Old Temple Road. July 22, 1914. My Dear Friend: Miss Marion Harland has just given me your address so I write I have neu ralgia now and my head is dizzy. I was two years old when I began taking paralysis in my feet, legs, arms and hands. They are ossified and haven't grown any flesh since I was a very little girl but my body grew very large my feet is drawn, upside down, my toes are stiff, my fingers drawn double -in tho knuckle joints. When I write I hold my pen in my little fist and with difficulty shove it along, this is my hand writing. I am a.poor Colored girl, my mother died last October. Now I am alone all day and I miss her sadly. I can't use my hands to sew or comb my hair, and when I am not reading or writing, time hangs heavy on my hands. I have written a booklet called "Gold en Moments." I sell it for 35 cents, my only means of helping myself. Won't you buy one copyf Please write often to Lonely, Willie Jane Sheppard, 2810 Old Temple Road, L03 Angeles, Calif. It is sincerely hoped that every one who reads this letter will send a word of good-cheer to this unfortunate girl as well as purchase one or more copies of her booklet. Nature, it seems, has loaded some with its insults, it is for the rest of humanity to offer apology by way of kind words and generous deeds. Walter M. Farmer, 184 West Washington, July 24, 1914. Chicago, HI. HYDE PARE NEWS. By L. W. Washington Mrs. Mattie Huston of Kansas City, Mo., the sister of Mr. Robert Caval of 5226 Lake Park Ave., who is spending her vacation in Chicago visiting her friends and relatives, was the guest at luncheon Sunday at Mrs. M. Martin of 5462 Kenwood Ave. The Hyde Park A. M. E. Sunday school gave a picnic outing at Lincoln Park the 24th Inst., and tho children and parents arc much elated over the trip and beautiful scenery they ob served. Mrs. Corine Collins, tho sister of Mr. John Webb, is visiting the city; she is stopping at the home of her brother, 5535 Kimbark Ave. The Hyde Park Women's Charity Club met at the residence of Mrs. Bessie Perkins, 5330 Kenwood Ave. It was entertained by Miss Gertrude Town send. A good many members were pres ent. The Clnb is doing a grand work for the suffering and the poor. Mrs. Eva Raymoore is its beloved president and Mrs. Bessie Perkins, secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward of 5485 .Wpodlawn Ave, leaves the city August the 3rd. to visit their home in Phila ' dcTphia, Pa, to be gone two weeks. A. very fine bazzar was given by the EL Paul Baptist church on the 27th and the 28th. Mr. L N. Jones, attorney, was the principle speaker, and Miss V. Bufli Boyd officiated, at the piano. MISS BETTIOLA FOETSON The new Afro-American poetess of tho middle west who will represent The Broad Ax at the meeting of the National Association of Women's Clubs at Wil- berforce, Ohio, August 3, 4, 5, 6. Bettiola Heloise Fortson was born in Hopkinsville, Ky, Christian County, December 29, 1890. She is the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Fort son, well known citizens of that city. Her early training took place in the Public school of Hopkinsville, where her teachers found her exceptional ability of retaining both poetry and prose writings of great length. At the age of twelve she was brought to Chi cago, HI., to live with her aunt, Mme. Toreada Mallory, who was a favorite Soprano throughout Hlinois, and who immediately placed her niece in the Keith school. But learning that the Donglas school was of a higher standard tho following year moved in that dis trict. It was here, whilo in the eighth grade, she was appointed poet laureate of her class; this honor being given her for an excellent essay entitled "Our Teacher." In May, 1905, she professed a hope in Christ at a revival held in the Bethel Sunday School. Owing to her aunt's going abroad she was sent to her mother the Christmas of 1905, vJho was residing in Evansville, Ind. In Feb., 1906, sho entered the Clark High School of that city. In April of the same year sho joined Liberty Baptist Church and be- camo a member of the choir and was ever giving programs for the benefit of that institution. Tho first year in high school she com posed a poem upon the surroundings of the school and named it "The Walls of C. H. S." During the years she spent in high school her marks were ever of a credible showing but always leading in history and literature between the average of ninety and ninety-eight. In June, 1910, sho graduated, completing a four year latin course. It was Aug, of tho same year when sho came back to Chicago and learned the Feather trade from Mme. Lambert. Afterwards went into Millinery business of her own. At the same time she was constantly before the public as a dramatic reader and won favor from the Chicago critics while taking a leading role in the much talked of drama "Tallaboo." She has given recitals in and out of tho city for most every denomination but it was not until Oct. 28, 1913, did she present to the public a recital of all original num bers which won for her recognition in the poetical field. She is an ardent suffrage tt and club worker, having served as president of the University Society of Chicago for the past year and a half; second vice president of the Alpha Suffrage Club, and city organizer of the Chicago Fed eration of Women's Clubs. Miss Fortson has over a hundred of original poems and is still compiling with tho hope of publishing them at an early date. Miss Ada Franklin made her bow to the social set of Hyde Park. Her par ents, Mr. and Mrs. L E. Franklin, gave her a reception of much interest. Tho young people had a very pleasant time, Miss Franklin lives at 5336 Kenwood Ave. Mrs. Stella Davidson of 5137 Lake Park Ave, has returned from her trip to Cairo, HL, her old home, which was a business as well as a pleasure trip. Miss Carrie Hunter is still very sick in the county hospital. It would please her very much and help her to see the smiling faces of. her young friends girls and boys, a few flowers with their sweet fragrants wouldn't hurt; let your remembrance be pleasing to her now, in the hour of her illness. She will not forget you while life lasts, no, never. Mr. Howard Parris an Mr. Nelson Pickett left the city with the Eighth Hlinois Regiment for the encampment, Miss Pauline Dabney Owens, a school teacher at Mounds, Hlinois, Grand Worthy Counsellor of the 'Knights of Pythias of Hlinois and President of the Endowment Board, spent the last two weeks in visiting with her sister in this city, Mrs. Mecheman, 3414 Calomel ave nue. She will leave for her home Mon day morning. Poems and SonnetsBy Miss Bettiola Forston the New Afro-American Poetess of the Middle West POEMS OF BETTIOLA HELOISE FORTSON BROTHERS This poem is dedicated to the Jones brothers of Mississippi who lost their lives defending the Negro Women's Virtuo in that State, Oct, 1913. It has attracted much attention among many Northerners who advised tho writer to publish the same. In the State of Mississippi NWhere the cotton blossoms bloom; Gives a story of a mulatto Who would soon become a groom. For the Colored girl he had courted - Had said "I'll bo your bride;" But the master man of White Took her to his poisonous side. And threatened if she even looked Upon men of her own race; He wanted her for his own use, . Thus marked her pretty face. Weeks passed and the serpent Stuck his fangs deeper in his prey; And boasted of his Colored maid Whom he had took his way. When Fred Jones heard of this, His blood boiled high with rage: Ho asked his God to lend a band To bring her from that awful cage. To hear the name of one he loved Harrassed, was too big a cup to drink; So secretly with his brother planned To meet this monster upon the brink. They vowed that they would rather die Than see virtuo crushed to dust; So they gathered all their weapons And started out to gain the lust. But as they drew upon the scene The two lay side by side, In deep slumber, they were dreaming Fancies of this world wide. The sight made Jones grow furious Half blind he fired and struck the bed, And 'ere the smoke had cleared away He saw both lying dead. His brother caught him by the Band And said, "you know the cost We pay here for such a sight; Come make haste before we are lost." They waited for their doom In yonder cotton mill; While footsteps were approaching Behind the door each stood still. The sheriff who led the mob Was distinctly heard to say: "TEere's where the 'Niggers' are They've got tbepricc to pay." But ere he had spoken He reeled half bent, then fell; While from the knothole came smoke, Which rained down shot and shell. Hours passed and every bullet Penned a paleface to the ground: And when the bodies were all counted Sixty-five stone dead were found. At last their ammunition gave out, Calmly they waited for the test; With locked arms they stood together To be killed just like the rest. The thirsty villains set on fire The mill that they were in; The cotton burned until morning, O, GodI What an awful sin. Next day, down in Mississippi, Where the cotton blossoms bloom, Were found the ashes of the martyrs, The brother and the groom. If you search the deeds of record Two names I'm sure you will trace; Who died to protect the virtue For the women of. their race. IN OLD KENTUCKY. Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. William Evans of Hopkinsville, Ky., whom the authoress lived with for several years. Take me back to old Kentucky Where the tall blue grass grows; In the state that's full of riches, And where everybody knowsx How to treat yon with respect, How-to make the liquor red, , How to sell the fastest horses That ever stood beneath a shed. Take me back to old Kentucky Where I spent my childhood days: Playing ring a round my rosie While the boys stood all amaze; Each awaiting for his chance To be pulled within the ring, And be chosen as the best While the others loud would sing. I would like to see Bill Evans, Who kept his hacks up town; And who had so many apples That it made the neighbors frown. For he owned tho prettiest orchard There was in old Sharp's field; That's why they all were jealous And at night the fruit would steal. I can see old Pigeon creek Whcro it flows through Hopkinsville: And the spot the lovers would seek Near the bend at Wood's mill; I can see the old iron bridge Where they planned their wedding day, As the moon crept o'er the ridge Of green hill tops far away. Take me back to old Keritucky Near the hills of "Walnut Grove," Where we had our Sunday picnics And where Eddie and I would rove: Looking for some now adventure As we stood on tho Indian mound; Face to face with life's old story While we gazed upon the ground. I would like to havo a drink Onco more from Hoosier's spring, Where the water flowed so cool, And where robin hood would sing. How I used to stand and dip From that hole deep in the ground: How my head would touch the moss Every time I would stoop down. Take me back to old Kentucky Once more to see the spot Where my mother and my father Told tales they've both forgot: Sitting by the old fire place While tho logs were burning bright; Until the town clock struck off ten Which meant time to say good night. Take me back to old Kentucky To tho place I love so well: Where Aunt Agnes taught me manners And made my dresses up so swell; And where all good things to eat Were placed before my eyes: Chicken, doughnuts and sweet potatoe pie That's the place I idolize. QUO JURE? (By What Bight T) You boast of your superiority And By What Right! God made man of dust And placed him here to teach Every human being to trust Or the Heavenly goal they cannot reach. You class me as being inferior And By What Right! We breathe the self-same air, We have a given sense of smell, We, too, have some ways unfair, And here we all must dwell. You spurn and abuse my race And By What -Right! Don't you suppose the Lord made My brains to think as well as thine! Don't you suppose in me He laid The best foundation He could find! You place upon me a curse And By What Right! My blood is just as red As that which flows through your veins, And for this country has been shed, And caused many aching brains. t You insult His mighty cause And By What Bight! You, who are a Christian nation, Who go to church from day to day, Work for nothing but sensation Which leads you on the downward way. You place me upon the exterior And By What Right! Yes, and drag men to degradation And place the bar of prejudice in their face. Have you forgotten-creation And how you came to be a race! You laugh because I am black And By What Bight! I am here as God's own choice; He made the color of my skin, He gave me this my voice, And to you made me akin. You usurp His authority And By What Bight! You surely have forgot That He died for us all, Yes, even the worst lot, And claims each alike -with His call. DUNBAE. Lookl at tho height where Dunbar stood Upon yonder mountain side; And see tho small, the great and good Deeds, rise as the flowing tide. Watch how he tottered up the hill Dragging the cares of his race: And notel he never stood still But plunged on to a higher place. Hear him call his fellowmen, Come, although the way be marred, We cannot help but win, For God has never barred His children from a treasure That they could build upon; For to Him it is a pleasure To see the work go on. At last, His call is all in vain You gave him not your aid; And he knew not your aim, So from God he was paid. He heard his Master's voice And answered to His wHl, And took for his own choice A home behind the bill. He sleeps and yet he is not dead, His works go on and on From generation to generation ever will bo read, And to this race belong. Although his life was short His name is wrapped in fame, And needs no man's support But covers all the blame. SONNET This sonnet is one of the authoress' favorite poems. She has been quoted saying, "I believe I could write a book upon the character of Dr. Washington but after all the fourteen lines which I have composed would be my one thought." Born in the depths of slavery's night, For the uplift of humanity's cause; Yet spared by providence to win the fight Which makes other men stand and pause; When they see the great educator of our race High up on the weak ladder of fame, Working hard to establish a place To give the men of his race a name. For this Booker Washington, shine on as a star, And prove to these men equality For time stands not so very far; When justice shall weight morality And tell all the world to stop And read with pride your name at the top. STREET PARADE AND INDOOR CARNIVAL BY THE- COLORED BUSINESS MEN. The Chicago Colored Business Men's Association will hold a parade and in door carnival on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, August 10th, 11th and 12th, "at Lincoln Gardens, 29th St., near Wabash Ave. The parade will form at 7:30 P. M. Monday evening, August 10th, at 36th Place and Wabash Avenue, near Binga's Bank. Great preparation is being made with King Rex and the Carnival Queen. All the leading business men are united and will participate in this parade. Display demonstrating the unparalleled material progress of the Negroes in Chicago, at the Gardens. Admission will be free to all. Chicago Colored Business Men's As sociation, a chartered organization. The object of this association: 1. To maintain Co-operative service in busi ness. 2. To perpetuate Industrial and commercial life. 3. To promote and de fend high civil and moral standard. Officers and Council Committee: Jesse Binga, president; Robert L. Hall, vice president; Dr. C. D. Bell, financial secre tary; M. T. Bailey, general secretary; Major John R. Lynch, Dr. M. R. Bibb, Rev. J. T. Jenifer, Messrs. W. W. Wal lace, R. D. Mason, W. H. Riley, W. B. Wilson, Miles M. Webb, Vance Ander son, J. H. Anderson, E. Baldwin and H. B. Craddock, as well as others. See next week's issue for complete programe. PROMOTIONS IN THE DEPAET MENT OF COMMERCE. That the Negro is getting something more substantial than the "hole in the doughnut" in the government service is shown by three very gratifying pro motions of Colored men in the Depart ment of Commerce, under Secretary Redfield of New York. Dr. Arthur S. Gray of Kansas, for twenty years in the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, rising by dint of his own efforts to the editorial staff in this im port branch, a master of English and a close student of international markets, was promoted to the $1,600 grade, an increase of $200 per annum. Attorney Thomas M. Dent of Georgia went from $1,000 to $,200, and J. B. Henry of Mississippi, from $720 to $900. If the pessimists contend that these "plums" are small, let it not be overlooked that it is the aggregation of small things that make big things. Each of the ad vances was made strictly upon merit. Richard W. Thompson, in the Free man, Indianapolis, Ind., July 25, 1914. Miss Edyth Milault of Detroit, Mich, is in the city visiting with her friend, Mrs. Ed "Mead, 6351 Eberhart avenue. ALPHA SUFFRAGE Clu. The regular business meeting o fl Alpha Suffrage Club will .. ... coming Wednesday evcn!n. Align S at 3005 State St.. S nM,.... 1 ". : n.nnn.:.. .i , ,. ' I " "eto " fiojjivuug iu scuu as ! "at ., State Federation, Miss I.vtt,c?a F il and Mrs. Hattie Osbor-., . m.',,, Mrs. Ida Wclls-Barnett , decided whether it will ., B" for her to go. This , I I, 1s :est teresting meetings an.l .. ,te3 to be present at any tim ;, , ) as e,Mt time draws near, met-tiii are J01 interesting than ever. THE NEGRO FELLOWSHIP leaqdb On Sunday, August : t tDe i will be addressed by Mr Wiihaa'j) Neighbors, on "The X. as a Bs ness Man." Mr. Nei(.10rs ,3 0Ile 0j the most enterprising I.UMm-u men u the city and is well alu to '.andle tfcj subject. This address mil not oniv te full of interest, but w..t ii,0 e great inspiration to tliut vico hear The public is cordially tn.itej. , matters taken up even Sunday Meet ings are held, 3005 Stat -' . jromtt'r at4:0Q,P. M. CHIPS Joseph H. Hudlun who ua had ehare of the Board of Trade Huildw for many years, spent Sunday ami Mon&r at his farm, near Algiou. Mirh. Major W. A. Plummer. of the nt battalliou, second regum-nt of tte Knights of Pythias of Illinois who re sides in Cairo, 111., spent the jasttei days in Chicago. Mrs. Harry Stanton Brown. 3242 Cal umet avenue, returned home Wednesday from a pleasure trip to St. i'ajl. Mint While absent her sisters, Mls Hizd Thompson, Mrs. Florence Woodward ini Mrs. Dan M. Jackson, kept house for her. Col. Archibald N. Fields states tht "At the time that Dr. Hall was elwtei president of tho Negro Business Leagse of this city, that he broke with hj friend, Rev. Dr. A. J. Carey, and sup ported Sandy W. Trice for president Mrs. Chas. W. Bell of (.'im-innah, 0, is in the city as the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Oliver W. Hatfield, 4322 St. Lawrence avenue. For s-ome yean Mrs. Bell was a teacher in the old Gaines School in that city. George R. Garner, Jr., is still on a successful concert or singing tour through the west and last week he seat us two beautiful souvenirs of a large red apple and a big baked potato from that section of the country. State Senator Samuel A. Ettetos. who is a candidate for re-eleition from the Third Senatorial district and wto is a member of the big law firm of Schuyler, Ettelson and Weiufeld, Xe York Life Building, left last evening for a three weeks pleasure trip throng! the east. Mr. Jesse Binga has been confined to his home, 3334 Vernon avenue, for at most two weeks with illness. But to ta great, delight of his good wife. Mrs. Binga, and his army of friends, he u regaining his health again and will be able to be at his place of business at 36th Place and State street, the first of the coming week. According to the scientists, brain work Is more exhausting than physical labor. I'erliaiis this explains wM some men never seem tired In connection with Miss IMnthursfs proposed "no vote, no rent" crusade it will be recalled that open air sleepln; Is said to be very healthful In a commercial column of a N York paper it Is said that coffee weaker. According to the IwardtaS house standard that is a lie. I What has become of the old tin statistician who used to figure out ho far the whe" crop would reach In space If the grains were laid end to end? If, as an educator declares, tbe stodj of algebra causes girls to lose their souls. It Is horrible to contemp what must be the effect of calcoiw upon them. A Russian prince. Alcxandrorit Abachldze. has been arrested In a wru bomb plot Why should be use bomb? Why not hurl bis name somebody and let it explode? The board of Inquiry Into neJ press of Ireland 'disaster estahIisfoie new precedent in its refwr. Tbe b a for the negligence which caused w loss of 1.032 lives was not Md 0B dead man. A camera which permits photos"? to be autographed on the film ai moment tbe picture Is taken has osraPM Bom ior ww.wi. anu ., Hfrn fn iiu a nhntnmnh Of OUr l tare worth thTprlco of the patent I