The Twin-City American. [volume], May 04, 1899, Image 2

About The Twin-City American. [volume] (Minneapolis [Minn.] ;) 1899-1899

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PR O R e g
RS : :
~ Pabtished every Thursday, st Room 34, Windom
ioE Avenues Bouth.
o _ Minneapolis, Minnesota
Application to the Post Office, st Minneapolis,
: Minn., as second-class matter,
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for current issne should reach the office by Wed
.” .‘“0
Advertising Rates: ‘
Local Reading Notices, 10¢ per line, each in
sertion,
Religions Notices, (not over fivelines), free.
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Communications must reach the office by
Monday morning, praoeding the issne in which
they are to appear §
All communicstions, .cw-\m!a
publioation, most bear the name, not
Oc;m-ud ifems of news concerning
the progress of the colored race nre requested
from our readers,
We reserve the right to reject any communion
tion unsunitable for publieation.
Bubseribers ordering addresses of their paper
changed are requested io wive thelr former as
weoll as their present address,
Address all communieations and make all re.
mittances to Tue Twin City AMEnioaN, 84
Windom Block, Minnespolis, Minn,
J. M, GRIFFIN - - Editor and Propriestor,
MINNEAPOLIS MAY 4th, 1809,
In entering the
SALUTATORY broad field of
journalism,
Tare AMERICAN believes that it
supplies a longfelt need in the
northwest, and especially in
the Twin Cities, withoutcrowd.
ing contemporaries; and, be
lieving that there is room for
all, it has but to say that it will
make an earnest effort to main
tain friendly and congenial re.
lations with them, and to pre
sent to ita subscribers a publi
cation which they will not only
welcome, but one whose value
they will fully appreciate,
With the progress of every
race, the weekly newspaper is
recognized to be a most impor
tant factor. And all people,
whether they regard the press
with jealousy or favor, are com
pelled to acknowledge its ex
traordinary influence in the
affairs of state and society; its
mission being to supply the
public with that character of
news and comment which the
dailies, from necessity, must
ignore, the weekly newspaper
naturally supplies a demand
that obtains in every progres
sive community. This is es
pecially true of a weekly paper,
devoted to the interests of a
particular race of people; and,
due to the preference that most
people have for the newspaper
to other printed matter, it is a
well known fact that it makes
readers and develops thinkers
in numerous cases where other
printed matter would bealmost
useless and without substan
tial effect,
It shall be our endeavor
to make this a thoroughly in
dependent race journal in char
acter - independent in the
sense that we shall tell the
truth and treat all race ques.
tions, parties and political
movements with judicial fair- |
ness and impartial candor,
‘without courting the favor and
deprecating the wrath of anyone
~-and national in scope. And,
‘with the desire and determina
tion to make Tur AMERICAXN all
that the term newspaper sig
nifies, we ask vour good will‘
and hearty co-operation, and
shall expect: your support in
propertion as our paper merits
. " "We venture this under
aki free from any mis
‘ ings, except as to our own
[inability; for we have implicit
ktfi‘ disposition of the
race to evince its appreciation
dor and pride in any under.
taking that is designed for the
levation of our citizenship
ICAN to the public and bespeak
for it a cordial reception at the
hands of all who are interested
in the elevation and progress
of the colored race.
It shall be the
The aim and policy
American’s of THE AMER-
Local Policy. IcaN to give the
most careful at
tention to all local questions
which relate to the well-being
and happiness of the colored
citizens of the Twin Cities. In
this regard, it shall guard
Igainst the tendency that is
currently accredited to a dis
tinguished member of con
gress, when another member
from his state was asked what
kind of a man he was,and gave
the following answer: “He is a
man who can seea fly on abarn
door a mile off, and not see the
door.” And whenever duty
and conscience shall demand
an expression with reference
to local grievances, we shall
not be too timid nor consider
itimpolitic to discuss the griev
ance in the light of reasen
and justice, free from a dispo
sition to compromise a right or
stultify as to our convictions.
That some of us are subjected
to local grievances at the pre
sent time, no one will deny.
And it remains for us to so in
fluence and mould public sen
timent in our favor that no one
will be disposed to discriminate
against us purely and solely on
account of color. The most
universal grievance that exists
among the colored citizens of
the Twin Cities today comes
from the difficulty with which
the most respectable families
find it possible to rent decent
houses in desirable localities.
This is the most reprehensible
trait that seems to characterize
the real estate business of the
Twin Cities, and there is abso
lutely no justification for the
very emphatic manner in
which local rental agents
usually “turn down” and hu
miliate a colored applicant for
a house advertised “for rent.”
~ The solution of the “house
renting problem” shall be one
of our first efforts in the direc
tion of endeavoring to secure
fair play and justice for our
citizens in matters of business
and domestic happiness. We
already have a plan under con
sideration, and will soon be
qualified to expose the resalts,
which we trust will at least
arouse public sentiment
against this unwarranted dis
crimination against the colored
people of the Twin Cities; and
especially of Minneapolis, as
the tendency seems to be more
prevalent in the latter city.
The jury in
The the Lake City
Lake City murder case-—-a
Mob Trial. case instituted
by the Federal
Government for the purpose of
trying and convicting those
implicated in the murder of the
late Postmaster Baker, of Lake
City- -reported its inability to
reach a verdict, notwithstand
ing the strong evidence pre
sented by the state. The jury
were out twenty-four hours,
and it is reported that five
members had the courage to
stand for conviction, while
seven favored acquittal.
This is the first instance on
record that the Federal Govern
ment has gone into the South
to take up a lynching trial, and
although the result was cons
trary to what we naturally ex
pected, in view of the evidence
against the alleged lynchers,
yetitis to be commended. It
will, undoubtedly, have a very
salutary effect upon those who
are inclined to believe that the
Federal Government has abso
lutely no jurisdiction over the
lawless lynching crews which
are so numerous in the South,
This case, thongh instituted
under circumstances a little
different from what an ordinary
lynching case would be-be
cause Baker was, theoretically,
‘}in the Federal employ at the
time he was killed — partly
establishies the jurisdiction of
the Federal Government over
crimes committed by mobs in
various states. The question
as to the jurisdiction of the
Federal Government in such
cases is a very much mooted
one at present, but in our opin
ion, it is only a question of time
when the Federal Government
will be forced to exercise ite
powers in such cases,
Another gratifying feature
of the case was the determina
tion of the Government,
through Attorney-General
Griggs, to ferret out the evi
dence that would justify the
conviction of the accused. The
following letter from the Attor
ney - General to Prof. B. T.
Washington, of Tuskegee, illus
trates the Government’s deter
mination to secure the convic
tion of those indicted for the
crime,
Wasminaron, D. C, April 13.—Dear
Sir:—The President bas referred to me
your letter of the Bth inst., relative to the
lml of the persons accused of lymching
the colored postmaster and his family at
Lake City, SBouth Carolina,
I am glad to inform you that this de
partment, in connection with the Post
office Department, has spared no expense
and devoted all possible time to ferret
out the evidence that would justify the
oonviction of the guilty parties. I have
employed as special counsel for the
United States one of the ablest lawyers
in Charleston, and a man having a wider
influence at the bar and among the better
class of the people than any other I
could find, The special inepectors and
‘detectives have worked night and day for
‘months to secure the evidence. If the
‘prosecution fails it will only be because
the jury will not eonvict in the face of
clear evidence, I assure you that the
(Government has done all in ite power to
punish these men. Respectfully yours,
Joux N. Griaes,
| Attorney-CGieneral,
The letter very strongly ex
plains itself, and its signifi
cance is greater than we would
ordinarily comprehend. It will
be sure to afford a deep feeling
of gratitude and consolation to
all law.abiding Americans,both
black and white, With such a
determination to maintain law
and order, we recommend that
the Federal Government pay
its respects to the Georgia bar
barians andasee if it is not pos
sible to Invoke a few elements
‘of civilization in that state.
| T
For the last dec-
Bishop Turner's ade or more,
~ Colonization Bishop Turner,
3 Scheme. who is unques
tionably one of
the most influential men of
the race, has been devoting a
large portion of his time to
persuading the unthinking
masses of the race to go to
Africa. He thinks that this is
strictly a “white man's coun
try;" and, therefore, advises the
colored people to ge to Africa,
the land of promise and oppor
tunity, where they can make
their own laws, prescribe their
own rights and duties, and run
the government just as they
see fit,
The Bishop, apparently, sin
cercly believes in what he says,
notwithstanding his incon
sistencies to the contrary. We
never think of his “repatria
tion” project without recalling
the story of the doctor who pre
scribed a certain remedy for
his patient, whose illness was
the same as that of the doctor,
but the doctor was careful to
avoid the use of the remedy
for himself. So it is with
Bishop Turner. Tug AMERICAN
has but little faith in the
bishop's advice and cannot
concede to believe that he is
sincere, inasmuch as he takes
such good pains to make his
own homein the United States,
the “white man's country,” as
he describes it.
In another column of Tus
AMERICAN, under the cap
tion, “a Prophet of Des
pair,” Mr Fortune the
famous editor of the New York
Age, very ably shows the fal
lacy of the bishop's advice, and
characterizes him as the “Pro
phet of Despair.” Mr. Fortune
argues that the race problem
in the United States is of
greater concern to the white
man than to the black man.
He assumes that the white
man created the problem by
giving the Negro a “special in
vitation, with free transporta
tion,” to come here, but he (the
‘white man) is disqualified to
!lolve it without consulting the
‘wishes and feelings of the
black man. The Age editor is
not far from right in taking
this view, and we think that
he expresses some m‘hul
horse sense when he says: *I
have at no time seen the 'wis
dom of flying from the ills we
know of in the United States
to ills we know not of in Africa.
The black man who can’t get
along in the United States will
notsucceed in Africa; those who
are succeeding in the United
States do not want to and will
not go to Africa, or anywhere
else.” We heartily endorse
this sentiment, and feel that it
it will readily commend itself
to the masses upon sober ref
lection,
e @
The movement
The Municipal fortheestablish-
Employment ment of a Mu.
Bureau. nicipal Employ
ment Bureau in
Minneapolis is a very timely
step in the right direction.
THE AMERICAN is very strongly
in favor of it, and pledges itself
todo all in its power to bring
about this very much needed
reform in oar city. Anyone
acquainted with the abuses of
the present employment
agencies in this and other
cities, and the outrageous man
ner in which some agents have
imposed upon and extorted
money from hundreds of poor,
working men, can readily see
the wisdom and jusitfication of
this reform. Some agencies
are notoriously known to take
undue advantage of unfor
tunates who are seeking em
ployment, and collect fees from
them, with the understanding
thatemployment is a certainty;
but it frequently happens that
the victim, who has thus spent
his money with the hope of
securing work, meets with a
sad disappointment—he finds
that there was no possibility
of getting work where he was
directed to go, which fact must
have or should have been
known by the agency that took
his money—he is penniless,
without food or clothing, and
is thus made a victim of cir
cumstances, subject to the
mercy of wuncertain events,
And it is on this account that
we endorse the movement to
create a Municipal Employ
ment Bureau. If such a re
sponsibility devolves upon the
municipal authorities, we are
confident that the employment
seekers will be better protected
and stand a better show in
getting fair play in their
honest endeavors to secure
employment.
et e A s
The butchers of Georgia are
determined to please their cus
tomers, if they can. The other
day there was a howl down in
Georgia for some human flesh
for souvenirs, and the butchers
immediatelyorganized, slaugh
tered their victim, dissected
his body and distributed the
different membersthereof,such
as the ears, fingers, tongue and
feet, among the leading sav
ages burning the remains at
stake. And Georgia is one of
the United States, too, whose
government gaarantees the
protection of life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness to all
of its citizens, black or white.
An elaborate discussion of
Prof. Booker T, Washington’s
advice to the colored voters
will be found in another col
umn of Tue AMERICAN, under
the caption, “Mr, Washington's
Latest Advice.,” We have not
had an opportunity to com
ment upon the many points
which Rev. Harris makes, in
opposition to what the great
champion of Industrial Educa
tion has advised. However,
we commend a careful perusal
of the discussion-—it is worthy
of serious reflection.
ot
~ Those Negroes of Kansas who
lynched one of their own color set a
1 bad exumple to their white friends
~ in the south.-Minneapolis Times.
But the fact has not been
lenubliohed that those who par
ticipated in the lynching were
Negroes. The crime, accord
ing to all press reports, was
committed by a body of
“masked men,” and, in view of
the strong lynching propensi
ties which characterize the
masses of their “white friends
in the south,” the Negroes are
entitled to the benefit of the
doubt—and Tue AMERICAN so
decrees.
e e - e e e
T gy Ay
:{Q&iw:.;q
R
PRESS REFLECTIONS. 1
= |
No longer in doubt—the ¢xaet location
of bell.—Palmetto, Georgia.
Negroes are like other peoples, treat
them as such.—Good Sense.
A government that can, and will not
protect its citizens is a shame and di.-
grace, an insult tointelligence and a blot
upon civilization.—Georgia.
“ ———
A government that can protect its eit
izens abroad but not at home is weak,
unstable and cannot endure unless this
vital defect is remedied.—United States.
Men who will lay down their lives for
the protection of a country that permits
them to be Iynched, mutilated and
burned at the stake are the greatest
patriots.—American Negroes.
There should be no strife between in
dustrial and classical, commereial and
professional education, all branches are
necessary for the right upbuilding of a
people.—Unvarnisbed Truth. |
It the United States wants black
troops in th> future they can’t have
them with white officers. A new regi
ment 80 recruited would be the object of
contempt and scorn everywhere it
showed its head.—N. Y. Age.
o e @e et e e
MAY PARTIES.
Sodality May Ball.
On last Tuesday evening the capacity
ol that popular bhall-Twin City—was
taxed to its utmost, and a brilllant
throng was assembled to partake of the
‘general jollifications and to witness as a
‘special featurz of the evening, that beau
tifal and grace-displaying dance from
“The Queen’s Lace Handkerchief,” ren
dered by several of the young Soclety
buds and beaux of the Twin Citles,
The occasion was the May Ball, given
by Bt. Peter Claver’s Sodality, and the
public needs no further assurance than
the mere mention of this name to be con
vineced of the success of and general en
joyment experienced on this occasion.
Brose’s orcheatra, the name of which
apeaks for itself, was in attendance, and
previous to the arrival of the dancers,
the expectant throng allayed their impa
tience bdy'.rlpplnc the light fantastie toe.
The first special number was a dance
:11 a numbier of the young children of the
ity, wtich was ngpludod v highly
by the aundience. he little l:?lu were
ng tntdn'liy’:rnnd and looked like |
veritable tairies, while the young gentle
men exhibited the knightly apirit,ina
manner that would have done justice to
some of their seniors,
Then, as it neared fhe hour of ten, the
full melodv of the orchestra suddenly
barst forth with straine of a Spanish
waltz, to which music the lrfit?:lntl
of the dance from the “Qpneon'l Lace
Handkerchief,” made their grand entree
and proceeded to render that number Ina
manver that was laudiblein the extreme. |
The young ladies were beautifully at—
tired In airy, fairy gowns, and the|
gentlemen were spotless in conventional |
full dress, The graces of the former, and
the gqallantey and courtly spirit of the
latter, were the much commeanted fea-|
tures of the dance. The young Indies
taking part were gowned as Tollowo:
Miss Queenie Harper, white dotted
wull cver Cardinal taffeta, Liberty si'k |
trimmings, pearis; Miss Jessle Willlams,
white Paris musiin over white taffeta,
girdle of turquoise blue molre, coral
beadn.
Miss Bessio Mills, white organdy over
white silk, similax garnitures. i
Miss Marie Armstrong, canary colored
organdy, over canary silk, trimmings of
black velvet and Spanish lace, sapphire
chatelaine.
The wentlemen parflfl&nnt- were
Messrs. W, H. Reynolds, m. French,
Timothy Howard and Carlos Willlams.
The last, but not least, feature of the
program waw the entrance and corona
tion of the May Queen. Miss Nellie Brown
acted in that exaited cl|pulty and was
very charming indeed, In a ecreation nf
Mousseline de sole over N.le green silk,
with cerise ribbun trimmings,
She was gneodcd by twelve young at
tendants. theforemost of whom bore the
crown of patural flowers, which wns
placed on her head by Hon. Fred i. Me-
Ghee, The audience then proceeded to
pay their respects to the Queen, and
after a few moments’ intermission the
daucing program was resumed, and it
was with reluctance that the guests de
pnarted when the *“*Howme, Sweet Home”’
walts was played.
e ettt ettty
Ladies’ Phillipine Club.
On last Monday e¢vening, one of the
most significant soclals of the season
wae the May Party given by the Ladlea'
Puillipine Club. At an early hour the
invitees had assembled, and to the en
deariog strains of a walts, playved by an
excellent orchestra, were gracefully en.
joying the fleeting moments. Alter
dancing and indulging in merry repartee
around the punch bowl, Miss Mary
White, Messrs, F. C, Nelson, Thos, Scott,
Jas, Cunningham and J. H. Seott were
given the task of acting as judges in the
Grand March. The most appropriately
dressed and graceful lady of the occasion
was to be honored the Queen of May.
‘Mr. Phil Hale, In a very neat little
speech, presented to the judges a very
beautiiul wreath olnl:sp American
Beauties. After the G March, which
was thoroughly artistic threoughout,
| and after great meditatioa of the judges
| Mre. Fanny Johnson was crowned,
amidet applause, the Queen of May. The
lntborln. was sclect and well adapted
to the hall.
The dancing program w as unique and
all especinlly enjoyed the lanciers in
honor of the Colored Troops,
The Ladies’ Patllipine Ciub lwcomposed
of all married women and it was through
the active services of Madamea €, L.
Britton, president; T. Backuer, vice-pres
ident; F. Johnson, secretary; and J. Kin
slow, treasurer, that all were permitted
to spend an enjoyable eveniog.
The Pleasure-Makers' May Festival, I
Last Wedneaday evening, the thn-‘
Makers Club gave their initial of the sea
aon in the torm of a May Festival and
Grand Rall, at Plummer Post Hall,
where, under the floor management of
Mr, Shiriey Tyler, they chased [the
glowing hours with flying feet’” uatfl the
wee-sma’ hours of sarly mors, baving
& most delightful time. Music was fur
nished, as only it can be, uander the
effelent izadersbip of Prof. Thyle. Dur
fag the Intermiesion, refresdments
fluowed in abundance, a sumptecus looch
being served by & well known eaterer.
Mesars. C. F. Burch,Cbas. Andoraosn, I.
F. Borner and A. G. Green bhave dose
wech to perpetuate the ormaanisation of
this ciab, which is obe of the oldest d‘}
the Twin City aod all anxiomiy look
torward to the next soclal event of the
Viossere Mabern, |
WHAT PUSH AND HONESTY WILL DO.
How Different Afro-Americans of the T';i;Cifiu are forcing their way
to the Goal of Success.
| Fmthohon-fltotmnd«-.wohau.mwtopnblhhnmdw
sketches, together with their cuts, of different successful race men and women of
the Twin Cities. We do this for the benefit, primarily, of our boys and girls, trust
ing that they may be inspired to accomplish as much in life as their predecessors,
notwithstanding the many obstacles that may confront them. Nothing succeeds
like success, and the success of an individaal depends more upon his will and
determination to succeed than upon anything else—ability, adaptability and an
opportunity, all included.
Neo, 1.
‘ R. H. W. DAVIS.
| l'l‘ is with unusual pride that, as the initial of tbis series of articles, we present the
name of R. H. W. Davis, one of the substantial business men of Minneapolis.
He was born in Maryland and came to this city twelve years ago, under véry ad
verse circumstances, but by his industry and push he has gained a good reputation
and splendid standing among the business people. He takes an active pert in all
things pertaining to the upbuilding of his people and the welfare of the city. Heis
engaged in the ccal and wood business during the winter season, and during the
summer he is busily engaged in drayage and the scavenger business and is also a
regular street sprinkling contractor of the city. By strict attention to business and
considerate and prompt service to his patrons he has a well established and grow
ing busivess. Mr. Davis is an example of what push, honesty and perseverance
will do for every individual—make friends for him and land him at the goal of suc
oess.
FRANK PRESTON.
An Inventive Genius and Manufacturer
—His Success in the Business World.
We feel safe in saying that there is no
one in the Twin Cities who, by constant
application and hard work is doing
more to benefit himself and his race
than is Mr. Frank Preston. Ouly eleven
years ago he decided to seek a hivelihood
in the northwest; and, accompanied by
Mrs. Preston, he came from Sprivgfield,
Ohio, to Minneapolis, where they bhave
made their home.
Mr. Preston, altbough not a man of
letters, nor striking appearance, is of
strong individuality, with an inventive
mind, which he has not failed to culti
vate. He says: “I have always been
making something.” And at one time
heinvented a railroad automatic gate,
which a train, running at & rate of s xty
miles an hour, could open and close. It
was patented but he negligently let it go
by default. Later he also invented a
dauber for applying polish to all sorts of
tan-colored, and patent-leather shoes. He
had a few manufactured and then
stopped, but the demand increased so
n‘ridly that he was forced to place
“Preston’s Economy Danber” upon the
market.
Mr. Preston is attracting attention to
day in the business world as a manu
facturer of what is known as “Preston’s
High Grade Polish.” For some years,
he has been experimenting on polishes.
Heseys: “I saw that most polish for
tan av <. patent leather shoes had a tend
onofly t;» erack them, and so 1 jast decided
to fix :scomothing." Starting on bees
wax and tallow, be has run the gauntlet
of grease and wax, studying the com
ro‘ition of various shoe leather, until at
ast, after “toil and care,” he has placed
upon the market “Preston’s High Grade
Polish,” which is successfully competing
with other polishes. Both his danber
and his polish are boin% manafact ured
by the “Bmh Grade Chemical Com
pany” of w he is owner and pro
prietor.
Mr. Preston is & man esteemed by all
who know him; and there is no one in
our mm&cmofl highly regarded in
the business eircles down town, Despite
his business success, he has never ceased
to be a man of “the people.”
w.n:.u some fature time to be
able to give our readers an iusight into
the working of the “High Grade
Chemical Company’s headquarters,
which are now being eloborately estab
lished and equipped for wholesale ‘and
retail businegs &> the corner of Nicollet
and Third stge ¢ Sonth, Minneapolis.
MRS. ROSA H. HAZEL.
FOR TWIN-CITY AMNERICAN
READERS
A Valuable Booklet Free,
Any reader of TuE TwIN-CiTy
AMERICAN contemplating the pur
chase of a 4 piano or organ will receive
free, postpaid upon application, a
booklet treating on the piano and
organ question. It will prove a val
uable guide to parties not fully posted.
A poustal card with your namec¢ and
address will secure you one and if
carefully read will make it possible
for you to select from the numerous
makes a reliable instrument at the
proper price and terms. The supply
is limited, so address at once **‘Piano
and Organ Guide,” TwWIN-CiTYy AMER
ICAN oftice.
e
Thirty Years of Freedom
An Entertainment and Play Given by
the Young People of St. Peter's A.
| M. E. Church,
Standing room was at a premium last
Friday evening at St. Peter's A. M. E.
‘church to witvess the play, “Thirty Years
of Freedom,” given ltz the young people
’nt the charen. freshments were
served after the play, and although to
date, the proceeds from the sale of
tickets have not been delivered, some
thing over eighty-seven dollars bave been
realized. The ice cream and cake were
sold early and a profitable disposition
could have been made of much more,
The play was in four acts, portrayiog
the South in slavery, as well as different
phases of our life since, as the result of
education and environment. Every one
did nobly. Miss Burnice Blairs “Aunt
Savannab” und ber interpretation of the
d‘i;!;mtiun of an ex-slave was decidedly
8 s
The entertainment and play were ar
ranged under the supervision of Mrs. W.
8. Brooks, who has been most energetic
iv providing furniture for the church.
Ul is the second entertainment which
Lus beeu given to pay for the new carpet
of over three bundred yards, now on the
tloor of the church, un{whon all of the
proceeds of this entertainment are
sammed up it is estimated that the
sume will huve be n paid for.
All who were there showed by their
nntiring energy and sacrifice that they
have the wor k of St. Peter at heart. The
members of St. Peter, together with the
pastor, Rev.' W. 8. Brooke, and his ener
getic wife, are to be congratalated for the
besutifnl, large edifice that they have
suecweded in building here for the cause
of God anid humanity.