Resolved, That
we, in convention assembled, respectfully but
earnestly demand of
the powers that be, that the Negro be given
what, and only what,
he is entitled to.
Resolved further,
That never, until we are in the fullest
enjoyment of our rights
at the ballot-box, will we cease to agitate
and work for what justly
belongs to us in the shape of suffrage.
Further resolved,
That it shall be the policy of the colored race
to vote so as to bring
the greatest division to the white voters of
this country, for in
this we believe lies the boon of our desire.
The last resolution is not entirely plain to us, and we refrain from comment upon it, but the convention itself, the fact of leadership taking shape among the Negroes, and the forth-putting of their purposes, are very significant.
When the Glenn Bill was born, and when the Georgia House of Representatives stood sponsor for its baptism, we believed that the enemy of righteousness had made a mistake, and that this particular piece of artillery would kick. They who think to thwart the providences of God usually help them forward. Christianity has had many a help from its opposers.
Upon the incidental question of temperance, the sentiments of the convention were voiced by one of the speakers in these words: “The best thing for the Negro is industry, temperance, virtue, economy, union and courage. Get land, get money, get education; be sober and be virtuous. We have drunk enough whiskey since the war to build a railroad from Atlanta to Savannah. The Negro race cannot be great except as individuals rise towards greatness.” They are rising. A little more yeast, good friends.
* * * * *
The following illustrations of some features of our work are not sent forth for the sake of a smile, but for the thought which will be under the smile. The text of the thought, which may be expanded at pleasure, will be found in an ordinance of the United States, dated 1787, viz.: “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged.”
ENGLISH AS SHE IS “NOT” TAUGHT IN OUR SCHOOLS.
CONTINUED FROM THE NOTE BOOK OF A MISSIONARY TEACHER.
Go to the great physicianer.
I use consecrated lye.
She is a crippler.
I seldomly hear that.
O Lord, give us good thinking facticals.
The meeting will be in the basin of the church.
O Lord, throw overboard all the load we’se totin, and the sins which upset us.
Jog them in remembrance of their vows.
I want her to resist me with the ironing.
I want all you people to adhere to the bell.