_Dear Sir:_ In reading the Chicago Defender I find that there are

many jobs open for workmen, I wish that you would or can secure

me a position in some of the northern cities; as a workman and

not as a loafer. One who is willing to do any kind of hard in

side or public work, have had broad experience in machinery and

other work of the kind. A some what alround man can also cook,

well trained devuloped man; have travel extensively through the

western and southern states; A good strong _morial religious_ man

no habits. I will accept transportation on advance and deducted

from my wages later. It does not matter where, that is; as to

city, country, town or state since you secure the positions. I am

quite sure you will be delighted in securing a position for a man

of this description. I'll assure you will not regret of so doing.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

SHREVEPORT, LA., April 26-17.

_Dear Sirs:_ I am writing you as to how and where I can go to

obtain better freedom and better pay for the balence of my life

as being a contance reader of the Chicago defender the add in

front cover first colum refered me to you. If you can put me in

touch of some one that I ma communicate with as to the position I

will be verry grateful to you. I am a cook & barber also

thorughly acquainted with steam works hoping to hear from you

will full particular

I am yours for better success.

P S I has a fair education.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am earnestly in need of work and would be very glad

if you could recomend me to some of the firms that you are

securing labor for. I saw your add in the Defender.

CRICHTON, MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917.

_Sirs and Gentelmen:_ I am poor man and honest working man and I

am here in the south this hard country seeking for labor that I

can make an onest living I can do most any kind of commond work

and I will do so please put me next. Give me an early reply years

to please

PENSACOLA, FLA., May 7, 1917.

_Gentelmen:_ I wants to ask you to look out for a job for me in

that section as I am a good tailors helper good sewer and as

cleaning presing and dyeing I have had nine years experance in

that line but I will do other work if I can get it as factory

work in or out of the city will do I am man of a family and have

no time to piack work. Thanks

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 9, 1917.

_My dear Sir:_ In looking over the Chicago Defender why I come

across your name in connections with ---- ---- of Chicago and

thinking that you could do me a lots of good why I thought that I

would write you asking of you to locate me with transportation

with some one who are looking for a hard working honest and sober

colored man.

Will do any kind of work. Am a farmer, saw mill man, a good cook.

Also I have worked for quite awhile for express company here.

I am unable to pay my way to your city at present and any help

extended me along that line will be more than appreciated by me.

Am married, and my wife is a first class cook and house woman.

Now if I am not taking too much of your time why please let me

hear from you at once as I would like very much to get out of the

south as quick as possible for there is nothing here for a

colored man, any more.

Please give my name to some one that needs a good man, who is

willing to send transportation for me and wife, or my self. I

probably can make some arrangements to get there in a few days.

Hoping to hear from you in a few days and thanking you for same

before hand.

LETTERS ABOUT BETTER EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

ANNISTON, ALA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ Please gave me some infamation about coming north i

can do any kind of work from a truck gardin to farming i would

like to leave here and i cant make no money to leave I ust make

enought to live one please let me here from you at once i want to

get where i can put my children in schol.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA., April 25, 1917.

_My dear Sir:_ While reading the Chicago Defender of april 21st I

saw that you was the man to write to four a job as say the paper

I have some children I lost my wife just a year ago and I would

like to get a place where I could proply educate them I am a

bober by trade I been in the work for 20 years study, I dont

drink al all any thing like whiskey I am a church man and all the

children belong to the church too your trully

PITTSBURG, PA., April 26, 1917.

_dear sir:_ your letter was all write this one leaves me all

write i means what is write this is a matter of buisness and no

folishness and joaking in this Please dont think i set down and

write something just because i seen it in your paper for i am a

working man i work for my living dont i am saying just to get a

jobe i no i am south rais man i want some places to send my

children to school my means is that i am to old to old.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw your add in the Chicago Defender for laborers.

I am a young man and want to finish school. I want you to look

out for me a job on the place working morning and evening. I

would like to get a job in some private family so I could

continue taking my piano lesson I can do anything around the

house but drive and can even learn that. Send me the name of the

best High school in Chicago. How is the Wendell Phillips College.

I have finish the grammer school. I cannot come before the middle

of June.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5/5x17

_My dear sir:_ I have you reply stating all the information to

me. I thank you very much for same I must say I think you are a

real friend. now the best classes of colored men in the south are

still here but are making preparation to come north and are not

particular about coming to Chicago. All we want is to know just

what youve told me here in this letter. I have been living here

in New Orleans only seven years. I formerly live in the country

but owing to bad conditions of schools for my children I sold my

property and moved here. I didnt think there was any justice in

my paying school taxes and had no fit school to send by children

to. I have been employed here as night eatchman for the last four

years and are still working at it but my wajes are so small the

high cost of living leaves very little for traveling expenses but

never the less I have a boy sixteen years old as soon as school

closes I will take him north with me hoping to find work for him

and I during vacation. You will see me soon. Thanking you kindly.

GRABOW, LOUISIANA, 5/9/17

_My dear Sir:_ your letter to me togeather with information was

recieved and noted carefully from the same I find that work in

and about Chicago is not plentiful as agents are makeing out as I

know for myself that I have been talked to hard to leave at once

for Chicago. I am a carpenter by trade tho I have 10 years

experience in the shop. I were under the empression that one

would have to join the carpenter's union or machinist union on

order to obtain work. Tho I know joining a union would put a

stress om me as my straight life policy exemps me from such. Your

letter being wrote in paragraphs I Parag 5) you are advising men

who knows the molders trade or wanting to learn the machinist

trade which are those 4 or 5 cities? Should chances in the same

better I would not get as far as Chicago. I am a man of family

and contemplated that with my Hudson could drive to Chicago by

land in 8 days, but as you advise leaving my family I consider

you knows best, tho at present I dont see any enducements at all.

$3.00 per day is carpenter wedge in this part of Louisiana for

10 hours and $4.00 machinest. But our chances are so slim. Causes

me to be disgusted at the south. Our poll tax paid, state and

parish taxes yet with donations we cannot get schools. What do

you think of conditions here? Thanking you for your past and in

advance for your future information I am verry truly yours.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 17, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I received your letter and was indeed glad to hear

from you I am expecting to arrive in Chicago abou the 14th of

June as I want to get my wife and children place until I can send

for them. I am going to place them with my father over in Pass

Christian Miss and my expense will be very cheap. Of course I am

very anxious to get work because I have been working and

supporting my family for the last 15 years and my wife never had

to work out yet and I keep my children in school all the time. I

will wire you just before I arrive so you will expect me in the

office. I will be very glad for any service are information that

you will be able to give me as I am coming. I think I would like

to work in Detroit Mich. I am not so much on Chicago on account

of my children. I am glad you can help me and place me in a job

right away.

ALEXANDRIA, LA., 4/23/11.

_Gentlemens_: Just a word of information I am planning to leave

this place on about May 11th for Chicago and wants ask you

assistence in getting a job. My job for the past 8 years has been

in the Armour Packing Co. of this place and I cand do anything to

be done in a branch house and are now doing the smoking here I am

36 years old have a wife and 2 children. I has been here all my

life but would be glad to go wher I can educate my children where

they can be of service to themselves, and this will never be

here.

Now if you can get a job with eny of the packers I will just as

soon as I arrive in your city come to your pace and pay you for

your troubel. And if I cant get on with packers I will try

enything that you have to effer.

CRESCENT, OKLA., April 30, 1917.

_Sir_: I am looking for a place to locate this fall as a farmer.

Do you think you could place me on a farm to work on shares. I am

a poor farmer and have not the money to buy but would be glad to

work a mans farm for him. I am desirous of leaving here because

of the school accommodations for children as I have five and want

to educate them the best I can. Prehaps you can find me a

position of some kind if so kindly let me know I will be ready to

leave here this fall after the harvest is layed by. I am planting

cotton.

GRANVILLE, MISS., May 16, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: This letter is a letter of information of which you

will find stamp envelop for reply. I want to come north some time

soon but I do not want to leve here looking for a job wher I

would be in dorse all winter. Now the work I am doing here is

running a gauge edger in a saw mill. I know all about the grading

of lumber. I have abeen working in lumber about 25 or 27 years My

wedges here is $3.00 a day 11 hours a day. I want to come north

where I can educate my 3 little children also my wife. Now if you

cannot fit me up at what I am doing down here I can learn

anything any one els can. also there is a great deal of good

women cooks here would leave any time all they want is to know

where to go and some way to go. please write me at once just how

I can get my people where they can get something for their work.

there are women here cookeing for $1.50 and $2.00 a week. I would

like to live in Chicago or Ohio or Philadelphia. Tell Mr Abbott

that our pepel are tole that they can not get anything to do up

there and they are being snatched off the trains here in

Greenville and a rested but in spite of all this, they are

leaving every day and every night 100 or more is expecting to

leave this week. Let me here from you at once.

PELAHATCHEE, MISS., April 27, 1917.

_Dear Sirs_: I see through the Chicago Defender that you have a

reputation of furnishing employment to men. Kindly give me the

particulars. What class of work do you get men? I am writing you

to know that I may obtain an; employment through you. I want a

good paying job that I may be able to educate my children. Kindly

let me hear from you.

DEO VOLENTE, MISS., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sirs_: I am expecting to come with my family to your town,

or some smaller town near you, in the near future. Would like to

farm near Chicago or some small town near Chicago where my

children can have good educational advantages. Seeing the Chicago

Defender that your organization was in position to give me the

proper infermation therefore I write asking you to please give me

the above infermation. By so doing you will greatly oblige me.

-------------------- (colored)

STARKVILLE, MISS., May 28, 1917.

_Sir:_ Your name have bin given me as a Relibal furm putting

people in toutch with good locations for education there children

Now I am a man of 40 years old by traid I am a barber of 20 years

experence I am now in the business for white but I can barber for

either white or colord I have a wife and seven children 5 girls

and 2 boys allso I am a preacher I dont care for the large city

life I rather live in a town of 15 or 20 thousand I want to raise

by family nice and I would like for my children to have the

advantage of good schools and churches Now if you are in a

persison to help me a long this line I would be glad to here from

you.

GREENVILLE, S. C., 5/2/1917.

_Sir:_ I have been impressed to the extent of writing you by

having noted an article in the Chicago Defender regarding the

good work your organization is accomplishing.

I am a Negro mechanic, having served the paint trade since 1896,

30 years years of age, married, no booster, a graduate of N. Y.

trade school, first honor, class of 1906, wish to change location

for better educational advantages for my children consequently

will be glad to have you endeavor to place me. Hoping to hear

from you at earliest convenience. Willing to accept position in

any good north western city, with white or colored firm.

ATLANTA, GA., April 22, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I now rite to inquier of the works in the north as I

saw your ad in the Chicago Defender I wants to come north if

thair is any work up their I wants to get in a good place whear I

can educate my children I am a natif of Charleston West Va but

come off down here in this hard luck countary and married &

raised a fanily and wants to get in a good location to raise them

sence you are in the busness I wants some information I would

like to hear from you pearsonaly if I can I am not pertickley

about Chicago just since I get a good place in the north whear I

can educate my children how is groceries in the countary let me

hear from you at & early date.

AUGUSTA, GA., April 27, 1917.

_Sir:_ Being a constant reader of your paper, I thought of no one

better than you to write for information.

I'm desirous of leaving the south but before so doing I want to

be sure of a job before pulling out. I'm a member of the race, a

normal and colloege school graduate, a man of a family and can

give reference. Confidentially this communication between you and

me is to be kept a secret.

My children I wished to be educated in a different community than

here. Where the school facilities are better and less prejudice

shown and in fact where advantages are better for our people in

all respect. At present I have a good position but I desire to

leave the south. A good position even tho' its a laborer's job

paying $4.50 or $5.00 a day will suit me till I can do better.

Let it be a job there or any where else in the country, just is

it is east or west. I'm quite sure you can put me in touch with

some one. I'm a letter carrier now and am also a druggist by

profession. Perhaps I may through your influence get a transfer

to some eastern or western city.

Nevada or California as western states, I prefer, and I must say

that I have nothing against Detroit, Mich.

I shall expect an early reply. Remember keep this a secret please

until I can perfect some arrangements.

GLEBDON, ALA., April 22, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I seen it in the Chicago Defender that if any one

dezire to locate in a small town where they can get fairly good

wages and educate there children address you who neads men and

stop paying men 50 cts & $1.00 for Job well i wont to come there

where i can get work & fairly good wages & educate my children &

i am not able to bear my expences i have a wife & 7 chrildren &

if you can make any preparation for me to come & bring them let

me here from you i have too boys big enough to work one 12 years

old the other 10 and i have been trying to get away from here for

some time & i cant get ot without your aid i seen it on a small

paper a littler strip where Mr. ---- ---- at the state of Neb at

omaha he advise any one that wont to go north or west rite him &

send a too sent stamp withen your letter that i may not be

slighte and then when her and your he send a blank with the

letter to be fill an send him $1.50 one dollar an half which he

say it is all is required no more money i will hafter pay i wrote

hem for a pass & that what he told me to do & when i arrive i

would have a job all ready now when i seem what the Chicago

defender says about men get money that way it cause me to stop &

study would it a safe plan of me to go out on such terms an so i

ask you Gentlemen for all infermation that you can give me in the

regards of leaving the south let me here from you at once we

colored people havin a hard time down here now i have paper here

but I aint sind it yet

LETTERS ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF NEGROES IN THE SOUTH

MACON, GA., April 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am writing you for information I want to come north

east but I have not sufficient funds and I am writing you to see

if there is any way that you can help me by giving me the names

of some of the firms that will send me a transportation as we are

down here where we have to be shot down here like rabbits for

every little orfence as I seen an orcurince hapen down here this

after noon when three depties from the shrief office an one Negro

spotter come out and found some of our raice mens in a crap game

and it makes me want to leave the south worse than I ever did

when such things hapen right at my door, hopeing to have a reply

soon and will in close a stamp from the same.

SAVANNAH, GA., May 5, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ I rite you these few lines seeking information how

could I get up north and if you could do me any good I an five

more men would like to come but we have no money we would come to

any reasonable terms that you makes, and if you cannot do the

five no good please sir try and do some thing for me. I rite you

this mostly for my self I am in a bad shape. I am willing to do

most any kind of work labaring excuiseing hotel. You was

recomended to me by Bro -- -- ---- of Savannah Tribune, now in

plain words plese send for me or get some of the contractors to

send and I will willingly come to terms. I am willing await you

ans. In short.

SPARTA, GA., Jan. 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Information reaches me that you can give information

as to places that colored men can get employment in the north and

east as quite a number of we colored men in this vicinity

contemplates leaving the south providing we can get employment at

reasonable wages. I would like to know where to locate, what kind

of work and what wages paid skilled and unskilled laborer, &

whether transportation can be furnished. Hoing to hear from you

by return mail.

CHARLESTON, S.C., 4/4/17.

_Dear Sir:_ I have heard about you as being an employment beura

so I would like very mutch for you to get me a job, and if you

will please send ticket by rail because we are not allowed to

leave by boat any mour. so I will take a job as

porter--butler--hosler bellman can furnish reference an 27 years

old married. Please notify right away.

SANFORD, FLA., 5/12/17.

_Dear Sir:_ The winter is about over and I still have a desire to

seek for myself a section of this country where I can poserably

better my condishion in as much as beaing asshured some

protection as a good citizen under the Stars and Stripes so kind

sir I am here asking you agin if you know directly or indirectly

of any opening that you could direct me to where I can make a

reasonable livelyhood kindly inform me. Why I write you agin is

because it appears to me from your headings that your concern ar

making some opening for the (col) from the south and agin I do

not cear to live here in a simple way if poserable I would like

to be shure of an imployment before I leave Kindley do what ever

good you can for me.

PENSACOLA, FLA., April 30, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I perchanced to run across your address. The which I

am proud of. I like my fellow southerner am looking northward.

But before leaving the South Id like to know just wher I am goin

and what Im to do if posible. I see from your card that you can

help me and I believe you will. I want to say that I dont hope to

travil north to loaf. I will be seeking better employment and

better wa es mainly. I might state just here what Im best fitted

for. 1st Im a christain man a man of sober habits. Ive had

several years experience in business for 20 years Ive been a

salesman & collector or business mgr thirteen years of said time

I were engaged in the industrial insurance work. worked from a

green agent to dist mgr ship at present am engaged as a salesman

and collector. But would accept position as jarnitor of general

utility man ordainary cook the which I ve served in a short order

house for whites only. And also in a house run for both races. In

fact will serve in any honest capacity That I'm capeble of that

pays well. Please excuse these persional reference but Im

striveing to make the acquaintance, can furnish reference as to

integrity and ability any information given me in my efort will

be gratefully received. Thanking you in advance.

TROY, ALA., Oct. 17, 1916.

_Dear Sirs_ I am enclosing a clipping of a lynching again which

speaks for itself. I do wish there could be sufficient presure

brought about to have federal investigation of such work. I wrote

you a few days ago if you could furnish me with the addresses of

some firms or co-opporations that needed common labor. So many of

our people here are almost starving. The government is feeding

quite a number here would go any where to better their

conditions. If you can do any thing for us write me as early as

posible.

BHAM, ALA., May 13, 1917.

_Sir:_ the edeater of the paper i am in the darkness of the south

and i am trying my best to get out do you no where about i can

get a job in new york. i wood be so glad if cood get a good job

hear in this beautifull city o please help me to get out of this

low down county i am counted no more thin a dog help me please

help me o how glad i wood be if some company wood send me a

ticket to come and work for them no joking i mean business i work

if i can get a good job.

ANNE MANTL, ALA., April 24, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I read in the Chicago Defender of last week that you

were in the employment buisness now sire we want to leave the

south and settle in some small town in Illinoise or any other

good northern state where we can get fairely good wagges and be

protected we are disgusted with the south since we hear that we

can do better we want to get up a club to get north. Please tell

us how to go about it all of us dont have a lot of money but we

are able and willing to work and just want a chance. Thanking you

in advance for any thing you may do for us we are

BRYAN, TEX., Sept. 13, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am writing you as I would like to no if you no of

any R. R. Co and Mfg. that are in need for colored labors. I want

to bring a bunch of race men out of the south we want work some

whear north will come if we can git passe any whear across the

Mason & Dickson. please let me hear from you at once if you can

git passes for 10 or 12 men. send at once. I beg to remain.

OAKDALE, LA., April 21, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw in the Defender something concerning the

employment up there. I would like mighty well to come if I could

get a job I would be ready to come about the 15th of May. I will

take a job in town or out of town either one. There are 3 or 4

more business men that are interested and would come, write me at

once and let me know about the situation. Some hasn't the fund to

come with and if the employer would furnish them transportation

they would readily come at once.

So far as me I couldn't come until I could arrange to sell out as

I am in business for God knows I want to leave the South land.

Let me hear from you at once.

SAVANNAH, GA., 4/21/17.

_Dear Sir:_ Through the Chicago Definder I am writing your

company to get in touch with you. as I am seeking employment in

the north part of the country for the betterment of my condition.

& friends wishes to follow after me. if there is any advice or

assistant you can give to us please let me know at once, we are

not choice about locating in the city as we will be satisfied

with a small town as well as any part of the north.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 17, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I am a race man and aire inquireing Dear Sir from

some one that I know is in position to give me the proper

information truthfully enclosed please find stamps for return

mail. Dear sir I have a wife & a son also that has a wofe and one

child we desire to come north to live if we could only get a pass

to that end. The passes that are being issued in New Orleans to

members of the race are verry limited and it is a little dificult

for me to get a pass out I am no railroad man but I can work also

my son if my son and I could get a pass to Illinois we would come

at once and leave our wives at home untill we could work and

send for them ourselves. Dear sirs if you know of any firm that

desires any one of the race that wants to come north with their

families please inform them and me as I would like verry much to

come north but have not the money to pay my fare with please

answer by return mail. Please help me as I wants to get from the

south so bad. Thanking you in advance I am yours in the Lord. I

am 40 years old. Please help me to get away from the south.

Please keep this letter and not put it in public print. Dear sir

I further ask that the firm or firms in which I am offered

employment desire a recommendation as a work or laborer I can

furnish them with same for honesty and etc. Please answer. Please

answer as there are others of the race that wants to come north

in great numbers and would like to be informed how to come north.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5/20/17.

_Dear Sirs:_ My silfe and a friend is after hearing from you

contemplating the idea of coming north we have been told that

yours is the business of informing those who are coming there of

what is the very best way and about work, etc. Wish to say we

need your information and are very anxious of being advised by

you. We will want work as soon as were there and we are not

perticular about Chiago. Anywhere north will do us and I suppose

the worst place there is better than the best place here. Please

inform us by return mail where we can get work and how in doing

so you will be helping us wonderfully and we will more than

appreciate your efforts, wishing you much success and hoping to

hear from you this week, I am, Yours with best wishes.

PALESTINE, TEX., 1/2/17.

_Dear Sir:_ I hereby enclose you a few lines to find out some few

things if you will be so kind to word them to me. I am a

southerner lad and has never ben in the north no further than

Texas and I has heard so much talk about the north and how much

better the colard people are treated up there than they are down

here and I has ben striveing so hard in my coming up and now I

see that I cannot get up there without the ade of some one and I

wants to ask you Dear Sir to please direct me in your best manner

the stept that I shall take to get there and if there are any way

that you can help me to get there I am kindly asking you for your

ade. And if you will ade me please notify me by return mail

because I am sure ancious to make it in the north because these

southern white people are so mean and they seems to be getting

worse and I wants to get away and they wont pay enough for work

for a man to save up enough to get away and live to. If you will

not ade me in getting up there please give me some information

how I can get there I would like to get there in the early

spring, if I can get there if posible. Our southern white people

are so cruel we collord people are almost afraid to walke the

streets after night. So please let me hear from you by return

mail. I will not say very much in this letter I will tell you

more about it when I hear from you please ans. soon to Yours

truly.

SAVANNAH, GA., May 16, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I written you a special letter on last week

containing stamped envelope for early reply asking a favor of

you, as I am in the south and are trying all that I can to get

away as I told you in my letter that I have been here all my

life, which is about 40 years and trying with all of my might all

of that time to make an honest living and all of it seems to be a

failure and now as I heard of better wages and better treatment

you can receive acording to character and behavior. I am seeking

to get there by the help of the good Lord and if it is any

possible way of you securing work I and 2 daughters I will gladly

try all I can to repay you for your trouble. I wont say any thing

of my children as they are very honorable to me they have never

slept one night from under my roof. Now dear friend I write you

this as I have heard that you all are a friend to the needy and

if there is any hope for me please let me know by return mail.

ATLANTA, GA., April 29, 1917.

_Kind friend:_ While reading the Chicago Definder i saw and

advertisement for laborers wanted i am down in the south with my

familey and wishes to become a northern citysin i have onley

worked for two firms in my life and i am 35 years old. Worked in

Augusta Ga for more than 20 years and only made 10 dolars a week

fore years ago i moved to Atlanta went to weark for the ----

Cleaning Co of Atlanta, only making 10 a weak the wages is so

small i cant harly feed by familey and i cant save enough money

to get away i would like to get to Cleavland ohio i have some

friends thear saying that the wages is good if it is eney way you

can help me get up thear i will assure you i will be a wearthy

citysin wishing to hear from you soon. i am a man that wants to

weark and by gods help i beleive i will concur some old day.

ATLANTA, GA., April 22, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I am an experienced packer having been regularly

employed for quite a number of years for such work and I am now

employed by one of Atlanta's largest firms as a packer. I desire

to leave the south and would like for you to secure me a position

or put me in touch with some firm that needs a colored packer,

kindly advise me what your terms are for such work. I am not

particular about living in Chicago. Thanking you in advance.

MOBILE, ALA., Jan. 8, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am writing you to see if you can furnish me with

any information in regards to colored men securing employment. I

would like to know if you could put me in touch with some

manufacturing company either some corporation that is employing

or in of colored men. My reason is there are a number of young

men in this city of good moral and can furnish good

reference--that is anxious to leave this section of the country

and go where conditions are better. I taken this matter up with

Mr. ---- of Boston and he referred me to you. I myself is anxious

to leave this part of the country and be where a negro man can

appreshate beaing a man at the present time I am working as

office man for a large corporation which position I have had for

the past 11 years, having a very smart boy in his studies I wish

to locate where he could recive a good education. I could at a

few days notice place 200 good able bodied young men that is

anxious to leave this city, these men I refer to is men of good

morals and would prove a credit to the community. If you can

furnish me with the desired information it will be gladly

received, it makes little or no difference as to what state they

can go to just so they cross the Mason and Dixie line, trusting

you will furnish me with any information you have at hand at an

early date, I await your reply.

HOUSTON, TEX., April 3, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I have read the Defender and I have put my mine on it

and I wood lik to know mor abot it and if yo pleas send me a

letter abot the noth I will thenk uo becaus we have so miney

members of the race wont to come and live up thear and all they

is waitin on is a chanch and that is all and they will say fair

wel to this old world and thay all will come, some is rail road

some is shop and anny thang thay can gets to do. With hold the

name.

HOUSTON, TEX., May 16, 1917.

_Sir:_ I sincerely ask of you this very important favor I and my

family consists of 4--husband, wife boy 14 years boy of 4 months

also three others male of healthy and ambitious character also

dependable to our race asking at any time, are you able to

communicate with any firm or person needing such as are stated

thereon. I sincerely ask you to refer such to said adress as we

are only here asking the Lord to aid us out of this terrible

state we are now in. We do any kind of work for an honest

liveing.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., July 1, 1917.

_Kind Sir:_ in reading your paper I see where you could get me

and my family a job so if can I would be verry glad as it is my

wish to leave the south, any kind of a job all rite with me. I

will remane, Yours truly.

PENSACOLA, FLA., 5-19-17.

_Dear Editor:_ Would you please let me no what is the price of

boarding and rooming of Chicago and where is the best place to

get a job before the draft will work. I would rather join the

army 1000 times up there than to join it once down here.

WARRINGTON, FLA., 4-24-17.

_Sir:_ i red the Chgo Deffedeer and i seen where yo was in the

need of good men that wanted worke Sir I would like very much to

leave the South and come north if I could get a imployment my

trade is carpenter or seament finisher and I am willan to do any

kind of worke that come before me I can do which I am not working

at my trade now I am working in a store now and I can bring yo

some good men all so bring my recommendashon with me Hopin yo

will rite me at wonce and let me here from yo. My addres.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 11, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ given me. Although i am badly disapointed because i

realy want to be among the northern folk and i have got the means

to leave here with and by the way you have explain matter to me

it would pay me best to have a transportation so I can be sure of

having a job when I gets there.

PENSACOLA, FLA., 5-18-17.

_Dear Sir:_ Just a few lines to ask your ade en getting a job as

waiter. I am a waiter of 10 or 12 years exsperience in the city

of New Orleans, 4 years here in this city also. I can cook and

serve as butler, I am verry anxious to get up there becaus I have

a family and I desire a study job en a more better city than

this. If you know of any one will send a transportation for a

good man please send for me. I am willing to pay my

transportation back in monthly payments. I will appreciate any

favor you can do for me along these lines as I am in need of a

good job just now. Can furnish best of refrience.

MOBILE, ALA., May 3, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Alowe me to congralate you on your wonderful paper it

is a help to a lot of the people of our race it shows us the

difference between north and south. We are doing fine in our way

but would like to do better a lots of us would like to come up

there but are not able and dare not ask some one to help us to go

for the law will have us. I like your paper and would like to see

more of Mobile news in it. Who is your agent in Mobile. There is

lots of idle men in Mobile lots have trades but they are not

supplied with work and can't get anything to go off with. Several

men were arrested on being labor agents. Would like to correspond

with you if you could help our pepel eny. You may let me no threw

your paper.

NEW BERN, N.C., May 5, 1917.

_Dear sire:_ I seen you ade in the Chicago Defender for different

occpatisions and I in close you for and transportation for ten

men as I has them menny reddy now and wood be glad to leave at

the earliest date and I can get as menny as you wont and all so I

wont a job for my self because we ar in a bad condition in this

country and wish to in press a pon your mind the condition of we

poor colored people how we are geting a long in the south and I

want to show you how we ar treated by the white of the south by

sending you this strip to read for you self so I will close I

wish to here from you in the return mail at wonce. Please

ALEXANDRIA, LA., May 5, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I read your ad in the Chicago Defender paper where

are in need of 20 bench molder witch mean machinery men who under

stand the manufacture work and I am one who will be willing to

learn the trade at small wage about $2.25 a day and I also have

five more here who will come with me if you only send me six of

your transportation soon as can and I also wish that you will not

turn me down. I am looking for your letter promptly and will be

deeply glad to get it as I trust in the Lord that you will send

me six of your transportation as I am willing to come in work. we

will come at once when you send them to me send me a special

delivery letters with them in it and I will pay you when we are

there.

ATLANTA, GA., May 2, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a reader of the Chicago Defender and is verry

proud of it and by reading the Chicago Defender I saw your adv.

and I want to consult with about a position in a Chicago firm. I

would like verry much to get a position there or eny where above

the Mason Dixon line. I am a competet chauffer or butler. I am

married no children. My wife is a cook nearse or maid, and if you

cannot supply me with some position within about 10 days will you

please put me in tutch with some other employment and if you can

supply me with eather of those posetins please write me. I am

also a first class laundry man. I hold reference as good shirt

ironer, coller ironer or extractor man in the wash room. Please

let me here from you. the peoples is leaving here by the

thousands.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 1, 1917.

_Sur:_ in reding the defender i saw they advurtise that you sen

transportation at advanced from Chicago now dear sur please let

me know i am a maride man an hav a famly off 5 now if you cant

sen for all send 2 one for me and my brother he live with me he

is 18 yers old then i can arang for the rest after i get out

there now pleas tri and do sumthing for me i am working her for

nothing i will bee to glad to get a way from here so pleas sen me

a pas for me an my brother and we will sen for the res of the

famly after i get there ancer this letter soon as you get it try

to get us work in the ware house or yard work i am a cook an utly

man have to cook serv drink and short ordes an work al nite.

MEMPHIS, TENN., April 29, 1917.

_Sir:_ Seeing the wonderful opportunity that is being offered the

colored man of the south by the northern industries and the aid

in which your organization is giveing them it aroused within me

the ambition that prompts every man to long for liberty. What I

want to say is I am coming north and seeing your call for me

thought I would write you and list a few things I can do and see

if you can find a place for me any where north of the Mason and

Dixon line and I will present myself in person at your office as

soon as I hear from you. I am now employed in the R. R. shop in

Memphis. I am a engine watchman, hostler, red cup man, pipe

fitter, oil house man, shipping clerk, telephone lineman, freight

caller, an expert soaking vat man that is one who make dope for

packing hot boxes on engines. I am a capable of giving

satisfaction in either of the above name positions. I bought a

Chicago Defender and after reading it and seeing the golden

opportunity I have decided to leave this place at once.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am writeing you the third time because i am anxious

to leave the south and come north but up to this writeing i have

fail to hear from you i notice in the defender that you are still

calling for men i am engineer and all round machine man i am and

would be very glad if you could locate me a position in the

Molders Manufacturing or any thing pertaining to machine work. I

am not in a position to pay my way out there and would like to

get transportation for my self wife and nephew he all so can do

machine work. So please let me hear from you.

MONROE, LA., April 30, 1918.

_Dear Sirs:_ I was reading in the Defender one of your recent

advertising about laborers wanted for foundry warehouse and yard

work. I would like to respond to the advertising but I aint

fiancel able also my brother we are both very poor boys and would

like to get where we would be able to have a chanse in the world

and get out from among all of the prejudice of the southern white

man. please send me and my brother transportation tickets so we

can come right away. I belong to church but my brother does not

but you would not tell the difference by his actions. Please send

tickets by the 15th of May. I am now working at public work I owe

a few debts I want to act honest I want to pay all of my

responsible debts so I can face my debtors anywhere in the world.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 7, 1917.

_Sir:_ I am a reader of the Defender and i found in it on last

Saturday April 28th why that you could place mens in iny job or

trade they follows. I am riten you this letter an in it i am

leting you know my condition so that if you ever did help a man

in this way pleas help me the help is this. help me to get a job

in yor city as blacksmith helper bareler maker helper or molder

helper. i kin furnish references for those jobs. i has a wife and

a 11 yr old girl who are now in the 7 grade and i wants to bringe

them with me when I come i am now employed as black smith helper

my pay is 26-1/2 per hour but the white comes so hard onus in

these departments so that we are frade to speak what is right

becase they dont want us in those departments they has been

trying to put us out for 4 years. before they begen to work a

ginst ys we had all colord help but now they has 75 per cent

white help and it is hard for this 25 per sent colord to stay

hear and i found in the Defender just what i has ben looking for

is a little help and if you will only do as i has said God will

bless you. now remember i dont ask you to send me a

transportation to come on if you will just get me a job for me i

will be please at that and i will pay you charges when i come i

will be ther in 4 or 5 days from the date i reseave yor ancer so

pleas ancer as soon as you kin.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ As a constant reader of your most valuable paper the

Defender and after viewing from time to time the services that

you are rendering not only to the race of which you are one of

its honored leaders but one who are doing services to the sacred

cause of humanity, and your admireable editorials has impressed

me so much until I feal that I know you personaly. now sire I

note with pleasure that you are manifesting a very great interest

in our people from the south and as I am a man of family and are

always willing and ready to grasp any opertunity that will tent

to better my condition I raise my head and I am now looking to

the North of this benighted land for hope there I feal that if

once there that I may be granted the opertunities of peacefully

working out my mission on earth. without fear of molestation. Now

sir I am a painter by trade. I am also a first class creol cook

and as I above said that you seams very much interested in your

newcomers well fare to the extent of trying to place them in some

lucrative position. I ask you one favor and that is this will

you please advise me as to if I come up there will you try and

get me work.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 21, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ As it is my desire to leave the south for some

portion of the north to make my future home I desided to write to

you as one who is able to furnish proper information for such a

move. I am a cook of plain meals and I have knowledge of

industrial training. I recieved such training at Tuskegee Inst.

some years ago and I have a letter from Mrs. Booker T. Washington

bearing out such statement and letters from other responsible

corporations and individuals and since I know that I can come up

to such recommendations, I want to come north where it is said

such individuals are wanted. Therefore will you please furnish me

with names and addresses of railroad officials to whom I might

write for such employment as it is my desire to work only for

railroads, if possible. I have reference to officials who are

over extra gangs, bridge gangs, paint gangs and pile drivers over

any boarding department which takes in plain meals. I have 25

years experience in this line of work and understand the method

of saving the company money.

You will please dig into this in every way that is necessary and

whatever charges you want for your trouble make your bill to me,

and I will mail same to you.

Wishing you much success in your papers throughout the country,

especially in the south as it is the greatest help to the

southern negro that has ever been read.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-20-17.

_Dear Sir:_ I am sure your time is precious, for being as you an

editor of a newspaper such as the race has never owned and for

which it must proudly bost of as being the peer in the

pereoidical world. am confident that yours is a force of busy

men. I also feel sure that you will spare a small amount of your

time to give some needed information to one who wishes to relieve

himselfe of the burden of the south. I indeed wish very much to

come north anywhere in Ill. will do since I am away from the

Lynchman's noose and torchman's fire. Myself and a friend wish to

come but not without information regarding work and general

suroundings. Now hon sir if for any reason you are not in

position to furnish us with the information desired. please do

the act of kindness of placing us in tuch with the organization

who's business it is I am told to furnish said information, we

are firemen machinist helpers practical painters and general

laborers. And most of all, ministers of the gospel who are not

afraid of labor for it put us where we are. Please let me hear

from you.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a reader of the Chicago Defender and while

reading I seen where you are aiding those in search of work and I

thought that I would drop you a few lines though I am far away

but if there is any way that you could get a pass please try and

do that much for us as we are a party of four good working men

the southern white are trying very hard to keep us from the north

but still they wont give us no work to do they dont pay us any

thing and still dont want us to go. now please answer at your

very earliest I am

DAPNE, ALA., 4/20/17.

_Sir:_ I am writing you to let you know that there is 15 or 20

familys wants to come up there at once but cant come on account

of money to come with and we cant phone you here we will be

killed they dont want us to leave here & say if we dont go to war

and fight for our country they are going to kill us and wants to

get away if we can if you send 20 passes there is no doubt that

every one of us will com at once, we are not doing any thing here

we cant get a living out of what we do now some of these people

are farmers and som are cooks barbers and black smiths but the

greater part are farmers & good worker & honest people & up to

date the trash pile dont want to go no where. These are nice

people and respectable find a place like that & send passes & we

all will come at once we all wants to leave here out of this hard

luck place if you cant use us find some place that does need this

kind of people we are called Negroes here. I am a reader of the

Defender and am delighted to know how times are there & was to

glad to, know if we could get some one to pass us away from here

to a better land. We work but cant get scarcely any thing for it

& they dont want us to go away & there is not much of anything

here to do & nothing for it. Please find some one that need this

kind of a people & send at once for us. We dont want anything but

our wareing and bed clothes & have not got no money to get away

from here with & beging to get away before we are killed and

hope to here from you at once. We cant talk to you over the phone

here we are afraid to they dont want to hear one say that he or

she wants to leave here if we do we are apt to be killed. They

say if we dont go to war they are not going to let us stay here

with their folks and it is not any thing that we have done to

them. We are law abiding people want to treat every bordy right,

these people wants to leave here but we cant we are here and have

nothing to go with if you will send us some way to get away from

here we will work till we pay it all if it takes that for us to

go or get away. Now get busy for the south race. The conditions

are horrible here with us. they wont give us anyhing to do & say

that we wont need anything but something to eat & wont give us

anything for what we do & wants us to stay here. Write me at once

that you will do for us we want & opertunity that all we wants is

to show you what we can do and will do if we can find some place,

we wants to leave here for a north drive somewhere. We see

starvation ahead of us here. We want to imigrate to the farmers

who need our labor. We have not had no chance to have anything

here thats why we plead to you for help to leave here to the

North. We are humane but we are not treated such we are treated

like brute by our whites here we dont have no privilige no where

in the south. We must take anything they put on us. Its hard if

its fair. We have not got no cotegous diseases here. We are

looking to here from you soon.

GREENVILLE, MISS., May 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ this letter is from one of the defenders greatest

frends. You will find stamp envelope for reply. Will you put me

in tuch with some good firm so I can get a good job in your city

or in Cleveland, Ohio or in Philadelphia, Pa. or in Detroyet,

Michian in any of the above name states I would be glad to live

in. I want to get my famely out of this cursed south land down

here a negro man is not good as a white man's dog. I can learn

anything any other man can. Not only I want to get out of the

south but there are numbers of good hard working men here and do

not know where they are going and what they are going to. Also I

could get a good deal of men from here if I could get in tuch

with some firms that would furnish me the money as passes. Now in

conlution, I want to know what is the trouble? I cannot get

anything more through the Defender. I have written to the

Defender some 3 or 4 times and eather articel was never

published. I recieves a free copy of the Defender every week and

the people here are all ways after me to write some doings to the

Defender and if I write anything it is never published.

GREENVILLE, MISS., 5-20-17.

_Dear Sir:_ I write you asking you some information as I am a

reader of your paper I have been buying a paper every Sunday for

5 months I want to come to your city to live and every thing is

so hard down here everything is so high and wages is low until we

just can live I want to know what will it cost from St. Louis to

Chicago. I can get from Greenville to St. Louis cheap by boat. I

want to come up there the last of June. I ask you to assist me in

getting a job I can do most any kind of hard work and have a

common education. If you will look me up a good job it will be

highly appreciated and your kindness will never be forgotten.

SELMA, ALA., 4-15-17.

_Dear Sir:_ If you no of any firm or corporation who need a good

reliable man please notify me I want get out of the south. I cant

live on the salary I am getting I am not so bent on coming to

Chicago. But anywhere up that way where there is an opening for

labor please attend to this matter at once. I can do any kind of

common labor please let me hear from you at your earliest

convenience. I take the Defender every week I see where southern

people are being put on jobs when they reach the North please

look for me a job or hand this to some one that will be

inturested in it.

MOSS POINT, MISS., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I read your advt in the Chicago Defender wanting

laborers for foundry, ware house, and yard work with

transportation paid. I'll come at once and lots of others here

would also come if you will transport us there for we are anxs to

get of southen soil.

LAUREL, MISS., May 10, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ i rite you i seen in Chicago paper that you aftiese

for laborer ninety miles from Chicago and i am a experienced

molder and i do truly hope you will give me a job for i am sick

of the south and please send me a transportation i have a family

and wife and three children my oldes child is 8 years old and i

wont to bring my famiely with me so please send me a

transportation at once for i am redy to come at once me and my

family i will pay you for your trubel with all pleasure if i can

get up there please send after us at once for i am redy to come

at once and i have not got money to pay our train fair and if you

will send after us i will sure pay you your money back so i will

close from your truly ansure soon

LETTERS FROM SOUTH TO FRIENDS NORTH AND FROM NORTH TO FRIENDS SOUTH

MACON, GA., May 27, 1917.

_Dear Mary:_--I just got in from B. Y. P. U. eat a little bite

and got my writing together. Now May dear you mus pardon me for

not answering promp I no you will when I tell you the cause We

had a souls stiring revival this year I mis you so much We

baptised 14 and after the Revival had closed up come George B----

confesing Christ so we baptized the first sunday in May and the

third Sunday in May George were baptise May I cant tell you how I

feel I wrote Ella J---- A---- Ella said she cried as far as she

is from here so she no I cut up but I diden I am just as quite as

I can be Sam H---- joined to. B os Jones Hattie J---- boy Geo

L---- Mr. B---- two boys Walice P---- I dont know the others.

Dear May I got a card from Mrs. Addie S---- yesterday she is well

and say Washington D.C. is a pretty place but wages is not good

say it better forther on Cliford B---- an his wife is back an

give the North a bad name Old lady C---- is in Cleavon an wonte

to come home mighty bad so Cliford say. I got a hering from Vick

C---- tell me to come on she living better than she ever did in

her life Charlie J---- is in Detroit he got there last weak

Hattie J---- lef Friday Oh I can call all has left here Leala

J---- is speaking of leaving soon There were more people left

last week then ever 2 hundred left at once the whites an colored

people had a meeting Thursday an Friday telling the people if

they stay here they will treat them better an pay better. Huney

they are hurted but the haven stop yet. The colored people say

they are too late now George B---- is on his head to go to

Detroit Mrs. Anna W---- is just like you left her she is urgin

everybody to go on an she not getting ready May you dont no how I

mis you I hate to pass your house Everybody is well as far as I

no Will J---- is on the gang for that same thing hapen about the

eggs on Houston road. His wife tried to get him to leave here but

he woulden Isiah j---- is going to send for Hattie. In short

Charles S---- wife quit him last week he aint doin no better May

it is lonesome her it fills my heart with sadiness to write to my

friends that gone we dont no weather we will ever see one or

nother any more or not May if I dont come to Chgo I will go to

Detroit I dont think we will be so far apart an we will get

chance to see each other agin I got a heap to tell you but I feal

so sad in hart my definder diden come yesterday I dont no why it

company to me to read it May I received the paper you sent me an

I see there or pleanty of work I can do I will let you no in my

next lettr what I am going to do but I cant get my mind settle to

save my life. Love to Mr. A----. May now is the time to leave

here. The weather is getting better I wont to live out from town

I would not like to live rite in town My health woulden be good

75 blocks burned in Atlanta. they had fire department from Macon,

Augusta, in Savanah--well all of the largest cities in Georgia to

help put out that fire the whites believe the Gurmons drop that

fire down Now may I hope we will meet again so we can talk face

to face just lik I once have. I will write to Mrs. V---- soon we

hurd Mr. L---- is there I didn't tell the nabors, I was writing

to you M. W---- will write next weak to you

Now we no that we or to pray for each other by by.

From

MARY B----

P. S. I will tell you this Ida gone out to about a farm and wants

me to take one but I feal like I make more up there than I will

fooling with a farm May if I stay here I will go crazy I am told

there is no meeting up there like we have here now May tell me

about the houses you can write me on a pos card of some of the

building. May tell me about the place. Lilian D---- come here

last night an tore my mind al to peaces I got your paper an note

so I will keep up corespond with you.

NASHVILLE, TENN., Aug. 14, 1917.

_Dear Mrs. T----.:_ I received your card and was glad to hear

from you pleas excsue me for not writing before now I have been

sick and have got a tubl headacke write back to me and let me

know how times is--I know you are getting fat of good boes--I

wish it was here--T---- sent love to you and said to get her a

boe. You ought to send me a apron or waist one--J---- said hody

and write to him and tell him about the browns up there and tell

R---- I said hody. I see T---- down to Mrs. S---- G---- and to

tell Mrs. N---- I said hody--how is the weigh up there--we can

get all the beerret we want--You think of me in your prays and I

will think of you in my prays

By By

From your

FRIEND.

ATLANTA, GA., July 4, '17.

_Hello Mr. M----:_ How are you at this time--I arrived here safe

and all O. K. and I am well and hope you are the same. Mrs. M----

told me that she reecived the money you sent to her and everybody

sends love to you. I found my baby very sick when I come home but

he is better now and I am going to try to come back up there in

short time. How are times there now since my leaving there. I

stopped in Cincinnati Ohio for 4 days then I left for G. but I

will be with you some days I hope. Ask J---- W---- did he get my

letter I wrote to him. Plenty work here but no money to it $1.50

to $2.00 a day that all I am telling you truly. Have you seen

anything of W---- W---- he is there in Chicago If you do tell him

to send me his address. I want to here from him I learn he is

making $23.00 a week he lives on Federal St., in the 40 block

some where. If I were there I would locate him.

Tell all the boys Hello. Tell them to write to me and tell me all

the news.

Good Bye

YOUR FRIEND.

NASHVILLE, TENN., Oct. 25th, 1917.

_Mrs. L---- t----:_ my dear friend I receuve your card and was

truly glad to hear from you--it found me not so well at this time

present and when these few lines come to you I hope they will

find you all well and doing well--I want you to write to me and

tell me what ar you doing and what ar you making and where is

your son w---- and how do you think it would soot me up there.

All of your friends said howdy and they would be glad to see

you--I would love to see you and Mrs. B---- I miss you so much.

Say T---- do you think that I could get a job up there if I

would come up there where you are--if so write me word and let me

no are you keeping house now to your self--if so write to me and

let me no--write soon tu me

Yours truley.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

_My dear Sister:_ I was agreeably surprised to hear from you and

to hear from home. I am well and thankful to say I am doing well.

The weather and everything else was a surprise to me when I came.

I got here in time to attend one of the greatest revivals in the

history of my life--over 500 people joined the church. We had a

Holy Ghost shower. You know I like to have run wild. It was

snowing some nights and if you didn't hurry you could not get

standing room. Please remember me kindly to any who ask of me.

The people are rushing here by the thousands and I know if you

come and rent a big house you can get all the roomers you want.

You write me exactly when you are coming. I am not keeping house

yet I am living with my brother and his wife. My sone is in

California but will be home soon. He spends his winter in

California. I can get a nice place for you to stop until you can

look around and see what you want. I am quite busy. I work in

Swifts packing Co. in the sausage department. My daughter and I

work for the same company--We get $1.50 a day and we pack so many

sausages we dont have much time to play but it is a matter of a

dollar with me and I feel that God made the path and I am walking

therein.

Tell your husband work is plentiful here and he wont have to loaf

if he want to work. I know unless old man A---- changed it was

awful with his sould and G---- also.

Well I am always glad to hear from my friends and if I can do

anything to assist any of them to better their condition, please

remember me to Mr. C---- and his family I will write them all as

soon as I can. Well I guess I have said about enough. I will be

delighted to look into your face once more in life. Pray for me

for I am heaven bound. I have made too many rounds to slip now. I

know you will pray for prayer is the life of any sensible man or

woman. Well goodbye from your sister in Christ

P. S. My brother moved the week after I came. When you fully

decide to come write me and let me know what day you expect to

leave and over what road and if I dont meet you I will have some

one ther to meet you and look after you. I will send you a paper

as soon as one come along they send out extras two and three

times a day.

CHICAGO, ILL.

_Dear Partner:_ You received a few days ago and I was indeed glad

to hear from you and know that you was well. How is the old burg

and all of the boys. Say partner is it true that T---- M---- was

shot by a Negro Mon. It is all over the city among the people of

H'burg if so let know at once so I tell the boys it true. Well so

much for that. I wish you could have been here to have been here

to those games. I saw them and beleve me they was worth the money

I pay to see them. T. S. and I went out to see Sunday game witch

was 7 to 2 White Sox and I saw Satday game 2 to 1 White Sox.

Please tell J---- write that he will never see nothing as long as

he stay down there behind the sun there some thing to see up here

all the time, (tell old E---- B---- to go to (H----) Tell B----

he dont hafter answer my cards. How is friend Wilson Wrote him a

letter in August. Tell him that all right I will see him in the

funny paper. Well Partner I guess you hear a meny funey thing

about Chicago. Half you hear is not true. I know B---- C---- hav

tole a meny lie Whenever you here see them Pardie tell them to

write to this a dress Say Pardie old H---- is moping up in his

Barber shop. Guess I will come to you Boy Xmas. I must go to bed.

Just in from a hard days work.

Your life long friend.

DIXON, ILL., Sept.-25-17.

_Dear Sir:_ Time affords of writting you people now as we have

raised to wages to three dollars a day for ten hours--eleven hrs.

a day $3.19 We work two wks day and two wks night--for night work

$3.90 This is steady work a year round We have been running ten

years without stopping only for ten days repair. I wish you would

write me at once.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 11/13/17.

MR. H----

Hattiesburg, Miss.

_Dear M----:_ Yours received sometime ago and found all well and

doing well, hope you and family are well.

I got my things alright the other day and they were in good

condition. I am all fixed now and living well. I certainly

appreciate what you done for us and I will remember you in the

near future.

M----, old boy, I was promoted on the first of the month I was

made first assistant to the head carpenter when he is out of the

place I take everything in charge and was raised to $95. a month.

You know I know my stuff.

Whats the news generally around H'burg? I should have been here

20 years ago. I just begin to feel like a man. It's a great deal

of pleasure in knowing that you have got some privilege My

children are going to the same school with the whites and I dont

have to umble to no one. I have registered--Will vote the next

election and there isnt any 'yes sir' and 'no sir'--its all yes

and no and Sam and Bill.

Florine says hello and would like very much to see you.

All joins me in sending love to you and family. How is times

there now? Answer soon, from your friend and bro.

PITTSBURG, PA., May 11, 1917.

_My dear Pastor and wife:_ It affords me great pleasure to write

you this leave me well & O. K. I hope you & sis Hayes are well &

no you think I have forgotten you all but I never will how is

ever body & how is the church getting along well I am in this

great city & you no it cool here right now the trees are just

peeping out. fruit trees are now in full bloom but its cool yet

we set by big fire over night. I like the money O. K. but I like

the South betterm for my Pleasure this city is too fast for me

they give you big money for what you do but they charge you big

things for what you get and the people are coming by cal Loads

every day its just pack out the people are Begging for some

whears to sta If you have a family of children & come here you

can buy a house easier than you cant rent one if you rent one you

have to sign up for 6 months or 12 month so you see if you dont

like it you have to stay you no they pass that law becaus the

People move about so much I am at a real nice place and stay

right in the house of a Rve.---- and family his wife is a state

worker I mean a missionary she is some class own a plenty rel

estate & personal Property they has a 4 story home on the

mountain, Piano in the parlor, organ in the sewing room, 1

daughter and 2 sons but you no I have to pay $2.00 per week just

to sleep and pay it in advance & get meals whear I work so I

think I shall get me a place whear I work next week the lady said

she would rather we stay in the house with them & give me a room

up stairs than to pay so much for sleeping so she pays me eight

Dols per week to feed now she says she will room me so if I dont

take that offer I cant save very much I go to church some time

plenty churches in this plase all kinds they have some real

colored churches I have been on the Allegany Mts twice seem like

I was on Baal Tower. Lisen Hayes I am here & I am going to stay

ontell fall if I dont get sick its largest city I ever saw 45

miles long & equal in breath & a smoky city so many mines of all

kind some places look like torment or how they say it look & some

places look like Paradise in this great city my sister in law

goes too far I stop here I will visit her this summer if I get a

pass I cant spend no more money going further from Home I am 26

miles from my son Be sweet Excuse me for writeing on both sides I

have so much to say I want to save ever line with a word and that

aint the half but I have told you real facts what I have said I

keps well so far & I am praying to contenure & I hope you & your

dear sweet wife will pray for me & all of my sisters & Bros &

give Mrs. C. my love & sis Jennie & all the rest & except a

barrel ful for you and Hayes Pleas send me a letter of

recommendation tell Dr., to sign & Mr. Oliver. I remain your

friend.

CLEVELAND, OHIO, Aug. 28, 1917.

hollow Dr. my old friend how are you to day i am well and is

doing fine plenty to eat and drink and is making good money in

fact i am not in the best of health i have not had good health

sence i ben here, i thought once i would hefter be operrated on

But i dont no. i were indeed glad to recieve that paper from

Union Springs, i saw in this a peas swhare I wrote to ellesfore a

2 horse farm, i have seval nochants of coming back, yet i am

doing well no trouble what ever except i can not raise my

children here like they should be this is one of the worst places

in principle you ever look on in your life but it is a fine place

to make money all nattions is here, and let me tell you this

place is crowded with the lowest negroes you ever meet, when i

first come here i cold hardly ever see a Negro but no this is as

meny here is they is thir all kinds of loffers. gamblers pockit

pickers you are not safe here to walk on the streets at night you

are libble to get kill at eny time thir have ben men kill her

jest because he want allow stragglers in his family, yet i have

not had no trouble no way. and we are making good money here, i

have made as hight at 7.50 per day and my wife $4 Sundays my sun

7.50 and my 2 oldes girls 1.25 but my regler wegers is 3.60 fore

8 hours work. me and my family makes one hundred three darlers

and 60 cents every ten days. it don cost no more to live here

than it do thir, except house rent i pay 12 a month fore rent

sence i have rote you everything look closely and tell me what

you think is best. i am able to farm without asking any man fore

enything on a credit i can not in joy this place let me tell you

this is a large place Say Jef thornton, and William Penn taken

dinner with us last Sunday and we taken a car ride over the city

in the evening we taken the town in and all so the great Jake

era. they left Sunday night for Akron. Allso Juf griear spent the

day with me few days ago give my love to all the Surounding

friends

By By

PHILADELPHIA, PA., Oct. 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I take this method of thanking you for yours early

responding and the glorious effect of the treatment. Oh. I do

feel so fine. Dr. the treatment reach me almost ready to move I

am now housekeeping again I like it so much better than rooming.

Well Dr. with the aid of God I am making very good I make $75 per

month. I am carrying enough insurance to pay me $20 per week if I

am not able to be on duty. I don't have to work hard, dont have

to mister every little white boy comes along I havent heard a

white man call a colored a nigger you no now--since I been in the

state of Pa. I can ride in the electric street and steam cars any

where I get a seat. I dont care to mix with white what I mean I

am not crazy about being with white folks, but if I have to pay

the same fare I have learn to want the same acomidation. and if

you are first in a place here shoping you dont have to wait until

the white folks get thro tradeing yet amid all this I shall ever

love the good old South and I am praying that God may give every

well wisher a chance to be a man regardless of his color, and if

my going to the front would bring about such conditions I am

ready any day--well Dr. I dont want to worry you but read between

lines; and maybe you can see a little sense in my weak statement

the kids are in school every day I have only two and I guess that

all. Dr. when you find time I would be delighted to have a word

from the good old home state. Wife join me in sending love you

and yours.

I am your friend and patient.

DAYTON, OHIO, 7/22/17.

_My dear pastor and wife:_ I reed your letter was Glad to hear

from you I am do find hope the same for you I am send you some

money for my back salary I will send you some more the 5 of Sept

next month Give love to all of the member of church I will be

home on a visit in Oct are early so pray for me write to me I

would have wrote to you but I didnot no just what to say all of

the people leaves Go to place up East that I did not no weather

are not you care to hear from me are not so I am glad you think

of me. Mr. O---- write me was going to take out life insurance

with him but he would not send me the paper so I just let it Go

as I guess he did not class me with himself I am mak $70 month at

this hotel and then not work hard.

PARIS, ILL., 11/7/17.

REV. ----,

Union Springs, Ala.

_My dear old friend:_ Yours of a few days ago has been received

and in reply I can only say that I was only too glad to hear from

you and to know that you are having such great success in your

farming as well as church work since I dont farm I know that my

Kmza joys will be made from a box fresh from your farm.

We are still well and happy glad to say and doing about as well

as can be expected. We have had some heavy snows this fall, but

the last four days have been like summer.

How is the conscription, high cost of living and now high cost of

postage serving you? It is giving me more trouble than I want.

One hundred of my men are gone to Texas and we feel that if Uncle

Sam doesn't come down they will have to go to France and from the

battle fields to the grave yards as the Germans are still on the

job and playing havoc.

I am to preach the Thanksgiving Sermon for the Union Services

this year. At this service all of the churches of the city come

together, both white and colored. I also recd. a notice of being

elected to preach the Annual Sermon for the Dist. Grand Lodge K

of P. in May of next year. Son pray for me for these are no

small gatherings, no little honors. How would you like for me to

play off and get you to fill my place? speak out, son.

The madam joins me in asking to be remembered to dear sister

Hayes and extending you all an invitation to come to see you

soon.

HOLDEN, W. VA.

DR. ----,

Union Springs, Ala.

How are you Dr. I am OK and family I make $80 to $90 per mo. with

ease and wish you all much success Hello to all the people of my

old home Town. I am saving my money and spending some of it. Have

Joined the K. P. Lodge up here in the mountain. Sen me 5 galls of

country syrup will pay you your price.

Yours in F. C. & B.

CHICAGO, IND., July 15, 1917.

DR. ----,

Union Springs, Ala.

_My dear Pastor:_ I find it my Duty to write you my whereabouts

also family, I am glad to say Family and myself are enjoying fine

health, wish the same of you and your dear wife. Well I can say

the people in my section are very much torn up about East St.

Louis. Representive col men of Chicago was in conference with

Governor he promise them that he would begin investigation at

once tell Sister Hayes my wife Says She will write her in a few

days. Dear Pastor I shall send my church some money in a few

days. I am trying to influence our members here to do the same. I

recd. notice printed in a R.R. car (Get straight with God) O I

had nothing so striking to me as the above mottoe. Let me know

how is our church I am to anxious to no. My wife always talking

about her seat in the church want to know who accupying it.

Yours in Christ.

DAYTON, OHIO, Oct. 17, 1917.

_Dear Pastor:_ I have join the church up here and I authorize the

church to write for my letter of dismission but they say they

have not heard enything from the church at all. Sister ---- ----

wrote to you she ask for my letter so I can join here in full and

if the church hold me for enything on why say to them I will know

what to do. I have never herd eny thing from my credental from

old man Bonnett. I sent him a letter and also credencil for him

to sign and sent stamps for him send them and he fail to let me

here fum him at all, so I thought you would here fum him befour

know & got him to tend to it for me so dear pastor let me here

from you and be shure to send me my letter of dismission By

Return mail my famil send they regaurd to you and wife they

planning to send some on they salary love to who may ask about

me.

EAST CHICAGO, IND., June 10, 1917.

DR. ----,

Union Springs, Ala.

_Dear Old Friend:_ These moments I thought I would write you a

few true facts of the present condition of the north. Certainly I

am trying to take a close observation--now it is tru the (col)

men are making good. Never pay less than $3.00 per day or (10)

hours--this is not promise. I do not see how they pay such wages

the way they work labors. they do not hurry or drive you.

Remember this is the very lowest wages. Piece work men can make

from $6 to $8 per day. They receive their pay every two weeks.

this city I am living in, the population 30,000 (20) miles from

Big Chicago, Ill. Doctor I am some what impress. My family also.

They are doing nicely. I have no right to complain what ever. I

rec. the papers you mail me some few days ago and you no I

enjoyed them reading about the news down in Dixie. I often think

of so much of the conversation we engage in concerning this part

of the worl. I wish many time that you could see our People up

hese as they are entirely in a different light. I witness

Decoration Day on May 30th, the line of march was 4 miles. (8)

brass band. All business houses was close. I tell you the people

here are patriotic. I enclose you the cut of the white press. the

chief of police drop dead Friday. Burried him today. The

procession about (3) miles long. Over (400) auto in the

parade--five dpt--police Force, Mayor and alderman and secret

societies; we are having some cold weather--we are still wearing

over coats--Let me know what is my little city doing. People are

coming here every day and are finding employment. Nothing here

but money and it is not hard to get. Remember me to your dear

Family. Oh, I have children in school every day with the white

children. I will write you more next time. how is the lodge.

Yours friend,

AKRON, OHIO, May 21, 1917.

_Dear Friend_: I am well and hop you are well. I am getting along

fine I have not been sick since I left home I have not lost but

2-1/2 day I work like a man. I am making good. I never liked a

place like I do here except home. Their is no place like home How

is the church getting along. You cant hardly get a house to live

in I am wide awake on my financial plans. I have rent me a place

for boarders I have 15 sleprs I began one week ago and be shure

to send me my letter of dismission By Return mail. I am going

into some kind of business here by the first of Sept. Are you

farming. Rasion is mighty high up here. the people are coming

from the south every week the colored people are making good they

are the best workers. I have made a great many white friends. The

Baptist Church is over crowded with Baptist from Ala & Ga. 10 and

12 join every Sunday. He is planning to build a fine brick

church. He takes up 50 and 60 dollars each Sunday he is a wel to

do preacher. I am going to send you a check for my salary in a

few weeks. It cose me $100 to buy furniture. Write me.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] These letters were collected under the direction of Mr. Emmett J.

Scott.

BOOK REVIEWS

_The American Negro in the World War._ By EMMETT J. SCOTT, Special

Assistant to the Secretary of War. The Negro Historical Publishing

Company, Washington, D.C., 1919.

Mr. Scott's account of the _Negro in the World War_ is one of a number

of works presenting the achievements of the Negroes during the great

upheaval. Kelly Miller, W. Allison Sweeney and others have preceded

him in publishing volumes in this same field. The account written by

Kelly Miller is apparently of dubious authorship. It is but a

common-place popular sketch of the war supplemented by one or two

essays bearing the stamp of controversial writing peculiar to Kelly

Miller. W. Allison Sweeney's work undertakes to make a more continuous

historical sketch of the achievements from year to year while at the

same time guided by the topical plan. At times the author is lofty in

his treatment and equally as often trivial. To say that Miller's and

Sweeney's works are not scientific does not exactly cover the ground.

They do not well measure up to the standard of the average popular

history.

Mr. Scott's history is far from being a definitive one, as the purpose

of the author was rather to popularize the achievements of the Negro

soldiers. In addition to giving the current historical comment

accessible in newspapers and magazines, Mr. Scott has incorporated

into his work a large number of official documents accessible only to

some one, who like himself, was connected with the War Department

during the conflict. It has another value, moreover, in that it well

sets forth the reaction of an intelligent federal official of color on

the thousands of events daily transpiring around him.

The author undertakes to connect the Negro with the fundamental cause

of the war in that race prejudice was its source. He shows how

fortunate it was to have Negro troops as the first of the national

guard to be adequately equipped for immediate service and to occupy

the post of honor in guarding the White House and the national

capital, by order of the President of the United States. His own

appointment and his work as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of

War as an official recognition of the Negroes' interest in the war are

made the nucleus around which the facts of the work are organized.

How the Negroes figured in the national army, how Negro soldiers and

officers were trained, and how they were treated in the camps all

bring to light information for which the public has long been waiting.

After giving passing mention to the black soldiers in the armies of

the European nations the author directs his attention to the Negro

regiments overseas. Special chapters are devoted to the achievements

of the 367th, 368th, 370th, 371st and 372d regiments. The behavior of

the Negroes in battle is sketched in the chapter entitled the Negro as

a Fighter.

While dealing primarily with actual war, the author has been careful

to give adequate space to agencies which helped to make the war

possible. The valuable service rendered by the Negroes in the Service

of Supply constitutes one of the most interesting chapters of the

book. Whereas these Negroes were actually conscripted to labor in

spite of the declaration of the War Department to the contrary, they

accepted their lot with the spirit of loyalty and performed one of the

great tasks of the war in getting supplies to Europe and furnishing

the army with them in France. Negro labor in war times, Negro women in

war work, the loyalty of the Negro civilians, and the social welfare

agencies are also treated. Finally the author takes up an important

question: _Did the Negro get a square deal?_ In a position to know the

many problems confronting the Negroes drawn into the army, Mr. Scott

has brought forward in this final chapter adequate evidence to prove

that the Negro did not get a square deal.

* * * * *

_The Heart of a Woman._ By GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON, with an

introduction by WILLIAM STANLEY BRAITHWAITE. The Cornhill Co., Boston,

1918. Pp. 62.

In these days of _vers libre_ and the deliberate straining for poetic

effect these lyrics of Mrs. Johnson bring with them a certain sense of

relief and freshness. Also the utter absence of the material theme

makes an appeal. We are all weary of the war note and are glad to

return to the softer pipings of old time themes--love, friendship,

longing, despair--all of which are set forth in _The Heart of a

Woman_.

The book has artistry, but it is its sincerity which gives it its

value. Here are the little sharp experiences of life mirrored

poignantly, sometimes feverishly, always truly. Each lyric is an

instantaneous photograph of one of the many moments in existence

which affect one briefly perhaps, but indelibly. Mr. Braithwaite says

in his introduction that this author engages "life at its most

reserved sources whether the form or substance through which it

articulates be nature, or the seasons, touch of hands or lips, love,

desire or any of the emotional abstractions which sweep like fire or

wind or cooling water through the blood." The ability to give a

faithful and recognizable portrayal of these sources, is Mrs.

Johnson's distinction.

In this work, Mrs. Johnson, although a woman of color, is dealing with

life as it is regardless of the part that she may play in the great

drama. Here she is a woman of that imagination that characterizes any

literary person choosing this field as a means of directing the

thought of the world. Several of her poems bearing on the Negro race

have appeared in the _Crisis_. In these efforts she manifests the

radical tendencies characteristic of every thinking Negro of a

developed mind and sings beautifully not in the tone of the

lamentations of the prophets of old but, while portraying the trials

and tribulations besetting a despised and rejected people, she sings

the song of hope. In reading her works the inevitable impression is

that it does not yet appear what she will be. Adhering to her task

with the devotion hitherto manifested, there is no reason why she

should not in the near future take rank among the best writers of the

world.

J. R. FAUSET

* * * * *

_A History of Suffrage in the United States._ By KIRK and PORTER,

Ph.D. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Ill. Pp. 265. Price

$1.25.

Knowing that few citizens realize the restrictions on suffrage during

the early years of the republic and the difficulty with which the

right of franchise has been extended during the last half century, the

author has undertaken a scientific study in this field. How the

franchise was at first limited to persons owning considerable

property, and how some of the most popular statesmen of that day

endeavored to keep it thus restricted, and how this aristocratic test

gradually ceased, constitute the interesting portion of the book. The

author's aim, however, is to "present a panoramic picture of the whole

United States and to carry the reader rapidly on from decade to decade

without getting lost in the detailed history."

The author himself raises the question as to whether he has placed

undue stress on the Civil War and the Reconstruction periods; "but

the intention," says he, "was to pick out of Civil War history the

events and circumstances that had to do directly with suffrage and to

lay them before the reader who is not necessarily familiar with that

history. This decision to emphasize these two periods was determined

to some extent by the fact that the study of suffrage during the

colonial period has been covered by C. F. Bishop's _History of

Elections in the American Colonies_ and A. V. McKinley's _Suffrage

Franchise in the Colonies_. One of the aims of the book is to clear up

the problems of suffrage so far as the Negro is concerned.

Taking up the question of the extension of suffrage to Negroes upon

the passing of the property qualifications, the author gives some

valuable information, showing the restriction of Negro suffrage

culminating with their disfranchisement in Pennsylvania but falls into

the attitude of a biased writer in making such remarks as "New York

was not a State that suffered greatly from the presence of the Negro"

to account for its action on the question. Again on page 87 he says:

"Up to about this time the Negroes had not been a serious problem." No

large group of Negroes have ever made a State suffer, but communities

living up to the expensive requirements of race prejudice have paid

high costs for which the Negroes have not been responsible. Because of

this bias the writer betrays throughout his treatment his feeling that

Negro suffrage was justly restricted, when white persons not better

qualified were permitted to vote.

After briefly discussing the extension of the franchise to aliens and

the beginnings of woman suffrage the author directs his attention to

the question as it developed during the Civil War and the

Reconstruction. Into this he brings so many impertinent matters

concerning reconstruction that he almost wanders afield. In the

discussion, however, he makes clear his position that Congress in its

plan for reconstruction had no right to require the seceded States to

make provision for Negro suffrage. As these States, moreover, were not

qualified for representation in Congress they could not be for

ratification of an amendment. It is not surprising then that the

author blamed the Negro for his own recent disfranchisement. He says:

"The Negro must have failed to make himself an intelligent dominant

political factor in the South or such constitutions as have been

renewed here would be utterly impossible." The author has evidently

ignored the forces making history.

* * * * *

_A Social History of the American Family._ By ARTHUR W. CALHOUN, Ph.D.

Volumes II and III. The Arthur A. Clark Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

This work, the first volume of which with these two completes the

treatise, appeared in 1917 when it was reviewed in this publication.

The second volume covers the period from our independence through the

Civil War. Carrying forward this treatment the author considers

marriage and fecundity in the new nation, the unsettling of

foundations, the emancipation of childhood, the social subordination

of woman, the emergence of woman, the family and the home, sex morals

in the opening continent, the struggle for the west, the new

industrial order, the reign of self indulgence, Negro sex and family

relations in the ante-bellum South, racial associations in the old

South, the white family in the old South, and the effects of the Civil

War.

Discussing Negro sex the author says (II, 243): "If the blacks were

gross and bestial, so would our race be under a like bondage; so it is

now when driven by capitalism to the lower levels of misery. The

allegedly superior morality of the master race or class is not an

inherent trait but merely a function of economic ease and ethical

tradition." He then discusses slave breeding, which was so degrading

as to force sexual relations between healthy Negroes and even that of

orphan white girls with Negroes to produce desirable looking offspring

for purposes of concubinage. Such a case happened in Virginia near the

end of the eighteenth century. After long litigation she and her

children were declared free. Under these conditions sexual relations

among Negroes became loose. The attachment of husband to wife was not

strong and ties of blood were often ignored in sexual relations. There

appears, on the other hand, much evidence that a high sense of

morality obtained among the Negroes. Women of color would not yield to

the lust of their masters, and the forced separation by sale of the

wife from the husband caused heartaches and sometimes suicide.

Racial associations of the slaves with their masters' children, the

author contends, was generally harmful in that white children learned

from the most degraded class of the population. Yet the fact that the

whites often admitted the blacks to great intimacy indicates that

there must have been many whites who did not believe it. Slaves thus

associated soon learned the ways of their master's family, but white

children remaining and even sleeping promiscuously among slaves early

formed the habit of fornication. The extent to which this custom

prevailed is well established by numerous instances of the concubinage

of white men with women of color, the offspring of which served for

the same purpose as an article of commerce for similar use throughout

the South. In this respect the author has not brought out anything

new.

Continuing the discussion further he says (II, 305): "Southerners

maintained heatedly that at all events the virtue of the southern

woman was unspotted." "Doubtless," says he, "their contention was

largely warranted but it could not be maintained absolutely." To prove

the assertion he quotes Neilson, who during the six years he spent in

the United States prior to 1830 found in Virginia a case of a Negro

with whom a planter's daughter had not only fallen in love but had

actually seduced him. In North Carolina a white woman drank some of

her Negro's blood that she might swear that she had Negro blood in her

and marry him. They reared a family. The author quotes also from

Reverend Mr. Rankin, who "could refer you to several instances of

slaves actually seducing the daughters of their masters! Such

seductions sometimes happened even in the most respectable

slaveholding families." The author agrees with Pickett, however, that

most white women in the South were pure, and questions Bennett's

remark that perhaps ladies are not immaculate, as may be inferred from

the occasional quadroon aspect of their progeny. He gives some weight,

however, to this remark of a southerner (II, 305-306): "It is

impossible that we should not always have a class of free colored

people, because of the fundamental law _partris sequitur ventrum_.

There must always be women among the lower class of whites, so poor

that their favors can be purchased by slaves. "The _Richmond Enquirer_

of 1855," says the author, "contains the news of a woman's winning

freedom for herself and five children by proving that her mother was a

white woman." While Lyell found scarcely any instances of mulattoes

born of a black father and a white mother, Olmsted, another traveler

who observed that white men sometimes married rich colored girls,

heard of a case of a colored man who married a white girl.

In the third and last volume, covering the period since 1865, the

author treats the white family in the new South, miscegenation, the

Negro family since emancipation, the new basis of American life, the

revolution in the woman's world, the woman in the modern American

family, the career of the child, the passing of patriarchism and

familiarism, the precarious hour, the trend as to marriage, race

sterility and race suicide, divorce, the attitude of the church, the

family, and the social revolution. The author finds that during the

past half century the American family possesses unity, due to the fact

that the period itself is marked by intrinsic oneness as the

expression of an economic epoch, the transition to urban

industrialism. If any exception to this statement be made it would

insist on a subdivision with the line falling within the decade of the

eighties when the country was passing beyond the direct influences of

the war and modern industrialism was well under way.

Taking up the Negro family since the Civil War, the author shows how

difficult it was to uproot the immorality implanted by slavery but

notes the steady progress of the _mores_ of the freedmen despite their

poverty. Colored women continued the prey of white men and it was

difficult to raise a higher standard. There appeared few cases of the

miscegenation of the white women with black men but here and there it

would recur. "Stephen Powers, who passed through the South shortly

after the War, tells of applying for lodging at a lordly mansion in

South Carolina and being repelled by the mistress. At the next house

he learned the cause of her irritation--her only daughter had just

given birth to a Negro babe. After making diligent inquiry he failed

to find another such instance in high life, but in South Carolina

districts where the black population was densest and the poor whites

most degraded 'these unnatural unions were more frequent than anywhere

else' (III, 29). In every case, however, he says it was a woman of the

lowest class, generally a sand-hiller, who, deprived of her support by

the war, took up with a likely 'nigger' in order to save her children

from famine." "He found six such marriages in South Carolina," says

Calhoun, "but never more than one in any other State." The author has

not exhausted this phase of the family, for the reviewer might add

that he knew of four cases of concubinage of white women and black men

in Buckingham County, Virginia, during the eighties.

On the whole progress toward the elimination of miscegenation by

interracial respect and good will to furnish a barrier is seen as in

the cases of Oberlin and Berea, where coeducation of the races did not

lead to intermarriage. The author refers to the efforts of some

States outside of the South attempting to check miscegenation by

statute, but shows the folly of such legislation in proving that in

general where intermarriage of the races is still permitted very

little occurs. Referring to the statutes of the States prohibiting

marriage between the whites and the blacks (III, 38), he says: "The

necessity for such legislation calls in question the supposed

antipathy between the races, unless the intention is merely to guard

against the aberrancy of atypical individuals." "The laws," says he,

"are of dubious justice and clearly work hardships in certain cases."

The work on the whole is interesting and valuable although the author

sometimes goes astray in paying too much attention to biased writers

like W. H. Thomas and H. W. Odum who have taken it upon themselves to

vilify and slander the Negro race.

NOTES

To facilitate the study of Negro history in clubs and schools, Dr. C.

G. Woodson has prepared an illustrated text-book entitled _The Negro

in our History_. It has been sent to the publishers and is expected

from the press the first of the year. The book has a topical

arrangement but the matter is so organized as to show the evolution of

the Negro in America from the introduction of slavery in 1619 to the

present day. The topics are: _The Negro in Africa_, _The Enslavement

of the Negro_, _Slavery in its Mild Form_, _The Negro and the Rights

of Man_, _The Reaction_, _Economic Slavery_, _The Free Negro_,

_Abolition_, _Colonization_, _Slavery and the Constitution_, _The

Negro in the Civil War_, _The Reconstruction_, _Finding a way of

Escape_, _Achievements in Freedom_, _The Negro in the World War_, and

_The Negro and Social Justice_.

The aim of the author is to meet the long felt need of a book of

fundamental facts with references and suggestions for more intensive

study. While it is adapted for use in the senior high school and

freshman college classes, it will serve as a guide for persons

prosecuting the study more seriously.

Just as soon as this book has come from the press the Association will

send to all Negro schools of secondary and college grade a field agent

to interest them in the effort to inculcate in the mind of the youth

of African blood an appreciation of what their race has thought and

felt and done. The cooperation of all persons taking seriously the

effort to publish the records of the Negro that the race may not

become a negligible factor in the thought of the world, is earnestly

solicited. Any suggestions as to how this work may be more

successfully prosecuted and as to extending it into inviting fields,

will be appreciated.

Dr. W. E. B. DuBois and his coworkers are preparing a History of the

Negro in the World War to be published about October.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND BIENNIAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE

STUDY OF NEGRO LIFE AND HISTORY

The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History held its

second biennial meeting in Washington, D. C., on the 17th and 18th of

June. An effort was made to bring together for a conference all

persons interested in the study of Negro life and history and

especially to reach those who are giving instruction in these fields.

Accordingly there were present persons from all walks of life, some

coming even from distant points. The Association was honored by the

presence of Dr. J. Stanley Durkee and Dr. H. B. Learned.

In the absence of Dr. Robert E. Park, President of the Association,

Dr. J. E. Moorland, Secretary-Treasurer, presided. The first session

was an interesting one. Mr. C. H. Tobias delivered an instructive

address on "Negro Welfare Work during the World War." The address

covered in outline the efforts and achievements of all such agencies

as the Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, Young Women's Christian

Association, Young Men's Christian Association, and the Salvation

Army, with reference to their special bearing on the comfort of the

Negroes during the war. The speaker undertook to give the merits and

demerits in each case to enlighten the public as to what was done for

and what against the Negro soldiers by these social welfare agencies.

Mr. Monroe N. Work then read an interesting and valuable paper on the

"Negro and Public Opinion in the South since the Civil War." The

purpose of the paper was to set forth the varying attitude of the

whites toward the Negro as evidenced by the thought of the community

expressed in the records from decade to decade. Exactly why these

changes in public opinion were brought about constituted the most

interesting part of this address, for it treated not necessarily of

present day conditions but undertook to account for them in the past.

Dr. H. B. Learned, a member of the Board of Education of the District

of Columbia, was then introduced to the Association. He confined his

remarks to a discussion of the thoughts of the preceding speakers

impressing him most and especially to that of illiteracy. He gave

some valuable information as to the intellectual development of

soldiers drafted during the recent war and said much to throw light on

the conditions of those sections from which they came. He made an

appeal for an increasing interest in the illiterates of both races and

emphasized how difficult it is for men to live for the greatest good

of themselves and their fellows without adequate enlightenment in

things fundamental. His address was scholarly and timely and deeply

impressed his hearers.

The meeting of the Executive Council of the Association was held at

two o'clock of the same day. Matters of much importance were

considered. Among these may be mentioned the decision to employ a

field agent for the extension of the work, the change of the meeting

from biennial to annual, and the plans for increasing the income of

the Association. It was decided to recommend Mr. William G. Willcox

and Mr. Emmett J. Scott for membership in the Executive Council.

The evening session of the first day was held at the Fifteenth Street

Presbyterian Church. A large and respectable audience was present. The

speakers of the occasion were Mr. Archibald H. Grimke and Emmett J.

Scott. Mr. Grimke delivered an address on "The Negro and Social

Justice," Beginning with the Declaration of Independence, Mr. Grimke

founded the rights of the Negro in the doctrines advanced by the

statesmen and philosophers of that time and then supported these

claims by the liberal provisions in the Constitution and its

amendments. How the United States Government has failed to live up to

the standard of the real democracy, although professing to promote the

cause of the same, was the main feature of this address. It was on the

whole an interesting discourse and it was well received.

Mr. Emmett J. Scott, the second speaker of the evening, undertook to

answer the question: "Did the Negro get a Square Deal?" In this

discussion he briefly reviewed the working of the War Department and

other branches of the government having to do with the war, bringing

out in each case exactly what the attitude of the respective branch of

the government was toward the Negro as evidenced by the disposition of

complaints of discrimination set before the heads of those

departments. The address brought out the two important points: that

Mr. Scott, as Special Assistant to the Secretary of War, had been

untiring in his efforts to secure for the Negro the proper recognition

of his rights, but because of rampant race prejudice these rights

were generally disregarded by the public functionaries with exception

of the War Department, where the Secretary did do so much to eliminate

such discrimination that they were decidedly reduced in that

department. It showed also that after all and in spite of the various

explanations made for delay and grievances which were not redressed

that the Negro soldiers did not get a square deal.

Dr. C. V. Roman, Field Secretary attached to the surgeon general's

office to lecture in the cantonments on social hygiene, discussed full

American citizenship as an ultimate goal of the Negro. To explain his

attitude he made his remarks strictly historical, contrasting the

discouraging aspect of things in 1857 with the much more encouraging

situation eight years later in 1865 when the Negro emerged as a free

man. He too brought forth facts to show that while the attitude of the

majority of the people of this country toward the Negro has been

unfavorable, it has on the whole been hopeful in that the condition of

the Negro has grown better rather than worse.

The morning session of Wednesday, the second day of the meeting, was

to be opened by an address by Mr. Charles H. Wesley, but owing to the

unavoidable absence of Dr. Thomas Jesse Jones, it was decided to have

Mr. Wesley address the evening session at the Fifteenth Street

Presbyterian Church. Dr. J. E. Moorland then spoke of "What the Negro

Got out of the War." He did not take the attitude of those desiring to

criticize the government because of its shortcomings nor did he

express disappointment over the fact that the Negro's participation in

the war was not considered sufficient to remove all discrimination on

their return home. He referred rather to the lessons of thrift,

economy, coöperation, and social uplift, which given renewed impetus

by our experiences during this war, will set to work among the Negro

people forces which augur for success.

The Association was then addressed by Mr. Ezra Roberts, head of the

academic department of Tuskegee Institute, Dr. James H. Dillard and

Dr. J. Stanley Durkee. Mr. Roberts spoke briefly of his systematic

effort to teach Negro history at Tuskegee, discussing the plans,

purposes and means to the end. He referred to the dearth of text-book

material adequately to cover the field and gave the books which he

used for source material. His address was very illuminating and

tended to open to the seeker of truth a neglected field. He was

followed by Mr. James H. Dillard, who discussed the same subject,

emphasizing the necessity to study Africa also as a background. Mr.

Dillard spoke of his interest in the work of the Association and

pledged his support of the effort to extend the work. Dr. J. Stanley

Durkee, President of Harvard University, mentioned also the need for a

study of the Negro in antiquity to bring to light the beautiful

romances of African history which does so much credit to the Negro

race. He believed also that more attention should be given to the

study of social problems and an equipment of the youth for social

service and spoke briefly of his plans to take up such work in the

reconstruction of Howard University.

At the close of the morning session the business meeting set for two

o'clock was immediately held to avoid the intensive heat which the

members would have to endure to return at that hour of the day. The

new business coming before the Association was presented. After

hearing the reports the following new officers were reëlected:

Dr. R. E. Park, _President_,

Dr. J. E. Moorland, _Secretary-Treasurer_,

Dr. C. G. Woodson, Director.

The following were chosen members of the Executive Council:

Robert E. Park, William G. Willcox,

Jesse E. Moorland, L. Hollingsworth Wood,

Carter G. Woodson, Irving Metcalf,

Julius Rosenwald, Thomas J. Jones,

George Foster Peabody, A. L. Jackson,

James H. Dillard, Moorfield Storey,

John R. Hawkins, R. E. Jones.

Emmett J. Scott,

Dr. R. E. Park, Dr. J. E. Moorland and Dr. C. G. Woodson were chosen

as trustees of the Association. Dr. John R. Hawkins, Dr. J. E.

Moorland and Mr. L. Hollingsworth Wood were appointed members of the

Business Committee.

The reports of the Director and Secretary-Treasurer follow.

THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

The period covered by the last two years has been the most

successful in the history of the Association. It has not yet

solved all of its difficult problems and is far from being above

want, but the progress it has made during the last two years

indicates that the ultimate accomplishment of its purposes is

assured. The edition of the JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY has reached

4,000. The current circulation, however, is a little less, but

the numbers remaining on hand are gradually absorbed by the book

trade. Our subscription list shows 1648 subscribers. About 600

copies are sold at news stands and 500 are brought out at the end

of the year in bound form. Because of the value of the JOURNAL OF

NEGRO HISTORY in this form as a source book, the demand has

recently been so great that it is necessary to reprint all

numbers hitherto published.

The achievements of the Association have been various. There has

been among the people an increasing interest in the study of

Negro life and history as a result of the extension of the

circulation of the JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY and the Negro reading

public has been considerably enlarged. This publication is now

read by serious thinkers throughout the world and research

students find it a valuable aid. The people as a whole are now

ready to hear the facts in the case of the Negro. They desire to

know exactly what the race has done to be entitled to the

consideration given other elements of our population.

To supply this need the Director has supplemented the work of the

JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY by reprinting and circulating a number

of valuable dissertations and by publishing several books among

which are _Slavery in Kentucky_, _The Royal Adventurers into

Africa_, and _A Century of Negro Migration_. In the near future

the Association will publish for Mr. Justice Riddell, of the

Ontario Supreme Court, a monograph on _The Slave in Upper

Canada_. The Director has written an illustrated text-book on

Negro History which will be published within a few months. These

efforts indicate that the Association will soon develop into a

nucleus of workers known throughout the world as publishers of

authoritative and scientific books bearing on Negro life and

history.

It is highly gratifying that it is becoming less difficult to

find funds to support the work of the Association. A number of

persons who made contributions from the very beginning have

recently increased their donations. Among these are Mr. Moorfield

Storey and the Phelps Stokes Fund. From other sources there have

been obtained several substantial contributions such as $100 from

Mr. Frank Trumbull, $100 from Mr. William G. Willcox, $200 from

Mr. Morton D. Hull, $250 from Mr. Jams J. Storrow, and $400 from

Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge, the amount which Mr. Julius Rosenwald has

from the beginning annually contributed.

The Director has endeavored so to increase these contributions as

to secure an endowment making the Association a foundation for a

serious scientific study of Negro life and history.

Unfortunately, however, philanthropists have not seemed disposed

to invest large sums in such an enterprise. The reply to such an

appeal is, that while this work is of great value, they have no

assurance that should the present promoters find it necessary to

retire therefrom, that the work would go on in the way it has

been established and maintained. These philanthropists have in

mind the dearth of scholarship in this field. When our colleges

and universities, therefore, will have developed a serious

student body primarily interested in applying science to the

solution of the race problem, these gentlemen will consider this

appeal more sympathetically.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER

WASHINGTON, D. C., June 16, 1919.

_The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History,

Incorporated._

_Gentlemen:_ I hereby submit to you a report of the amount of

money received and expended by the Association for the Study of

Negro Life and History, Incorporated, from June 30, 1917, to June

16, 1919, inclusive:

RECEIPTS EXPENDITURES

Subscriptions $1,532.14 Printing and stationery $5,283.65

Memberships 483.17 Petty cash expenses 955.18

Contributions 4,989.29 Rent and light 314.03

News agents 357.94 Stenographic services 844.49

Advertisement 202.66 Refunds 12.20

Books 22.40 Advertising 128.00

--------- Bond 10.00

Total receipts June, 1917, to ---------

June, 1919 $7,587.60 Total expenditures $7,547.55

Balance, June 30, 1917 58.40 Balance, June 16, 1919 98.45

--------- ---------

$7,646.00 $7,646.00

--------- ---------

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) J. E. MOORLAND,

_Secretary-Treasurer_.

WASHINGTON, D. C., June 16, 1919.

DR. C. G. WOODSON, Director, Association for the study of Negro

Life and History, 1216 You Street, N.W., City.

_Dear Sir_:

In accordance with your request, I have audited the books of the

Secretary-Treasurer of the Association for the Study of Negro

Life and History and find them correct for the period from July

6, 1917, to June 16, 1919.

Respectfully,

(Signed) C. E. LUCAS,

_Auditor._

The constitution as amended at the business session follows.

CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF NEGRO LIFE AND

HISTORY

I. The name of this body shall be the Association for the Study

of Negro Life and History.

II. Its object shall be the collection of sociological and

historical documents and the promotion of studies bearing on the

Negro.

III. Any person approved by the Executive Council may become a

member by paying $1.00 and after the first year may continue a

member by paying an annual fee of one dollar. Persons paying

$2.00 annually become both members of the Association and

subscribers to the JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY. On the payment of

$30.00 any person may become a life member, exempt from

assessments. Persons not resident in the United States may be

elected honorary members and shall be exempt from any payment of

assessments. Members organized as clubs for the study of the

Negro shall gratuitously receive from the Director such

instruction in this field as may be given by mail.

IV. The Officers of this Association shall be a President, a

Secretary-Treasurer, a Director of Research and Editor, and an

Executive Council, consisting of the free foregoing officers and

twelve other members elected by the Association. The Association

shall elect three members of the Executive Council as trustees.

It shall also appoint a business committee to certify bills and

to advise the Director in matters of administrative nature. These

officers shall be elected by ballot through the mail or at each

annual meeting of the Association.

V. The President and Secretary-Treasurer shall perform the duties

usually devolving on such officers. The Director of Research and

Editor shall devise plans for the collection of documents, direct

the studies of members and determine what matter shall be

published in the JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY. The Executive Council

shall have charge of the general interests of the Association;

including the election of members, the calling of meetings, the

collection, and disposition of funds.

VI. This Constitution may be amended at any biennial meeting,

notice of such amendment having been given at the previous

biennial meeting or the proposed amendment having received the

approval of the Executive Council.

The last session of the Association was held Wednesday evening at the

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church. In the absence of Dr. J. E.

Moorland, Professor John R. Hawkins presided. The first address was

delivered by Mr. Charles H. Wesley on "The Negro Soldier in the

Confederate Army." Mr. Wesley's address was scholarly and

illuminating. He showed that he had made extensive research in this

field in that he was well acquainted with his subject and he had it

well outlined. It was presented in topical form and made so clear that

it was almost impossible not to understand the extent to which the

Negro figured as a soldier in the Confederate Army. He took occasion

to show the difference between the Negro's loyalty to his country and

that to the master class and explained how an attachment to the soil

on which one lives is inevitable. The whole address tended to bring

forth the thought that the Negro is so closely connected with all the

great movements of this country that it is impossible to treat him as

an alien.

Dr. George E. Haynes, the next speaker, discussed "Some Economic

Problems of the Negro." As the Director of the Bureau of Negro

Economics in the Department of Labor, Dr. Haynes has done considerable

investigation which enables him to speak with authority in this field.

His discussion was largely statistical, treating the Negro laborer as

compared with the white laborer with respect to absenteeism, turn-over

and general efficiency. On some points his investigation had not gone

sufficiently far to reach definite conclusions. In most cases,

however, he had facts to warrant conclusions as to the main deficiency

from which the Negro laborer suffers and the respects in which he

excels the white laborer.

Mr. John W. Davis, Executive Secretary of the local Young Men's

Christian Association, undertook to explain "How to Promote the Study

of Negro Life and History." In the first place, he answered the

questions whether or not the Negro had any history, whether this

history is worth saving, and how the movement should be promoted.

Basing his remarks on the achievements of Africa to show that the

Negro has a history worth while, Mr. Davis supported the contention

that the race has a tradition which should be passed on to generations

unborn. He then endeavored to show briefly exactly how there can be

constructed the machinery adequate to interesting every individual

having pride in the achievements of this large fraction of the

population of the country.

* * * * *

[Transcriber's Notes:

Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as

possible, including obsolete and variant spellings and other

inconsistencies. The transcriber made the following changes to the

text to correct obvious errors:

1. p. 15, No footnote marker for footnote #18 in original text.

2. p. 15, No footnote marker for footnote #19 in original text.

3. p. 15, Footnote #19, "Attiude" --> "Attitude"

4. p. 18, "thereupon he suffered" --> "thereupon be suffered"

5. p. 30, Footnote #12, "skteches" --> "sketches"

6. p. 61, "intellignce" --> "intelligence"

7. p. 69, "about what time" --> "About what time"

8. p. 103, "depneded" --> "depended"

9. p. 109, "Ilinois" --> "Illinois"

10. p. 115, "expeience" --> "experience"

11. p. 273, No footnote text for footnote #58.

12. p. 288, "daugther" --> "daughter"

13. p. 291, "Apirl" --> "April"

14. p. 306, "Apri" --> "April"

15. p. 380, Footnote #16, "salvery" --> "slavery"

16. p. 410, "uusal" --> "usual"

17. p. 421, "supoprt" --> "support"

18. p. 429, "Apirl" --> "April"

Also, many occurrences of mismatched single and double quotes remain

as published.

End of Transcriber's Notes]