North Carolina Newspapers

Vol *XV1I Charlotte, N. C., Thursday, May 5, ‘1904. No. 17. (jfclNfcKAL UJrNbfcKtSINCt. Contiguous Districts: District Departments: Educational Treasury, BY R. J. CROCKETTE, [ have received the article on the question of ‘'contiguous dis tricts.” It is just what I thought it would be. It is just all any honest man could make out of, and say for, a thing that has grown out of use—entirely. He could not if be would, and would not if he could, say more about it than he did say: The rea son v:Jty they, were (primarily) so arranged. The reasons are good. No one could have suggested better, under the circumstances. But the “circumstances” have changed, and what was once a necessity is no longer (mere) consideration. The argument made in support of the “reason why” the districts were thus arranged, is straight forward and concise. This is not irony. It is fact. Its history is a revelation, and I hardly wanted to believe that the Zion Church had stood so long in the old grooves that the fathers placed her in under the war clouds, and other sinister conditions Sname on us, young men, at St. Louie, if we do not suggest something more business-like than having one bishop, after doing one third of Li, Work, crossing a part of three or four others, work to get to the balance of his, etc. The part of the article that inti mates that North Carolina will be the home of all Zion’s bishops for all times to come, and the part that accuses one of not thinking “carefully”—I forego, and with a deep determination-doubled,I shall strive with vote and might to give the. Church a plan that is not so expensive financially nor so taxing physically, nor so heavy psychical ly as the one we now operate, Contiguous Districts—heads (Sec retaries, if you please,) for each of our departments, and an Educa tional fund established—if only for lun—is the Slogan. Since some think we do not need these, it will at least keep us from looking so ridiculous and feeling so awkward. auuw me to adcl, tHat all bps not been told about the whole matter. These awkward districts have “reasonably’’ been such a strain on our mission moneys and such a physical strain on our trav eling officers until other Negro or ganizations have passed us in every thing except that their great organizations have not been re duced to such unique “personal conveniences” as attending com mencements and affording summer resorts, and winter retreats. The world will never accept our apolegetic “reasons;” it wants results. We might pile on the aitar all the personal conveniences of the past century, plus our seniority but the smoke will never curl heavenwards until Bethel steps rip .with her results of fifty-six domestic and eighteen foreign conferences, (while we explain “the reason” for having thirty •bx) not until Bethel steps up with ■ne results of her fifteen schools aQd ten colleges and universities, 1 while we speak of the convenience of four schools, one college and no universities.) My friends, I hate these things. Y\ e must give results and not iirea 90918,” If old methods will not ?ive them—we must give—despite any method. Being the oldest doe3 not count much. Let’s be the most useful. Rock Hill, S. C. Dr Bird For Manager. xx. iULIVUI. God is in the midst of Zion to help her, and that right early. He called the Manager of the Pub lication House to heaven and put another in so that the Connection may be at ease and not left to won der, It will be, if not already ad mitted, that Dr. F- K. Bird is ful ly equipped to fill the ofiice, and will, for he is painstaking and will succeed, and it is usually his desire through God’s will to give the whole Connection satisfaction Then that is settled Then there is another of the number spoken of whom they ex pect to vote for for bishop. If they can vote like they talk, the bish op question is only to be confirmed 1 believe if a day of fast and prayer is set forth for the work of this ensuing General Conference, it Vill be the best in all the history of Zion. The like never was heard of—superintendents of Sabbath schools, class leaders and members in service asking the Lord to have the Editor made bishop. Now, then, give us the power to vote for the presiding elders. It seems to me that a preacher hav ing knowledge trt hold a station or a circuit should have enough to vote for the presiding elder. The man that is worthy and lives among his fellowmeD with ability and manhood they are ready toask for a chance to throw a vote for such a man. Then let us have it free. The Connection asks for two bishops. If the writers are not guessing, by their letters Dr. J.W. Smith and J. S. Caldwell are the men. Whosoever shall be Editor may expect to prove a success or a failure, for the hands of friends and foe8 will be on him. Give us F. K. Bird for Mana ger and J. S. Settles for presiding elder. I am a member of Zion, and al ways have been, and for Id years carried my full assessment to Con ference and built and repaired as many churches in said time as any one else. Troy, N. C. A Branch House. Bishop G W Clinton is of the opinion that a branch of the Publishing House of the A M E Zion Church will eventu ally be established at Louisville, and many Zionists heartily agree with him in this idea, and we think further that the general head quarters of the Church itself would be more advantageously gathered in Kentucky’s thriving metrop olis than scattered as it is over Char lotte, N C, Philadelphia, and New York. Conditions have so changed that desir able real estate and excellent business opportunity for Negroes are as plentiful south of the Ohio River as north of it. Louisville is a most hospitable city, with a colored population of 80,000 in a radius of fifteen miles. It is the natural gateway from the middle North and West to the entire South, and the regular highway from the Atlantic sea board to the Pacific slope. It is the center of the promising field that Zion has been vigorously developing for the past twenty-five years and would be a fine strategic point for the conyenient manipulation of her multifarious plans, the speedy distribution of her literature and the frequent consultations of her general officers. For these purposes Louisville ia in every way superior to the cities which Zion now uses as bases of supplies.- -R IV T in Charleston {W Va.) Advocate. NATIONAL REPUBLICAN. Afro-American Council; Objects and Plan of Organization, organize! organize! At the meeting of the sub-Committee of the Executive Committee of the National Afro*American Council, held in Washington, D. C., December 10, 1903, it was decided to strike out the Non-partisan clause in the Constitution and to work in harmony with the Re publican party; First: Because we are forced to the conclusion that if we are to retain our civil and political rights, it will be through partisan action on our part. The Jim Crow car, the disfranchise ment law, ihe convict lease system, and other diecriminafory laws are tif^result of Democratic legislation; hence, we have nothing t) hope for from that party. Second: It is our bounden duty to do all in our power to secure the romi nation and election of President Roose Bishop A. Walters, I). D. veit to succeed himsdr. His noble stand for justice to all men regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude and his manly utterances in favor of an open door of opportunity for the black man, which has done so much to create favorable public opinion for the Afro American people, has placed us under a lasting obligation to him. It there fore becomes the duty of every Afro American to assist in organizing Republi can Councils in every city, town and vil lage in the Nation. There ought to be a thousand Councils organized by the 21st of June, 1904, the date of the meeting of the National Republican Committee. We have a splendid opportunity to favorably impress the National Repub lican Committee which can only be done by going before it backed by a mighty organization. Properly organ ized, we can secure what we desire; unorganized, our tause is almost help less. PLAN OF OBGANIZAT ION. Our plan of organization is as follows: Any person who has sufficient interest in the matter can send invitations to leading Afro-American citizens who are interested in the amelioration of the condition of our race, and the nomina tion and election of President Roosevelt to succeed himself, and the success of the Republican party can meet in some private house, according to the num ber invited. If as many as ten assem ble and are willing to subscribe to the objects mentioned above, they can be organized by the election of the follow ing officers :Presiaeut, Vice President. Secretary, ^s^t. Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Sergeant-at Arm?, and au Executive Committee consisting of five members. Each club or organize'ion is entitled to representation in tne annual convention by thepj.>mem uf $5 fo’ each delegate entitled to one vote. Club? already crginized can j >in the National boly by making application witn list of officers enclosed, uo A. B. Cosey, National Organizer, 828 Broad Street Newark, N. J. W H Steward, Acfing President, Louisville, Ky; Alexander Walters, Chairman Executive Committee, 28 Oak Street, Jersey City, N J; C F Adams, Secretary, 834 S, Street, N W, Washing t< n, DC; F L McGhee. Financial Sec retarv, St Paul, Minn ; Jonn W Thomp son, Treasurer, Box 493, Rochester, N Y; A B Cosey, National Organizer, Newark, N J; ADVISORY COMMITTEE, Hon; James 8 Clarkson; Booker T Washington , Ala; J E Bruce, New York; Judson W Lyons, Ga;Charles W Ander son. New sYork; Henri Herbert, New Jersey ; J C Napier,Tenn;S L Corrothers, D C; Edward Morris, III; T T Fortune, NJ W F Fa-mer, Mo; J C Dancy NC;P B 8 Pinchback, D O ; Judge R H Terrell, D C; Bishop B W Arnett, Oaio; Bishop G W Clinton, N C; R L Smith, Tex; C N Robinson, N J; W H Lewis, Mass; Walter L Cohen, La; FL Barnett, 111; Geo L Knox, Ind; I F Bradly, Kan : R 0 Smith, Ohio; J R Clifford, W, Ya; Wm Trotter, Mass ; E E Cooper, D C; 0 J Perry, Penn; Calvin Chase, DC; James Hayes, Va; Bishop A Grant, Ind; DR Wilkins, 111. Resolutions. Whereas, It has pleased Almight y God in His inscrutable providence to remove Rev. J. M. Hill, D. D., Irom his earthly labors to his heavenly reward, and whereas, the Ministers Union of Charlotte, N. C., the community, the Church and the race have sustained a great loss in the death of Dr. Hill who was an affectionate father, an affable man, a wise counselor and an exemplary leader, and while we deeply lament our loss, we bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well after the counsel of His own will. Resolved 1st, That we commend the bereaved son to the tender mercies of our heavenly Father. Resolved 2nd, That a copy of these resolutions be placed in the hands of the bereaved family; that we spread a copy of these resolu tions upon the minutes of the Min isters’ Union; and that these reso lutions be published in the colored papers of the city. Revs. R. P. Wyche,G. V.Clark, S. D.WrttkinSi, A- J. Wilson, Com. Resolutions. ON DR. J, M. HILL. To the Presiding Elder of the San Francisco district conference of the Cal ifornia and Oregon Conference of the A. M, E. Zion Church now in session: Whereas, We have learned with pro found sorrow and regret of the sad death of the late and lamented Dr. Jas. M. Hill, General Manager of our Publi cation House at Charlotte, N. C., who departed this life Saturday, April 2. Be it resolved, therefore, chat we lament the sad death, because the Church has lost an indispensable factor, a great worker, a Christian gentleman, a worker and Christian scholar who was the embodiment of intellectual re finement, social purity and Christian perfection which were the mottoes of his life. His philosophical mind con stantly thinking and his great executive ability have done much to build up our great Church and race. And whereas, he has left an only son, we, therefore, commend nim to Al mighty God, our Heavenly Father and His Son Christ as the only safe protec tion for mankind in tnis life and the life to come. San Jose, Cal. Medal To Colored Student. WILLIAM H. COFFEY, JR., GETS FIRST PRIZE IN ORATORICAL CONTEST. First prize in the junior oratorical contest at the Central High School last evening was awarded to William Henry Coffey, Jr., a colored classman. He spoke upon “Thomas Babington Macau lay,” and both in delivery and in hand ling of his subject he was adjudged the leader of the twelve boys who competed, fle received the gold medal given by the fifty-seventh class. the second prize, a silver medal, pre sented by the same class, went to Sid ney Loewenstein, who spoke upon “Count Cavour, the Italian Patriot.” Harry Sylvester McDevitt and Bismarck Kiesewetter, who spoke upon “Tous saint L’Ouverture” and “Nathan Hale ” respectively, were awarded honorable mention. Israel H. Levinthal, George E Mumford. George C Rogers, Arthu C Sender, William R Neely, George W Elliott, Irving D Rossheim. and Martin Rehfuss also spoke. General James W Latta presided, while Alexander Simpson, Jr., William T Til fen, and Horace M Rumsey acted as judges Music was rendered by the High School Orchestra—Philadelphia Evening Telegraph. CHURCH EXTENSION. This is to be a White-Letter Day in Zion. SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1904. The pastor, raising the largest sum of money, will receive a handsome pres ent, or its equivalent in money, if he prefers the latter. The presiding elder who puts his entire district on the roll of Honor (every church raising its full assessment for (Jhurch Extension,) will receive a handsome present, or the equivalent in money, if he desires the latter. These premiums are only offered for Church Extension Diy, the fourth Sunday in May, and, therefore, do not refer to Annual premiums offered in the “Star.” We have various kinds of money collectors for sale, from two dollars ($2.03) per hundred and Howard. Order, sending cash to \V. H. Coffey, 420 S. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pa. * * * The friends of Rev. W. H. Chambers, of Indianapolis, are hopeful that he will permit the use of his name in connection with the office of General Steward of the A. M. E. Zion Church. If elected steward this year it will be Bishop Chambers in 1908.—Indianapolis Free man. T1 e great western city, St, Louis, is noted this year for the World’s Fair, religions gatherings, the General Con ference of the A. M. E. Z, Church which will be held there soon. We learn that there is a possibility of electing one or more bishops. Rev. J. W. Smith, the present editor of the Star Of Zion, will possibly be elected on the first ballot. The Advocate hopes to congratulate him in his new sphere. Dr. 8mith has been quill driver of that grand old Star of Zion quite a number of years. We hope to hear of his election.—Coving* ton (Ga.) Advocate Great Men Are Falling. BY REV. L E. KINSLER. The news of the death of Dr. j. M; Hill came to me as a dark cloud with heavy peals of thunder. The God of heaven, who rules, said that one of our greatest men had toiled here on earth long enough, and with just a few days’ suffering he, was called from labor to reward. Beloved brethren, without shame we can follow his footsteps. Do' not let us stop here. Do you not sed that our great men are falling every day and men of God must fill their places. So let us press on. I was glad to hear him say ‘‘Carry on the work of the Publication House and get ready for the General Conference. I am going home.” He must have sung in his soul: “I heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto me and rest; Day down, tnou weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast.” We are without language to express our sorrow for the loss of Dr. Hill and Mrs. Katie B Hill, his beloved wife. I also highly recommend the Rt. Rev, 0. R. Harris for forcing the ministers to educate their sons and daughters. I, as a minister of the South Florida Con ference, will take due notice and gov ern myself accordingly’, for we see the great need of education. Great men are falling and we must prepare to fill their places. Micanary, Fla. It Is a Possibility, It is among the possibilities that the General Conference of the a M E Zion Church will choose a woman as Secre tary of Missions. Favorably mentioned in many quarters for the position is Mrs Mary E Washington, of New Al bany, Ind., a Christian worker of en thusiasm a id large experience, and who has shown a splendid capacity for organ ization and administration. She is now vice-president of the Woman’s Home and Foreign Missionary Department and has borne the brunt of the battle, especially in the western and south western conferences. Mrs. Washing ton is an expert accountant, a careful business woman, and under— stands fully the needs of the mis sionary cause as well as the splendid results that can be obtained through it for the Church. She is a forcible and enjoyable speaker, a writer of marked talent and possesses a personality that is magnetic and winning. The Zion conference would make no mistake in electing Mrs. Washingtion as misnion arv secretary.'-*. W. T. in Charleston (Wt Va ) Advocate.