EcuLiAR People DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 4^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/peculiarpeople1905chas Taken Oct, ic©4- MRS. ARABELLA V. CHASE» W. C. CHASE. fEsCampRfBSPLE BY 0S«. WASHINGTON, D. C. WILLIAM CALVIN CHASE, JR., PRINTER. 1905. Entered according to Act of CoHgr«ss in tke year 1905, by —Arabella Virginia Chase, — 18 the office of the Librarian ef Can- 5 This is the first and only volume which lias been presented to the public on Peculiar people. The purpose is to give credit where it is r'ue ai-d censure all that is detrimental to a nation. Th« attention of the reader is directed to the source from which the Peculiar people came. All the changes, from what they wer*- to what tl ev are, have not been noted, only those of the greittest importance. The aim of this voluma it to arouse the Peculiar ^«opl« themsclvef to renewed activity, ;^nd cause all others, who may read its pages, to open their hearts, to the truths herein stated. Many people have reached the conclusion that the Peculiar people are inferiors, collectively and individ- ually, and that they are not progressir g. The common custom of referring to the dark skinn- ed people as Negroes and colored peoph must belpt - islated out of existence, and this volume is intend^•d to set the people to thinking, then to vielding to tht right, and finally to complying with the Golden Rule. Many statements may not please every one, never- theless they are true. Were the criticisms all against the Peculiar people tno would sty the author has pictured tkem v^ell; 3 PREFACE, were the praises all for those citizens not identiSed with the Peculiar people, others would say the au- thor is uncharitable. The author be^s to state that she has made a study of all classes of citizens and has found that much of the strife now existing may be obviated by following the principles mentioned in this volume; if •very person will feel that he is an American citizen and lose sight of the complexion of his skin, the great- est hindrance will be moved. This book is intended to act, on its readers, like a cake of leaven in a pan of dough. The results which will come from having read this volume may be as "Bread cast upon the waters, 8«en and gathered after many days." This book contains nothing to offend the most re- fined. In preparing this book the author has been greatly aided by experience, and after serving such an able teacher, feels that she is doing her whole duty is pre- senting it to the public. The author's daughter, who is an accomplished pianist, and son, who is a clever cornetist have ren- dered substantial aid in the presentation ofthis work. Her son, not only did all the typographical and press work but prepared the book for the bind- ers, and her daughter was the am muensis and proofreader; both children are less than eighteen years of a^e. Because of the manly position maintained at all times, in the interest of humanity, the author dedicates this book to her husband, William Calvin Chaie. DIVISION PAGE I Their Origin 9 II He Becomes Peculiar 13 III A Misapplication 16 IV Useless Legislation 20 V No Longer Beggars 25 VI His Abode 28 VII Business and Social Comdition 31 YIII Imitativeness and Results 35 IX The Polititical Atmosphere 37 X Good Citizi^nsmip 45 XI Unwholesome Practices 50 XII Excerpts and Commekti 53 SUMMARY » f - . ► 59 DIVISION I. Their Origin. In the beginniDg God created the Heavens and the Er rth. £o God created man in His own im.'ige; male and female created He them. It was about the tenth .generation ?ifter the creation of the first man, Adam, tliat there were three brothers, Shem, Kam, Japeth^ \v!"0 were the sons of Noah. Of these three sons was the whole world over.spread. Their father, Noah, was a husbandman and it may be safely said that by him were sown the seed of intem- perance as applied to intoxicant drinks. Noah made his own wine of which he drank and was made drunk. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son, Ham, had done to him while lie was un - der the influence of the wine, he became displeased and cursed him. This was the intended plan of the Divine Ci ester iu order to bring about a separation in Noah's family. Under no circumstances could Noah have been in- duced to give one of his sons to go in a strange coun - try if all three had remained dutiful and loving. God had a reason for permitting Ham to be the son cursed by Noah, and that reason is as much a mystery to-day as it was when the disruption of that happy family took place. Not-withstanding the final decision of Noah and the rejection of Ham and hi.^ son, the whole world, about this time was of one language and one tongue. An idea was conceived and all the pe ople were of oive accord in the effort to put into execution the idea. JO A PECULIAR PEOPLE. The undertaking was to build a tower which should reach fiorn earth to heaven, which attempt alone iiroved that, although the workers may have differed ino.itw iri appearances, there was a oneness ofprinci- l.le. In all things that had been created the gi eatest wis- dom had been displayed as to kinds. A great universe had been made and was to be peo- pled by the descendants of three brothers; would there be any rivalry, competition, or advancement of the purpose for which man was created if scattered over the face of the world and all speaking one tongue? No more opportune time than when engaged in building the tower was there for confusing their lan- guage and giving to the world the many kinds of lan- guages fouod in the different parts of the world. This once happy family of parents and three broth- ers had been parted, each going to some other clime. Ham settled in Africa and sent many branches into Asia. Th® formation of a new people waa begun and Ham became the father of a people known as Ethio- pians, \^ ho were men of stature and fine looking. In the days of Chiist this country was governed by a line of Queens, who contended and successfully re- sisted the Romans. Ethiupici means burnt in color, and the accepted defiaition of burnt in color is black. The Egyptians define Ham as dark-skinned, burnt or black in color. The presumption is that the intense heat of Africa had much to do with the complexion of its inhabitants may net be v. holly wrong. Ham was the color of his parents, notwithstanding he was also the father of the THEIR ORIGIN. II Africans. Many of the Africans were black or very dark and distinguished by having crisp or curly hair, high cheek bones, thick and protruding lips. These are called Negroes. All Negroes are Africans, but all Africans are nut Negroes, any more than all Europeans are not Terks. Ham had four sons and twenty-four grand sons, and some of the principal nations which sprang from Ham and his sons were the Ethiopians, Lybians and Ca- naanite.s. Selecting at this point the Negro, for it is he v. ith whom I shall deal, a most important change takes place in the relation he sustains to the world. A new Continent was discovered, which was named Aermica. In the year i52o, a Dutch trading vessel brought to the shore of this new country, Ameriar, a number of Negroes from the sunny clime of Af- rica, who were sold into bo idage to the settlers, who had come to the new country in quest of peace, hap- piness and the right to enjoy their lives as free men. These slaves were true, full-blooded Negroes and in no section of America did the slave traffic prosper more than in that part known as Virginia; it has i he d'stinction of having been foremost in the slave trade. The number uf sl ives in America grts-itly increa.<»ed but the most astonishing fact was that each bir.h v»hich made the number of slaves greater did not pi c- duce a simon-puie N^^r y, no not by any meau^. Surely the climatic effect on the Negro in America, his new home, was marvelous. Instead of the bine v face, curly hair, flat noie, high cheek-bjnes, ihi<::<. 12 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. and protruding lips, there were light skins, sharp noses, straight hair and thin lips. Where, oh where had he gone? The Negro had been displaced and was undergoing another change. America's soil v/as unable to produce the Negro. HE BECOMES PECULIAR. DIVISION II. He Becomes Peculias, An edict was heralded throughout this country, at the close of the rebellion, that slavery was for ever- more abolished In the United States of America; that the shackles, which had held so msny of God's creat- ures in bonds, were loosed and should fall from the enslaved. Not one Negro has entered this land, as a slave, since the edict went forth. Some few have come seeking an English education, and still fewer seeking to become citizens. The constitution of the United States was created for the government of its citizens, and while it did not cover tt-e ex-slave as a cit zen, it was only necessary to make amendments and such was done, to protect him iu his rights and privileges. Amendments which gauranteed to every citizen e- qual rights before the law, regardless of rac^, color or previous condition of sers'itude were added to the constitution. In his message of December 1862. President Lin- coln said, **That portion of the E \rth's surface which is owned and inhibited by the psopla of the United States of America U well adapted to be the home of one national family, and it is not well adapted to two or more". He had in mind the poli'dcal condition of the peo- ple, as there exiited many and varied political opin- ions. The same expresuoa is as applicable to-day as it 14 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. was whei it wis first made. This land rouM not be thf^ home of the s'ave and .his master atihe same nine, and aj-slaxer) had the weaker hold ithc.d logo. With slave^'y went he Americanized The once Negro finds himself transformed, the i\nd all his descendants are no longer vvh it they vvc;re when they first saw the light of day. The Negro first became a slave and at the close of the rebellion he is so differently situated as to be to hini'^eif j ) e c 'J j 1 a I a nd he, like the man from Who iH he sprang, becomes the father of a peculiar people. Such rapid transformation in a class of people has sel .om, if ever been known. A class of people bo.n on the soil of America, resembling other people i.i every respect; having the same likes and di.-Iike/ ; having the same capacity for good and bad as ocherb; made in the likeness of the same Creator as otherh; developing the same traits of character as others^; rt n- dering the same service to the same country at the same time in the hour of its peril:^, even to ilie sacii- fice of blood and life. Every person should be proud of the race to which he belong;-j as God designed that ali men should Le of one race and tongue. These Peculiar People may, with others of this iia- lion, say that ihcir ancestors belonged 10 a wciii dz- fined race of people. The race question is lost in the United St ues aa 1 stands for nothing, for according to tiie 'govciwu^ laws, no man is known except as a citizen. The change in the Peculiar Peopl-i was brought about by contact, bv d-jing avvay with slavery and by HE BECOMES PECULIAR 35 legislativfe acts. One thing which makes Iheni peculiar i=; so much needless discussion of a Negro question. The Negro is in Africa, presumably contented and fs r,ot aw^re of the fact that the American citizen is apitaling the Negro question. In the American republic there is no more Negro question than there is a German or a Grecian question. Why should there be anv such? The American nation is one in aim, success, floating one banner and h.iving one constitution, by which all are governed. The Negro question must have a Negro flag anJ cons'itution to protect it and those who are agitating the question know that no such thing could be toler- ated on any soil except that in the possession of the Negroes, The all absorbing thoughts should be: How best to serve the land which has given them birth; how to assist in increasing the productions of that land; ho.,»/ to develop her interests; hotv to make the very best citizens and how to demand respect as such. It is impossible to determine the exact motives of any person who persists in pleading the cause of a people ns a race problem. It is calculated to do Ir- reparable damage to the whole of the Peculiar Peo- ple, also it is likely to rr^duce the number :of friends to the ?ame. Only one question can arise which will demard the attention of each and every citizen and lhat raust alwpys be a national one. A PECULIAR PEOPLE. DIVISION IIL A MlSAPPLlCATiON» The term "'colored" is misapp!ied when used in reftrtnce to any people as a part of the whole. Ei- ther all people are colored or none are colored. But it is an undeniable fact that each human being is tinged somewhat; some more than others. White mears that which is without a tint or shade of proper colors, or their mixtures, resembling pure snow. The Caucasians, \hev^ are not pure whitri, there is simplv leps co'oiing matter in their make-up. Their features are acute, their intellect vehement and they easily rank smong the most progressive of people. The individual who is white deserves the deepest sympathy of his fellow beings, for he must be sorely afflicted with some fearful malady which destroys the coloring matter contained in the epidermis. All citizens of this republic belong to one of three classes', they belong to the dark, the light or the lightest class. There are some members of the Peculiar People as fair as ary who may be seen in the most refined Cau- casian gathering, A conductor being unable to decide as to the prop- er place for one of his passengers, on a car where this separate car law existed, asked the passenger if she were white or colored, she told him to fir.d out tor him-self, and he said no more but let the matter drop . A small girl once asked another if she were white, A MISAPPLICATIOR 17 she received an affirmative answer, she doubted th« correctness of the answer by saying, "You are too black to be white. None are white, none are black. Some one is to bianie for this misapplication and who can it be? When a man mistreats and discrim- inates against himself others will do unto him the same. So it is but becoming each to see to it that hs is not the guilty one. The Peculiar people are themselves to blame for much of the discrimination against themselves. News-papers are the circulatory system for dissem- inating all matter known as news. The affairs of one section become interesting to another seetioD by means of news-papers. They mould public senti- ment and they are the means by which misch good or evil may be done. All depend upon their proper management. Some news-papers stat© in bold type on their front page, that they are Negro Journals^ edited by Negroes, in the interest of the Negro. The very assertion is dis- gusting and perchance will bring the blush of shame and humiliation to the reader of such a paper. Is therein all this land of America a news-paper known as a Caucasian paper, edited by Caucasians, in the interest of Caucasians? There are papers to be read by the people and the Eclicitors for subscribers accept every ptrsoD who is V. illing to pay the subscription. Why will those supposed to be learned, am®r.g thd Peculiar people^ injure their undertaking by calling themselves what they are not? 28 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. Is the metal used in the press and the type^brought from the mines>. owned and worked by Negroes im. Africa? Is the paper used the result of Negro owniarship and workmanship, and if so were these materials brought to the shores of America on vessels ownecS and manned by Negrces? Are tke men who conduct these so-called Negrcb Journals born in America? No American journals edited by men of American birth can be considered as Negro Journals. The argument that the news in these papers con- cern the Negro is most ludicrous and not self-sup- porting. A perusal of many hundred weekly papers, wkich the owners of them say are Negro papers^, prove that eight out of every ten have the same arti- cles on and pictures of the same personages as found in Americaji journals.- All this refutes the possibility of a Negro news-pa- per. All the patent back work is that of enterprising Americans which makes bare the truth that some per- sons take advantage of what others may do and at the same time misapply terms. Persons must seek to know what true journalism is and give to a reading public that which is elevating; and worth reading. Negroes are Negroes and cannot be put upon pa- per and read. No enterprise should be handicapped by calling it a Negroe's. A Negro store is a place, located in Africa^ where one may purchase a Negro, and no one would enter unless in search of a Negro. A MISAPPLICATION. Any kind of business may bo successfuHy carried an by any member of the three classes of citizens previously named. A proper estimate of education, industry and thrift must inspire the fore-most thinkers, and they must <:ast aside everything which retards. 20 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. DIVISION IV. Useless Legislation. These people need no special acts of legislation and no specified mode of benevolence. Being a part of this nation, the day has long since passed fcr them to ask and expect favors. The affairs of life may assume uninviting attitudes, but in due time everything will be adjusted ajd will v;ork out for the good of all who wait. Just as Ham was the youngest of the sons of Noah, so are these Peculiar people among the youngest of Natural born American citizens, all of whom are bound together by a national tie, too strong to be easily broken. The greatest importance of these people did net begin at their liberation from the bonds of servitude, but like the towering oak which began its life in the shape ot an acorn, their importance is growing ard increasing. With advancement and age come a full development of m.aturity and strength. These people have suffered much and have suffei ed long, and yet since the light of freedom has been shed- ding its rays along the road of prsgress, much of the past has been blotted out of renismbrance. To ask and expect favors as a distinct race of peo- ple is ona of the many peculiarities of these peop!e, and it is not al all in keeping with the coi\f titution of this republic. If a persistent demand is made for spe- cial and separate legislation, because their ancestors were brought here as slaves, then, a m.ost serious mistake is made; one that may ever retard their pro- gress; a mistake which may always keep them in li e USELESS LEGISLATION. position of inferiors, as members ofthis nation; a mis- lake which will give to other members of this nation an equal right to ask for separate legislation;a mistake which will render the weak still weaker and make the strong more powerful; a mistake which will be a little less than a hot-house for envy, strife, prejudice and a vast number of obstacles in the way of advance- ment. No where on this globe is there such a damaid for unity in eve^y respect as there is in the United States of America, Color identity is comlpetel y absorbed in the very name applied to this section. If the States are united the people who compose those states must be united also. They are one, and color, nor previous condition of servitude can alter the fact that all citizens of this republic are to be gov- erned by the same moral and civil laws. There may be, and indeed there are, irregularit'es existing now which are productive of a feeling of u;i- fairness in the administration of our laws, but the laws themselves are not responsible. Like humidity rising from the earth, ths oppressive feeling of discrimination is noticeable; the high against the low; the rich against the poor, and the ■descendants of former slaves against the descendants of the former slave-holder. Words would fail to express the results of discrim- ination if it were possible to have special legislaiioii for the government of one set of people. Undoubtedly the results wou'd be disastrous and the discontent and maladm'nislration which would follow could not be parailed. A PECULIAR PEOPLE. An incorrect statement is made by saying that the taking of life, by the method of lynching, is the work of white men, and according to the constitution of the United State the men who are lynched are not color- ed men. Race obligations are violated^ and the laws of our country are trampled under the feet of men and few there are who know the facts as they exist. One set of citizens conceive an idea that the laws are not to be respected^ and attempt to violate them. Their acts are not controlled by self respect and na- turally they have not the right conception of Ameri- can citizenship^ Then, there are those who take upon themselves the right to administer the correction according to their own discretion. American citizens are lynch«d by American citizens and the only legislation needed is that which will prevent one citizen from taking the administration of the law out of the hands of those appointed. The good member of this government must knew that his protection does not depend upon th« color of his skin, and the criminal member of this government must know that the laws for the criminal portion are blind to evtrything but justice. Humanity demands such legislation and right and justice ask for the enforcement of the same. The consideration of color is not worthy of mention. With the proper application of the laws, this country of the free, would have fewer blemiihes and the Pe- culiar people would be an honor. The laws are suffi- cient to protect every man, who is a part of the Unit» ed Stat«s, and all the acts of violence, committed by USELESS LEGISLATION. 25 citizens, are against the laws which have been enactedf for the preservation of na tional peace and prosperity^ Those holding the reins of government are respon-- sible for any infringment on or disregard for the laws of another country, by the citizenof this republic. The whole American nation must feel the effects ot of the acts of its people. What is needed is a law to compel those ia power to rigidly enforce and carry out the principles upon which this government is based. The ways devised by the maker of all mankind are^ beyond the conception of any of His created beirgp^ and cannot be explained. His rod of chastisement assumes many and varied shapes. Flood and flames, which lay low in destruction's path all that is dear to human happiness:- life and property^ are afflictions sent upon the American na- tion and not upon the black man nor the wbitc man. Are there those who can question the motive or tbe justice of the Divine Father? If one truth stands out more prominentlv than air others, it is that the RuTer of this universe makes no discrinr.inf.tion. The fairest of Americans rfceiven& more consideration in the howt'ng tempest than Ihe darkest ones. After the fury f f the storm has pass- ed and an estimate of the loss of life hai been calcu- latfedj, a conclusive evidence of the justice of God is manifested. All that is left of former citisens is con- signed to mother eai th, from which all origijsated. The loss of life is not felt from a racial stsndpomt, but first from family conned ion and next from ths nation- al, as the entire population is affected. 24 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. In a dry and parched season, when all vegetation suffers, the Peculiar people are not the only ones de- sirous for a change, but all the other people who go to- make this great nation. Does it not appear to be very much out of harmony vvith nature, for man, weak in his own strength, to dra\^ the line of distinction on himself and on bis fel- low man? All calamities are intended as warnings that all- men are born equal. NO LONGER BEGGARS. %$ DIVISION V. No Longer Beggars, The position to be desired is t»ne of elevation and trast, which is sufficient to produce a self reliancy in the hearts of any people. The paramount disposition must make the people feel that the success of this nation depends largely on their loyalty to the constitution. "*'A man must liv« by the sweat of his brow"v The present condition of these people is not indicative of pauperism, and a charge of systematically begging ■cannot be applied to them. The asking of help ^o promote a cause which makes the nation stronger fi- nancially and intellectually, is not to be condemed, but complimented and supported. The better the material used in building a ship the more capaMe that ship is of standing the storms when making voyages. The intelligence of a nation increases in proportion to the increase of the intelligence of those who consti- tute it, so if aid is given to any school thd good resuls, like a wave, stretch out to others. A petition f )r assistance on the basis of previous servitude should receive little or no encouragement at all. Great care is necessary or irreparable criii- dsm may follow mi-representation. There are thojQ of the United States who res;?.r 1 the Peculiar people as unworthy of ct*nfidance and un- fit for citizenship, especially those who are so narrow as to have no wish to discover qualities of value in any but theaiselves* 26 A PECULIAR PEOPLE, Ministers, who ought to know the truth and teach and preach it, make many blunders and do not give credit when and where it ii due. Not since the formation of this government has there been so much false doctrine preached from the pulpits, as at this time. The pulpit should aid in elevating struggling hu- manity. Bui the sacred deslc is being defiled and used for the purpose of injuring a large part of this nation, instead of imparting the truth that "AU men are born free and equal." The Bible might as well be discarded in some churches, for the object intended t^ be accomplished has been relegated to the rear. There are some, also> who believe that the Peculiar people deserve respect and fair treatment. Their argument is that a people having passed from one stage to another, developing at each the ability to cope with others, cannot be easily crushed and ig- nored. There are those, who by their efforts, serv- ing as monuments of honor. These people will be sought and desired, notwith- standing the opposition of to-day;they are not idlers. No good material is rejected in the construction of a building. * 'The stone which the builders refused has become the Head Stone of the corner." The American nation may be called upon to face the combined powers of the world, and who can tell but what the future salvation may hinge on the posi- tion held by these Peculiar people. A nalion, whose bounds are ever expanding, can- not say of its members "There is no need oftheev" NO LONGER BEGGARS. 4^ The Amtrican rspublic would be ds incomplete with- out these Peculiar people^ ai a man would be without oa« of his limbs. The place ooci filled by pauperism is now filled b y (he desire lo be strong and serviceable, A PECULIAR PEOPLE.. DIVISION VL His Abode. The suggestion that this people leave this country^ and go to some other dime, is not American and it unbecoming a great nation,-^ for these reasons alone no legal steps have been taken to carry into execu- tion any such suggestion. Shall people be forced to leave their home and go to dwell among strangers? The Peculiar people have no claim on any land except the one which made them citizens. Had this government sent to Africa all the descen- dants of the first slaves^ when slavery was abolished, instead of making new citizens of them^ affairs would have been materially different and quite the reverse of what they are to-day. But, no^ the prevailing sentiment was that the once enslaved people would, if given a chance, make bet- ter citizens than they had slaves. There are some among and identified with the Pe- culiar people who advocate the emmigration scheme and assign many reasons, but none are plausible enough for this government to lend any assistance. At the bottom of these schemes lie hidden the real motives. The Caucasian part of this republic has an equal right to go to Africa and permanently reside. Noth- ing could be^ nor would be, thought were a combina* tion of the fairest members of the United States to enter and claim possession of some parts of Africa. Were not the Indians, who were once happy on HIS ABODE. their pleasant hunting grounds, routed and cheated out of their belongings? Were they not deprived of and killed off the very land which is now calied "The land of the free and the home of the brave"? Like all other people these new citizens have their faults, and very many of them are borrowed faults. It cannot be said of any nation that it is free from, faults, because the people who make the nations are not perfect. Perfection in any people will not be at- tained in this life, but Improvement in all things if. admissible. This being the home of the Peculiar people, it is- also the place for correcting, as far as possible, all. mistakes; it is the place for acquiring strength. They are not as strong in national affairs as they will be and yet the time is at hand for them to stand alone-. There is no reason why, after years of successful struggles, they should be fed from a bottle and treats ed as nurselings. In their early adoption as citizens of the United States, they were weak and unsteady and needed help, but to continue to expect the same retards their, progress. The responsibili-y of thinking and acting like other people rests upon '.them. To discriminate between good and bad is the right of every man; no bonds now hinder the persuance of right, and an hon- est discharge of duty to one's self will prove condu- cive to good citizenship and an elevation in the esti- mation of home-people. No people ever ascended to real prominence with- out opposition, which had to be boldly met and cour- ageously subdued. Perplexities multiply as a pro- so A PECULIAR PEOPLE. gressive people advance in life's march, and no peo* pie may expect to amount to much at home if every thing moves on gently. Certainly by the Peculiar citizens remainm^ at home, no other member of the national family is forced out of his place; there is room for all. There is even room for other nationalities to come in and se^ cure the wealth of the land and return to their own homes and enjoy it; there is even room for the anar- chist to come in and slay the chief executive of the American republic. Then, surely the inoffersive ofif- spring of American slavery, bred and born on Ameri- can soil, in the midst of the offsprings of American slave-holders, will be accorded the snme right to re- main at home and enjoy the privileges of his home, as is given to the other citizens. At any rate these Pecu- liar people are quite willing to make any allowance for many shortcomings; it is evident to them that the whole nation is young and is doing fairly well. By the time ii becomes very old there will be no distinction at all, but the whole world will look on and say, "Behold them, see bow they dwell togeth* er in love." BUSINESS, AND SOCIAL CONDITION. DIVISION VII. Business, wealth and social condition. When the Peculiar people started out as dtizeiia of this republic, they were worse than poor in purse, as all the labor of their fore-fathers had been used in set- ting the slave-holders and their children up in busi- ness. For some time these people were obliged to confine their attention to whatever presented itself in th^ line of work. It was not the intention ofthe Divine Creator that all these people should be tillers of soil, no, not by any means. Each year since the emancipation, the number of Pe- culiar people;engaged in some profitable business has been increased and the business conducted on larger and broader principles. The progress made by the Peculiar people has been as great as that made by any people, under similar circumstances in the same length of time. By a careful and judicious application to busine«fs the wealth of these people hPLs steadily grown and it is not an uncommon occurence to find many of the Peculiar people possessing as much, if not more, than many ofthe children of the first settlers. To be sure these people are like others of tlie na- tion; all of no class of people are thrifty; there are some who are idle, indifferent and burdensome, but the same kind are to be found among the fairest of this nation. The bulk of property, owned by the Peculiar peo- ple, would be greater if wages were better and ex- 31 A PECULIAR.PEOPLE. horbitant prices were not charged when an attempt is made to purchase real-estate. All kinds of obstacles are placed in the way. A piece of ground will be sold to one of the fairest citi- zens for what it is worth, but if one of the darkest citizens desires to purchase a like piece he will be charged twice its real value. Notwithstanding all over-charges these people ire becoming wealthy, and h provts a capability of making the best citizens. It is conceded that in the h6mes of most of these people are to be found the comforts, which are need- ed to make the home I appy and life comfortable. The conclusion is that thrift snd management brought about such results. No iaherifiance was handed down from ancestors, because, for-sooth, the labor of the slave was utilized in enriching the coffers of others. As citizens of America the same right belongs to the Peculiar people, to select their associates aa to oth- er people. The sensitiveness cf thoir nature precludes the idea of overstepping the limits of propriety. The companionship of some are often forced upon these people, and when the fact becomes known the part- nership association dwindles to one p. rtaer instead of two. Beings which are unlike socially have no affinity for •ach other, and if forced for a time to mingle, will gradually separate like oil and water. Tha Peculiar people are able to look after themselves socially just as they d© religously. They learned how to build and conduct their church- es and noiV worship under their own roofs; they have BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CONDITION. 33 'also learned how to conduct their social functions with the same grace and sfyle that is seen in any gathering «f the fairest of Americans citizens. Something is materially wron;? with the make up of any one who desires to force himself into any social circle which prefers not to have his companionship. The repablic is so spacious that all may enjoy them- selves and only go where wanted. Suppose places of amusements can and do exist without the patronage of some of the citizens^, no one should become faint and commit suicide. There are »o many ways for becoming informed and progressing in this life. The intelligence of a class of cit'zens is open for criticism when that class is happy and contented to mingle and associate with those of the Peculiar peo- ple who will fill posit'ons as serfs, and decline to '^it in a place of amusement beside an educated and re- fined dark-skinned man or woman. Such is the proof that there are those among the fairest citizens incompetent to appreciate inte'ligefce and too obtuse to know that tlvey are recedmg each day, while the Peculiar people are becoming a pow- er, reliiiiously and socially. The same state of affairs exists relative to the mod - of travelling. The separate car laws do not prevent disasters, by any means. The nl^re the laws are e 1- forced fhe more G )d becomes incen^f d at 'he treat- ment accorded to some of His creatures by others. All discrimmaiion on the part of one set of I'itizev s illustrates their inability to discern between good and bad or moral and social obligation. 54 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. Those intended to be injured are not, but come oul of the testing; crucible only brighter, healthier and wealthier. IMITATIVENESS AND RESULTS. 3S DIVISION VIII. Imitativeness and Rfsult^. Being American citizens, the Peculiar people do fiot differ from the other citiiens; all men are imita- tors and are dependent on each other. If fine clothes will make an-improvement in one person, it will do the same in the case of another; if change of locality improves the health of one person it will do the same for another similarly situated. Fine carriages, drawn by dashing steeds, make the impression of wealth and refinement in the case of one; it will do the same in the case of another. The whole American nation may be truthfully call- ed imatators. This habit is found where ever men abide. These people have the same' faculties; they may, and do, ap- preciate all that is grand and noble; they have shown their ability to do the same things and do them juNt as well as any other people; they are seen in avenues of life and great has been their improve- ment, in the midst of so much opposition. Nothing daunts them in their onward march to higher citi- aenship and victorj^ Some mistakes are made by the habit of following the example of some who are supposed to do only what is right. Crime of any kind was almost unknown to the an- cestors of the Peculiar people and crimes of certain natures were never committed. Being citizens make a great difference nov/; tha fairest citiz ens, having a monopoly cf all po3!tio::s of 36 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. honor and trust, are more given t© appropriating the belongings oi another to their own purposes than the darkest citizens are. The force of nftimicing has been so effective, that in an unsuspecting moment some of the Peculiar peo- ple have gone to their ruin„ Be it said, to the credit of the great majority, these people do not take to bad examples very readily. Not one crime has been committed by any of the Peculiar people which has not been committed by other members of the national family. Be the crime of what ever nature possible, the dishonor falls on the whole people and one class may not say to an- other, look, see how your people act". It behooves those who have had every thing in their favor to set good precedents, that those who follow may make few mistakes. T.tken Oct. 1904. MISS BEATRIZ LUCINDA CHASE. THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE. DIVISION IX. The Political atmosphere. At last a most wonderful division in the composition of the Peculiar p-^ople has been reached. Having ail the rights of citizens of the United States an interest in the political affairs of the nation is but natural. With the proper adjustment of the political atmos- phere every thing will work out for the glory of God and the upbuilding of humanity. The human body is constantly undergoing changes and the mind or soul which occupies the tenement of clay is also susceptible to changes. Every thing changes as the years goby, and that individual who experiences no alteration in his physical and men- tal make up can never become a true American citi- xen. At the close of the war, when freedom came, th« ex-slav© felt that he owed to the republican party a debt which never could be paid. He felt that it was his duty to support that party be- cause it was the strongest in existence at that period.. The principles of the republican party were not fully understood, but the simple name was all that attract- ed. The bitterest enemy could have concealed hi* identity under the garb of republicanism. Some of the liberated beings knew that God had used the republican party as an instrument in bring- ing to them the light of freedom; others thought that the party came into existence for no other purpose than to rescue them from bondage. A few of these poor, benighted souls really believed 38 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. that the republican party shouldered arms, marched on tke field of battle, fought, bled and died, that free- dom might come to the enslaved. The true cause of the war of the rebellion was not made clear and some could not have understood what was meant by sav- ing the union. To'some, saving the union meant an object to be seen or felt. How was the slave to realize a mean- ing when he was not permitted to educate himself so as to comprehend anything in books and papers. An attempt was made to save the union without considering the condition of the slaves with the re- sult that the Ruler of men's destiny was not satisfied so the effort proved a failure, The Divine Creator intended that in saving ©ne, all had to be rescued. Thus is seen the working of Providence. ' God often saves His people throi;gh the very channel intended for their destruction. At any rate the republican party was regarded ao the best friend the new citizens had. As Christ had become the liberator of man from the bondage cfsin, so had this party become the rescuer of slave men. Who can estimate the number ef ex-siaves who lost their lives by allying themselves to ghat pany? Men were driven from their families; men were killed for no other crime than that of being republican. As everything is changing, kas not a change been wrought in the attitude of the republican party, to- wards the dark-skinned citizens ©f this ccuutry? Are not the Peculiar people made to understand that the party which brought the light of freedom to the slavss, whether intentionally or not, is a thing of THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE. 39 the past? Do not ali political factions cease to love the ex- slave and his off-springs, after having used them to further their purposes? May not the Peculiar people, as citizens of the Unit- ed States, change also, and do those things which are best adapted to their surroundings? In so many instances are the Peculiar people im- posed upon, not because those imposing hate them so much, but because there is still a bitter feeling against the principles of that party with which near- ly every member of the Peculiar people is allied. There is still the effort to preserve the union of the republic, which makes more forcible the intention of the republican party. Being men and citizens every one is expected to stud- y his own interest and not be told to do this or that. The disfranchisement of any citizens of this country is not right, does not reflect credit and will only suc- ceed for a time. Agitation, when conducted judiciously and honest- ly does much towards helping a cause, but there are some mistakes being made by persons claiming to be friends of the oppressed. It is very hard to court the favor of a looker-oa, who sees the life being crushed out of a people, and says that nothing can be done to save that life. These people have been true to the men and meas- ures of the republican party, almost regardless of their interests; for so often have these people sup- ported the party of their choice and depended at tkc same time for dtily bread upon those who opposed 40 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. the republican party. What is the state of affairs at present? The Pecu- liar people are trying to remain in the inclosure of republicanism and are followirg the adage that "A rolling stone gathers no moss." The descendants of the party of Abraham Lioc'in ar« destroying all the planks which formed a fe.tce around the republican inclosure, trying^ at th:; same time to escape through the most convenient aperture. Some who were conceived and born in the republican party advocate changes because better resuhs may be obtained. Must the dark-skinned citizens remain In a position like Plaster of Paris images, and not exercise the rights given them in the constitution of this govern* ment? Be they men or beasts? Created in the liktness of God as all other people are, ii only becomes any who may be inclined to control or dictate to cease at once and let them be guided by conscience. No part of the constitution of the United States may be so construed as to allow ^;ome citiiens the privilege of changing their political sentiments, and compel others to adhere to one, whether it is for their good or not. Surroundings and locality must influence the polit- ical inclinations of people. What may be good for •oul and body in one section may be injurious in another. If only ©ne party existed and the desire of one man was the desire of all, then, there would be no reason for any change. The greatest opposing elements are in the northern THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE. 41 and southern stctions. When the slavei were libar- ated, they were left dependent on the very persons from whom they had been taken. The former mas- ters were not pleased with theIouth, of course more of the offsprings of slavery are to be found there. The Peculiar people of the North mean well, but they do not help to belter the condition of their brothers in the south-land, by telling them to do this and that. While one part of these people are in sym- pathy with the other, it is well for all concerned to know that there is no need for gratuitous advice at home. What does t^o disfranchisement of thesi people in the South mean, if it does not mean their disfran- chisement in the North, and every where thej are in great Mumbers? The South started the ball of disfranchisement to rolling and each state is inclined to keep it going. The South has but to put itself up as a model and the North will not be very tardy in taking a pattern, especially if the only ones compromised are the Pe- culiar people. The Peculiar people have adhered to one party,from the beginning of their existance, and now that the 44 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. party of their choice can no longer find it convenient to protect them, from the power which threatens to d€stroy their citizenship, they are forced to bestir themseivee. Just below the horizon, coming up from the east, are the rays of happier days; days which will bring to these people equal rights before the law arid the privilege to enjoy thos© rights. GOOD CITIZENSHIP 45 DIVISION X, The corner stone of good citizenship. Men have gone to their fravts and men are living:, who have tried to solve the reasen why all people of the United States are not alike; why some are limited and others are not; why the constitution of this gov- ernment is not a ^erotection to all of its citizens, Ir- respective of complexion; why there are any Pecu- liar people in the land of liberty. The best way to reach a wholesome conclusion is to make some per- fons, feel that a great responsibility rests with them. The time has come, when the mothers, among th© Peculiar people, must arouse themselves. A most lasting impression may and can be made on the young mi«d, and shall the mothers among these peo- ple be less considerate, in regard to their off-springs, than the mothers of the brute creation, or of the feathered tribe? Many traits of character must be corrected in early childhood, ond it is the duty of the mothers or the guardians to make such correction. When a disposition which implies inferiority, timid- mess, slothfulnesa, abruptness or covetouaneis, man- ifests itself in a child, the mother cannot afford to if - Bore the condition of her child, nor leave that child to the care of providoaco. In the Holy Book wo are told that children should bo trained the way they are t© ko and when they are old they will not depart from that wajr. Every man, whether good or bad, was first a thild,, aBd in the childhood days the training shetild not 6;, 46 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. slighted; no pains should be spared in perfecting the child forths position waiting for him, namely: that of an American citizen. Each child should be taught that it is just as im- portant to be a good citizen of the country called home as it is to be the ruler. Teach the child to feel that he is a king and that the greatest subject for him to govern is self, for the foundation for self government is laid at the mother's knee. Children, like vine^, will run wild unless prop- erly guided. At the age of comprehensiveness there should be in- stilled into the hearts of the little people the fact that, every one born onAmerican soil is anAmerican citizen and as such the laws of the land are to be respected; that each citizen of the republic is entitled to protec- tion because he is a part of this great nation. Children reflect on and emphasize the actions of their parents, orthose who have the care of them, hence it is no very great task to start \hem in the right direction. The history of American slavery will be handed down to generations yet to come and it is needless to poison the young minds to dislike those other citizens who differ in complexion, hair and features. Bodily slavery will never exist in the land of the free again. The history of America can never be separated from that of the slave; the two are inseparable. A true mother will teach her children only those things which produce good citizens. Indifference and negligence are destructive habits and will not help children to become strong in this world, nor will ei- ther act as a pass-port in the world to come. GOOD CITIZENSHIP. 47 Mothers should associate themselves with their chil- dren; become partners in their joys and griefs, help- ing them to master many little difficulties connected with child life. As far as possible a complete knowl- edge of the disposition of children must be carefully studied and everything eradicated, which will in after years prove injurious. Subordinate social obligations and all others, if necessary, and make the little folks first, for they are to be the coming men and women of their nation. Nothing is better for developing the good and crushing the bad than positiveness with children. It is not wise to be too hasty, but very cautious in the manner of administering a correction if the end in view is for the betterment of the ones corrected. Have children to obey while young and when they reach the age of responsibility it will be quite natural and easy to comply with the laws by which their country is governed. But if they are permitted to have their way in infancy, the inclination, throughout the youthful days, will be towards disobedience. The love of a mother falls short of its responsibili- ty m^hen she is careless and indifferent as to the course a child may pursue; such mothers cannot give to the world children who will make the best citixens. Very often, children, with comfortable surroundings and educated mothers, give more trouble, as citizens than some belonging to a more unfortunate class. The nearest approach to perfection in berries and fruits is realized when they are given the best care, the proper temperature, no weeds allowed to grow in their midst; when they rtceive the highest cultivation 48 A PECULIAR PEOPLE, pessible, and yet they do not cotxe up to expect«tioni They are deformed, some of the prettiest having the taste spoiled by some objectionable Insect. Sometimes a berry, in the wild state, is all that is required in looks as well as taste; but this is more oft^ en the exception. In so far as the young is concerned, the same rule which is applied to the vegetable kingdom is applied to the animal. By the most careful training may mothers hope to get the best remits. Children ought never to be frightened into doing what they are told to do by those, in whose care they are. Teach them to look to the officer of peace for protection when on the street instead of running away and crying. Shame on the mother who teaches her children to fear the policeman, by putting him in a false light. A very important thing is true politeness. Polite= ness to be used on some occasions and to be control- led by the color of the skin is not any good, but is to be avoided. A polite boy will treat all females prop- erly because they are females and because his early trainisg was not neglected. A polite giil will demand respect from all because many little things in her early life were given the proper attention, and when she if not treated politely the blame is not hers, but belongs to some one who has not received the right instruction, who does not know that politeness costs nothing but is of considerable value to the one pos- seising it. Mock politeness, like eham modesty, has no depth and sever conceals the true character of any one. GOOD CITIZENSHIP. 49 A true man will never permit the complexion of a woman to keep him from showing toothers the po- liteness instilled in him when he was a boy. It may be said that some children are neglected and in mature years are obliged to learn lessons of true politeness. A PECULIAR PEOPLE. DIVISION IX. Unwholesome Practices. Tha school system which is quite the same throagh- out the United States, is a great one, and yet it is not without faults, which if corrected will improve the conditions of many mothers, and cause them to hon- or their obligations. Cookini? schools, sewing schools and kindergartens should be open to children who are born in the most humble circumstances, and whose surroundings will not permit that training which will produce the best citizens. Children who are surrounded with all the comforts or even in moderate circumstances, need not be trained in such schools. What is the good of mothers if they cannot see af- ter their girls and boys; teach them to cook, sew and to perform all kinds of domestic work? There is work for the school teacher, but not that which should be done in the homes. The mothers must lay the foundation, upon which teachers are to build an intellectual structure. A very common ex- cuse given by many mothers,for the ill behaviour and bad manners of their children^is that all badness mani- fested in their children is learned in the kindergar- ten, the cooking or tfee sewing schools. The task of the school teadherv atits best, is a hard one, and no surprise should be expressed because so few marry after nursing and teaching children the very things which should have been learned at their mothers' knee, in their homes. The ichool house door might safely remain closed UNWHOLESOME PRACTICES. 51 to some children, whose parents are educated, and only open 10 them to enter the hii^hest grades. Let mothers be more interested and impart to their chil- dren a large portion of their knowledge. Relieve the teacher of the responsibility of teaching ihe alphabet, as great patience is required in so doing, and few teachers have an extra amount of patience. Children are careful observers and an error of the teacher may cause years of annoyance to those re- sponsible in a parental way. Too much praise cannot be given to maoy teicfi«rs of the Peculiar people, for their untiring effort in try- ing to develop the best citizen?, but they are power- less to do the work of mothers and do justice to them- selves. The women of the Peculiar people have many ob- stacles to surmount in order to make grood mothers and good wives. They are the hardest worked wo- men, on the whole, in this broad land. They are no6 always held in the proper estimation and treated with the same consideration, by the men who take them to brighten life's pathway, and to make life worth living. If these women are to%e up-to-date mothers, with the best children, they mtisl be treated as queens in their homes and not as the scullions. Let the husband feel that the wife and mother in his home is as important as the w ife and mother in h'\s neighbor's home. How can some mothers, among the Peculiar people, rise to that noble plain which distinguishes the true womanly mother? The time which shoald be devoted to hom« and family 52 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. is all taken in doing the work of other people; until, weary and fatigued, they succumb to the demand of nature, evincing no interest in their home. A woman cannot do her duty to her children and home if she is required to do the work of a man. As a rule the men of the Peculiar people have to learn the importance ofbeingat the head of a family. They are gradually showing their manhood along all the avenues of life, and the day is not distant when they will point with pride to their homes and say *'Behold the coming citizens/' Taken Oct. ko;. WM, CALVIN CHASE, JR. EXCERPTS AND COMMENTS. 53 DIVISION XII. Excerpts and Comments. •'News of Interest to Afro-Americans." The above heading may be seen in most nev;s-pa- pers owned and controlled by people who say that their papers are Negro Journals, published in the interest of Negroes. All the news under the above head is prepared by enterprising firms, composed of the fairest citizens and sold to men, styled Negroes, that they may pub- lish the same. "The Freeman, an Illustrated Colored Newspaper." Well, just surmise the appearance of news being illus- trated on colored paper. "Read The Defender, It is American in all Things. The Brightest and Bravest Exponent of the People." Three words less than a score and yet in the few words a volume is embodied. One edition of a newspaper "Published every Sat- urday in the interest of the Negro race" asked its readers to pay all subscriptions so that it may make temporary addition more permanent. The following is the head of the addition "SUPPLEMENT.'' All Supplements are owned and controlled by fair citi- zens. Where does the Negro part come in? The following clippings explain ;themselves and comment is unnecessary:- There are many writers and theorists ' who have grown gray trying to solve the Negro question. Meanwhile the Negro is progressing,- right along, thus 54 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. solving his own problem. No doubt some day these philanthropic people will discover that they have only wast- ed their lime, as there is no Negro question. The Negro must learn to be an inde- pendent voter. He must learn to do that which will bring to him the great- est honor and greatest good results. It is no shame or dtejracc for the white man to show hii independence; why is it one for the Nt;gro? It is not. and the time is not far distant when the Ne- gro will consult his own interest before casting his ballot. — The Columbus Standard. Elijah III wai condemning strongly theSt. Louis people for their treatment of the Negroes at the world's fair when he made this statement that the color liae should not be drawn even in mar- riage. Dr. Dowie has previously hint- ed at his views of intermarriage, but was never so positive in his assertions acaintft the drawing of the color line in marriage as today. '*If one God hath created us are we not all of the race of Adam instead of being whites, blacks, or people of oth- er colors?" he asked. "There should EXCERPTS AND COMMENTS. 55 be no racial distinction. What we want is to go back to primative man.** In closing his remarks on the race problem, Dowie predicted that the blacks in the South would soon pre- dominate unless the abuse of the col- ored people ceased. THE COLORED PRESS. The colored press shapes and molds public sentiment in the Negroe's be- half and every family should consider it indispensible. Better do without some of the necessaries of life, than be without a colored paper. It is paving the way for the future of our race. We should support a colored paper in order that the good deeds of our race may be published, that our girls and boys may have first-class employ- ment. We believe in the doctrinethat ••God helps those alone who help them- selves." We believe that so long as the color of a man's skin prevents his getting employment in white print shops, leading colored p«ople should spend their money with Negro shops which will give colored men and wo- men of character and ability employ- ment on the'r merit. We must try to A PECULIAR PEOPLE. help ourselves as we see the white man doing.— T/ie Hornet. THE SUPREME COURT AND THE NEGRO. The expected has happened. The case involving the constitutionality of the nevi^ Constitution of Virginia* which was brought before the Supreme Court by the Negroes of thatState, has been passed upon by the court. The result was in line with a long list of precedents extending down to us from the infamous Dred Scott decision. The United S!:ates Supreme Court has al- ways either decided openly against the Negro in this country or avoided the contentions of colored people by most artful dodges behind hairsplitting tech- nicalilies. So with this Virginia case. No relief was granted; the decision be- ing that relief could not be granted on matters which were past. The fact that the same Constitution which prohibit- ed black men from voting in the past still existed, and that relief was sought from future injustices under the same instrument was ignored. Nearly all of the Supreme Court justices are North- ern republicans. — The Voice of the Ne- gro. EXCERPTS AND COMMENTS. 5t THE PRESS, **It is not too much to say that the press is the only great org-anized fotce which is actively as a body upholding the standard of civil righteousness. There are nif-.n^'^ political reformers among the clergy, but the pulpit as an institution is concerned with the king- dom of heaven not with the public ef Amei ica. There are many public spir- ited lawyers, but the bar as a profes- sion works for its retainers, and no law-defying trust ever came to grief from a death of legal talent to serve it. Physicians v/ork for their patients and architects for their patrons. The press alone makes public interest its own. What is everybody's business is no- body's business — except the Journal- ist's;it is his by adoption. But for his care almost every reform would fall stillborn. He holds officials to their du- ty. He exposes secret schemes of plunder. He promotes every hopeful plan of progress. Without him public opinion would be shapeless and dumb. He brings all classes, all professions together, and teaches them to act in concert on the basis of their common citizenship, •'Our republic and its press A'ill rise or fall together. An able disinterest- 58 A PECULIAR PEOPLE ed, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and cour- age to do it, can prv^serve that public virtue without which popular govern- ment is a sham and mockery. A cyn- ical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in ti.i e a people as base as it- self. The power to mold the furure of the republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations." — N'e w Yo rk Trib tine. SU3,IMARY. 59 The oneness of principle which was so apparent in those who attempted to make connection between heaven and earth, by means of a tovver, is developing more and more each day. The Peculiar people are either absorling or are being absorbed. This nation is slowly, but surely, falling in line with all other na- tionalities by outliving all lines of differences. C§ste and proscription are now engaged in the last battle with right and justice and like the monster death are all but dethroned. The combining and uniting of the people of the earth is more in evidence each day. The language of one naticnality is known to many others and no great surprise is caused by a man speaking many languages. It seems perfecily natural. Seventy yesrs ago ihere wci e many sections cf the globe unknown to civilized man; but to-day civiliza - tion has gone into the most remote regions and suc- ceeded in making researches in the interests of sci- ence and in the advancement of the kingdom of the Creator. The most perplexing discovery that re- mains to be made now is that of the exact position of the north pole. We are told that there is net anything new under the sun so no time need be lost in looking for some- thing which is hew, we need only seek for the locality of an object. By the time the noith pole has been found the Pe- culiar people will have been so shifted around and a- bout by the unseen power as to occupy their exact 6o A PECULIAR PEOPLE. station as American citizens and will have accorded to them all the honor which is given to any citizen of the United States. Accepting, as divinely true, the Biblical statement 5 hat "The first shail be last and the last first" the Pe- culiar people have much to expect; they wiil soon feel and enjoy the full meaning of the expression. They will be the last to erjoy ihefuli benefits of all the privileges given by the constitution of the United States. The descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers have reaped the nrsL fruits of the land and the descend- ants of American shivery are being guided into the position to enjoy all the fruits which are to come. Race, race is what is heard coming fiom so many persons. Crowds rush to see the boat race; women of wealth and culture speculate at the horse race; men rush to their death in the automobile race and (he small boy in his tattered garments is quite content to peep through a crevice in a fence to get a glimpse of the foot or bicycle race. People are people and may differ in many ways and looks but all people belong to the one race of man- kind created by God. All nations go to make the one great family of mankind. One of the best illustrations of the relation among the people, of the human family, is the swine. He is divided into many parts as articles of food; in fact nearly all of the animal is csed as food ? nd yet the ori- gin of ham, shoulder or bacon is found in the com- mon hog. The name given to the different parts does not change the fact that the father of a'l those parts is the hog. SUMPvIARY. 6i After God had created the heavens and the earth and all there in {ind there on, man was created. The one man, Adam, was father of ihe entire human race, and while it is true Eve was given as a wife to Adam, he was really the father of his companion. The be- ginning of all mankind is tractd back to Adam. That only one national government can exist in the United States at the same time is clear to any intelli- gent mind, but there is no law to fix the complexion of the people who are citizens. Color and race are not synonymous and when the wrong interpretation is given either term the results are not the most pleasant. As all citizens are somewhat colored, some more than others and an affirms live reply is correct to the question "Are all men colored?" Many citizens of the United States, living at the ex- pense of the government, to the extent of receiving good salaries for their services, insist that they are Negroes and demand recognition on the statement that they are Negroes; they take pride in having oth- ers, living under the same flag and constitution, refer to all dark-skinned citizens as Negroes. Yet the very instant one of the fairest citizens sug- gests the propriety of all the people who claim to be Negroes riding in separate cars, sitting on back seats in places of amusements, eating behind a screen at an inn there is general dissatisfaction. Can a better name than Peculiar people be applied to the descendants of the American slaves? All the other citizens of this republic are moving onward toward the much coveted prize, human rights. The 62 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. spirit of ciny who boldly assert tliat ail they have, say or dojs in the irterest of a certain few, is a very uar- row oae and does not reflect credit on the possessor. Books and in fact allliteralnre is intended to elevate the reader. Mere curiosity wili hardly cause an indi- vidual to peruse one page of a paper if the name of it is repulsive. Let all nnmes not strictly in keeping with the spir- it of freedom be abolished. The folly of appealing to every national body of mep., who meet to consider plans for the g^r neral »-ood of all citizens? for an expression of some kind relative to the Peculiar people, will some day be manifested. Men may not longer expect to enter the political are- na by the color of their skin, but rather on their mer- it as citizens. Many of the fairest citizens are turned down on ac- count of incompetency to fill positions of honor and trust. Special legislation for some becau?e ?heir fore-fath- ers were slaves means special legislation for ethers because their fore-fathers were slave owners and lost all their slaves at the close of the rebellion. Spe- cial legislation has been the cause of the introduc- tion of the hideous monster, jim-crow. There is no more need for the separate car law now than there was thirty years ago. There may be cer- tain modes of transportation tolerated in this life, but one thing is sure, all are placed on one common level in the plan of redemption. A demand for men who have the courage to prop- erly interpret and administer the laws of the land is, SUMMARY. 63 of the most importance. The Peculiar pecple are good judges of good men and must exercise that judg- ment in selecting men to lule. The sentimental day of public affairs is a thing of the past, and any who stop to complain that they are ignored on pccor.nt of their color will not retard the progress of the American people, but will find them- selves no nearer the enjoyment of corapletei;citizen- ship a hundred yewrs hence than they are to-day. The Peculiar people do not h ;Ip themselves by go- ing to other countries with their complaints. All of their troubles arise on the Avtierican soil and must be adjusted on Ameiican soil by Americans. Sympathy may be very much in place at a certain time, but as the United States is not subject to any oth- er nat'onality there is no need for the outside to be called upon to express their feeiirgs in regard to any set of citizens. Respect for the individual who carries his private affairs to his neighbor is lowered and the same is true of any of the members of the national family. All national powers regard the United States as be- ing well developed and competent to care for all who are its citizens. The same pride that actuates and accents the acts and expressions of the fairest citizens must control the Peculiar people; then there will be more harmony in the land. An utter disregard for many insults and wrongs is necessary in order to accomplish the desired re- sults. The Lord, while on this earth, suffered Him- self to be insulted, in order to triumph and becoiKe 64 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. Master of all the earth; if He could leave His heav- enly home and endure much huniillatlon from his infe- riors, can not the Peculiar people wait all their ap- pointed time with less murmuring? All men who have taken upon themselves the le- sponsibility of preaching and calling upon the people to repent of their f^ins, are accountable for much. The preacher who stands before the Peculiar people must advise endurance and all other preachers must dwell on the following:- "How can a man love God whom he hath not seen and hate his brother whom he hath seen? Such a man is a liar and the truth is not in him/' The man who occupies a pulpit in a house dedicat- ed to the worship of God, the doors of which areshut in the face of men, because of their complexion, must preach a false doctrine, and God have mercy on those who claim to be saved behind such doors. The medium throu2:h which a fair skinned citizen is saved is identically the same as that through which the dark skinned one is required to pass. That the Peculiar people are good church workers, is shown by the costly structures, towering heaven- ward, all over the American land. This is no strange land for these people and there is no need for them to hang their harps upon a willow tree. Join the happy chorus and sing the Lord's song at morning and again at evening. I know no land of all the earth So dear, so beautiful and grand As the one to which I owe my birth; This lovely American land. SUMMARY. 65 All the text books ar® so arrsnged as to tducattt the minds along the things which will make the best citizens. The childreu of dark complexion receive instructions from the same kinds of books used for all other children and should therefore be taught to honor £.11 national songs and emblems. The homes, apparel and deportment of many, yti most, of the Peculiar people are models and are ex- act copies of the best citizens. The fairest citizens have always had the good things «f the land, so there is nothing for them to do except admire the advancement m&d® by their darker bro- thers. Social affairs will continue to regulate a standards No man of She Peculiar people will force his atttn- tion on a woman of the fairest skin unless he receSv^s some inducement. There sire brutes, In the shape ®f men, of all complexions, but they are not men, Be it said to the credit of the Peculiar people, ther«t are many fair skinned citizens who consider the qual- ifications of men and wosren of more importance than the color of the skin. **01d things have been dons away with and all things have become new." Party affiliations are not as they once were, because men of to-day are not ae men used to be. In the land of the free, nothing is now absolutely more free than actions and speech. The executive head looks cut forth® best interest! of himself and those about him; the humble citizgQ must do the same. In union there is strength and for this reasoa ther« has been a union of the blue and gray, the very 66, A PECULIAR PEOPLE. thought of which a few years ago entered not in the heart of any. Unless the Peculiar people come in as common brothers the union will eveatually be com- posed of all the fairest citizens, to the utter exclusion of the dark ones. Such a union will the union be, when the union of the fairest is complete.. The Peculiar people have little else to do except to comply with the requirements of the laws of their country. All who are familiar with the reasons which made the fore-fathers leave their mother country and how the settlers treated the Indians, will not be sur- . prised at the treatment given the Peculiar people. The Peculiar people should also hold Holland ac- countable for their present condition as the Dutch- traders introduced slavery in the new country. The right way however is to make the best of the situation, as the hand of the Great King is guiding the ship. There are membe»-s of the republican party saying , that it is best to drop the Peculiar people out of poli- tics and have "A white man's party." The democrat- ic party has not been receiving support from the Pecu- liar people hence it asks no favors, but will count ev- ery vote in its favor, no matter by whom it is casted. There is only obe thing for the Peculiar people to do and that is to be truly American in every sense of the word;when this po3ition Js assumed khe respect of the other citizens will be assured. The fairest republicans of the North express such ientiments as are best suited to that section, but many of them who chance to go South to live, lose n© time in adopting the policy of the South. They g®! thi* correct pulsation of alfAirs, political SUMMARY. 67 and otherwise, and are prepared to fall in lino at the shortest notice. The dark-skinned republicans of the Ncrth willingly advise their dark brothers in the South what %o do and what not to do. The one in the North knowi nothing of southern affairs except what is conveyed to him. Circumstances may cause an adviser living in the Nwrth to move South, and he begins to grow clammy as soon as he crosses the dividing line and before beinj: 'troduced to the South as champion of human ights, his power of speech is lost. What a changed person. No aU'^mpt is made to do the things formerly done in the North, nor is any advice given to the southern people. Citizens may not receive the protection guaran- teed iis the constitution, but such a failure will Hot justify n gligence on the part of any. The memory of the conlcderacy is perpetuated, amd kept fresh in the minds of the people through the Annual Grand Camps. Notwithstanding this, the CO isiitution of the U nted States protects these same ^ ople, because they are citizens. The num- ber of new camps added to the original number ie nineteen hundred and four increased the whole te one hundred and twenty-one. The Grand Army Republic honors the South for what it has done to the extent of having had one of its commanders extend an invitation to the grand commander of the seventh annual session of the Grand Camp, Cenfederate Veterans, Department of 68 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. VirgiaU» and thla is the reply to the invitation:- •* I dscliist this invitation in the most courteous termi, mmd 8tit« my reasons for doing so. SummariieiS, tk€s$ rsasons %Ttr« substantially that the speaker still loved tli« memories and principles of the confedermt* struggle, and while he had loyally and in good faith ac- cepted the results of the war he was as fully convinced now, as in iS6i, that the cause was a righteous one; and he couldj therefore, never willingly join with th»8« who meet, to rdoice that we did not succeed in that struggle. That in these war celebs-ations it seemad to me that thsre was no common or congenial ground on which the soldiers of these two armies could stand, that in these meetings we saw things from opposite points of view, and hence the recitals which would make Bi« sad, and vice versa. The above preves conclusively that m^n may adhere to their own convictions and still be respected as citisens. just think of the North at one time assuming to dic- tate to the South and aft-isrvvards making all kinds of overtures to the South. If confederates are invited to join the Grand Army •f the Republic in its celebralions, the Peculiar people ought at least be allowed to be silent or join hands with any citizens when such actions are for the good of those concerned. The cry is ascending that the Peculiar people are not protected in the South. These people will never be protected in the South unlssi they do as al! southerners do, and when they SUMMARY. 69 prove their friendship for those with whom they live and upon whom they depend for a Hying, they will be protected. The North has done and is doing every thing to be on good terms with the South. The Peculiar people living South cannot serve two masters at the same time; they must love the one who administers to their daily needs while the other remains at a given distanee and says he would do more, but is powerless. In a Semi Centennial Anniversary, of the repub- lican party the presiding c fficer recalls the history ol the party and makes mention of the Party'i achieve- r nts as follows:- " Fifiy years ago we were confronted here at Sara- toga by an enactment threatening our national exist- ence. That was the Nebraska bill, abrogating the Missouri compromise. We iaw that our cherished constitutional rights anc liberties were about slip- ping from our grasp. We saw that our republican form of government was in danger of being changed to an ol gai cy, and if we wanted to contmuea repub- lic, we 'ears it has dealt with the controver- sy over silver and ^old; gold has given us the gold standard and the best currency in the world. It has given us a tariff which, if not perfect, is nevertheless better than ever before devised, one that has raised the wages of the workingman and encouraged the enterprises of the farmer, the merchant and the manufacturer. It has watched the struggle between capital and labor protecting each in its rights and oppcrtunit'es, forbidding either to oppress the other, and reminding both that they should be partners, not enemies In the march of American progress. It has expanded the national domain and increased the na- tional prestige and power. It has delivered the Spanish colonies from their oppressors, given inde- pendence to Cuba, and helped all the others on- ward toward peace and self-government. In short, we find that the republican party has been what its name implies. It is the party of the repub- lic itself In the above quotation it is admitted iftiat the re- publican party had the co-operation ©f loyal demo- crats. All political factions place a premium on American citizensh p, and the Peculiar people must not only look out for themselves, but associate and assimilate with those about them. Chie's welcome may be worn out in the house of his SUMMARY. 71 friend. Yes, the ssntimental day, so far as the Peculiar people are concerned, has become a by-gone day and each act performed by the very highest official pow- ers emphasizes the fact. The Supreme Court can only deal with men, living under the protection of the Constitution of the United States, as citizens, and not as white and colored men. The men in the front rank of the republican party and all other parties know that the further devtlop- ment of the United States of America depends upon the united effort of the citizens. When a man is elected and inaugurated as Presi- dent of the United States, that man is President of all the people, no matter by what party he is elect- ed nor by whom he is opposed. The duty of the man so installed is to cement the people and increase harmony where discord reigns. All the men of the other parties ar« not bad be- cause a few give vent to expressions unmanly and selfish. The Peculiar people do not wish to be jur'ged by the bad acts of some of the dark skinned citizens; nor should all the people living in the South be condemned because some of the fair skinned ones are heartless and brutal. It is not because the writer Is a Virginian by birth that she has words of commendation for the South, but she knows well that in thai section are some of the best friends of the Peculiar people. If the entire South w^ere opposed to the dark skinned citizens would there be dotted all over that section schools for the instruction rf the ignorant? 72 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. Why is it so many of the accomplished educators, at every opporiunity, assemble in the ^^outhland? One reason is, tkat in the South the people are hos- pitable and the schools are good. There are men in authority considered to be the best friends of the dark skinned people, who are as bit- ter enemies as the southern Tillman or Graves, but they manage to conceal iheir enmity until something unexpected happens. An illustration of the bitter spirit in the North a- gainst the dark skinned peeple was given when the son of General Ulysses S. Gra^it recommended that a fair skinned man, serving under him, be dismi^^sed from service because he married a woman, the wo- man of his choice and the woman he loved sufficient- ly well to have the world call his wife, and a descend- »nt of American slavery. The friends of the descendants of American slav- ery are legions and the enemies are scattered all over the American land. The executive head sets an example, for cultivat- ing the fiiend*hip of the southern people, and why should not the Peculiar people follow. In ar.other division of this book the author says that the North does every thing possible to please the South, and it may be said also that the republi- can party is willing to do many things to better the conditions of the citizens in all the southern section. The followino^ bit of information proves the truth of ttie statement that there is a union springing up between the North and the South, the blue and the gray; a union between the fairest citizens of all sec- SUMMARY 73 tioiis and if the d,irk skianed cilizens do their duty they will not perniii tliemselvci to be influenced by any power detrimental to Uielr own interests. " Mrs. James L.ong,"stfec£ is t!ie widoA'and was the second wife of (General James Longstreet, of confed- erate fame. The President and Postmaster General Wynne decided upon the removal of Colonel Henry P. Farrow, the postm«Aster at Gainesville, and the ap- pointment of Mrs. Longstreet. A post office inspect- or who recently went to Gainesville to investigate a complaint that Colonel Farrow was not a citizen of that place, but lived in another county, reported that the charges were true, Colonel Farrow being a resi- dent of Lumpkin county, Ga. Colonel Farrow has been a lifelong republican in Georgia, and has been postmaster at Gainesville for six or seven years. There has been some question as to the citizen- ship ©f Mrs. Longstreet in Gainesville, but thert- is thought to be no doubt of that. General Longstreet lived there after the civil war. She is about thirty- five years old, and at the time of her marriage to the confederate general she was editor and owner of a Georgia paper. She is a bright, attractive woman, ful- ly qualified for the position. It is possible, howev- er, that th« Georgia republican machine, of which- Colonel Farrow is a member may attempt to make a fight on the confirmation of the appointment." Mothers must do their duty, so that when their children grow to manhood and womanhood they may properly construe, and if necessary execute, all laws pertaining to positions they may fill. Th« adfangf m«nt mud^i by proporly trtining tho 74 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. young minds to aspire to grand and responsible po- sitions is more and more observable each year. Many of the older people are willing to become as children in order to have their stern proclivities re- modeled; they feel the lack of such training as the children of this era should receive. Mothers of day have better advantages, in all respects, than those of fifty years ago. In some way a child may have its back broken; or it may sustain the loss of a hand or limb, from which mishap he becomes deformed, and what ii the re- sult? It he lives to become a centenarian, he is an object of pity. He is unable to cope with his fellow citizens in life's ups and downs. It is then important to protect the child from harm in any form if perfection in manhood is desired. It is also of importance to know that the child is not crippled nor deformed in his training, for .sfter reaching the age of manhood he may not only be an object of pity but an object to be avoided. Mothers must feel the importance of being polite to their own children. Aa expression of thanks for a glass of water or a chair, delivered to a mother at her request, will niake the little heart expand with untold pride, when the child knows of its abill"ty to be of service to its mother. Trust not a child to fate, feeling that all omissions can be supplied in after years. All children, of the Peculiar people, need the watchful attention of their mothers and especially the girls. Without nice girls all hope for good mothers will bg dead. They must not be exposed, SUMMARY. 75 even in cases of severe poverty. While young: th«y are thoijgiitiess and forget that their every move- ment and expression are materials in the foundation of older years. Sometimes when the mother is the only meaas of support, the father's place being vacant, girls are seen carrying heavy burdens on thtir backs or heads. These girls are often insulted and humiliated to the extent of losing much of their girlish pride. To compel a girl to carry parts of torn down houses to an humble home for fire wood is one kind of economy, and yet it is often over balanced by a waste of food on the part of a car-^less mother. A thoughtful mother will study economy in all her affairs and never permit her girls to do things detri- ment:;!. A father is not perfect and will often be found on street corners discussing topics and plans of no use to his welfare, and his wife toiling to eke out an ex- istence for herself and children. When fathers can- not get employment and mothers have the care ©f the family resting upon them, they should then, if at no other time, object to the girls becoming public carriers; keep the girls in and let the husbands and fathers go out. Not many boys of the fairest citizens, much less their girls, are *^o be seen with luggage similar to what many girlsof dark complexion carry. There is no real assi tance given a father by exposing his chil- dren; better let him have an opportunity to demon- strate his fitness for the position of his own selec- tion. 76 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. One peculiar thing aboat the darker citizens is the inability to let a burden rest •n the proper found a - tion. Sympathy for one individual leads to imposi- tion on another. The attention of all the people, regardless of com- plexion, should be to the proper training of the young, in order that the hisjhest types of American ciiizens may be realized. While it is true that the mothers of dark complexion have grave responsibilities upon them, the time and importance of the age de- mand that all mothers look after those in their keep- ing. Every vestige of previous condition of servitude is disappearing and there is no use to discuss the rough side of people. The bad portion of the dark skinned people are simply some of the bad citizens and the bad fair skinned people, and they are le- gions, are simply bad citizens. Ev^^jry nationality on the universe has its quota of bad members, except those who escape to the United States. Perseverence has advanced the Peculiar people to their present position and has overcome the many obstacles which have tried to hinder them. They have been given strength to bear all that has beea put upon them and will according to their faith continue to receive aid from the Divine Hand. There are many excellent reasons why the name "Peculiar" is so well adapted to all who in any way are related to those people who were held in bond- age, in the early history of the United States, and one is because these citizen's rights and opportuni- ties have been, and are y«t, abridged. The best reason SUMMARY. 11 for styling thern "Peculiar" is that they are equal to the requirements of law and will make as good citi- zens as those who have always enjoyed all the priv- ileges of this country as citizens. It must be remembered that the men who com- posed the Circuit Courts, in the early history of tht United States, never dreamed of the people expand- ing and becoming as intelligent as they are today. Such was beyond their conception as is shown by their interpretation of the word "white". The following appeared in the columns of the New York Sun:- "By white is meant Caucasian. This is silly, but ii is the Circuit Court interpretation. A Mongo- lian is not a Caucasian, and \s therefore not a wi^ite person. Neither is a Malay, a Hindoo, an Arab, an Egyptian. Under the term white, says Judge Saw- yer, is included only the Caucasian race, whatever that may mean, and the Court does nofc tell us." All definitions are the results of individual opin- ions and a man is not an ape simply because anoth- er man chooses to call him one. The correct definition of man is found in the Bi- ble and mothers must take that Book as their guid« ia training their children to be good citizens. The author of this work is a mother and reserves the rijiht to tell her childrt-n, as all good mothers will do, that they are not Negroes, Afro-Americans nor any thing less than Ameri :an citizens, being born un- der the Stars and Stripes and on the American soil, and in tht likeness of the Creator. Under a constitution which knows no man on ae- A PECULIAR PEOPLE. count of previous condition of servitude, * 'All per- sons born in the allegiance of the United Statea (ex- cept children offoreiga embassadors) are citizens. (U. S. R. S., Sections 1992, 1993.)'* A blind man knows not the color of the fragrant roses and yet he is capable of distinguishing them by the strength of their odor. Not by the descendancy nor by the color of the skin are good citizens to be determined, but by their power and influence, in the midst of tlieir fellow be- ings. No mothers among the Peculiar people need con- sider themselves blessed because they were not themselves bond women. The woman who boasts that her parents were nev- er slaves has no more in her favor than her neigh- bor whose parents were held in bonds. While some may have been fortunate in never hav- ing been enslaved their ancestors were slaves. Every dark skinned woman who has risen to any prominence, had to struggle against the tide of op- pression. If the advantages were different and better, there would be no necessity for idle boasting. The sami treatment is given to all, who prove by their lives that they have the proper conception of true womanhood. The dark skinned citizins who boast of having en- joyed the rights of citizenship all their days are in the same boat with the po®r fair skinned citizens, neither really knew what freedom wis until the shackles had fallen from the American slaves, thtn SUMMARY. 79 all were freed. Then all had an opportunity for d«- delopmeni, and today thosa who were slaves, tr whose parents were slaves, are in the front ranks. Mothers must have high moral, social, and intellect- ual aspirations. Shams count for naught, and will not stand th« test in the time of trials If mothers among: the dark skinntd people dis- charge their rfuty to themselves, to their childrea and to their God, what will the out come be? Journalists among these people will cease to be any thing except American citizens; professional men will receive cr dit for being masters of their profession; business men will get the undivided sup- port of their fellow bei'^gs; in all dealings of man with man th«^ color of skin the will not be considered. The best illustration of what the people of the Unit- ed S a es will be, is f jund in a pallatable combina- tion, made by the good house keeper. This good woman will take of fruit, many kinds; of vegetables, an assortment; of spices, a variety. Mixed w'th the articles named will be acids and sweets. When all are well cooked together the whole is very pleasant to the taste. The many col- ors, and taster have been so blended as to become one. All the people who make this great natien will be bo .nd by one common tie and the law which pro- tects the great man will protect his humble neighbor; the children of the poor man will lift their voices in the moving throng and sing:- My country 'tis of the Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing." CALL NUMBER Vol. Date (for periodical) Copy No.