i'BLiG Life
1S90-1910
By THOMAS 0. FULLER
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Robert W. Woodruff
Library
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Special Collections & Archives
TWENTY YEARS
IN PUBLIC LIFE
1890-1910
NORTH CAROLINA-TENNESSEE
BY
THOMAS O. FULLER
NASHVILLE, TENN.:
NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD.
1910.
THOMAS O. FULLER.
DEDICATION.
To the memory of my sainted father, whose hope
for my success was unfaltering, and who
left at the dawn of my public career,
this volume is affectionately
dedicated.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1910,
by THOMAS O. FULLER, Ph. D„ D. D.. in the office of the Librarian
of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
PREFACE.
At the close of twenty years of my public life,
as pastor, teacher and helper, in the work of up¬
lifting my race and the betterment of our com¬
mon country, I have decided to make a brief re¬
view of my efforts and labors, not because there
has been any extraordinary success or achieve¬
ment, but as a public and larger recognition of
the agencies that have assisted me in my struggle
upward, and as an inspiration to those younger
than myself, who may be encouraged by reading
these brief lines to battle on to the attainment
of greater heights, not dismayed nor discouraged
by the ruggedness of the path. The marvelous
facilities of this half century of the freedom of
my race place heavy burdens of responsibility
upon those of us who have enjoyed the blessed
privileges. Should any of the aspiring youth
find anything recorded, herein, that could assist
them in stemming the tide or winning the battle,
I shall feel amply paid for the time spent in the
preparation of this volume. Indeed, I must ac¬
knowledge my sincere gratitude to my Secretary,
Miss Lula I. Hobson, whose efficient help, so
cheerfully given, has rendered much easier this
heavy, but most agreeable task and I send forth
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6
PREFACE.
upon its mission of hope and good cheer, this im¬
perfect account of my "Twenty Years In Public
Life."
Memphis, Tenn., June 15, 1910.
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
chIpter i.
Hearthstone 9
chapter ii.
My College Life 16
chapter iii.
Public Life Begun 25
chapter iv.
Pastor and Principal 29
chapter v.
Hope as an Anchor 33
chapter vi.
Shining in a New Horizon 37
chapter vii.
Assuming the Duties of a Senvtor 48
chapter viii.
The Scheme of Legislation 54
chapter ix.
Campaign Aftermath 57
chapter x.
In the Harness 60
chapter xi.
Democracy Faces a Crisis 71
chapter xii.
The Organic Law Attacked 75
chapter xiii.
After the Storm 93
chapter xiv.
Back to Chosen Fields 96
chapter xv.
North Carolina's Needs 99
chapter xvi.
Off to Tennessee 107
chapter xvii.
As President of Howe Institute 115
chapter xviii.
Northern Societies Co-operate 125
chapter xix.
The Bible Training Class 130
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8
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XX.
Financial Campaign 136
CHAPTER XXI.
The Roosevelt Visit 140
CHAPTER XXII.
New Church Erected 145
CHAPTER XXIII.
Educational Campaign Resumed 152
CHAPTER XXIV.
Stemming the Tide 153
CHAPTER XXV.
The Clifton Conference 169
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Atlanta Conference 164
CHAPTER XXVII.
The New Era of Growth and Expansion 168
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Sketches and Incidents ISO
CHAPTER XXIX.
Sparks From Many Anvils 192
CHAPTER XXX.
How I Became a Minister 196
CHAPTER XXXI.
College Honors * 199
CHAPTER XXXII.
Open Address to Our White Friends of the South...205
CHAPTER XXXIII.
An Editorial and Original Thoughts 213
' CHAPTER XXXIV.
A Message to the Young—A Sermon 220
CHAPTER XXXV.
Work, the Law of Life—A Sermon 223
CHAPTER XXXVI.
The Physician and Civilization—An Address 232
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Books ano Reading—A Paper 243
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
An Emancipation Address 253
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Press Comment 264
PART ONE.
CHAPTER I.
THE HEARTHSTONE.
It was my good fortune to be born in the state
of North Carolina, familiarly known as the "Old
North State." Franklinton, Franklin County,
twenty-seven miles north of Raleigh, the capital,
was the cherished spot.
Though a small town with only a few hundred
inhabitants, yet the influence of its culture and
refinement has been felt in my sections of the
country, through the lives of many useful men
and women sent out.
I had the pleasure of fixing the identity of my
own birthday for the records. The children of
the neighborhood were celebrating their birth¬
days, and I was anxious to celebrate mine, so I
began to question my mother as to my birth, and
being uneducated and unfamiliar with dates, she
said, "You were born the second year after the
surrender and exactly two months to Christmas.
I then fixed the date, October 25, 1867, and thus
it remained. J. Henderson Fuller was my fa¬
ther's name and Mary Eliza was the name of mv
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Birthplace of the Author, Franklinton, N. C.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 11
mother. Though uneducated in books they wei (■»
old time Christians, of deep piety and consecrated
common sense. My father was a carpenter and
wheelwright, and his services were in constant
demand. He built houses by contract, hiring his
time from his master. Many substantial houses
built by him are standing today in the counties
of Granville, Franklin, Wake and Cumberland.
Much of the timber was cut by the use of the
old crosscut/ saw; the sashes, doors, frames and
mouldings, as well as the nails, were made by
hand. The houses are very substantial and will
remain as landmarks for some generations yet.
After paying all expenses, father had a sum
left, with which he hired the time of my mother
and brought to his family, even in the days of
slavery, some of the blessings of freedom. The
Fullers to whom he belonged, were of the best
blood in North Carolina. Mother was noted for
her industry and endurance. Mr. Mank Kearney,
her owner, regarded her as a most valuable
possession. The cabin, in which thirteen of her
children were born, still stands in the rear of the
old slave mansion. She weilded the hoe, handled
the plough, cooked, sewed and was an expert at
hand-laundering.
Well do I remember the first lessons she gave
me in plowing and hoeing cotton. She was
charitable to a fault and allowed no suffering
among neighbors that she was able to relieve.
12 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
"Aunt Mary" was much sought by white and
black people when there was sickness or dis¬
tress.
The preaching services brought her much joy.
Often I have walked with her four miles to some
country church to hear some favorite minister
preach and when her cup of joy was full to over¬
flowing the minister would often find it necessary
to suspend until she had given vent to her feel¬
ings.
The wash-tub was a source of revenue to her,
and her children in school regarded her as a
never-failing treasurer.
My father learned to read during his slavery
days and he put his little learning to good account.
His workshop was often turned into a "meet
ing-house" and his prayer-meetings resulted in
many happy conversions.
After the Civil War, father bought property
and moved his family to his own home. During
the reconstruction period he was a delegate to
the various conventions of his political party.
For many years he served as a magistrate rid
his decisions had weight in the community in
which he served. His advice, on many subjects,
was sought as he kept posted on general topics.
The discipline of our home was almost model.
The duties were distributed and the hours for go¬
ing and coming well regulated.
The children, fourteen in number, of which I
was the youngest, were trained to be polite and
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 13
courteous to all we met. Our lessons at school bad
to be learned and if we were punished a;t school,
we got the "second dose" when we returned
home. Henry, Adeline, Asbury, Tempy, William,
Edward, Joseph, Susie, Mark and' Victoria were
my brothers and sisters, except the three who
died in infancy. Ten of us are alive as I write
this sketch. One is a butler, one a domestic, one
a farmer, two are ministers and teach also, two
teach only, two are carpenters and one is a huck¬
ster. Only one of the children has died since
the war. Mother went to heaven February,
1886. Father went November, 1892. He was
and had been a deacon of the Baptist Church a
number of years.
These saintly characters left their children a
rich legacy of industry and character. They
spent fifty years in the family circle and sent a
group of ambitious children into the various
fields of endeavor, t,o assist in doing the world's
work. The beauty of their lives is more resplend¬
ent as the years go by. They have passed the
quivering bars of a golden sunset. They came
to their graves in a rips old age, like a shock of
corn. Peaceful be their sleep and glorious their
awaking. Heaven's attractions increased when
they entered her portals. For them "to live
was Christ, to die was gain."
EARLY SCHOOL DAYS.
My scholastic training began in a private
school, at five. My teachers ware faithful, while
The Kearney Mansion, the Ante-bellum Home of My Mother.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 15
their scholarship and methods could not be com¬
pared with the present-day schools.
The three "R's" had the right-of-way. Fri¬
day afternoons were spent in drills, marching,
speeches and singing. Often we had our spell¬
ing match, using Webster's Blue Back Speller. It
was an honor to be left standing after the con¬
test. I remember well how our teachers would
teach us to "fractions," sometimes through, as
one term's work, and the next session start us
back at the beginning. Well, I certainly got a
drill in "fractions" which serves a good purpose
today.
In 1882 the state located a normal school
at Franklinton which in addition to the
graded school, of which Rev. J. A. Fuller was
principal, afforded excellent facilities for Eng¬
lish work.
Rev. Moses A. Hopkins was principal of the
Normal School. Later, President Grover Cleve¬
land appointed him United States Minister, Resi¬
dent and Consul General to Liberia, where he
died. Among my early teachers I take pleasure
in mentioning, in addition to the above, Profs. H.
E. Long, M. C. Ransom, Jack Strother, Mrs. Ade¬
line Allen (my sister), Miss Cora B. Person, Prof.
Swan.
CHAPTER II.
MY COLLEGE LIFE.
My high school and normal work being done,
in 1885 I entered Shaw University making the
second year College Preparatory. I shall never
forget my friend, E. R. Jefferson, from Richmond.
Va., who kindly assisted me in matriculation. Dr.
H. M. Tupper was president of Shaw. Like many
a student, I had overestimated my own prepara¬
tion and felt a kind of wounded pride when I met
the enlarged facilities of college life. As Dr.
Tupper was accustomed to say, it soon took the
"puff ball" out of me.
LIGHT AND SHADOW.
My college life was both interesting and event¬
ful. During my first vacation, I felt a call to the
gospel ministry and with the approval of my
church, at Fr?nMinton, in 1886, I entered upon
that blessed work.
My mother was anxious about my career but
was not permitted to hear a sermon from her
baby son. However, her life was, and will ever
be, a blessing and a benediction, and the sweet
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TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
17
influence of her precious examples and precepts
will follow me as a pillar of fire and cloud.
Following the funeral of my mother, I returned
to the university and entered upon my studies,
though with a heavy heart. I had never spent
but a few nights away from my parents and to
be separated from my fond mother by the mystic
river was indeed a shocking experience.
WORKING MY WAY.
While at school, the limited resources of my
father made it necessary for me to work to assist
in meeting my expenses. The division officer of
our building assigned me to do sweeping. I did
my best, knowing that it made a record for me
and my superior as well. Later, I was given
charge of the reading-room, and cultivated a
habit of reading papers and magazines that has
been kept up since that time.
TRAINING FOR SERVICE.
As President of the dining-hall, Secretary of
the Sunday-school and President of the Lyceum,
I was brought in close touch with the student body
in all grades. I shall never forget the Prohibi¬
tion Campaigns which gave me the opportunity
of doing some practical work in the city of Ra¬
leigh, for temperance. At the university, an af¬
ternoon mission Sunday-school was organized,
18 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
and as one of the workers, I gathered many idte
children from the streets of the city and placed
them under the instruction of volunteer teachers
who gave them a rich foretaste of the better life.
It is indeed a fine idea to give students some
practical work for the uplift of the people, while
fixing their intellectual ideals and preparing them
in the schools.
MY TEACHERS.
Among our teachers, were some able, conse¬
crated men and women. Prof. S. N. Vass, Dr. N.
F. Roberts, Dr. A. W. Pegues, Dr. L. A. Scruggs
and Dr. Luther G. Barrett gave me no little in¬
spiration, and I shall always hold them in grate¬
ful remembrance. In the Theological Depart¬
ment was Dr. Thos. E. Skinner, with fifty years'
experience as a pastor, a ripe scholar and a teach¬
er of rare gifts and orthodox to the core. His
lectures were gems of literary excellence and
gave evidence of deep research. Dr. Skinner
hlad baen a slave-owner, and now engaged to
emancipate the minds of the descendants of form¬
er slaves from the thraldom of ignorance. Grander
men seldom walked the earth than Dr. Thomas
E. Skinner. He has already entered upon that
rest about which he delighted so much to teach
his students. "Peace to his ashes."
INCIDENTS THAT TEACH.
Some very striking incidents of old college days
linger ,in my mind. Pardon me if I mention a lit-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 19
tie lesson in economy and financiering. My
pants were slick; I had but one dollar and fifty
cents; my coat was rather light also, for the
season; I secured a loan making my. amount three
dollars. I went to the city and bought a new
pair of pants and a heavy coat, second-hand. I
slipped them into my trunk without the knowl¬
edge of my "chum" and later took them out with¬
out the notoriety of a new purchase of such
cheap good's. My plan worked well and there was
no embarrassment.
My credit was always good among the students
and I worked hard to keep it so. Once I needed
four dollars to pay for a Lexicon, sold me by one
of my schoolmates, who said he would not need
the money until he was ready to leave for home.
One night, at seven o'clock, he told me that he
would need the money for his book the follow¬
ing morning, at six o'clock. Study hour was on.
What should I do? I believed that the situation
could be handled. I went to a friend and asked
if he could spare four dollars for a short while.
That was my starting point. He said he had the
money but it was locked in the safe at the Presi¬
dent's office. I asked him if I could get it next
morning when the President's office opened? He
assured me that I could. The situation cleared,
somewhat. I then went to the second party and
asked if he would lend me four dollars until office
hours next morning to pay a friend who would
leave on an early train. He answered in the af-
SHAW UNIVERSITY.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 21
firmative and handed me the money. I paid my
friend f,or his book, and when the office opened
next morning, I secured the four dollars from
friend No. one and paid friend No. two his short
loan. Later, money was received from home and
I paid friend No. one and all was well, and my
credit saved.
SMALL CAPITAL INVESTED.
While at Shaw I learned the value of small cap¬
ital. I kept twenty-five cents invested in cakes
to sell the students who got hungry between
meals. The baker sold me thirty-five cakes for
twenity-five cents. That ■ gave me ten cakes to
either eat or sell as profit. That quarter served
me well, I assure you. I made some extra money
teaching my fellow students privately and also
shaving them. This enabled me to take care of
my laundry bill.
PRAYER ANSWERED.
One very striking answer to prayer stands out
very boldly in my college life. Owing to some disap¬
pointment in regard to money expected from my
summer work., I found myself heavily in debt for
board and tuition. The President summoned me
to the office. After a very piercing interview,
he suggested that I leave school and work to bring
up the arrears somewhat. I left the office with
22 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
a heavy heart, being ambitious to lead my classes.
I hurried to my room to get raady to leave, though
I had. no money for railroad fare. My room¬
mates had gone to their classes following the
chapel hour, and I found my room vacant. I gently
closed the door, knelt by my bedside and told
the Lord the burden of my heart. I arose, un¬
locked the door and went to the entry hall of our
building which faced the President's mansion.
The first person I saw was President Tupper,
hurrying toward me. "O Fuller, come here," he
called out. I hurried to meet him, expecting
more definite orders about leaving the grounds.
"You needn't go home. I'll trust you," he said
in impressive language and tone. "Thank you,"
said I. The prayer had prevailed. Victory had
been won. I had learned the power -of prayer
and how quickly it could be answered.
During my senior year, 1890,1 was an assistant
teacher under commission from the American
Baptist Home Mission Society, and the financial
strain was not so great.' My graduation day was
a happy one.
PRESIDENT TUPPER.
President Tupper was a man of great faith
and an ideal college president for those days. He
was soldierly in his bearing and was very positive
in discipline. He had a keen insight into human
nature and but few were able to deceive him.
His devoted wife was a helpmeet indeed. They
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
23
came South while the sting of defeat was still
vexing the South. Many were their privations
and sufferings, but consecrated and determined,
they struggled on until one of the greatest insti¬
tutions in the land blessed their labors. The
growth of the university increased the expenses
and miade it necessary for stronger appeals to be
made for help.
At the beginning of each spring term, Dr. Tup-
per would grow anxious about closing the school
year without debt. He would write letters to
friends North, setting forth his needs. He would
announce volunteer prayer services to be held in
the chapel each afternoon at 6 o'clock,.to ask the
Lord to grant favorable responses to his appeals.
Soon, the answers would begin to come. At these
special meetings (and I seldom missed one) the
replies would be read, and I shall never forget
the expression ,of hope and inspiration on Dr.
Tupper's face when favorable answers would
come. Great was the faith of the late Henry
Martin Tupper and the blessed examples of his
great and eventful life have enriched the lives of
thousands, yea, tens of thousands of others. He
fell in front of the battle with the full armor on
in 1894. His mantle fell on the shoulders of the
energetic Dr. Ch.is, F. Meserve, whose success is
one of the marvels of Southern education. "I
have passed my examination, I have won my
crown," were the last words of Dr. Tupper that
fell on mortal ears.
24 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
The funeral of Dr. Tupper was preached in the
college chapel by Rev. Dr. T. E. Skinner, profes¬
sor of Theology. Rev. A. G. Davis, then pastor
of the Colored Presbyterian Church, read the
90th Psalm. "They are gathering homeward
from every land," "Nearer my God to thee" and
"Blessed assurance Jesus is mine" were feelingly
sung by the student body. The funeral proces¬
sion was a sublime spectacle. Old soldiers, cit¬
izens ,of Raleigh, white and black, former gradu¬
ates and a host of students saw the great hero
and benefactor laid to rest on the campus of an
institution to which and for which he had given
his life.
CHAPTER III.
PUBLIC LIFE BEGUN.
My Ordination.
My college course was completed in May, 1890,
and in April 30th of the same year, I was or¬
dained to the full work of the gospel ministry.
The examination was conducted by the Execu¬
tive Board of the Wake Baptist Association, at
Blount Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, N. C. Dr.
Thomas E. Skinner asked the questions. There
were present Rev. J. J. Worlds, Dr. A. Shepard,
Dr. N. F. Roberts, Dr. A. W. Pegues, Rev. C.
Johnson, Rev. George W. Perry and others. Rev.
C. H. Williamson, my beloved school friend, was
examined and ordained at the same time. Rev.
Worlds preached the sermon.
AS A TEACHER.
I began my public life as a teacher in the pub¬
lic schools of Granville County, N. C. It was
in a district near the home of the County Super ¬
intendent of Schools, Prof. W. H. P. Jenkins.
Messrs. Only Jeffries, Dave Hawkins and Elias
Jenkins were the Committeemen.
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26
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
The school had been given me, hut we had not
agreed on the salary. I wanted thirty dollars
per month and they .offered me twenty-eight. I
didn't cavil over the salary, as what I wanted was
the school and an opportunity to show my gifts
as a teacher. On Saturday we walked over to sop
the new schoolhou.se, situated in the crest of «u
beautiful hill, studded with stately oaks. The
house was ready, except the flue, which had not
been finished. School was t,o open on Monday.
It was too late to hunt for a brick mason. I
suggested that we build the flue ourselves. I had
had some experience along that line, and the com¬
mitteeman, a clever white gentleman, consented.
We set to work. I made the mortar and carried
the brick to the roof. No,on came, and the scho.ol
official went to some of the colored neighbors and
secured a nice dinner. We ate and resumed our
work. Soon the task was done. The flue was
finished. On our way home, in the midst of an
interesting conversation, Mr. Jeffries, the com¬
mitteeman, said, "Fuller, I'll, give you. the thirty
dollars per month as you asked." I thanked him
very kindly, feeling that a little industry exhib¬
ited at the right time and in the right way had
accomplished what argument could not have done.
My second school was taught in the same
County, at Berea. A stranger and unheard of,
the people wondered how I secured the school.
They made every conceivable guess—some compli¬
mentary and some otherwise. The final conclu-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 27
sion was that politics was responsible for my
presence and they began to annoy me. A boycott
was decided upon in the council held at their
meeting at "L's" blacksmith shop. I "kept my
head," and swam against the rising tide. They
planned mischief and I planned diplomacy. One
threat reached my ears and I met that with a bold
and effective bluff. I studied the neighborhood
and child nature. I drew upon my reserve force
of information. "Bring me every .peculiarly-
shaped rock you find along the way," was my in¬
struction to the children. They obeyed me, and
soon a supply of rocks of well nigh every shape
ornamented the tables and desks. The Friday
afternoons were usually given to saying speeches
and to spelling-matches. This Friday in ques¬
tion was occupied with a lecture on rocks and
what gave them their queer shapes. The chil¬
dren were intensely interested in the lecture, as
were their parents, a large number of them being
present. They had never heard such informa¬
tion before. I saw a rift in the hostile cloud. I
could feel the wall of prejudice shaking. But I
must fire another broadside. Victory must be
complete. "Bring me every bone you find in the
woods between your homes and the school-house,"
was the next order. The order was obeyed almost
to the letter. Pretty soon our schoolhouse re¬
sembled a zoological museum—Bones! bones!!
bones!!! Friday came, and so did the pupils
with parents and "kinfolks " We talked of bones,
28
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
their shape, size, uses and composition. The in¬
terest was at fever heat. Every available space
in the little schoolhouse was filled. The next day
I met the instigator of the boycott. "Brother
Fuller," said he, "if I don't send my children to
school they'll go crazy." "Send them along, sir,
they will receive a cordial welcome," was my re¬
ply. Thus the opposition collapsed, the .school
was crowded as never before and diplomacy and
ticthad triumphed over ignorance and preju¬
dice.
Much of my experience was gained by working
in schools during my vacations without charge.
I would select a good, large school and spend one
or two weeks assisting the principal. That
helped me and was an advertisement. I would
assist pastors in their churches. I was never
idle. The world is looking for people who can
do things, and this fact can be established whether
there is any immediate salary attached ,or not.
CHAPTER IV.
PASTOR AND PRINCIPAL.
My first pastorate was the Belton Creek
Church, four miles south of Oxford, N. C. I had
often wondered why the church took that name
as there was no creek near it but Beltown had
been its former location. They worshipped
now in a log hut used for public school purposes.
TJhere were four members faithful and true. I
had been supplying the little church for a few
months, for my brother who had more churches
than there were Sundays in the month. In April,
1891, I took charge ,as pastor. A few months
later I had my first grand rally for building-
purposes. Crowds came from the neighboring
churches. The capacity of my house was sixty
and my own people surrendered the seats to vis¬
iting ladies and when the time for the collection
came, the interested ones couldn't reach me. Mv
rally failed but my plans were advertised, and
I "thanked God and took courage."
Mr. Robt. Clay, seeing our struggle, gave us
a building site near the railroad station and other
white friends gave us lumber and trees standing.
We organized a crew, cut the trees, hauled them
(29)
30
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
to the sawmill and gathered lumber from other
sources, visited the white Baptist church, se¬
cured a collection and enlisted the co-operation of
the entire neighborhood.
We kept the people tog-ether by holding prayer-
meetings in the various neighborhoods. Many
were converted and joined our number. Our lum¬
ber, ait the mill, was soon ready. We hired a car¬
penter to direct the work and the men of the
church and neighborhood gave us work each day,
in turn, until our lovely house of worship was
ready for dedication. The membership in two
years had grown from four members to one hun¬
dred and fifty and a large congregation gathered
each fourth Sunday at Belton Creek Church.
The success of my work at this place gave me
much prestige. I was teaching at Berea still, and
often walked the ten miles twice each week. My
salary at the church was thirty-six dollars per
year, but was soon raised to fifty dollars. I was
not working for salary alone, but delighted in the
opportunity to enter the pastorate in a way to
make a record and verify my calling. I was
called to larger churches, but declined the older
and larger charges because I was lacking in ex¬
perience and I didn't wish to mar my early career
with a failure. When my work in my first charge
had been known, I was called to eleven churches
in one year. I accepted the Piney Grove Church
at Creedmore, the Olive Branch Church at Wake
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
31
Forest, the Clayton Church and the Piney Grove
Church in Johnston County. They were all good
churches and were loyal to their pastor.
FOUNDED A SCHOOL.
In 1892 I was called to Franklinton, my native
home, where the Baptist people wished me to or¬
ganize a school. I continued the pastoral work,
finding the churches much assistance in support
and patronage to the school and in many ways.
We issued circulars and started in the name of
the Colored Graded School. After two years, we
organized the Girls Training School, by special
act of the legislature. A beautiful lot was pur¬
chased and a building large and commodious was
erected in 1894. The school flourished, but I sur¬
rendered the principalship to Miss Augusta G.
Curtis, who had been my associate in the work,
and accepted the principalship of Shiloh Institute
at Warrenton, N. C. At the same time I took
charge of the Baptist church which was not fa?
from the school. Warrenton was an old historic
tfown. The people were kindly disposed and
progressive. They co-operated with me most
heartily in my school and church work and made
everything as pleasant as possible. The school
was owned by the Shiloh Association of Baptist
churches. Many things grew up to hinder the
success of the school in later years, but the great
work done since its organization will guarantee
32
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
it an abiding place in the affections of the peopl9
who have been benefited by its existence.
ENCOURAGED BY THE WHITES.
In these early stages of my public career I
learned to value the co-operation of my white
neighbors.
At Belton Creek Church, the Clays, a promi¬
nent white family, donated the land on which
the building was erected. The white Baptist
church gave a collection and the members gave
lumber and cash as individuals. At our baptiz-
ings they'made up half of the crowds and were
interested listeners.
When the Girls Training School at Franklin-
ton, N. C., was founded, Hon. N. Y. Gullev,
a prominent white lawyer and later, Dean
of the Law School at Wake Forest College, gave
the first money, a check for fifty dollars. Hon,
C. M. Cook, another white lawyer, not only gave
a personal donation, but secured for us a loan to
aid in the erection of the building. When I moved
to Warrenton to take up that work, Mrs. Mar}'
Green, white, an old aristocratic Southern lady,
who was Post Mistress and had been for thirty
years, presented me the key to a box in the office
to be used at her expense as long as I "lived in
Warrenton."
These lessons came to me at an important time
and I appreciated their worth and have ever
profited by them.
CHAPTER V.
HOPE AS AN ANCHOR.
It is a beautiful thing in the life of a strug¬
gling individual if he will exercise an unfaltering
trust in the Providence of God.
"Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary;
But if 'hope be the anchor of the soul, and we
press on looking unto Jesus,'
All will be well."
At this time I had been serving as Vice-Mod¬
erator of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Associa¬
tion. The venerable Rev. Isaac Alston, of War-
renton, was Moderator. He was a great man.
For many years he had been pastor and leader—
a pioneer gospel preacher. Sonne of his charges
he held for thirty or more years. He was a
model farmer, a model husband and father and
a model pastor. I had studied his methods of pre¬
paring his sermons and hymns for his church
services and learned much from the consecration
of his gifts and powers.
(33)
COL. JAMES H. YOUNG,
Third North Carolina Regiment, U. S. Volunteers.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
35
I had also been elected Recording Secretray of
the North Carolina State Sunday-School Conven¬
tion. Hon. Jas. H. Young, recently Colonel of
the Third North Carolina Regiment, was the able
president. Rev. Joseph Perry was Sunday-school
missionary and Dr. S. N. Vass was District Sec¬
retary of the American Baptist Publication So¬
ciety. An eventful session of the convention was
held at Louisburg, N. C. Rev. Perry, meanwhile,
had been elected Superintendent of the institu¬
tion for the colored deaf, dumb and blind at Ra¬
leigh, N. C. A vacancy was left in the position
of Sunday-school missionary. Some complications
arose in the Louisburg meeting, and Rev. A. P.
Eaton succeeded Mr. Young as president of the
Convention. I was elected Sunday-school mis¬
sionary to succeed Rev. Perry. Factional differ¬
ences prevailed in the state for a while following
the session and the co-operating bodies could not
agree on the appointment of a missionary. Rev. A.
P. Eaton, a brave, honest and fearless leader, was
sent to Philadelphia to lay matters before the
Publication Society in person.
After some months of cavil, I withdrew for the
good of the work, and Rev. Geo. W. Moore, a
most excellent man, a friend of mine during col¬
lege days, was elected and the work went for¬
ward, my friend*, rallying to its support. That
seemed a cloud for a time but the silver lining
soon appeared.
Writing of the matter to me under date of Oc-
36 . TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
tober 1, 1898, Dr. Robert G. Seymour, missionary
and Bible secretary, said, "In all of our corres¬
pondence we have never suggested that you were
not a worthy man and our refusing to make your
appointment was not on the question of your per¬
sonal character, as I have written you before,
but it was only the exigencies of the situation."
This assurance from Dr. Seymour was highly
appreciated by my host of friends who felt ag¬
grieved over what they regarded as a grave abuse
of official influence.
CHAPTER VI.
SHINING IN A NEW HORIZON.
Warrenton, my new home, was the county seat
of Warren County. In politics it was repub¬
lican and had been for many years. It was not
only republican, but "Colored Republican."
Colored men bad represented the county in the
legislature for many years. Mansfield F. Thornton
had been Register of Deeds for more than two
decades and was an honest, capable official. Va¬
rious county offices had been filled by colored men.
The county was in the second congressional dis¬
trict and James E. O'Hara, H. P. Cheatham and
George H. White had made creditable represen¬
tatives in Congress. The latter served for a num¬
ber of years as Solicitor of the District and
ranked with the leading lawyers at the bar.
Warren County was indeed a political "hot bed."
The campaign was continuous and was at times
bitter between the contending factions. Oppo¬
nents were usually proscribed in every way pos¬
sible and their influence kept under the ban.
A hot, political campaign was on in 1898. In
local politics the fact'ons were active and the lines
were tightly drawn.
(37)
38 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Hon. Chas. A. Cooke, an eminent white lawyer,
later Supreme Court Judge, won the nomination
for Senator from the eleventh district composed,
then, of Warren and Vance Counties, over Prof.
W. H. Warwick, a colored school teacher, princi¬
pal of Reedy Creek Institute, at Littleton, N., C.
Later in the campaign Mr. Cooke was nominated
for Criminal Court Judge, leaving a vacancy in
the senatorial nomination. I was offered the
nomination for the Senate. I was school princi¬
pal and pastor and didn't care to mix politics
with the situation and declined to accept unless
it met the approval of my school trustees and
church members. On being assured that I would
be relieved from making campaign speeches the
election being a foregone conclusion on account
of the overwhelming republican majority, my
friends consented and I accepted the nomination,
which was made by the joint executive commit¬
tee in a meeting held at Manson, N. C.
THE CAMPAIGN.
Bolting tickets were the order of the day and it
was difficult to determine which was in truth the
"regular ticket."
Colored men were in complete charge of the
party machinery, both in county and district. I
attended some of the precinct meetings and, con¬
trary to agreement, was called upon to make
speeches. Often, two sets of candidates were
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
39
speaking .only a few feet apart and much interest;
was centered in what I had to say, as I was the
candidate of all factions and it took no little tact
and diplomacy to handle the situation.
James H. Green was the candidate for Register
of Deeds against M. F. Thornton, the "regular
nominee." He made a brilliant fight and organ¬
ized his forces well. Though "defeated at the
polls, he made his opponent feel that he had a
"foeman worthy of his steel."
Father Albert Spruill was County Chairman.
Mr. Albert Hawkins championed the Green
forces and the battle raged and that campaign
shook the republican county of Warren to its
foundation. The campaign closed, the republi¬
cans won in Warren and Vance Counties, but the
state went democratic under the cry of "White
Supremacy" and "Negro Domination/'
Following the election came the famous "Wil¬
mington Riot," in whiich many lives were lost. Em¬
boldened by the flush of victory, the democrats
resorted to various methods to get charge of coun¬
ties and cities having republican and Negro of¬
ficials. Perhaps the happenings of this period
form the text of the darkest chapter in the recent
political history of North Carolina. With the
hope of getting hold of the situation and making
it possible to help my race in a crisis, I issued the
following open letter to my constituents:
40
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
AN ADDRESS TO THE COLORED PEOPLE OF THE ELEV¬
ENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF NORTH
CAROLINA.
By Thomas O. Fuller, Senator Elect, Warrenton,
N. C.
North Carolina has just witnessed one of the
most remarkable and exciting political contests
in the history of the State. And, as the supreme
issue was "Negro Domination" or "White Su¬
premacy," the overwhelming victory has filled the
minds of the great masses of our people with the
most serious apprehensions. .Since it was well-
nigh the unanimous verdict of the people on the
8th of November that I should represent you in
the Senate branch of the next General Assem¬
bly of North Carolina, I take it as an expression
of confidence in my integrity and judgment, and
perhaps, a word of counsel, at this time would
not be considered, out of place. Permit me to
say that I am not a politician nor do I pose as
your political leader. It is well known that I am
an educator and an humble Christian worker—
unwilling to serve in any capacity that would
jeopardize the great work to which my life has
been given, yet, at your solicitation, I have become
your representative, and my love for you and my
interest in the welfare of my State will call forth
my best efforts and energies. But you are asking
the question: "What will the next Legislature
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
41
do?" "Will it disfranchise the Negro and divest
him of his citizenship?" I regret to say that the
majority of .you do not read the papers nor have
you acquainted yourselves with' the provisions of
our State and Federal Constitutions. Section 1
of the Thirteenth Amendment to our Federal
Constitution reads:
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, ex¬
cept as a punishment for crime, whereof the party
shall have been duly convicted, shall exist ivithin
the United States, or any place subject to their
jurisdiction."
Art. 1. Sec. 3-3 of our State Constitution affirms
the same.
Sec. 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the
United States Constitution reads:
"All persons born or naturalized in the United
States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are
citizens of the United States and of the State
wherein they reside. No State shall make or en¬
force any law which shall abridge the privileges
or immunities of citizens of the United States, noT
shall any State deprive any person of life, libert.f
or property without due process of law; nor deny
to any person within its jurisdiction the equal
protection of the laws."
Our Constitution affirms the same.
The Fifteenth Amendment, Section 1, of the
Federal Constitution reads as follows:
"The Hght> of citizens of the United States to
vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
42
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
States or by any State on account of race, color
or previous condition of servitude..
You must see from the foregoing, that the color
of your skin can never become a legal barrier to
the exercise of the right of franchise. The Con¬
stitution of North Carolina, Article 6, Section 5,
thus defines what classes of persons are ineUigi-
ble to office in the State:
"First, All persons who shall deny the being of
Almighty God. Second. All persons who shall
have been convicted of treason, perjury, or of any
other infamous crime * * * unless such persons
shall have been legally restored to the rights of
citienship."
We find embodied in the fundamental laws of
our State and Nation all the provisions and safe¬
guards known to a free government. Yet we
must confess that the executions of all laws, how¬
ever just and equitable, can be guaranteed, only
by the existence of a righteous, wholesome and
vigorous public sentiment, and it is true, beyond
question, that "All governments derive their right
from the consent of the governed." Without doubt,
the field of expedients will be swept by the next
legislature in order to counteract, the influence,
or obstruct the exercise of franchise by the ig¬
norant colored element of the population, which
franchise is held to be dangerous to our free in¬
stitutions. Whether it will be an educational, or
property qualification, no one knows at present.
The Constitution of Mississippi provides that an
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 43
elector must be able to read and write and must
have paid all taxes legally required of him. An
exception is made for those'who can not read,
that they must be able to understand the Consti¬
tution whien explained to them or "give a reason ¬
able interpretation thereof." By this provision
it was easy to eliminate the ignorant vote and
the United States Supreme Court, in a recent de¬
cision, held it to be constitutional, since it "dis¬
criminated against no particular race." In ren¬
dering its decision, the Court said, concerning
our race, "A patient, docile people; but careless,
landless, migatory within narrow limits; with¬
out forethought—the convention (of Mississippi)
discriminates against its characteristics and the
offenses to which its criminal members are prone.
They reach weak and vicious ivhite men as well
a,s weak and vicious black men; and whatever is
sinister in their intention if anything, can be
prevented by both races by the exertion of that
duty which voluntarily, pays taxes and refrains
from crime."
Hence, we see that the highest court of our land
holds that we arc careless, landless and unneces¬
sarily migratory. We must be made to feel the
force of this significant declaration. Since it is
claimed that legislation is aimed at our moral,
industrial and intellectual unfitness, the remedy
is not far to seek. It is not with the office-
seeker, the professional politician, nor with thos?
who claim the inherent right to govern. It is
44 twenty years in public life.
with you and with me. Every home must be¬
come a school of industry and economy with a
positive and rig-id code of morals. There must,
be a general shaking up of our educational system,
now, too badly hampered by prejudice and secta¬
rian bias. Our ministry must be strengthened
and encouraged; our churches purified and our
whole religious life put upon a higher plane. We
must follow divine guidance- raher than the man¬
dates of self-seekers and place-hunters. Keep
in sight of the pillar of cloud by day and the pil¬
lar of fire by night and however numerous and re¬
splendent the chariots of the pursuer, the rich
heritage whatever it is, will finally be reached.
be industrious, honest, patient and respectful
and you have nothing to fear. Whatever party has
temporary charge of the reins of government,
"seed time and harvest will remain the same" and
labor will bring its reward. I shall go to the
Senate, not as a politician, but as a Christian cit¬
izen. I shall demand nothing, but shall gently and
earnestly plead for a continuance of the sympa¬
thetic and friendly relations which have been the
proud boast of us all and which have given North
Carolina an exalted place in the great sisterhood
•of states. Nor do I feal that roy^ pleadings will
fall upon dieaf ears; for, no doubt, we shall have
the ablest legislature that has assembled in many
years. They are men of convictions and of the
highest personal integrity, and they will temper
the demands of the enthusiastic partisan with so
twenty years in public life. 45
ber. judgment and Christian consideration. In
the mean time, let unnecessary agitation cease.
Go to work, be at peace, and hold the friendship
of your neighbors and your future in politics will
take care of itself. I believe with Prof. Booker
T. Washington, ''that the Negro must prepare to
stand upon his own feet; that whatever place he
is to occupy in the civil and political life of this
country, must depend upon the individual worth
of the Negro in the community and state in which
he lives. Not until in his own community, the Ne¬
gro makes himself felt as a strong, substantial,
reliable, industrial factor will he have much
weight in the political affairs of the state and ra¬
tion." I plead for industrial and thorough literary
and religious training that we may assist in mak¬
ing this what the founders of the republic in¬
tended, "a government of the peoplef for the peo¬
ple, and by the people." Shun anarchy, intimid¬
ation and riot—the sure precursors of National
decay and ruin. Without this it will be as impossi¬
ble for you to rise and prosper as it is for a na¬
tion or party to perpetuate itself by political pre¬
ferment or legislative enactment, alone.
The letter was criticised by a certain radical
element whose rule was doomed, but tlhe sober and!
conservative regarded it as a wise move which fu¬
ture development proved to be correct. I went
back to the duties of the school-room and waited
the assembling of the legislature to which I had
been elected.
46
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Mr. John. H. Wright, had been chosen also to
represent Warren in the Lower House. Attorney
J. Y. Eaton had also been elected to the Legislat¬
ure from Vance County.
ATTENDS A CONVENTION.
It was in the year of 1898 that I attended my
first political convention as a delegate. It was
the Judicial Convention held at Rocky Mount, N.
C. My goocl friend Curtiss was my colleague.
It was tihie duty of the convention to select candi¬
dates for Judge and Solicitor. Hon. Chas. A.
Cooke was the only candidate for the Judgeship
and was nominated by acclamation.
The contest for Solicitor was between Attorney
R. W. Williamson and Attorney J. S. Fitts. Mr.
Fitts was an old Shaw boy and classmate in my
early college days and had asked that I be made a
delegate and also make his nomination speech.
Mr. Fitts was a native of Warren County, but
was at this time practicing law at Winston, N. C.
I was not very familiar with the game of poli¬
tics but had seen it played. On our arrival at
Rocky Mount, the campaign soon waxed hot. I
felt that my candidate had laid his plans well and
was prepared for a brilliant fight. The conven¬
tion was called to order, the preliminaries were
soon over and nominations called for. Mr. Cooke
was named for Judge without much ceremony.
Now for the Solicitorship.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
47
Mr. Williamson was placed in nomination and
warmly seconded by his chiosen ones. Further
nominations were called for. I arose and launched
into my first speech in a political convention.
The applause was spirited and liberal. On I
went from one oratorical flight to another. It
all went well until the hour grew late and trains
began to leave. Then the delegates grew rest¬
less and called time on the speaker. The chair
ruled that as no limit had been put on the speeches
at the beginning, it was too late since the last
speaker was in the midst of his speech.
After speaking something over twto hours I
closed. Every train had gone for that day. The
vote was then taken and my candidate was de¬
feated (having received the votes (two) of my
county, alone. That was a thrilling experience
and I had no desire for a repetition.
CHAPTER VII.
ASSUMING THE DUTIES OF A
SENATOR.
The time for the meeting of the General Assem¬
bly was at hand. My certificate of election had
been forwarded and my seat assigned me. I
passed through Raleigh on a visit to one of my
churches in Johnston County, and called at the
capitol. The Keeper took me to the Senate
Chamber and pointing to seat number 50 said,
"Thar is your seat and your partner sets next to
you." "Thank you," said I. "I have no special
partner, there are fifty of us." He soon saw the
point and the interview ended.
THE LEGISLATURE CONVENES.
The fourth day of January 1899 was the date
for the opening of the legislature. All members
were on hand. I reached the city the day before
and secured my boarding place.
At the appointed hour, the cl?rk of the previous
Senate called the new Senate to order and the
work of swearing in the members and organ¬
ization began. One of the justices of the Su¬
preme Court administered the oath and we signed
(48)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
49
our names to the regular form under the Constitu¬
tion of the state: The roll of the Senate was
supposed to have been called in alphabetical order.
In that case "F" would have been reached early
in the roll call. When you are reminded ,of
fact that I was the only colored member on the
list, and that all "kissed the Bible" you can read¬
ily account for my being the last to take the oath.
Some were curious to see my signature so they
marched up to the desk to see the handwriting.
One Mr. Galloway, "Swift," I believe was his
name, was heard to say, "He wrote with a steady
hand and its better writing than I am used to see¬
ing too."
The effects of the bitter political campaign had
not died out. Many visitors to the Senate ex¬
pressed surprise at seeing a "Negro in the Sen¬
ate."
Hon. J. B. Smith,, of Cumberland County, had
been elected door-keeper and he did everything
possible to keep me cheerful and content. The
presiding officer, Hon. Chas. Reynolds, Lieuten¬
ant-governor, was a very clever man, a repub¬
lican of course, presiding over a majority of dem¬
ocrats. He was a model presiding officer and
soon won their respect and confidence. Hon. C.
C. Daniels, of Wilson, N. C., was Chief Clerk,
and an efficient one. He is a brother of Hon.
Josephus Daniels, editor of the News and Ob¬
server.
SENATE GROUP.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
51
THE SENATE.
No. SeaT.
District Thomas G. Skinner, D Hertford. 27
G. W. Cowper, D Winton. 26
H. S. Ward,, D Plymouth. 29
G. W. Miller, D Bayboro. 45
W. E. Harris, D Seaboard. 32
E. L. Travis, D Halifax 23
It. H. Speight, D Wrendale. 24
— ...F. G. James, D Greenville. 2-r>
T. C. Collier, D Louisburg.. 19
R. A. P. Cooiey, D Nashville. 20
.Tamfs A. Bryan, D Newborn. 14
J. Q. Jackson, D Kinston. 13
F. A. Daniel. D Goldsboro. 5
I. F. Hill, D Faison. 3
W. J. Davis. D Winnabow. 2
T. O. Fuller, R Warrenton. 50
F. A. Whitaker, D Raleigh. 31
.T. A. Q. Jones, D Gulley's Mills. 16
*F. M. White, R Clinton. 38
...... .J. W. S. Robinson, P Clinton. 4
J. A. Brown, D Chadbourn. 17
S. Mclntyre. D Lumberton. 18
..... .W. L. Williams, D, Little River Acad¬
emy 15
A. A. Hicks, D Oxford. 1
T. M. Cheek, D Mebane. 35
James M. Satterfield, D Estelle. 43
J. A. Goodwin, P Pittsboro. 42
..... .William Lindsay, D Reidsville. 9
......John N. Wilson, D Greensboro. 37
J. C. Black. D Carthage. 21
T. J. Jerome, D Monroe. 7
Chas. Stanback, D Mt. Gilead. 8
R. L. Smith, D Norwood. 30
F. I. Osborne, D..... Charlotte. 6
R. B. Glenn, D Winston. 33
John C. Thomas, D Midway. 34
,T. A. Butler. D Statesville. 11
F. C. Hairston, D Fork Church. 12
.T. Calvin Newson, R Kings. 49
D. A. Lowe, D..: Lowesville. 36
H. T. Campbell, R Vashti. 39
W. C. Fields Sparta. 28
....♦♦Commodore Kerley, P. .. .Morganton. 40
* * *w. J. Souther, R Old Fort. 41
M. H. Justice, D Rutherfordton. 44
O. F. Mason, D Dallas. 45
W. J. Cocke, D Asheville. 10
T. .7. Murray, D Marshall. 22
J. Franks, D Bryson City. 47
J. L. Crisp, R Murphy. 48
♦Succeeded January 31 by F. P. Jones, Dunn.
♦♦Succeeded February 1 by W. L. Lambert, Bakersville.
♦♦♦Succeeded February 1 by G. G. Eaves, Marion.
52
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
My seat was in the outside row, next to tha
lobby and of course I could easily hear the re¬
marks of visitors.
One man was heard to say as he entered the
chamber, "Umph! Here is a Negro in the Senate
—Never mind we'll fix that within the next two
years."
I remember the first real effort to annoy me—
Some boys had collected in the chamber during
the recess of the Senate. I was sitting at my
desk, writing. They began hurling "catcalls"
and other unpleasant remarks. I was angered
but knew it would be unwise to have an alterca¬
tion. What could be done to stop them? was a
question. I arose and walked to the corner where
they were seated and addressed them as follows:
"Gentlemen can you tell me where I can find the
records of the geological survey?" "The ge-log-
icle Surnade?" asked one. "No, the geological
survey," I repeated. "No," said one. "He is edu¬
cated," said another. I walked back to my seat
leaving some looking wise, some "otherwise" and
a few consulting their pocket dictionaries. I
may add that no further annoyance came from
that source.
The legislative routine began—bills, resolutions
and memorials were presented and promptly re¬
ferred to the appropriate committees which had
been selected by special committees, as the presid¬
ing officer was of the opposite party. These lists
of committees were presented and voted on by the
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 53
Senate. The campaign had been made against
"Negro Domination" and while the senators re¬
gretted the necessity of denying the colored
senator the courtesy of committee assignment
yet they felt compelled to da so under the circum¬
stances. I bowed to the inevitable with the fol¬
lowing significant reflection : "Where an individu¬
al is elected to a seat in a legislative body and is
denied the prerogatives and privileges incident to
such membership for partisan considerations, it
is no reflection whatever upon the individual so
denied."
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SCHEME OF LEGISLATION.
The first few days of the legislative session
were spent in perfecting the legislative machinery.
When a bill is introduced in either house the reg¬
ular order, is after being read by its title, to re^
fer it to the committee which1 has charge of such
m'atters as that to which the bill relates. The
committee meets, their chairman presides and
the secretary keeps a record of all matters re¬
ferred to it and the disposition of the same. The
bill is discuss^ and voted upon and reported to
the house "favorably" or "unfavorably." If
there is a tie vote, the bill is reported "without
prejudice." Thie committee may report such
amendments as they deem proper. The commit¬
tee, by its chairman or such member as has bean
selected, presents the report to the House. Bills
reported "favorably" are placed on the "calendar"
,or file of the presiding officer to take their place
in the regular routine of legislation. Those re¬
ported "unfavorably" are usually acted upon at
once. A vote being made that they "lie on the
table," Sometimes bills reported "adversely" aro
passed, notwithstanding. Bills reported "with
(54)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 55
out prejudice" usually have good chances for pas¬
sage, as it shows a divided sentiment in the com¬
mittee.
At the proper time the "Calendar" is taken
up by the presiding officer and bills are "put upon
their passage." Speeches are made pro and con
and the vote is taken. Sometimes amendments
are voted and the bills pass by "yea and nay" vote/
Important matters providing for revenue usually
require a, "roll call," which places each member
on "record." Bills sometimes pass under suspen¬
sion -of the rules without being referred to any
committee. Such bills must be well understood
and little if any opposition shown to their pas¬
sage. After their passage in one house bills are
usually referred to a committee on "engrossment,"
where they are put in proper form and all amend¬
ments incorporated. They are reported back to
the body and ordered sent to the other branch of
the legislature.
On reaching the other branch, they are read
by their titles and referred to their appropriate
committees as they were in the house from which
they came. If amended, they are sent back to
the house in which they originated for concur¬
rence in the amendments. Sometimes a confer¬
ence committee from the two houses harmonizes
the points of contention. These matters adjusted
the bills are "enrolled" for ratification.
By "enrollment" is meant the making of an of¬
ficial record of all bills and resolutions on which
56 TWENTY YEARS IN PUELIC LIFE.
final action has been taken by both houses. This
reciord is taken to the presiding officer of each
house. He reads the number and the title in the
presence of the representatives and with the an¬
nouncement, "The folloiving bill will now be
signed and ratified," affixes his official signature.
The bill is now law, an official act, and having
"been signed by the governor (in some states) is
filed with the secretary of state for publication
and distribution to certain officials in the various
counties.
CHAPTER IX.
CAMPAIGN AFTERMATH.
There was an unpleasant political aftermath of
the campaign iof 1898. In various sections celebra¬
tions and jollification meetings were held. These
meetings revived the bitterness of that terrible
campaign and seriously affected the peace and
quiet of several communities. It was even re¬
ported that the highest official of the state was
offered indignities while traveling on the rail¬
roads. This, hiowever, was denied. But visitors
thronged the senate-chamber to greet the men
elected to perpetuate by legislative enactment, the
rule of the white man in North Carolina. The
democrats swore vengeance against Fusionism and
Populism which they usually styled "Negro Dom¬
ination." "White Supremacy" was the slogan.
In the Senate were some of thie star speakers of
the late campaign and when the visitors came they
usually induced Hon. R. B. Gleen, of Forsythe
County, to spsak. Senator Glenn was a polished
orator, trained and skilled in the practice of law,
well educated and well read in the literature of
the classics, and made practical by long experi¬
ence as a campaigner. Senator Glenn knew well
(57)
58
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
how to stir the masses by an appeal to the deep¬
est human emotions. When at his best his
hearers would alternately laugh, cheer and weep.
They were ready when under the spell of Ms
matchless eloquence to do anything "Glenn"
thought was right. It was after one of his su¬
preme oratorical efforts when men and women,
wild with enthusiasm as he pictured with the
skill of an artiist the fall of Negno Domination
and the triumph of White Supremacy, were fairly
surging with indignation and emotion. With
faces flushed and eyes flashing fire they
turned with angry gaze upon the ' colored
senator from Warren. I felt like a leaf in a hur¬
ricane, wondering what damage would follow in
the wake of the terrific storm. Soon the skies
cleared and a calm succeeded the storm and no
disaster was recorded. I promised1 myself this
one thing, viz., Senator Glenn should not repeat
thiat campaign speech in the Senate halls again,
if it could be prevented. I watched my oppor¬
tunity and it came.
A bill soon came up for consideration provid¬
ing for the erection of the new County of Scot¬
land. The lines were closely drawn and senti¬
ment well nigh evenly divided. Senator Glenn
was a leader of one of the factions and he was
casting about for additional votes. "Well, Sen¬
ator Fuller, how do you stand on the Scotland
County Bill," said he. It was a happy moment
for me and I could scarcely conceal it.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 59
"Well, Senator," said I, "I am heartily in favor
of the bill, but so many bitter racial speeches have
been made that I have about changed my mind,"
"If yoa will agree to support the bill, Fuller, I'll
promise y.ou that not another bitter speech will
be made," said the Senator. The proposition
was accepted. The bill came up for considera¬
tion. Senator Glenn made an able speech. The
vote was taken and the bill passed. I sent him
a note congratulating him on his scholarly effort.
He came to my seat at once and expressed his
appreciation warmly and that marked the end of
the bitter campaign aftermath.
WHITE FRIENDS AGAIN IN EVIDENCE.
Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Skinner, my theological
teacher While at Shaw, was very thoughtful of
me during my senatorial term. He knew the
feeling against Negro office-holders at the time,
and made frequent visits to the Senate ar.d
held conversations with senators and visitors that
served to make friends for me, his former pupil.
Other white friends, like Mr. Marmaduke Haw¬
kins, Mr. Henry Hunter and Mr. J. A. Dowtin,
of Warren County, rendered the same kindness
which I very hiighly appreciated.
Hon. C. M. Cooke, of Louistiurg, N. C., knew
my father and mother before the war and often
spoke of us as his "colored kin."
CHAPTER X.
IN THE HARNESS.
A Pet Measure Tabled.
I spoke in previous pages of my first legisla
tive effort, viz., the introduction of a joint reso¬
lution which went to the table. But I had the
pleasure of tabling a bill myself. It occurred
in this way: A large number of Negroes voted
the democratic ticket at the late election on ac¬
count of factional differences. They were, no
doubt, promised some kind of reward. They
could not be given office because the victory had
been won by the democrats on the cry of "White
Supremacy." Many protested against giving
Negroes the most menial service to perform
around the capitol. Emancipation celebrations
were quite popular in North Carolina and some¬
times, political lines were so tightly drawn that
certain men were denied place cn the annual pro¬
grams because of their political affiliations. This
indeed was one of the most damaging evils in the
political life of the Negroes of North Carolina
during the time in which they were a factor in
politics. Partisan discriminations were carried
into schools, churches, associations of churches,
conventions and everywhere certain leadsrs
(60)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
61
wished to carry their points. The campaigns
were perennial. They were like the proverbial
congregations that "never hrieak up" and the
Sabbaths that "had no end."
Certain leaders who had given their influence
to the democratic ticket drafted a bill which was
introduced by the genial senator from Wake,
which incorporated a State Emancipation Associ¬
ation which would have charge of all celebrations,
in the state. It was a wicked and mischievous
project. The democrats (some of them) sup¬
ported it heartily and when I opposed it they
plead with me and even tried to intimidate me
by pigeonholing my bills in the other house, but
with the aid of Senators Glenn, Hicks and
others I made a motion "to table," which was
"carried." I put the legislative clincher on it to
prevent the coming up in another form, which
was repeatedly tried. Once it got back on the
calendar in some "unknown" way, when Senator
Glenn, acting as temporary reading clerk to assist
the regular clerk, detecting it, said, in his emo¬
tional and emphatic way, "Ain't this that same
Emancipation Bill? Fuller, do you want this bill
to pass?" "No sir," said I. "Well, it sha'n't
pass." And he laid it aside and nothing more
was heard from it.
SAVED THE NORMAL SCHOOLS.
Another very interesting incident occurred
which served to enliven things. There were at
62
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
this time seven colored normal schools in the
state. Some of them, it was charged, were not
doing satisfactory work. The State Superin¬
tendent of Public Instruction, Hon. Chas. H. Me-
bane, a Fusionist, had conferred with the agents
of the Slater fund and had been informed that
Unless these schools were consolidated and made
more efficient, the above named fund would, be
withdrawn. _ Mr. Mebane had so informed Chair¬
man Smith, of the Senate Committee on Educa
tion, and a bill had been drawn reducing the num¬
ber from seven to four. I had been assured by
friends that that was the best that could be done,
as there was a disposition to abolish all of the
Negro high schools, growing out of the bitterness
of the late campaign.
On this account I had agreed to support the
compromise bill and urged my friends to do like¬
wise, The bill came up for consideration and the
discussion was spirited. I was delighted with
the turn of things. Negro education had more
friends in the Senate than I knew about.
In the midst of a very eloquent speech,
Senator Osborne, of M'ecklenburg County,
formerly Attorney General of the State, and
later Federal Judge, said, "I want to hear from the
colored senator from Warren, as I shall vote with
him on this question." It was a crucial mo¬
ment. What to do was a puzzle. I arose and
stated that I agreed to support the substitute,
thinking that was the best that could be done,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
63
but I really felt that seven schools conveniently
located and with ample appropriation would be
better for my people than four schools widely
scattered and with, inadequate funds. The vote
was taken and the seven schools remained as they
wene with an annual appropriation of fourteen
($14,000) thousand dollars.
SECURED THE PASSAGE OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS.
If I should be asked to name what, in my
judgment, was the most important and signifi¬
cant service rendered my people in the legisla¬
ture, I would be puzzled to give an answer en¬
tirely satisfactory. Two bills affecting my own
county gave me an opportunity to go on record
in an effective way which was cheerfully accepted.
A former representative had passed a bill dur¬
ing a previous legislature which established a
new Criminal Court for our judicial district and
taking from the Superior Court all jurisdiction
in criminal cases. This Criminal Court held ses¬
sions in our county every six months and was
an expense to the county in that it kept prisoners
in jail six months, who were not able to secure
bond or whose cases were not bailable. Both
prisoner and county suffered. I had the pleasure
of drafting and introducing a bill giving the Su¬
perior Court concurrent criminal jurisdiction in
all criminal cases. This would clear the jail every
64 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
three months, and was beneficial to all parties
concerned. Commenting upon this bill, the
"Warrenton Record," Hon. J. R. Rodwell, editor,
said, "Concurrent jurisdiction in all criminal
cases has bean given the superior courts of War¬
ren with the Criminal Court, thus giving us an
opportunity to clear our jail of prisoners every
three months instead of every six months .as
heretofore. This is right and we are thankful
for the change and thank Senator Fuller for the
bill, he having introduced it."
I was especially grateful to the Senators for the
consideration shown in the passage of this bill.
It was introduced1, the rules were suspended and
put upon its immediate passage without the us¬
ual form of reference to a committee. In view
of the change it wrought in ths courts and the judi¬
cial system I felt deeply grateful for the compli¬
ment.
THE DISPENSARY.
Another instance: Warrenton, my town, had
an open bar-room. It was a menace to the morals
and order of the community. A white represen¬
tative from another county had been secured to
introduce a bill in the lower house, abolishing
the open bar-room and substituting for it a "dis¬
pensary" to be operated by the county. This dis¬
pensary allowed no drinking in its store-room and
sold whiskey in packages only.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 65
The bill passed the House and came to the
Senate. The temperance people were very active
at the time, and had routed whiskey from many
counties and towns. I had supported every move
made to curtail the liquor traffic, believing it to
be the greatest curse to my race. My ardor had
been cooled a little however, by the surprisingly
bitter racial speeches made by the white ministers
when advocating temperance measures before the
legislative committee. So far had these prohibi¬
tion fights gone, that the democratic leaders
feared a disruption of the party. The republi¬
cans, like the drowning man, were "catching at
straws." They sought to profit by the activity
of the democratic majority against the liquor in¬
terests. I felt that I could not stand with my
party in favor of the whiskey men, because my
race had too much at stake. The Warren County
Dispensary Bill had been referred to the Senate
Committee on Propositions and Grievances and
had suffered an "unfavorable report" by one vote.
I saw my good republican friend, Senator "F,"
from Swain County, who had voted against the
bill in the meeting of the committee. As a spe¬
cial favor to me, he changed his vote in favor of
the bill and this brought the bill into the Senate
"without prejudice." The bill took its place on
the calendar, meanwhile telegrams poured in
from Warren County urging me to defeat the
bill at all hazards. Miany appealed to me to ap¬
prove the bill "on racial grounds," when they
66 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
knew that I was the only Negro in the Senate.
Paid attorneys threatened to circulate the rumor
that I "sold out to the democrats." When the
time was ripe, I called up the bill and asked that
it be passed as the best sentiment of my district
requested it. The bill became a law and Warren
County enjoyed its benefits until prohibition
swept the state some years afterwards.
I recall a very amusing- incident that occurred
while the dispensary bill was under consideration.
Workers were en hand to push the bill along.
When the bill reached the Senate, not thinking
the colored member had any influence among the
great white democratic majority, they "passed
me by." One worker approached a senator stand¬
ing near me in the lobby in the rear of the Pres¬
ident's desk and asked him if he would "call up
the Warren County Dispensary Bill?" "Why,
get the senator from your district to call it up."
replied the senator. "Our senator is a nigger,"
replied the "worker." "Never mind that, he ha?
influence here," replied the senator. The inter¬
view closed. I smiled. Was it excusable?
COLORED MEMBERS IN THE HOUSE TANGLED.
I hope my friends in the lower house will par¬
don the laugh I have on them. They were de¬
nied committee assignments just as I was. The
speaker, Hon. H. G. Connor, of Wilson County,
was a very affable, dignified and conservative
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 67
gentleman. In appointing special committees to
visit the state institutions he thought it proper
to select one of the colored members to go when
visits were made to the colored institutions, viz:
the seven normal schools: the A. and M. College,
Insane Hospital, Oxford Orphan Asylum, Insti¬
tution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. The
speaker suggested that the four colored represen¬
tatives in the House get together and agree upon
one of their number whom he might appoint on the
committee in question. The colored members were
Hon. J. Y. Eaton, of Vance; Hon. J.H.Wright,
of Warren; Hon. W. C. Courts, of Northampton;
Hon. I. H. Smith, of Craven. They held their
meeting but .could not agree as to which one
should go. This honor was a much coveted one,
and do you wonder that all were willing to go ?
ORATORICAL FLASHES.
The following extract is taken from the columns
of the Raleigh News and Observer (Daily) issued
during the session of the legislature of which I
was a member.
SPLENDID SHORT SPEECHES.
"The galleries were crowded with beautiful
women and those who were present at the discus¬
sion <m the passage of the bill providing for the
publication of the Sketches of the N. C. Regi-
68
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
ment, in the Civil War, heard perhaps the finest
specimens of genuine heart-stirring eloquence thau
ever echoed through the historic Senate hall.
On this bill Senator Justice said he had intended
to offer an amendment requiring the book to be
printed in North Carolina, but had understood
that there would be no doubt about th&t. The book
he said, Would be a monument to the heroism of
our soldiers, that would incite emulation in deeds
of valor for all time. It would perpetuate their
memories to our children and our children's chil¬
dren forever." ******
Senator Fuller said, "Mr. President. I came from
the county of Warren, whose sons are so noble and
loyal as any that breathe the atmosphere of heav¬
en. And, sir, if this county were represented
by a member with Anglo-Saxon-blood, I am sure
he would c'h'eerfully assent to the adoption of this
resolution. No sir, there is no politics in this
matter. I am without prejudice and take pride
in all the achievements of North Carolina's sons.
The able Senator from Rutherford spoke of the
chapters he would add to the records of the heroes
and, let me say, that there should at least be a
footnote to commemorate the faithfulness of the
Negroes who stayed at home and made the cotton
and the corn while your sons were following the
stars and bars into the jaws of death and writing
their names in shimmering brightness upon their
country's banner. We should not weep for those
who have passed beyond the skies for,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
69
"There is no death,
What seems so is (transition;
This life of mortal breath
Is but the suburb of the life Elysian,
Whose portals we call death.
"Thjere is no death.
An angel form broods o'er the earth with silent tread;
They bear our best loved things away,
And then wo call them dead.
Forever near us yet unseen,
Those dear immortal spirits tread;
For all this boundless uriiverse is life;
There is no death."
While the discussion of the bill was in progress,
the inmates of the Soldiers' Home crowded the
lobbies and when the vote was taken they gave
every evidence of their grateful appreciation of
the support given the bill. Many of them, with
tears in their eyes, grasped my hand and sincere¬
ly thanked me for the address delivered in favor
of the bill. They also praised the former slaves
for their faithfulness and loyalty to their families
while they were marching in the ranks of war.
The bill incorporating the North Carolina Mu¬
tual and Provident Association wa,s introduced by
me, and, while its passage in the Senate was an
easy matter, to get it through the lower house
cost me the hardest fight of my legislative career.
There were two reasons for this. First, this
bill came on when it had been decided to put a
check on Benevolent Insurance. Second, this
70 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
bill was pigeon-holed in the house to force me to
withdraw my opposition to certain measures in
the Senate.
When I note the magnificent record made by the
North Carolina Mutual and Provident Insurance
Company, having its Home Office at Durham,
North Carolina, owning valuable real estate in
several states, I feel amply repaid for every effort
put forth in its behalf.
The incorporation of Warren County in certain
sections of the General Road Law, and the in¬
corporation of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Warren
County, are included in the summary of my leg¬
islative record.
White friends would frequently ask me: "Ful¬
ler, has it ever occurred to you that you would be
the last Negro to occupy a seat in the Senate of
North Carolina?" I had only one reply: "I am
trying to conduct myself in such a manner and
make a record of which any man succeeding me
will find it difficult to surpass."
CHAPTER XI.
DEMOCRACY FACES A CRISIS.
One thing- was uppermost in the minds of the
democrats of North Carolina when they found
themselves clothed with legislative power, and
that was the passage of such laws as would elim¬
inate the Negro as a political factor.
The first step in that direction was the captur¬
ing of the election machinery in every county
in the state. In many cases, especially in the
"black belt," this was accomplished by "revolu¬
tion." Pressure was brought to bear upon of¬
ficials in a way that forced their resignation, and
then in a so called "regular" way republican and
fusion officials were replaced by democrats.
The legislature came to the aid of the demo¬
cratic party by providing for the appointment of
certain officers in republican counties that had
previously been elective. Considerable caution
was exercised in this matter as the Supreme
Court in previous decisions had held that an office
was a contract, and therefore, could not be ab¬
rogated or abolished in detriment to the rights
of the incumbent. The next step was the passage
of an election law that would give the minority
(70
72 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
power over the majority. The giving of one party
partisan control ;of the ballot box; making of a
polltax receipt prerequisite in registration and
making said tax payable at a time least conven¬
ient to the tax-payer, were the bold attempts to
prevent the honest expression of the will of the
people. These are some of the things that
grew out of the campaign of 1898, made mem¬
orable by "White Supremacy Clubs," "Red Shirt"
organizations, culminating in a riot at Wilming¬
ton, the evil effects of which only God can wipe
from the fair name of the state.
RIGHT OF PROTEST INVOKED.
When the election law was before the Senate,
I raised my feeble voice against its enactment.
Standing alone, ss the representative of a race
against which the whole force was directed with
white republicans in a state of doubt, dread and
demoralization, I could but avail myself of my
constitutional right to present a "Protest," in
writing, and ask that it be placed upon the Jour¬
nal of the Senate to remain for all time.
SENATE JOURNAL.
The following protest, entered by Mr. Fuller,
was ordered spread upon the Journal:
PROTEST AGAINST THE PASSAGE OF THE PROPOSED
ELECTION LAW.
Our government is the product of severe strug¬
gle and endurance. It is a government in which
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 73
every citizen is a sovereign, who surrenders only
those rights and powers essential to the guarantee
of peace, happiness and prosperity to all. Our
Constitution declares, Art. 1, Section 2: "That all
political power is vested in, and derived from the
people. All government of Tight originates from
the people, is founded upon their will only, and
is instituted solely for the good of the whole."
How to ascertain the will of the people is the
chief concern of every Republican government.
The fatheirs have handed down to us a time-hon¬
ored system of popular elections. These elec¬
tions in our day are held under the auspices of
an election law, which should serve only to facil¬
itate -and make certain a correct expression of the
popular will. Recognizing the fact that no
government is safe that rests upon oppression and
tyranny, nor when there is a lack of faith and
confidence in the exercise of governmental func¬
tions, the framers of our Constitution have de¬
clared, Art. I, section 2: "That all elections
'ought to be free." The bill now about to become
a law, in my opinion, is a hazardous measure, and
I most earnestly protest against its enactment.
It makes it possible for the will of the majority
of the people of North Carolina to be thwarted
by an organized minority, which will inevitably
lead to unrest and lawless disregard of the pro¬
visions and execution of the same and will en¬
danger, if not destroy, the peaceful conditions
74
twenty years in public life.
which have hitherto charaterized the relations of
our people and the government of our State.
(Signed)
Thomas O. Fuller,
Eleventh Senatorial District.
CHAPTER XII.
THE ORGANIC LAW ATTACKED.
As drastic as were the measures already en¬
acted, they proved to be only initiative and pre¬
liminary to the scheme the democrats seemed
bent upon inaugurating to amend the organic law
of the state. The fusionists made up of populists
and republicans had captured the state, making
Hon, Daniel L. Russell, Governor, and Hons. J.
C. Pritchard and. Marion Butler, United States
Senators.
In the various counties men of the white race
untrained in politics and government, were made
officers by this coalition.
Negroeis were largely in evidence as officers
from constable to congressman. When the dem¬
ocrats found themselves once more with full
power to legislate, they determined to "fix things"
far as they could, for all time.
The radical element of the leaders was used as
"a whip" to drive the conservatives to extreme
measures.
The ablest constitutional lawyers of North
Carolina and other states were sought as advisers,
lest a mistake be made and the reins should slip
(75)
76 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
from their hands. The state legislature was the
center of interest. The lobbies were crowded
with those who hoped to profit by the expected
changes. Everybody seemed nervous and im¬
patient. Caucus after caucus was held. Rum¬
ors of dissensions and disagreement as to plans
filled the air. The Negroes were in a state of
driead and suspense. Many were leaving the
state, not knowing what might follow the drastic
legislation contemplated and predicted. Finally
the news spread that the Committee on Constitu¬
tional Amendments had agreed upon a plan. It
would be similar, to the plan already adopted in
some of the southern states and would serve to
eliminate the Negro vote without seriously
affecting the white voters. Sentiment was di¬
vided on this question and that seriously. The
West was not troubled with the Negro question
and feared that the measure proposed would
work a hardship on the ignorant whites of their
section. Many opposed the whole schem3 fear¬
ing that it might check the material prosperity
of the state. Still others were opposed to dis¬
franchising the Negroes on general principles.
Party leaders were busy. They had gone too
far to stop now, was their plea. The hour came.
The committee presented the proposed Amend¬
ment to the lower house and at the time ap¬
pointed speech making began. Some explaining
their votes said they were not in harmony with
the plan but voted for it as a party measure. One
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 7 T
very prominent man, later Lieutenant-governor,
said according to reports at the time, "I under¬
stand that some of you have conscientious scruples
against voting for this Amendment. Sink your
consciences for the good of the state!" Hons. Isaac
H. Smith and J. Y. Eaton, colored representa¬
tives, made able speeches against the amend¬
ment. Mr. Eaton was. liberally complimented by
the daily press and the members on both sides
of the House. The measure passed under the
party lash with practically the full party vote,
and was sent to the Senate. It was commonly
reported that members remained in their rooms
on account of sickness, but were sent for and
brought to the capitol in carriages to vote and
take their part of the responsibility for the pas¬
sage of an Amendment to the constitution, pro¬
viding that person voting must be able to read
and explain certain sections of the constitution
or understand it when read to them. An excep¬
tion being made in favor of those whose fathers
or grandfathers had the right to vote prior to
1868, provided they registered their names with¬
in eight years from the ratification of the Amend¬
ment by the people. This was known as the
"Grandfather Clause" and a large number of
Negroes were eligible to vote under it becausa
of the fact that their fathers or grandfathers orig¬
inally free or white, voted prior to 1868.
Having passed the house and having been ac¬
cepted by the Joint Committee of the two houses,
78 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
when brought to the Senate, the bill took its place
upon the calendar and the Steering Committee
fixed the day for its consideration. Interest
increased as the measure approached the final
stages. The white republicans held their caucus
but they were nan-committal for a time. They
seemed in doubt as to whether the Amendment
would prove their undoing or emancipation.
It had been argued by some that with the Negro
out of politics the republican party would become
a "white man's" party. On the other hand it
was claimed that with, the Negro out of politic?,
the class of white men holding leadership in the
republican party would be swept from office and
replaced by white men of a higher and nobler
type. At any rate all seemed willing to get rid
of the Negro as an office-holder. The measure
came up for consideration. The republicans pre¬
sented a substitute providing that the Negro be
allowed to vote but not hold office. This would
not destroy the Negro as a political asset of the
white republican. He (the Negro) could elect
them (the white republicans) to office, but would
not be eligible to office himself. In addressing
myself to this iniquity I was quoted as saying:
"The Negro finds himself between the devil and
the deep blue sea."
An offer to disfranchise, coming from the dem¬
ocrats, and efforts to disqualify him as an office¬
holder, coming f,rom his supposed friends, the
white republicans. The statement quoted above
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
79
formed the basis of a little effort on the part of
the ingenious artist who made me the subject of
my first and only cartoon while a member of the
legislature.
THE AMENDMENT IN THE SENATE—ALONE IN
THE BATTLE.
By agreement in caucus the democrats in the
Senate made no set speeches on the Amendment.
The lobbies and galleries were packed by eager
men and women from all parts ,of the state. Stand¬
ing room in the Senate was at a premium. The
long anticipated moment for final legislative ac¬
tion on the much talked of bill had arrived. A few
Negroes' were to be seen in the galleries at the
opening of the session but the cheering mass of
excited visitors soon made it uncomfortable for
them. One by one the Negroes left the hall. The
roll-call began and the Senators responded in
solemn tones. They were making history,
they 'were treading upon the holy ground of hu¬
man liberty and lightly did they tread. When
the "F'is" were reached the clerk called, "Fields,
Frank, Fuller." I had anxiously awaited the
hour when I could stand and battle for equal op¬
portunity, an equal chance and the rights that
were the heritage of every true citizen. The fol
lowing is my speech:
80 twenty years in public life.
Speech Against The Constitutional Amendment,
Delivered in the Senate of North Carolina
By Senator T. 0. Fuller.
Mr. President:—It has fallen to my lot to
speak in behalf ,of the colored people of North
Carolina on this occasion. While it is true that
I am in the minority here, both as to race and
party, yet I rejoice to know that I represent a
just cause and stand upon the solid rock of human
liberty. Your honor, William Jennings Bryan, as
the champion of the free and unlimited coin¬
age of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1, but be it
known to all men that you have distanced Mr
Bryan in North Carolina and secured the free
coinage of white men at the ratio of 49 to 1—
I being the only colored man on the floor of the
Senate. (Laughter.)
Since my election I have consulted some of ths
leading Democrats of the State, and I found a
strong sentiment against going beyond the limits
of the State Constitution. They are anxious
that the party campaign pledges should be kept,
and that the humblest citizen should not be de¬
prived of the right of franchise.
Mr. President, I have made a careful study of
the* characters represented here, and as far as
possible, I have sought information as to the pe¬
culiar environments of each- Senator and the re¬
markable campaign which brought each one to his
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 81
seat in this body, and without doubt, Mr. Presi¬
dent, I have before me some of the brainest men
North Carolina has produced. It is said, gen¬
tlemen, that you hiave come at the urgent request
of the people to save the State, but I trust, sirs,
that you brought with you not only your great in¬
fluence, but also your conscientious convictions
of right which you can mot afford to stultify, and
which should be more binding upon you than the
mandates of party caucus or the clamors of an ex •
cited constituency. Sirs, you aire called upon to
submit a Constitutional Amendment to the voter?
of the State which will disfranchise one hundred
thousand of our citizens. Let me say, Mr. Pres¬
ident, that some of the hobbies used to ride meas¬
ures through this General Assembly are amus¬
ing, to say the least. Apparently, the triumph¬
ant dhianiot of democracy is drawn by two faithful
mules, "White Supremacy and Negro Domina¬
tion." The black mule comes from the east and
is fed on fish, fowl and fusion officers. The grey
mule comets from the west and is fed on in¬
vestigations, Jim Crow Cars and pensions. These
mules are working very harmoniously together
now, but I anticipate the time when, under the
whip and spur of party favoritism, that these
hitherto faithful mules, like Baalam's of old, will
severely rebuke their riders and kick the Demo¬
cratic Party out of existence. (Laughter and ap¬
plause.)
Mr. President, I am opposed to the proposed
82 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Constitutional Amendment because: (1) It 18
unnecessary. The Democratic party held full
sway in North Carolina for twenty years, and
during that time you regarded the legislative
power sufficient for every emergency since
under the Constitution every provision could
be made for the government of these sec¬
tions in which you did not have an actual
majority. The last campaign was fought
upon the issue of Negro Domination, and
I vary positively declare, sirs, that Negro domina¬
tion is impossible in North Carolina. There are
no such! conditions here as exist in the States of
Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina, where
the Negro voters are largely in the majority.
Of the 350,000 voter's of our State, 210,000 are
white and only 125,000 are colored, and it is a
tribute that the colored man does not deserve to
say that 125,000 can dominate over and make
political slaves of 210,000. Neither should the
colored man be blamed for the defeat and loss of
power which so severely afflicted the Democratic
Party, nor be censured for the political conditions
which have prevailed in the State. Sirs, it was
loss of confidence and lack of faith! in the policy
and pledges of your party which caused 30,000
voters to desert its ranks, and no Constitutional
Amendment will force them to return nor stop
them from exercising their own judgments upon
the great questions of. public policy—"Equal
rights to all and special privileges to noneis the
twenty years in public life. 83
only panacea for the ills that afflict us, and the
only guarantee of a free united country. The
cry is eliminate the Negro but this amendment
is also a stroke ai; an element of whites. Why
does it not declare its true purpose upon its face ?
The answer is clear. Openly and boldly disfran¬
chise white men, and "the armaments that thun¬
der strike the walls of rock-built cities, bidding
nations quake and monarchs tremble in their capi¬
tals, would go rapidly forming into the ranks of
war." Hence the ignorant, defenseless Negro
is made the sole object of attack.
I am opposed to this amendment, Mr. President,
because: (2) It is clearly unconstitutional.
Our forefathers laid the foundation of our Repub¬
lic which stands to-day without a peer in the an¬
nals of the world. We have subscribed to their im¬
mortal declaration which declares that "all men
are created equal." We have ratified the Federal
Constitution which declares, article 15, section 1,
that The right of the citizens of the United
States to vote shall not be abriged or denied by the
United States nor by any State on account of race,
color or previous condition of servitude." The
amendment under consideration will exclude
those from voting whose fathers or grandfathers
did not have the right to vote prior to 1867. Who
did not vote prior to '67? The Negroes. Why?
On account of race and previous condition. They
were slaves, In the language of the Asheville
Citizen, one of the leading Democratic papers of
84
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
our State: "If this does not violate every princi¬
ple of thle 15th amendment, we can not see why."
Again, Mr. President, I am opposed to this amend¬
ment because: (3)It is impracticable and impo¬
litic. I speak as a North Carolinian—interested
in the welfare and development of my State.
The Adoption of this amendment will lessen th<?
State's representation in Congress in the
midst of the State's greatest material prosperity.
Article 14, section 2, of the United States Con¬
stitution, provides that "Representatives shall be
apportioned among the several States according
to their respective numbers, counting the whole
number of persons in each state, excludinj
Indians not taoced. But when the right to vote
at any election for the choice of electors for Pres¬
ident and Vice-president of the United States,
Representatives in Congress, the executive and
judicial officers of the State, or the United States,
the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the
male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one
years of age and citizens of the United States,
or in any way abridged, except for participation
m rebellion or other crime, the basis of repre¬
sentation therein shall be reduced in the propor¬
tion which the number of such male citizens shall
bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty
one years of age in such State."
Commenting upon the above section, a dis¬
tinguished authority on Constitutional Law says:
"The number of representatives being in propor-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 85
tion to the whole population of the States, includ¬
ing those that are colored, if suffrage were de¬
nied to this class the former slave States would
have delegations in Congress much larger in
proportion to the number of voters than the
original free States. The States are not required
to allow the blacks the right of suffrage, but if
they do not allow it, their representation in Con¬
gress will be proportionately diminished. They
may take their choice between general suffrage
and more Congressmen or white suffrage an-]
fewer Congressmen."
The eyes of the world are upon North Carolina
to-day, and its advancement in that which goes
to make a people prosperous and our civiliza¬
tion permanent, is well nigh amazing. We can
ill afford to lessen our representation. Our 25,
000 looms; our 1,500,000 spindles; our 220 cotton
mills; the vast wealth of our mines, and the
abundant products of our fields need representa¬
tion at the Nation's Capital, especially since the
glorious achievements of American arms have
added new luster to our grand Republic, and
opened up a new field and a broader competition
in the markets of the world. Why, Mr. Presi¬
dent, the idea of denying a people the right of
suffrage to render them more efficient in the
science and art ,of government is not only im¬
practicable, but absurd as well.
The scientists tell us that fish in subterranean
lakes have lost their eyes, and some of the mus-
86
twenty years in public life.
cles of the human body, once useful and active,
have become utterly worthless from inactiv¬
ity.
The parasite having fix^d itself in the vitals
of another animal loses its own organs. I com¬
mend to you the words of McCauley in his re¬
markable essay on Mdlton when he says: "There
is only one cure for the evils wfhich newly ac¬
quired freedom produces, and that cure is free¬
dom. When a prisoner leaves his cell he an
not bear the light of day. He is unable to
discriminate color or recognize faces. But the
remedy is not to remand him into his dungeon,
but to accustom him to the rays of the sun. The
blaze of truth and liberty may at first dazzle ar d
bewilder nations which have become half bli/tl
in the house of bondage. But let them gaze on
and they will soon be able to bear it."
I am opposed to this amendment, Mr. Presi¬
dent, because : (4) It is unwise to enter upon
such hazardous legislation at the present time,.
The people of our State have just been stirrod.
to that degree of political excitement hiterto un¬
known, and a question of such vital importance
as restriction of the right of suffrage should
not be considered until partisan prejudice has
somewhat subsided, and the former good feeling
restored among the masses of the people. Gar¬
field IhSas well said that terrestrial heights and
depths are not measured from the bosom of a
sea lashed into fury by ttfe raging storm, but
twenty years in public life. 87
from a calm sea undisturbed by winds and the
ebbing tide. Neither should we set the stand¬
ard of our citizenship in the midst of a terrific
political gale, when passion has robbed judg¬
ment of its reason and wisdom, and benumbed
that fellow-feeling whichi has characterized our
great State. And, Mr. President, our compli¬
cations abroad should inspire every patriotic cit¬
izen with a desire for peace at home. Tis true
that participation, in government is one of the
strongest ties of our citizenship. This tie
should not be bnoken, for disinterested and
oppressed citizens are the peril of any nation.
Thley are material from Which anarchists are
made. I am opposed to this amendment be¬
cause: (5) It is unjust and contrary to ths
genius and spirit of our institutions. 't
srnitep the weak and protects the strong, and
while I am in favor of an intelligent ballot, I do
not think it should be secured by unfair and ques¬
tionable methods. We should not do evil that
good may come. In the language of the im¬
mortal Victor Hugo, let me say: "Go on, gentle¬
men ; proceed; disfranchise—get rid of all these!
What you cannot get rid of is the time that
marches and the hour that strikes; the onward
march of ideas and the crippled pace af preju¬
dices. Whether you will it or not, the Past is
past; your law is null, void and dead, even before
its birth, because it is not just; because it is not
true; because while it goes furtively to plunder
88 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
the poor man and the weak, the right of
suffrage, it encounters the withering glance of a
nation's probity and sense of right before which
your work of darkness shall vanish: because in the
depth of the conscience of every citizen, of the
humblest as well as the highest, there is a senti¬
ment sublime, sacred and indestructible, eternal
—the right. This sentiment, which is the very
element of reason in man—this granite of the
human conscience—this right is ths rock upon
which shall split and go to pieces the iniquities,
the hypocrisies, the bad laws and bad govern¬
ments of the world." This measure is contrary
to the great Anglo-Saxon character and tradition.
You won your civilization through struggle and
perils>,,When the few Celtic tribes left the high¬
lands of Asia and made their way across Southern
Europe into Northern France they were savages.
Tribe fought tribe and forced some across the
channel into the British Isles. They were still
heathen, for the present days of the week are
named for their heathen gods. Caesar heard of
their fabulous wealth even at Rome and deter¬
mined to conquer them. Thrice did he make
successful efforts at conquest, but as many times
did the indomitable courage and spirit of tha
Islanders show itself and throw off the Roman
yoke. Weary of the task, Caesar abandoned the
struggle, and the Islanders began to clear the way
for progress in the arts of peace. But very soon
internal dissensions arose and the Saxons from
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
89
Germany were called upon to help subdue the beP
ligerent elements that checked the wheels of prog¬
ress. After years of struggle the Anglo-Saxons
succeeded in ridding themselves of the objec¬
tionable features of the Roman civilization and
religion, and laid the foundation for a civilization
that has blessed every nation and clime. The
true Anglo-Saxon has ever sought freedom and
despised oppression and tyranny. He has al¬
ways delighted in an open field and a fair fight.
While others have cherished contests in which
men were equally matcibed with wild beasts,
the Anglo-Saxon has delighted in the gloved
contest in which each combatant was well trained
and had an equal show.
We only ask that you be true to your tra¬
dition now and give the poor Negro an equal
chance. This amendment contradicts your boasted
civilization in that you are unwilling to subject
yourselves to the same educational test as that of
your former slaves. In adopting this amend¬
ment you tell your children that they cannot keep
pace with tifoe Negro unless they are given eight
years' advantage under a grandfather provision.
Mr. President, I do not believe that this amend¬
ment will be ratified, for there is no party in
power in North Carolina. Subtract those Popu¬
lists and Republicans, who voted what you call ths.
white man's ticket, and you will clearly see that
there is no party in power. All you can say is
that the white man is in power. The people were
90
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
rallied upon a false cry. As the shepherd lad cried,
"wolf" to deceive the watchman, so the eastern
men stirred the voters of the west upon the false
cry of "Negtfo< Domination." Upon reaching the
scene they found a different state of affairs, and
nearly every eastern man legislated out of office
was a white man. You need not count upon the
solid vote of the west upon this measure, for they
will be slow to vote away their liberties. After
all, Mr. President, I have by no means lost hope,
nor do I promise that my raice will vots tShe Demo¬
cratic ticket if given another chance, for I trust
that however few their ballots may become, that
they will cast them intelligently, and with a view
to the effect upon the condition of the country.
No, I am not discouraged as to the future of the
Negro, for perhaps his destiny is portrayed by
England's Poet Laureate, when he describes the
"Upward steps
Of somo divinely gifted man,
Whose life in low estate began,
And on a simple village green,
He breaks his birth's invidious bar,
And grasps the skirts of happy chance.
He breaks the blow of circumstance
And grapples with his evil star.
"He makics by force his merit known,
And lives to clutch the golden keys,
He molds a mighty State's decrees,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 9i
And slhapes the whisper of the throne
And moving up from high to higher
Becomes on fortune's crowning slope
The pillar of a people's hope
And the center of a world's desire."
(Prolonged applause.)
AS THE PRESS SAW IT.
When I had finished my appeal a mighty storm
of applause swept over the Senate. Ladies wept
in the galleries. The clerks and reporters used
their handkerchiefs to clear their vision. One pre^s
reporter said through liis paper: "It was befitting
a funeral oration." An Asheville paper said: "It
was a surprisingly able speech."
The Raleigh News and Observer said, comment¬
ing on the speech: "Senator Fuller spoke against
the Amendment. He • said the Senators
were the brainiest in the -state, too great
to stultify their consciences by an unjust act.
The Negro is made the object of attack, the inno¬
cent victim - of censure when he is merely the
harmless tool in the hands of those who worked
the great harm. Fuller's speech was heavily in¬
terspersed with quotations, ranging from Garfield
addresses to a rendition of a passage from Victor
Hugo, but his address was good, considering, and
his speech was closely listened to. He closed his
argument with a glowing eulogy on the Anglo-
Saxon and a protest that the cry ,of 'Negro, Ne-
92 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
gro,' was even as Aesop made his shepherd lad
shriek, 'Wolf, wolf.'
"The roll call continued. Senator Campbell
(Rep.) said: 'If the great Vance were here he
would oppose the measure, and may God forgive
me if I ever cast my vote to disfranchise any one."
He voted 'no.'
"Senator Collie (Dem.) thought it unwise to
submit the amendment at this time, but he yielded
his wishes to others and voted 'aye.'
"Senator Field (Dem.) did not think his sec¬
tion needed the amendment, but for the best in¬
terests of his country, voted 'aye.'
"Senator Franks (Rep.) was opposed to the bill
and voted 'no.'
"Senator Glenn (Dem.) said: 'I have come here
to unfurl the banner of the white race over the
cap'tol and I vote 'aye.'
"Senator Mclntyre (Dem.) thought the ab¬
stract principle of' disfranchisement was wrong,
but he knew the Negro and the evils of the last
'red shirt' campaign and voted 'aye.'
"Senator Harris, Populist from Northampton,
voted 'aye,' and was loudly applauded.
"Senator Wilson (Democrat) said, 'My name is
the last ,on the roll of honor. 'Tis the proudest
moment of my life, and I vote 'aye.'
"Senators Crisp (Republican), Goodwin (Pop¬
ulist), and Newsome (.Republican) voted 'no.'
"The vote stood 42 'ayes' and 6 'nos' and the
bill passed."
CHAPTER XIII.
AFTER THE STORM.
The legislature had assembled to save the
state from Negro rule. They had submitted an
amendment to the state constitution which they
thought would accomplish their purpose. North
Carolina had taken her stand along with Missis¬
sippi and other Southern states in the disfran¬
chisement of the Negro. The Conservatives were
overrun and the radicals gained the day. This
departure, radical and drastic, was seriously re¬
garded by the Negroes of the state. Many, less
informed, looked upon it as a kind of new slav¬
ery. Labor in some sections was paralized.
Thousands of laborers left the state. There had
been a spirit of fraternity and co-operation be¬
tween the workers of religious organizations in
North Carolina, but the strife engendered by tihie
disfranchisement of the Negroes seriously affected
these relations for a time, and white workers
were not so welcome and seemed to realize that
fact.
The closing days of the legislature of 1899 were
at hand. Rumors of the unconstitutionality of
the amendment were heard on all sides. The
(93)
94
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
state was passing through a period of unrest and
the leaders in the legislature were in a dilemma.
They fearsd some move would be made by the
republicans to enjoin them and destroy the possi¬
ble advantage to be gained through the ratification
of thie amendment.
At the expiration of the constitutional limit,
the legislature adjourned to a fixed date, giving
themselves time to put their ears to the ground
and await developments. They met and ad¬
journed to another fixed date. All, of course,
without compensation. These adjourned sessions
were held because the Governor, Daniel L.
Russell was a Republican and could not be inducer)
to convene the legislature in extraordinary ses¬
sion. The day of election came, and the amend¬
ment was declared to have been ratified by the
required majority, and is now in force in North
Carolina.
POLITICAL RETROSPECT.
With the close of the legislature, my political
career, brief as it was, had come to an end. There
were no serious regrets. I had been nominated
without having requested it in the remotest way.
I was sorely pained that my acceptance blighted
the hope and ambition of my sincere friend, Prof.
W. H. W., who felt that the honor was rightfully
his. Politicians don't usually give honor to those
who contest with them in the first instance, and
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
95
unfortunately this fact stood in the way of my
good friend. However, he supported me with a
loyalty that marked him as a man of the highest
type, and my best wishes have ever been his. I
made one real speech in the campaign and shall
never forget the peculiar experience of having
been snatched from the speaker's stand and car¬
ried over the grounds on the shoulders of stalwart
men, who were wild with .enthusiasm fired by my
feeble attempts at oratory. White friends who
witnessed the thrilling spectacle concluded that
I could not be defeated, and at their suggestion
no candidate was named against me by any party
and I went to the Senate without opposition. I
tried to serve the whole people—The legislative
experience was a training that has served me well.
Being the only Negro in the Senate, I cultivated
a carefulness of speech and felt that my race
would be measured largely by my acts and general
conduct. The press was exceedingly liberal and
the senators were very, very kind. In all matters
affecting my race, not wholly partisan and poli¬
tical, I was consulted and my wishes were re¬
spected. Senators Glenn, Hicks, Travis, Frank,
Osborne, Newsome, Cooke, Haiirston, Black,
Smith, Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, Hon. J. B.
Smith, Sargeant-at-Arms; Chief Clerk C. C. Dan¬
iels and Hon. Walter Murphy, Reading Clerk ?ind
the Pages were especially kind and helpful
I shall remember thsm while life lasts. Let. the
curtain fall.
CHAPTER XIV.
BACK TO CHOSEN FIELDS.
My legislative career having ended, I returned
to Warrenton and resumed my work as pastor
and principal of Shiloh Institute, relieving Rev.
W. H. Green, who had ably supplied for me dur¬
ing my absence. My friends and constituents
were appreciative of the work I had done and
gave very substantial evidences of that fact. I
did what I could to allay the fears and apprehen¬
sions caused by the proposed constitutional
amendment. Nothing pleased me more than the
fact that I was not regarded as a politician. They
knew that I had answered a call of duty and hav¬
ing performed it to the best *of my ability under
the circumstances, had returned to my chosen
field and work, preaching the Gospel and train¬
ing young men and women in the school-room
for better homes and higher citizenship. Many
letters of good will and appreciation were re¬
ceived from many of thie educators and leading
citizens of the state which remain to-day as a
part of my sacred possessions. As a preparation
for certain changes which I had in contemplation,
I resigned the principalship of the Shiloh Insti-
(96)
twenty years in public life.
97
tute and also the Warrenton Church, and moved
to Warrem Plains and opened a "Private Acadef'
my." This gave me good time to rest and td
formulate my plans for the futon e. I was not
long at the "Plains" "before a call came from tl.e
WIMtf^ Bock Baptist Church at Durham, N. C,
"This was indeed a flattering- and tempting propo¬
sition, a field full of promise and in charge of Si
class of energetic Christian workers, business and
professional men, whose equals are seldom found
anywhere. Dr. A. M. Moore, Dr. J. E. Shephard
and a host of other friends and workers gave me
the most serious problem of my life up to that
time in deciding upon tihie acceptance of that field.
Duty and private considerations led me in
other directions, but with the full knowledge that
no mistake could have been made by accepting
Durham.
The move I 'hlad in contemplation had some se¬
rious aspects. It. meant, the severance of some
very sacred relations. There was Belton Creek
Church, my first charge. I took it when it had
but four members. I had gone to the woods with
ax and saw and helped prepare the logs for the
saw mill. I had superintended the construction
of the building, raising every dollar of the money
used in the erection • of that beautiful church.
There were members as loyal as one Christian!
worker can be to another. Calvin Crews, WelL-
don Eaton, Woodson Hunt, Abram Cogwell, Sanv
Morton, Tom Crews and a host of others,, whose:
98 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
"friendship I shall forget only in the hour of death,
were important factors in my first pastorate.
White friends like Freeman, Usry and the Clays
rendered me valuable assistance. At Olive Branch
Church, Wake Forest, were some precious
friends. Rev. H. T. Cook, Samuel *Dunn, Rev.
Sam Morgan, Hugh Dunn, Rev. A. Mitchell an<?
a number of others are very kindly remembered.
At Johnson Pmey Grove, I could never forget
Thomas Hodg.e, Ben Thomason, John Sanders.,
Rev. Wm. Sanders, Monroe Mial, Ricih Moore,
Deacon Matthews. Isaac Sanders, Mrs. Clara Bird
and a mighty host of others. At Clayton theire
were Prof. Q. C. MiaJ, J ere Holt, Luke Banks,
Ben Cooke and many others.
At Granville, Piney Grove, there were Rev. J.
M. Taylor, John Winston, John Mitchell, Joe
Coley, Bill Lawrence, L. D. Hockaday, Taltor.
Lawrence, William Allen and many long since
gone to their reward but their memory is still a
pleasant one.
Students trained under me like Rev. D. J.
Avera, E. L. Hunt, Rev. J. W. Hairston, Miss Fan¬
nie J. Garland, Miss Fannie Hicks, John and Mil¬
ton Haywood, Dr. T. B. Coleman, Miss G. A. Al¬
len, Miss Victoria Allen, all living useful lives,
help to cement me more closely to the old North
State, to make me feel that life spent within her
borders was not jrj vain.
CHAPTER XV.
NORTH CAROLINA'S NEEDS.
As an expression of interest in the state of my
birth, notwithstanding- the efforts to curtail cer¬
tain rights and privileges, of my race, the follow¬
ing address was given to the press and was widely
quoted by the newspapers of the South:
As a citizen of North Carolina, I am interested
in her material as well as moral and intellectual
development. Whatever prosperity comes to the
state benefits the humblest as well as the most
exalted citizen. Whatever hindrances impede
liter progress, likewise effect all. The subject of
this address was inspired by a love for the com¬
monwealth. And who djbesn't love his native
state?
(1) I love North Carolina because it is my
home. It is here that I first saw the light of
day and wihlere the powers of my mind were first
awakened that enabled me to see the hand of God
in the physical universe. Home has charms pos¬
sessed by no other place. There may be family
differences, but they do not, nor cannot utterly
destroy the attachment to the old homestead with
its familiar scenes and its cherished hearthstone.
(99)
100 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
(2) I love North Carolina for her conserva¬
tism. She has been the great balance-wheel in
the upheavals of the past, but always loyal to her
conception of duty. When the Thirteen Colonies
desired freedom from a foreign power, North
Carolina was loyal to the crown as long as loyal¬
ty was a virtue; but when the time had fully come
she was first to sever allegiance to the motiher
country and gave the first American Declaration
of Independence. When Civil War had been de¬
clared in the early sixties North Carolina clung
to the Union until urged by the General Govern¬
ment to take up arms against her sister states.
But when sihe sided with the belligerent states
her soldiers won the brightest laurels in that se¬
vere struggle. At times, our people have been
moved by passion and sentiment, yet I have full
faith in the ultimate triumph of conservative
ideas. The spirit of title lamented Vance, whoss
monument will soon stand at the east gate of our
capitol, may yet arouse within our borders that
sacred principle of "humanity to man," and the
equality of human rights. They tell us that there
is a calm beneath the heaving billows of the trou¬
bled sea. Let us hope that such is the case in
dear old North Carolina. But appropriating the
sentiment of a patriotic American citizen when
it was said that a Spanish Flotilla was seeking to
destroy our seacoast cities. "My country, may
she always be right. But right or wrong—my
country."
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
101
RESOURCES.
North Carolina stands to-day richly adorned
with a brilliant array of natural endowments.
From the surging billows of the ocean to the
cloudy summit of the mountains there is every
variety of climate. We have summer resorts and
winter resorts. No state is better fitted, by ma¬
ture, for a home for the colored people. Behold!
her sounds teeming with fish of every kind; her
hills and mountains stored with almost every va¬
riety of minerals; her rivers whose three and one-
half million horse power is sufficient to work fif¬
ty times our annual yield of cotton; her soil pro¬
ductive of every essential agricultural product
with health-giving waters creeping from beneath
her hills. These go to make North Carolina the
grandest in the constellation of states. With
patriotic pride, every true North Carolinian should
adopt as his own the noble words of a famous
son who said:
"Carolina, Grarolina, heaven's blessings attend her,
While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her.
Though scorners may sneer at and witlings defame her,
Our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her."
NEEDS.
With all this remarkable wealth of natural re¬
sources, you ask, "What does North Carolina
need?" I answer, North Carolina needs men;
102 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
not that species described by the Grecian philoso¬
pher when he said, "Man is an animal without
feathers, that walks upright." While we can no o
fully concur in the definition, yet we are forced
to admit that there are too many human beings
in our country to-day, whose principal claim to
manhood is that they are "without feathers and
walk upright."
I. Our state needs muscular men—physical
giants to unlock the store-house ;of wealth. The
magnificent forests must be converted into use¬
ful timbers to build homes and towns and cities.
Some must go into the mines and bring out the
rich deposits of gold, copper, iron and other use¬
ful minerals. Highways and railroads must be
built to facilitate commerce and transportation.
Farming must be placed upon a larger scale and
the crops diversified to meet the demands of our
rapidly increasing population. The men with the
muscle must not desert the state in the hour of
its greatest need. When fortune is about to
smile upon our matchless resources, our strong
men must not be encouraged to quit the ranks of
the producers to press into the already crowded
fields of speculation. This condition must speed¬
ily change or poverty will soon shame us in tho
eyes of the world. God has given the colored
man a strong muscle. You hold the key to the
situation. Don't throw it away.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 103
II. North Carolina needs trained men. The
day approaches when all classes of laborers must
understand the science of their work. The cook
must understand the chemistry of foods. The
nurse must know something of physiology and
hygiene. The hostler must learn the breed and
diseases of horses. The dairyman must know
what effects the milk and poisons the butter. The
carpenter must understand the pressure of the
air as well as the strength of his timbers. He
who undertakes labor in the near future must be
the master of his trade.
Our A. and M. College, at Greensboro, offers
such technical training, and you do the state, as
well ais yourself, a service, by accepting what the
state has so generously provided.
III. North Carolina needs educated men.
Ignorance is a hindrance and a curse to any
people. Prejudice and superstition may disperse
as the light of intelligence brightens our path.
As minds broaden and expand they come more
and more in touch with each other. Those who
know something ,of the value of education must
go out into the highways and hedges and comr
pel others to come until every schoolhouse is full.
Every step taken should encourage universal ed¬
ucation if we would snatch our state from that
low position she occupies to-day in the column of
intelligence. We are proud of our colleges and
104 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
universities and educated men; but even these,
with a back ground of ignorance, do not present
an inviting scene.
IV. North Carolina needs men with capital.
Muscle may be styled the railroad, and brain
the engine, but capital must send the engine upon
its mission. These are the great powers that
move the industrial world. The strong hand of
labor unlocks the archives of wealtib. The light
of an intelligent mind -directs and facilitates the
task, while the soothing presence of capital gives
comfort and lightens the burden. There should
be no conflict for each is essential to tbe success
of the other. Indeed, labor is seldom disturbed,
except by the professional agitator, who seldom
puts his own hands to the plow. If you would
benefit your state, save your earnings and become
a factor in the life of your community.
V. North Carolina needs Christian men.
Men who believe in the Fatherhood of God and
the brotherhood of man. The spirit of enmity
is a relic of the savage. The spirit of friendship
is the spirit of Christ. The Christian man sees
God in nature, in government, in everything. He
has faith in the final triumph of right and right¬
eousness. He takes a charitable view of his
brother and of his actions. He is obedient to
law, believing that its origin is Divine. Men
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 105
with,' muscle, intellect, capital and the fear of God
will arouse North Carolina friorn her Rip Van
Winkle slumber and give her an exalted place
among1 the states of the Union. Colored men of
North Carolina, how shall we assist in supplying
the great naed? The men of our state must
come from well-regulated homes. Thiey must be
trained with mucih care and Oliver Wendell
Holmes says:
"The work must begin one hundred years before,
the child is bcrn." If we are not in time for this
generation, let us prepare for the next. The chil¬
dren must be taught from the beginning that they
have a mission and that is to help "replenish the
earth . and subdue it." That to accomplish the
task requires the best powers of muscle, brain
and heart. They sihiould be taught the unity and
dignity of labor. That whether they delve in
mines, cultivate the field, work at the bench, or
teach the young tlhey are performing labor both
essential and useful to man.
The Spartan, when asked why Sparta had no
walls, replied: "Sparta has the best wall—the
virtue of brave and upright citizens." May
such ever be the precious heritage of North Caro¬
lina.
NOTED CHARACTERS MET.
I have met the following noted people during
my public career. Of course I have visited Congress
and the United States Supreme Court and havo
106 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
seen many and perhaps all of the members thereof,
as well as members of the diplomatic corps. I
shall mention the following: Hon. Frederick
Douglass, noted diplomat and statesman; H.
Grattan Guiness, missionary (English) worker;
George C. Needham, Evangelist; Chief Justice
Fuller, United States Supreme Court; Justices
Harlan and Brewer, noted members of the same
Court; Dr. Booker T. Washington, eminent apos¬
tle of industrial education; Hon. Wm. H. Taft,
President United States; Admiral Geo. Dewey,
U. S. Navy; Dr. George W. Lee, Humorist and
Preacher; Dr. Jos. C. Price, Educator and Tem¬
perance Orator; Rev. R. H. Boyd, Publisher; Hon.
John M. Langstbn, Lawyer and Diplomat; Hon.
Thos. B. Reed, Parliamentarian; Dr. Justin D.
Fulton, Anti-Romanist Lecturer; Mrs. Lucy G.
Thurman, Lecturer; Mrs. Mary Church Terrell,
Lecturer; Dr. W. E. B. Dubois, Author and
Sociologist; Bishop Beebe, Hon. John C. Dancy,
Recorder of Deeds, D. C.; Hon. H. P. Cheatham,
Congressman and Recorder; Hon. W. T. Vernon,
Register of the Treasury; Hon. Judson Lyons,
Ex-Register of the Treasury; Gen. O. 0. Howard,
Soldier and Publicist; Hon. Theodore Roosevelt,
Ex-President and Publicist; Hon. Wm. J. Bryan,
Commoner and Lecturer.
PART TWO.
CHAPTER XVI.
OFF TO TENNESSEE.
The year 1900 found me very delightfully dom¬
iciled at Warren Plains, conducting a private
academy at the urgent request of former students
and old friends who wished that I should train
their children.
Warren Plains is a beautiful way station, three
miles from Warrenton, and on the Sea Board Air
Line Railroad. Our house stood in a lovely grove
facing both the county road and the Warrenton
railroad. Mr. Wm. J. Davis was our white neigh¬
bor who owned the land about us. From him we
secured sufficient lands for gardens and truck
patches, which gave splendid opportunity to put
into practice our knowledge of the farm. We
moved into the community too late for the early
vegetables and Mr. Davis kindly set apart certain
rows in his garden for our use, free of charge. I
shall never forget the kindly spirit which
prompted him to exchange buggies with me, when
I was leaving for a drive because my wife was not
(107)
108 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
so well and his wife was. One would scarcely tfe-
lieve that such kindness would be shown my peo¬
ple in the heart of the South, but such occurs fre¬
quently but does not find its way into the news¬
papers.
When my academy closed an unoccupied store
was tendered me to hold my closing exercises, and
the railway authorities ran a special train for the
benefit of those who wished to go from Warren-
ton.
There is no better place to cultivate race amity
than in the rural districts or in the small towns
where the spirit of commercialism is not so pro¬
nounced nor competition along various lines so
sharp. The white friends gained during my res¬
idence in the small towns and while teaching and
preaching in the rural districts have been treas¬
ured as a very valuable asset in my public career.
It was while I was living at Warren Plains, N.
C., that on the recommendation of my former
teacher, Dr. S. N. Vass, I was extended an invita¬
tion to visit the First Baptist Church, Memphis,
Tenn., to spend one month looking oyer the field
with a view to accepting the pastorate. The in¬
vitation was accepted and in August, 1900, I ar¬
rived in Memphis, over the Southern Railway,
Charleston Avenue, and made my way in search of
the church. I went up Madison to DeSoto Street,
and along DeSoto, passing Avery Chapel, the
large Methodist Church. I soon reached Beale
Street, and saw a magnificent structure with the
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 109
figure of a man on top and wondered if that was
the church I had come to visit. A lady kindly in¬
formed me that the First Baptist people wor¬
shiped at Zion Hall, farther down the street. I
soon found them at prayer service, and after in¬
troduction, went to Brother Thornton, the sex¬
ton's home, changed my travelling suit and re¬
turned for my first sermon. "This one thing I
know that whereas I was blind, I now see," was
my first text. The services over, I was taken in
charge by sister Ellen Tate at whose house I
would spend the month.
Memphis impressed me as a great city, rapidly
growing in wealth, population and industrial en¬
terprises. I was very much impressed with the
special adaptation of the wagons and carts to the
kind of hauling to be done. The multiplicity of
churches was a very interesting feature of Mem¬
phis. Forty colored Baptist churches for one
city seemed a marvel. Spectacular funerals were
new to me also. One of the most popular minis¬
ters of one of the associations died and his body
was kept out of the ground for several days and
a minister imported to preach his funeral. I
could easily see what an unwise thing it was to
keep the deceased in the house for several days,
with poor ventilation, and then having the sermon
at a church crowded to suffocation almost, and,
then going out to the cemetery often through the
rain, exposing the health and laying the founda¬
tion for disease.
110 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Dr. Vass spoke well of Memphis. He felt that
I could do a good work in connection with my
friend, Prof. J. Levister, principal of Howe Insti¬
tute. Prof. Levister was an affable and genial
Christian gentleman, and a recent graduate of
Shaw University, at Raleigh. Three of his teach¬
ers were Shaw people also and formed a nice lit¬
tle North Carolina society.
At the expiration of one month I returned to
North Carolina, pleased with Memphis and the
outlook, except the mosquito pest. I found my lit¬
tle family in good health and fine spirits and they
heard my "story of the west," with peculiar pleas¬
ure. I was not at home long before I received a
telegram stating that I had been unanimously
called to the pastorate of the First Baptist
Church, 217 Beale Street. A consultation was
held and the call accepted, proper notice being
sent to the church. I went to my churches and
closed my obligations with them, much to the re¬
gret of both parties. I had learned the pastor's
work with a people who were kind and loyal to
their pastor, and to sever these relations and leave
the state to enter upon work among strangers was
more than could be fully appreciated at a glance.
My farming operations left me with a horse and
utensils, several loads of feed, hog, chickens, veg¬
etables and many other desirable and useful sup¬
plies. These were sold at a sacrifice; a car was
chartered and we were soon off to Memphis.
In November 1900, I entered upon the pastoral
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. Ill
charge of the First Baptist Church. Brethren
Harper, Ficklin, White, Webb, Jackson, Powers
and Tillman were deacons, and right honest, faith¬
ful members as well as officers were these men.
Brethren Tillman and Jackson have gone to their
reward.
• Dr. Vass deserves much gratitude for his frank¬
ness in introducing prospective pastor and con¬
gregation. In calling my attention to the church he
was careful to ascertain whether I would accept
work if agreeable to all parties. He did not wish
to recommend a man who had no idea of serving.
He seemed to have had a similar understanding
with the church. He told me the true condition
of the church. He said they worshiped in a hall
and that the congregation was small, but the
members had a high ideal of worship and ministry
and were full of hope and inspiration and that the
right man could develop them into a great church.
I found some excellent material in the church.
They were, a peculiar people. Because of their
contention for a principle while members
of Beale, the mother church, they found it
best to leave and worship under such leadership
as they thought was proper. They took
much pride in recounting their struggles and con¬
flicts for what they believed to be right. The con¬
gregation looked forward to the building of a
house of worship, even though they had the rec¬
ords of the old church and claimed it as their law¬
ful property. A nice lot had been purchased on
112 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Frazier Street, now St. Paul Avenue, under the
administration of Rev. W. S. Ellington, my imme¬
diate predecessor. They had some money in bank
also, about one hundred dollars I believe. I set
to work, both to increase the congregation, and
raise money for a new church. The brethren of
the city were kind, but there was a little feeling
against my church because of former litigation
and also because they saw fit to call a minister
from another state. This however was soon over¬
come by tact and diplomacy.
PRESSED INTO SERVICE.
. Prof. Levister, contrary to my intentions, se¬
cured me to teach civil government and later the¬
ology to the ministers' class, which had studied at
Howe Institute since Dr. Traver's time. I be¬
came very deeply interested in the class. They
numbered fifty, many of whom were pastors in
Memphis and adjacent territory. So much en¬
thusiasm was manifested that the normal room in
which the lectures were delivered, became a cen¬
ter of interest and attraction. We studied sys¬
tematic theology, church history, preparation and
delivery of sermons and on Friday we studied the
Sunday-school lesson and prepared a sermon out¬
line for Sunday. This last feature proved quite
a drawing card for our class. The ministers
went to their pulpits on Sunday with a fresh, live
message and their congregations were delightd
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 113
and were so free in expressing their approval of
their pastor's new gift, the pastor found it a ne¬
cessity to continue studying. The study of the
Sunday-school lessons was also quite a strength
to the ministers and a help to the Sunday-schools.
The pastor is the recognized leader in the church.
Sunday-school lessons was also quite a strength
assistance and cooperation of the pastors who are
slow to take part in the Sunday-school work unless
they feel they can do so with credit. Many pas¬
tors stay out of and even oppose the Sunday-
school because they do not feel able to teach the
lessons. Public school teachers and students
have made it very necessary that church leaders
be trained if they wish to hold the people.
BOOK STORE.
I had served two years as pastor, during which
time I was cured of the false idea that there was
mloney in conducting a "Colored Book Store," in
Memphis. I had associated with me two of the
pastors in this business. Before this I had not
considered seriously that Bibles usually last a
generation and Sunday-school literature was pur¬
chased once in three months. This was a profit¬
able experience and has been quite helpful to me.
So many men have failed in their efforts because
they did not carefully consider their undertaking,
from all sides, before starting in business.
114 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
This is an age of business and training and
there are ample sources of information, along all
lines for those who wish to enter any avenue of
endeavor.
CHAPTER XVII.
AS PRESIDENT OF HOWE
INSTITUTE.
In the year 1902, Prof. J. Levister, Principal of
Howe Institute, had an offer to return to Shaw
University, Raleigh, N. C., his alma mater, to take
an important position. After consultation with
his friends he decided to accept. His going al¬
most swept the Howe Institute of teachers as Mrs.
Levister, Miss Cook, Miss Hargrove and Miss
Westfield left also.
Things looked dark. Heavy debts for current
expenses and salaries were pressing and dilapida¬
tion was getting in its work on the building.
There was only one building and but few of the
rooms were used for class work. An old print¬
ing outfit was among the rubbish. The grounds
were not enclosed. One trustee, seeing the situ¬
ation some time before this, made a motion to
close up the school for the time being. Others,
who took a more hopeful view of the situation op¬
posed closing the school and on motion of Rev. W.
S. Ellington, the school continued. Prof. Levister
had greatly improved conditions by his faithful
work and affable disposition, but the work of re¬
habilitation could not be done in a day. The Rev.
("
116 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
R. N. Countee was a pioneer in the work and
brought to his support the late Peter Howe, of
Illinois. Dr. Traver, Rev. Davis, Prof. Pius and
Dr. Vass had been in charge of the school at dif¬
ferent times. They were all able men and left an
impression for good.
In chartering the institution Mr. Howe had cer¬
tain provisions placed in the deed and articles of
incorporation that proved a serious handicap for
many years. Under the limitations set out, no
money could be raised from excursions and fes¬
tivals nor could any person hold any office in the
institution who used tobacco or affiliated with any
secret society. This last restriction became the
occasion of bitter hostility. Opposition was
fierce and continuous and while the founders and
benefactors meant well, yet it took many years to
overcome the 'hostile sentiment against the school.
Prof. Levister left for North Carolina to enter
upon his work at Shaw. I had been elected Sec¬
retary of the Board of Trustees a few weeks be¬
fore. Dr. C. A. Terrell had been elected Chair¬
man, succeeding Rev. Wm. J. McMichael.
What to do for a principal was a question. I had
as one of the city pastors, taught the ministers'
class for two years and this served as an introduc¬
tion for me, as to ability and scholarship.
"Brother Fuller, why not you take the princi-
palship of Howe?" said Rev. Searcy, who had
been connected with the school from its earliest
history in one capacity or another.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 117
"I don't know," said I under the surprise caused
by the suggestion. "I came to- Memphis to da
strictly pastoral work, but should I take charge
of the school I would make it hum" said I, with
emphasis.
Some time afterwards, the Board of Trustees
met and I was elected unanimously as principal
of Howe Institute.
MY CHURCH LOYAL TO SCHOOL.
My church stood strongly for Christian educa¬
tion and was willing to make any reasonable sac¬
rifice to allow me to serve the school provided I
felt able to carry the double burden of pastor and
principal.
I had a similar work in North Carolina and had
some knowledge of the requirements and respon¬
sibilities. My church seemed to feel that I had
come to Tennessee to enlarge my field of useful¬
ness and looked upon this new relation as a happy
combination that would even bring them into
closer touch with the educational work of the de¬
nomination. Our church had no house of worship
of their own and they were looking to me, their
pastor, to lead them in planning and in money
raising, and I thought their spirit highly com¬
mendable.
VISIT TO TENNESSEE CONVENTION.
It was July and the Baptist State Convention
met at Nashville, Tenn., at Mt. Olive Church, Dr.
118 TWENTY YEARS IN PUELIC LIFE.
C. H. Clark, pastor. I had been chosen to preach
the introductory sermon. Our train reached
Nashville about 7:30 o'clock a. m. and weary and
sleepy from our all night's ride, we made our way
to the church, where we met a large delegation in
charge of the Church Committee. We soon had
breakfast and assembled for the opening session.
The hour for the introductory sermon was 11:00
o'clock, but friends urged a postponement on ac¬
count of the physical condition of the speaker.
The leaders of the convention insisted on the reg¬
ular order and I arose and preached my first ser¬
mon before the assembled host of Tennessee Bap¬
tists. "God forbid that I should glory save in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," was my text.
THE PRESIDENCY A COVETED HONOR.
This was, indeed an eventful session. Several
persons were urged by their friends for the pres¬
idency of the convention and the contest was a
spirited one. Dr. C. H. Clark was the incumbent
but he declined re-election in the midst of the dis¬
cussion and the Rev. H. C. Owens, a pioneer
preacher and missionary, was the almost unani¬
mous choice of the convention. With the election
of Father Owens the dove of peace hovered over
the situation, for a time, and other matters
claimed attention.
The State of Tennessee was in co-operation with
the American Baptist Home Mission Society, of
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 119
New York, in educational work. The Rev. T. J.
Searcy was Educational1 Secretary. His sal¬
ary was paid jointly by the Home Mission Society
and the Baptist Convention of Tennessee. He
raised money on the field for the educational insti¬
tutions, making reports to the co-operating bod¬
ies. This plan had become unsatisfactory to the
convention and it was discontinued at this meet¬
ing.
The Rev. A. D. Hurt was Superintendent of
Missions, and he was given charge of the educa¬
tional matters.
THE HOWE CONTROVERSY.
Another matter of vital importance was before
the convention and that was the relation of the
convention to the Howe Institute. At a previous
session held at Memphis, 1901, the convention
had appointed a committee to investigate the
ownership and control of the school and upon the
report of that committee, had voted to purchase
certain shares of stock in the school. This vote
had never been made effective by any further
steps and there the matter stood. The trustees
had gone forward and conducted as for¬
merly, another session after the Memphis Conven¬
tion of 1901. No protest had been made but fol¬
lowing the election of teachers by the Howe Trus¬
tees in 1902, the Nashville Convention undertook
to get control of the school under the resolution of
1901. Accordingly a Board of ten trustees was
120 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
V
elected at the Nashville meeting which should con¬
stitute two thirds of the Howe Board of Fifteen
Trustees. These Trustees were to hold a meet¬
ing as early as possible and enter upon the work
for which they had been elected, viz. the control
of Howe Institute.
After the appointment of this Board by the
convention, a resolution was adopted calling upon
the Howe Trustees to rescind their action in the
ellection of teachers and enter into the election
jointly with the ten trustees selected by the Con¬
vention. After a very interesting session the
convention adjourned. I found myself in a very
embarrassing position. The great State Conven¬
tion had ordered my election declared null and
void, as principal of Howe Institute, without call¬
ing me into any conference or seeking to know
my feelings or wishes in the matter. I was stand¬
ing on the steps of the church, feeling like one
who had been legislated out of office. Rev. T.
J. Searcy came out of the church and said, "Broth¬
er Fuller, what are you going to do about this mat¬
ter, are you going to surrender your position?" I
didn't answer him directly, but drew a paper from
my pocket and read my position and what I con¬
sidered my rights in the premises. I was fresh
from the North Carolina Senate, of which I had
been a member for two years, and my document
was heavily interspersed with legal phrases. I
stated that I had been elected by the legal trustees
of Howe in a regular meeting, advertised and
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 121
called for that purpose and that the action of the
said Trustees had been published to the world by
tih'em, and to summarily remove me from the posi¬
tion before I had served a single day, would work
an injury to my reputation throughout the coun¬
try. And, furthermore, the convention could not
purchase shares in the co-operation of Howe, as
the charter was "non-business," a "general wel¬
fare" charter, and any church, or individual or
Association, etc., could become an annual mem¬
ber upon the payment of ten dollars and would
be entitled to a vote for every ten dollars contrib¬
uted annually. That control could not be pur¬
chased in the way sought by the Convention, and
the Memphis Resolution was therefore void, car¬
rying with it the action of the Nashville Conven¬
tion in the appointment of trustees. When I
finished reading, Rev. Searcy, raising his hand
in dramatic fashion, said, "Brother Fuller, I am
with you. I'll stand by you to the end, and I
think more of you than I ever did in my life."
SCENE OF BATTLE CHANGED.
We left Nashville and the battle began. Dr.
A. L. Hall had been made financial agent within
a radius of one hundred miles of Memphis to raise
money for Howe and turn the same over to the
State Convention. A great campaign was
launched under the direction of Dr. R. H. Boyd,
the money raised by pledges to be divided between
122 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Howe Institute and Nelson Merry Academy. It
was distinctly understood that not one cent of the
money raised would be given Howe unless the
trustees complied with the order of the Conven¬
tion expressed in the resolution at Nashville.
The Convention Trustees called a meeting at
Memphis to confer with the Howe Trustees, but
the Howe Trustees had not been officially called,
and the effort failed. Another attempt was made,
resulting in failure number two. Finally the
State Executive Board held a meeting at Clarks
ville, and the Howe Trustees sent their principal
to meet the Board and inform them that the Trus¬
tees would not rescind their action.
The principal met the brethren and gave the
contention of the Howe Institute in clear and un¬
mistakable language, which was adopted by the
State Board with some dissent. School had
opened for the fall term and every loyal friend
was moving every influence in its behalf. More
money was raised for the school than had been
raised during several previous sessions, despite
the hostility of the state papers and the contest
for control on the part of the Convention. Father
Owens, all honor to his memory, came to see me
soon after the school opened and said: "Brother
Fuller, what do you conceive to be your rights in
this matter?" On hearing my answer, he said,
"Well, as president of the State Convention, I
shall do all in my power to help you maintain your
rights/' And he did.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
123
ANOTHER CONVENTION.
In 1903 the State Convention met in annual
session at Knoxville, Tenn., in the Mount Zion
Baptist Church, Rev. W. R. Brown, pastor. Tho
Convention was not so well attended, especially
by the brethren from the West. The contest over
the control of Howe had something to do with
their absence, as well as the distance and ex¬
pense of the trip.
The usual fight for the presidency w,as on, but
everything had gone so smoothly under the lead¬
ership of Father Owens that , he was re-elected for
a second term. The opposition, too, was not able
to agree upon a candidate, which was favorable
to the cause of Rev. Owens.
Miss Nannie H. Burroughs, of the Women's
Auxiliary, National Baptist Convention, Sister Jo¬
anna P. Moore, our friend and helper for so many
years, in connection with the most valuable paper,
"Hope" and the "Fireside Schools," and Miss
Mary G. Burdette, Corresponding Secretary of
the Women's Baptist Home Mission Society, Chi¬
cago, were welcome visitors to the Convention, as
was Dr. P. B. Guernsey, President of Roger Wil¬
liams University.
SCHOOL CONTEST SETTLED.
The irrepressible Howe School question came
up for adjustment. A vigorous campaign of on p.
year had brought the people face to face with the
124 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
true facts of the situation, and after some heated
discussion, which bordered on disruption at time3,
but ended in reaching an adjustment satisfactory
to the rational element of all parties concerned,
peace hovered over the educational work in Ten¬
nessee. The matter of the control of Howe In¬
stitute was now settled. The Howe Corporation in
no offensive way controls the institution. The Bap¬
tists of Tennessee take a just pridie in the work be¬
ing done and welcome the cooperation of the Amer¬
ican Baptist Home Mission Society, New York,
whose Corresponding Secretary, Dr. H. L. More¬
house, has spent so many fruitful years in the
work of the education of the Negroes of the
South. Tihe Women's Society, of Chicago, has
rendered the institution service in many ways,
and is also entitled to the sincerest gratitude of
the Baptists of Tennessee.
CHAPTER XVIII.
NORTHERN SOCIETIES CO¬
OPERATE.
The Negro Baptists are under many obligations
to the American Baptist Home Mission Society.
In every Southern State this Society has main¬
tained some form of educational and missionary
work. Schools have been established and fos¬
tered for the training of teachers and leaders who
have gone into almost every county in the South¬
land and devoted their lives to the uplift of our
people. The establishment of colleges and uni¬
versities bespoke the society's estimate of the pos¬
sibilities of our race. Wherever their mission¬
aries went, even before the war, they were in¬
structed to preach the gospeli to all peoples. In
this way Negro ministers were inspired and en¬
couraged before the era of emancipation.
Churches have been built for our people and
students given scholarships. Books and libraries
were also donated our ministers. No one can es¬
timate the vast amount of work done by the
agencies of the American Baptist Home Mission
Society among and for the Negroes of the South.
It was my good fortune to attend Shaw University
at Raleigh, N. C., one of the Home Mission schools.
(125)
126 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
My debt of gratitude is indeed enormous. My
life was enriched by the beautiful lessons of con¬
secrated, self-sacrifice to be observed among the
teachers, many of whom were white men and
women who had left the social environments of
their Northern homes for a life of isolation, and
sometimes ostracism, while uplifting their
neglected brother in black. Many have been the
hindrances of these missionary workers, but they
have braved the storm with a patience and forti¬
tude that is indeed amazing.
Tennessee recognizes the great influence of
Roger Williams University, at Nashville. Like a
beacon light it has stood for the moral, intellec¬
tual and spiritual development of our people. Men
like Drs. Owen, Teft and Guernsey, have writ¬
ten their names in imperishable characters in the
lives of hundreds of young men and women of
Tennessee and other states. The seed sown by
them fell in rich soil 'and have produced an abun¬
dant harvest. All honor to Drs. McVicar, Mor¬
gan and Morehouse, the eminent triumvirate of
Missions among the Negroes of the South.
With the contest over the control of Howe In¬
stitute settled, Tennessee entered upon a vigorous
educational campaign. The Home Mission So¬
ciety was not in co-operation with the Tennessee
Baptists for a time after the Nashville Conven¬
tion of 1902, when the Educational Secretary was
discontinued. Later an arrangement was per¬
fected by which the Southern Baptists assisted in
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 127
the support of three missionaries, one of whom
was the Superintendent of Missions. This posi¬
tion was filled by Rev. A. D. Hurt. This plan was
soon modified and an Educational Secretary was
placed in the field for a time supported jointly
by the Home Mission Society of New York and
our State Board. Rev. C. A. Ward, of Columbia,
Tenn., filled the position until he left for the Theo¬
logical Seminary..
REV. WM. HAYNES BECOMES PRESIDENT OF THE
CONVENTION.
Rev. H. C. Owens, after serving very success¬
fully as president of the State Convention, was
succeeded by Rev. Wm. Haynes in a session held
at Gallatin. Rev. Haynes was pastor of tjie Syl¬
van Street Baptist Church at Nashville, was a
former student and graduate of the Theological
Department of Roger Williams University, and
held in high esteem by the brethren of the state.
Rev. Haynes was much interested in the edu¬
cational work of the state and the various institu¬
tions were helped by his friendly attitude.
Howe at this time was entering upon its larger
mission. The course of study had been extended
and the best authors adopted. The methods of
instruction had also been improved and the fac¬
ulty enlarged. Sewing and music had not been
permanent in our course of study.
128 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
GROWTH OF HOWE.
The teachers in these departments were allowed
the small amount collected by them from their
students to apply as salary. The office had no
bookkeeper. The printing outfit was worn and
scattered.
Conditions had rapidly changed with this era
of peace.. The departments of Music, Sewing and
Millinery were now fixtures. A private secre¬
tary had been provided for the principal and a
bookkeeper given charge of the books and records.
A new printing outfit was purchased and the print¬
ing of the institution could now be done on the
school grounds. "The Signal" was made the or¬
gan of the Baptists of West Tennessee and the
mouthpiece of the school. Students could be
trained in typesetting and newspaper work also.
A special effort was made to impress all the peo¬
ple that Howe Institute was a necessity and a
blessing.
DR. BUTTRICK VISITS HOWE.
It was about this time that Dr. Wallace Buttrick,
Secretary General Educational Board, visited our
school to "see what we were doing." The American
Baptist Home Mission Society had appropri¬
ated five hundred dollars annually to the school
for several years. This money went toward the
payment of the principal's salary. The Society
felt that the heads of institutions should be re-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 129
lieved of as much embarrassment as possible while
shaping the lives under their charge. The an¬
nual appropriation received by us came from an
individual. Dr. Buttrick was on a tour of inspec¬
tion and would report his findings as to whether
• the schools thus assisted were making good. Noth¬
ing delighted me more than the message sent by
Dr. Buttrick, on his return to New York, which
was as follows: "My every impression of you
was favorable and I shall so report to those in
whose interest I visited you."
THE CITY B. Y. P. U.
We had rallied our own people and done what
we could in the way of improving conditions.
The Baptist Young People's Union of the city had
been induced to come to our rescue and they did
so by inaugurating a splendid financial rally for
Howe. Mr. L. C. Moore was the faithful and
energetic president and they worked untiringly
to assist us in the erection of our Industrial Shop.
This building gave us room for printing, sewing
and laundry departments, being our maiden effort
at enlargement.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE BIBLE TRAINING CLASS.
The Women's Bible Training Class was in
charge of Miss Sylvia A. Bryan, her companion,
Miss Clara McGuire, having gone to another
field. These consecrated Christian women were
missionaries of the Women's Baptist Home
Mission Society, of Chicago. Miss Bryan had
been connected with the school for several years
and when I became principal, she offered to as¬
sist in any way in her power.
I was very anxious to either enlarge our present
building or erect a new one. Miss Bryan caught
the spirit and entered heartily into co-operation.
The Woman's Bible Training Class was nearly as
old as the institution. Miss Ehlers, Miss Petti-
grew, Miss Barclay and others had given our
women Bible training which greatly assisted them
in their home life and as church workers. By
faith and perseverance, Miss Bryan had aroused
such an interest in the class that the number
reached two hundred and seventeen from thirty
churches in and around Memphis, and six denom¬
inations. These women would assemble at 9:30
each morning during the months of January, Feb-
(130)
TWENTY YEi&tS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 131
I
ruary and March. They could attend better dur¬
ing these months than at other times. It was
winter and but little could be done at home except
the routine work of the housekeeper. The major¬
ity of them were married women and after the
breakfast hour they would spend two hours at
Howe and return in time to arrange dinner for
husband and children. This fact alone evidenced
the value of system and the proper division of
time and labor for self-improvement and study.
PLANS OF WORK.
The work in the class-room was very interest¬
ing. A systematic course of Bible instruction
was given with special reference to personal and
family religion and the- life of Christ. The Gos¬
pels, Epistles and Doctrines were carefully stud¬
ied. Many of the women were known to lay aside
certain habits of life and the use of snuff, to¬
bacco and beverages as they learned their inju¬
rious effects. Methods of doing missionary work
in their neighborhoods and churches were taught
them. On Friday mornings the Sunday-school
lessons were studied and the women went to their
homes and churches prepared to help all with
whom they came in contact.
Along with the Bible lessons were given indus¬
trial and art lessons. These enabled the women
to beautify their homes, which gave their hus¬
bands tangible evidence of the progress they were
making at school.
MRS. V. W. BROUGHTON,
Teacher Women's Bible Training Class.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 133
At their churches and in their neighborhoods
these Training Class women, as they were called,
were making themselves felt for good. The
children of their churches were organized into
sewing schools in wlhich the "Needle" and tha
"Word" worked in happy co-operation in incul¬
cating principles of industry and righteousness.
CLOSING EXERCISES.
At the closing exercises of the. class each year,
held at the various churches in different parts of
the city, children from the sewing schools played
an important part on the program. The women
sang and gave recitations and answered ques¬
tions, asked by their teachers, covering the work
in the class-room during the term. The walls
of the church would be covered with beautiful
needle work made by the women of the class and
placed on exhibition.
ANNUAL DONATIONS.
In keeping with the plan agreed upon early in
the session, each member of the class had saved
by self-denial or earned one dollar by performing
some special work. This contribution was made
at the closing exercises and each one would tell
how she earned her dollar. The great crowds
in attendance would always delight in this fea¬
ture of the program. When all had finished I
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 135
was usually called to the platform: and with hat
in hand, received the money, dropped one dollar
at a time, while the whole class counted.
The first contribution amounted to $45.00 and
formed a nucleus for the fund to be raised toward
the erection of a new dormitory for girls. Thus
the women of the training class started this fund
which grew until a great building for the train¬
ing of girls stood as an attractive feature of Howe
Institute.
CHAPTER XX.
FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN.
The work of Howe Institute was progressing
rapidly. Friends were active in its behalf and
the patronage had reached a very high-water
mark.
The limited space in the dormitory was occupied
by the principal's family and other teachers and
but little room remained for those from out of
town who wished to board on the grounds. The
class-rooms were crowded and there was no place
for apparatus and facilities for illustrating cer¬
tain important studies.
An appeal was made to the General Educational
Board at New York, Dr. Wallace Buttrick, Secre¬
tary.
At other times the Secretary of the Board
would frankly express his inability to do any¬
thing for us. When this request was made his
reply was as follows: "Make your request through
the American Baptist Home Mission Society." I
regarded this as a favorable reply, and commu¬
nicated with the Secretary at once through Dr.
Sale, Superintendent of Education. Dr. Sale re¬
plied, requesting me to write a concise statement
(136)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 137
of what had been accomplished and how it
had been done; what were our facilities and what
could be done with improved and increased fa¬
cilities. Give the amount desired and the amount
we would be able to raise in a given time. The
statement was made and forwarded to Dr. Sale,
who endorsed it and forwarded it to the Educa¬
tion Board. In a short time notice was received
that the General Education Board had appro¬
priated Three Thousand Dollars to Howe Institute
on condition that we raise a like amount and that
it would be paid thousand for thousand as we
raised our part, so that the work on the building
coulld go forward. This good news cheered the
Baptists of West Tennessee to a high pitch of en¬
thusiasm. Ministers, churches, missionary so¬
cieties and individuals caught the spirit and ral¬
lied to our support and soon the first thousand had
been raised and placed on deposit in bank. This
quick success inspired all parties concerned and
the canvass for the second thousand began in spir¬
ited fashion. The General Education Board hav¬
ing received certified bank statement, that our
first thousand had been deposited, promptly for¬
warded their first thousand.
CAMPUS ENLARGED.
It soon became evident that additional ground
would be needed ^o that our buildings would not
be unduly crowded. Just east of the original
Howe property was a strip of land 85 by 195 feet,
more or less, and belonged to the John W. Overton
138 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
estate. In company with Rev. T. J. Searcy, a
member of the Board of Trustees, I called on the
agent to ascertain if the property in question could
be purchased, the price, terms, etc. We were in¬
formed that the property was for sale and the
price was given us, but wishing to secure it at a
less price than that named by the agent, Rev.
Searcy and I called upon the Widow Overton at
her residence. We were cordially received. She
was an aristocratic Southern lady and well
trained in business matters. We told her that we
were anxious to erect a domestic science building
that would provide facilities for training our girls
how to work and make their own living. "Oh,"
said she, "people don't need training to work.
What they need is a willing hand and a willing
mind. They can learn by doing." Rev. Searcy, who
was rather corpulent and, too, a man of wit and
humor, came to my rescue. Said he, "That's true,
Mrs. Overton; while we can do well without train¬
ing, still in order to keep up with the latest meth¬
ods of housekeeping and cooking, schools are be¬
ing established for the training of girls in econom¬
ical cooking, the science of foods, etc., and that's
what we want to do. I can cook myself, and"
while I have had no training, I can make as nice
a biscuit as most any one." "You look like you
could eat a lot of them, alll right," was Mrs. Over¬
ton's triumphant reply. We considered that the
honors were about even and that part of the in¬
terview closed. Mrs. Overton agreed to the price
we suggested, and we returned to the office of her
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 139
agent to formally close the deal. In a few days
the papers were turned over to us for examina¬
tion. The Overton estate was a "big thing," and
the papers were voluminous. The estate had not
been settled up and divided and it was very neces¬
sary that care be taken to prevent future trouble
and complications. In casting about for the
ablest lawyer to be had in the city, we were di¬
rected to Hon. Thomas B. Turley, formerly United
States Senator from Tennessee. He consented to
pass upon the papers and we feared lest the enor¬
mous fee might cripple our plans. Turning to the
telephone, he cailled up a friend and said, "Oh,
John, I'll not be up there to-day; I am engaged
to prepare an opinion on a piece of property for
the Howe Institute people—I am not going to
charge them anything, though." I was never
more surprised than I was at that last statement
of Senator Turley's. To undertake such a task,
for people who had not previously engaged his
services, without any charges, was simply astound¬
ing Senator Turley is a friend of the upright Ne¬
gro citizen and certainly demonstrated that fact in
this case. In perfecting the title, several bills in
chancery were filed and a guarantee insurance
policy for more than three times the price
of the property was required by Senator
Turley. We shall ever hold him in grateful re¬
membrance. Hons. E. B. LeMaster and John R.
Pepper, both prominent white citizens, made very
substantial donations toward our campaign fund.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE ROOSEVELT VISIT.
A very eminent Memphian was Governor Gen¬
eral of the Philippine Islands, having succeeded
Hon. William H. Taft, who had become Secretary
of War. This distinguished gentleman was the
Hon. Luke E. Wright. Having been away from
home for several months, he was given leave of
absence for a visit home. The success achieved
by Gov. Wright in the Philippines greatly de¬
lighted the people of Memphis, and Tennessee,
and it was decided to mark his home-coming with
some patriotic demonstrations. President Roose¬
velt, who appointed Gen. Wright, had signified his
willingness to be present and do honor to the oc¬
casion.
The colored citizens of Memphis, who were
very kindly disposed toward Gen. Wright, took ad¬
vantage of the occasion to do honor both to Presi¬
dent Roosevelt and Gen. Wright. Accord¬
ingly, the Church Auditorium was secured by a
committee of citizens who issued three thousand
tickets of admission to the park. The day came
and the great occasion began. A nice program
had been arranged. Dr. John N. Abby was se¬
lected as master of ceremonies and Dr. E. W. Ir-
(140)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 141
ving, to make the address of introduction. Rev.
J. C. Martin was selected for the invocation, but
for some cause declined to serve. I was urged to
serve in his stead, which I did to the best of my
ability. The press did the unusual thing of re¬
producing and commenting liberally upon the in¬
vocation. A leading Nashville (Tenn.) daily
said: "It was a masterpiece of studied eloquence."
The News-Scimitar reproduced the prayer with
the following comment:
INVOCATION ON BEHALF OF THE BROTHER IN BLACK.
Delivered By Rev. T. O. Fuller, Colored, at the
Wright-Roosevelt Reception.
In the course of the various functions in
connection with the welcome of Gen. Luke E.
Wright and the reception to President Theo¬
dore Roosevelt this week in Memphis a
number of speeches were made and expres¬
sions were dropped that rise quite to the dig¬
nity of history. The speeches of the notable per¬
sonages of the occasion have been published far
and wide, and have been commented upon, an¬
alyzed and preserved for future reference.
But there was one brief address made, in the
nature of an invocation, by a Negro teacher, that
was notable for its simplicity, its appropriateness
and its good taste.
142 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
It was delivered upon the occasion of the gath¬
ering of the colored population at Church's park,
where Gen. Wright was welcomed home and Pres¬
ident Roosevelt was greeted by the Negro popula¬
tion. Rev. T. O. Fuller, A. M., principal of the
Howe Institute, was programmed to deliver the
invocation. Here are the words of the prayer:
"With thankful hearts, and with feelings of
sincerest gratitude, Most Merciful Father, we ap¬
proach thee at this hour. We recognize in thee the
supreme ruler of the universe, the source of the
world's true greatness and the benefactor and
guardian of all the nations.
"We thank thee for the wonderful powers of the
human mind, which, unfolded by Christian educa¬
tion have enriched us with this remarkable prog¬
ress of the twentieth century.
"We thank thee for this great American repub¬
lic, founded upon the sublime principle of the fa¬
therhood of God and the brotherhood of man and
going forth breaking fetters, severing chains and
illuminating the dark places of the earth with the
flaming torch of a higher life and a grander civ¬
ilization.
"We thank thee for the framers, the defenders
and the supporters of this republic and the bril¬
liant array of statesmen of all times, many of
whom are watching us to-day from sublimer
heights and whose memories are richly embalmed
with noble deeds, to be kept sacred 'while the
years of eternity roll.'
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 143
"None the less, our Heavenly Father, are we
thankful for this illustrious son, born under our
own skies and touched with the feelings of our
infirmities, whose sturdy manhood, unsullied pa¬
triotism and superb statesmanship have given
new force and fresh honor to the American name
and whose safe return from a hostile clime has
made this the occasion for all elements of Amer¬
ican citizenship to 'rise up and call him blessed.'
"Nor are we unmindful of thy loving kindness
which gives us to-day the presence of His excel¬
lency, the Chief Magistrate of the nation, whose
presence we take as another evidence of the equal¬
ity of the American citizenship, and the superi¬
ority of our form of government.
"We desire, 0 God, to reconsecrate ourselves
upon the altar of our country's service, as loyal
with the arts and weapons of peace, when battling
with the problems that vex the nation, as when
rescuing our comrades in arms from the storm of
disaster and death amid the perils of guerilla war¬
fare ; and in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior,
we invoke the choicest blessings of a beneficent
Creator upon the government and upon every
home and fireside in this land. Amen."
A very interesting aftermath of the Roosevelt
visit was the urging of my name to President
Roosevelt for appointment as United States min¬
ister, Resident and Consul General to the Repub¬
lic of Liberia. The endorsements of the leading
144 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
citizens of Memphis and other sections of the
South were both liberal and flattering. Nothing
pleased me more, however, than the decision of
the president to name some one else for that im¬
portant honor.
CHAPTER XXII.
NEW CHURCH ERECTED.
As has been stated in a previous chapter, the
First Baptist Church, which I served as pastor,
had purchased a lot called by some a "hole in the
ground," on Frazier street, for the erection of a
church of their own. The money in hand had
been increased to twenty-two hundred dollars.
Some difficulties arose on account of the property
having been sold for taxes, and while church prop¬
erty was not subject to tax, yet the failure to have
the lot properly entered when it was purchased
for church purposes made litigation necessary to
clear the title. This was trouble "number one."
When the plans had been drawn and the records
were examined the lot was found to be deeded to
the "Trustees and their heirs." This was consid¬
ered an oversight or ignorance on the part of those
who fixed the papers, still it gave no small amount
of trouble. Some of the trustees had died and
their heirs were obstinate, feeling that they had
an equity which should not be surrendered with¬
out compensation. After much worry a corrected
deed was given by the original grantors and
trouble "number two" ended.
(145)
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 147
The cloud having been removed from the title,
excavation for the foundation began. Nature had
greatly aided in this part of the work and the task
was an easy one. Soon materials were on the
ground and the noise of the hammer and trowel
made delightful music to a homeless congregation.
In a few days the foundation or basement story
was finished and our money was out. The work,
of course, suspended and a great financial cam¬
paign inaugurated. Members rallied nobly and
after a hard struggle work was resumed and there
was no let-up until the lovely building was com¬
pleted. The opening day was a happy one.
Hardships had been endured, sacrifices had been
made, and now the reward was at hand. "I was
glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the
house of the Lord" (Ps. 126:3) was the opening
text, which was beautifully expressive of the real
sentiments of our hearts. Standing in front of
Howe Institute, in the midst of a fine residence
section, the First Baptist Church occupies a splen¬
did vantage ground, accessible to the students, who
must be trained in practical religious lives as a
preparation for future usefulness. In a short
time the congregation more than doubled and the
spirit of progress and missionary activity per¬
vades the membership and holds out a flattering
prospect for an era of great service. Pioneers,
like Geo. W. Cooper and wife, C. Harper, Mrs.
Millie Butts, H. C. Gaines, Rev. D. J. Hodges, S.
J. Ficklin and wife, Mrs. Ellen Tate, Mrs. Geor-
GEORGE W. COOPER,
A Landmark Baptist Layman.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 149
gia Hodges and Mrs. B. Day were delighted
to worship under their own vine and fig-tree.
Younger workers, like Mrs. Florence P. Cooper,
W. T Livingston, I. J. Graham, Chas. But¬
ler and wife, Mrs. Violet White-Goodall, Allen
Webb, John White, Jr., Mrs. Mabel Fields,
Mrs. Alice Taylor and daughters, Miss Lula I.
Hobson, Levi Jenkins, Dr. John Seward, Miss
Beulah Moss and a host of others deserve favora¬
ble mention in this connection. Later members,
like Chas. Davis, Nelson Bachelor and Louisa Ma-
ben are among our most faithful workers. This
church has encouraged me at every step and the
prayers of these loyal Christians have inspired me
and made possible the patient struggle for better
educational advantages for the Baptists of West
Tennessee.
The First Baptist Church was always regarded
as a refined and cultured people, but their religious
fervor in the worship was a revelation to many vis¬
itors, who expected formality and style at the ex¬
pense of spirituality. Bro. Geo. W. Cooper's plat¬
form was "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism,
one husband and one wife." The ideal of the
church is "An intelligent, orthodox but spiritual
ministry, sound in doctrine and pure in morals.
An orderly, spirited service, an accurate, honest
and businesslike handling of the Lord's money.
They believe in answering the calls of missions,
education and the afflicted, and paying the debts
JOHN WHITE, JR.,
My Faithful Church Clerk.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 151
and obligations of the church. I owe much of the
success that has come to me to the loyalty of this
splendid membership.
CHAPTER XXIII.
EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN RE¬
SUMED.
Not content with the money already raised for
the new dormitory, another big campaign was
launched to meet the conditions of the General Ed¬
ucation Board. The churches, conventions, asso¬
ciations ancj individuals responded to the call.
The Roger Williams University at Nashville,
Tenn., had burned and the Home Mission Society
had announced that they would not rebuild the
school on the present site. That was a sacred
spot to hundreds who had received their inspir¬
ation at "Old Roger," and the announcement was a
shock to the Baptists of Tennessee. Later, it was
understood that the Society would not rebuild the
school and this last decision aroused the colored
Baptists of the state from Carter to Shelby. They
were determined to have a school in Tennessee
that would provide higher education and the State
Convention took steps to rebuild the institution
to be owned and operated by the colored Baptists.
This meant the raising of thousands and the task
was begun. Rev. Wm. Haynes resigned his
church or got indefinite leave of absence and took
the field as Educational or Financial Secretary for
(152)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 153
Roger Williams University at great personal sac¬
rifice. His appeals aroused former students and
graduates and electrified the Baptist brotherhood
of the state. Our efforts to raise money for Howe
felt the enthusiasm for Roger Williams but we
pressed our plans and encouraged the larger work
of rebuilding the university, feeling that such an
institution was necessary to complete the educa¬
tional system of our denomination in the state.
Within one year from the time our proposition was
received from the General Education Board our
Three Thousand Dollars were raised. I never
told the masses and but few of the leaders that we
had three years in which to raise our money to
meet the conditions of the General Education
Board. Some things leaders must keep to them¬
selves if they would succeed in large and impor¬
tant undertakings.
Work on Buildings Begun.
Plans were drawn and accepted, the contracts
let and work on the Teachers' Cottage and Girls'
Dormitory began in earnest. We had no money
with which to build the cottage. It was not in
our plans at the time we were arranging for the
larger building. A contractor and friend seeing
the crowded condition of the Principal's family
in the old Howe building, proposed to erect the
cottage at actual cost and await the convenience
of the trustees for his money. The proposition
Home of L. W. Jenkins, Member of First Baptist Church.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 155
was gratefully accepted and while the excavations
for the large building were being made, Contractor
Max Halperin rushed the cottage to a speedy com¬
pletion. We moved into it and began the enjoy¬
ment of the ease and comfort it provided, feeling
that eternity alone could record the sincere grati¬
tude that filled our hearts on account of this gen¬
erous act of Mr. Halperin. In view of the valued
assistance of Mr. Chas. Howe, I proposed to name
the cottage in his honor, but he gracefully declined
and suggested that the girls' building be named
for his wife, Mrs. Clara Howe, which suggestion
was received with favor by our trustees and
friends.
The Howe Brothers, Charles and Jerome, have
come up manfully to the support of the work be¬
gun by their sainted father. Without their as¬
sistance much of the good work done at Howe
could not have been accomplished in so short a
time. Their friendship is a most valuable asset.
CHAPTER XXIV.
STEMMING THE TIDE.
The National Baptist Convention is perhaps the
largest body of Christians that meets anywhere in
the world. Great things have been accomplished
by it, working through the several Boards as fol¬
lows : Publishing Board, Foreign Mission, Home
Mission, National Benefit, Educational and B. Y.
P. U. Boards. I attended my first session at Cin¬
cinnati, in 1901, and have attended every session
since that time. There has been some friction in
Colored Baptist ranks since the Publishing Board
began the publication of Sunday-school literature.
Most of the schools prior to that used literature
from the American Baptist Publication Society,
but many schools in some states clung to the old
publication house after the organization of the
new. North Carolina, from which state I hailed,
was loyal to the Philadelphia society, and presum¬
ing that I was in line with the sentiment of the
leaders in North Carolina, I was adjudged as hos¬
tile to the National Baptist Publishing Board. I
felt a coolness in every meeting and especially
state and national meetings, but the brethren of
Memphis were loyal and sympathetic and pressed
(156)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 157
for proper recognition for him who was doing his
best to elevate them. The story of how I became
"naturalized" is a very interesting one.
The publishing department grew and waxed
strong, and like all successful enterprises, opposi¬
tion developed. The great flourishing business
represented hundreds of thousands of dollars and
dreams of wealth and enormous profits filled the
minds of the people, at least some of them. Many
questions arose. What is the value of the proper¬
ty? What is the income? Where is the money
going? To whom is the property deeded? Is it
individual or denominational property? These
are but few of the questions that were current.
When the convention met at Chicago in 1905, the
president made reference to the agitation in his
annual address, which was followed by the ap¬
pointment of a committee of three persons, who
should be expert accountants, and not connected
with any of the Boards in an official way.
I had never been d member of any of the Boards,
and being recognized as somewhat of an account¬
ant, was considered eligible and was appointed by
President Morris. Dr. R. T. Pollard, of Selma,
Ala., and Prof. J. E. Knox, of Brinkley, Ark., were
the other members. At the time agreed upon by
us, we met, formulated our inquiries and methods
of investigation and proceeded to Nashville to
undertake the task. The Boards at Nashville
were examined and we then proceeded to Louis¬
ville, Ky. The Boards located there were inves-
158
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
tigated. After a consultation, we agreed upon
the findings, and selected the Chairman, Dr.
Pollard, to formulate the report. In due time, the
report was ready. It was forwarded to each
member for inspection and signature and then
sent, under seal, to the Secretary of the Conven¬
tion, Prof. W. L. Cansler. At the Memphis conven¬
tion, 1906, the report was presented and read and,
by vote, action on the same was deferred for one
year, in order that the denomination might have
this time in which to study the report. Our act¬
ual expenses were paid and there the matter
rested. Up to August, 1910, no action had been
taken on the report but at the Columbus, Ohio,
convention, 1909, another committee was ap¬
pointed to make a similar investigation, and the
end is not in .sight.
Some things connected with our Investigation
Committee that deserve mention. After my ap¬
pointment by the. president, nothing was said by
him or any one in his behalf that tended, in the re¬
motest way, to influence my action or decision.
Nor did any member of any Board seek in any way
to influence me, for them, or against any body else.
I felt perfectly free to search for facts and pre¬
sent them in plain and unbiased fashion.
Following my connection with the Investigation
Committee I served as Temporary Secretary of
the National Convention, in place of Prof. W. L.
Cansler, who had recently died. Later, the con¬
vention met in the city of Washington, D. C., 1907,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 159
and a resolution prevailed, providing for four as¬
sistant secretaries, and I was appointed by Pres¬
ident Morris, as First Assistant Secretary, being
re-elected at Lexington, Ky., 1908, and Columbus,
Ohio, 1909. My "naturalization" was about com¬
plete, and I settled down to real service among
the brethren of Tennessee, and of the nation.
Tactful patience is a valuable asset and should
not be neglected by those who would win the
goal of a laudable ambition.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE CLIFTON CONFERENCE.
In the summer of 1908, I accepted an invita¬
tion extended by Mr. W. N. Hartshorn, of Boston,
Mass., Chairman of the International Sunday-
School Association, to attend a conference at
Clifton, Mass., to discuss the "Relation of the Sun¬
day-School to the Development of the Young Ne¬
groes of the South."
Clifton is a picturesque little "Residence Re¬
treat," sixteen miles from the hum of busy Bos¬
ton, and facing the beautiful waters of the rest¬
less Atlantic Ocean. Adjoining it is Marblehead,
another lovely place, where men of wealth spend
the time in defiance of the broiling heat of sum¬
mer. Mr. Hartshorn's summer residence was ap¬
propriately called "Dyke Rock Cottage," for it
seeemed that nature, had securely fortified the
lovely bluff against the ravages and onslaughts
of the maddened waves of the sea. The architect
had wrought nobly and well in the arrangement
of this magnificent summer capitol. The lovely
sun parlors gave ample opportunity to escape the
unpleasant effects of the sudden changes,of tem¬
perature while reveling in the golden rays of a
morning sun.
(i 60)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 161
The galleries and towers made observation over
ocean and borderland, grouped in panoramic
splendor, at Clifton by the sea, a joy and pleasure
unspeakably sublime.
Wrapt in a mantle of natural grandeur, Mr.
and Mrs. Hartshorn, the one husband and father,
with a head white with the frost of many use¬
ful winters, and a heart warm and aglow with
love and sympathy for all mankind: the other,
wife and mother, patient, devoted, and happy, un¬
der the heavy weight of •affliction, entertained
their guest from the North and from the South,
white and black, in a manner, so cordial, so ten¬
der, so thoughtful and so ample that to repay them
in the sincerest gratitude would almost bankrupt
the heart.
The Conference was representative in every re¬
spect. School presidents, principals, teachers,
preachers, Sunday-school workers, missionaries,
laymen, indeed, workers of all classes, had an¬
swered the call of Mr. Hartshorn and they went
to the root of things, with an earnestness and
frankness that gave hope and promise of great re¬
sults. Dr. Jno. E. White, pastor of the Second
Baptist Church (white), Atlanta, Ga., was made
president—a good selection, indeed. Dr. White
is a Southern man, equipped with the culture and
education of the best schools of his section. He
knows the Negro, his aspirations and limitations.
He is a broad-guaged, Christian statesman, be¬
lieving in the power of righteousness to solve the
162 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
vexing questions of his country. Dr. White pre¬
sided with grace and dignity, and impressed every
member of the conference with his genial person¬
ality, ready ability and masterful grasp of the
great questions under consideration. Two great
generals were conspicuous figures and they were
significant factors of the meeting. They were
Gen. 0. 0. Howard, of Vermont, representing the
Northern Army, and Gen. Robt. D. Johnston, of
Alabama, representing the Southern. Hon. N. B.
Broughton, of North Carolina and Rev. J. C. Mas-
see, of Chattanooga, were able exponents of the
best Christian sentiment of the South. Among
the able colored men were Dr. S. N. Vass, Bishop
W. J. Gaines, Dr. M. C. B. Mason, Dr. R. T. Pol¬
lard, Pres. Jno. Hope, Bishop Geo. W. Clinton,
Pres. J. F. Lane, Dr. W. H. Brooks and Pres. Mc-
Crorey. Workers in the educational institutions
for the Negro were Miss Harriet E. Giles, Dr. Geo.
Sale, Dr. Chas. F. Meserve, Dr. G. R. Hovey,
Dr. L. B. Teft, and many others. I have never
attended a more interesting or more helpful meet¬
ing. I have never met more different agencies,
that are at work for the uplift of my people than
were represented at the Clifton Conference. The.
influence will be far reaching and only a divine
intelligence can estimate the amount of good that
will grow out of that conference.
Rev. W. H. Heard was my companion in travel.
After leaving Clifton we spent a few days in Bos¬
ton, the guests of Dr. B. W. Farris, The historic
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 163
scenes of that great city would delight any living
being capable of appreciating the beautiful, and
the interesting. Fanuel Hall, the Bunker Hill
Monument, Tremont. Temple, Boston Common and
Crispus Attucks Monument and Revere Beach,
were all visited to our great delight. On our re¬
turn, New York City, Philadelphia and Washing¬
ton, D. C., as well as points in North Carolina,
were visited and we reached home in good time
to handle the Memphis delegation to the National
Baptist Convention which met a few days later,
in Lexington, Ky.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE ATLANTA CONFERENCE
The American Baptist Home Mission Society
has done a great work for and among the Negroes
of the South. Following the Civil War, this so¬
ciety began founding and fostering schools as lo¬
cal centers of missionary operations among the
Freedmen. This work has grown until schools of
all grades from the academic to the college and
university may be found in successful operation in
the Southland. In nearly every southern state,
the society owns an educational plant, pays the
teachers and other running expenses. In addition
to the schools owned by it, the society makes ap¬
propriations to assist schools owned and operated
by the Negroes themselves, thus encouraging self-
help and co-operation.
The independent schools for the most part,
grew out of the system of education conducted by
the society. Graduates or former students of the
Home Mission Schools are either principals or
teachers in these schools and much credit is due
the society for the incentive and the ideal fur¬
nished by the presence of missionary teachers and
schools in the southern states. It would be very
(164)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
165
difficult to estimate the influence of a great mis¬
sionary agency upon the life of a people after
many years of patient, persistent work in the
training of boys and girls, teachers and preachers.
Like leaven hid in the meal, the work is silent but
forceful and effective and eternity alone can re¬
veal the vast amount of good that has been ac¬
complished.
In January, 1909, the Society invited the presi¬
dents and principals of all the schools operated or
assisted by them to meet in Atlanta, Ga., for a
conference. The meetings were held in "Rey¬
nolds Cottage," Spelman Seminary, of which Miss
Harriet E. Giles was president. The conference
was well attended and the sessions were highly in¬
teresting and instructive. Methods of school man¬
agement, raising money, and how to make the
schools most helpful to the local communities were
questions under discussion. Drs. Geo. Sale and
C. L. White represented the Home Mission So¬
ciety and Mrs. Reynolds, of Boston, the Women's
Baptist Home Mission Society, of Chicago.
Dr. Lyman B. Teft, of Richmond, Va., Dr. A.
C. Osborn, of Benedict College, South Carolina,
Dr. Luther G. Barrett, of Jackson, Miss., Dr.
C. F. Meserve, Dr. Geo. R. Hovey and Prof.
John Hope were the presidents of the colleges and
universities owned by the Society. Dr. R. T. Pol¬
lard, of Selma, Ala., Dr. J. A. Booker, of Little
Rock, Ark., and Prof. J. W. Johnson, Nashville,
Tenn., were the presidents of colleges owned by
Presidents and Principals of Mission Schools in Conference, Spelman Seminary, Atlanta^ Ga.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 167
the Negroes. A large number of secondary-
schools were represented by their principals.
The conference afforded an opportunity to com¬
pare notes and methods and to become acquainted
with those who were engaged in a similar work.
Every visitor was inspired and took new ideas to
his field of labor. Resolutions of appreciation of
the long and faithful services of the Correspond¬
ing Secretary of the Home Mission Society, Dr.
H. L. Morehouse, were unanimously adopted.
Nothing more clearly sets forth the work of the
Home Mission Society than the statement pub¬
lished by them on a blotter which I find on my desk,
headed: "Our God Given Task." ' "To Evangelize
—Millions of Immigrants from Europe and Asia;
Neglected Indians of the West and Alaska; The
Great West, with its Mormon Problem; Ten Mil¬
lion Negroes, needing Capable Leaders; Thirteen
Milfions in the Republic of Mexico; the Recep¬
tive Peoples of Cuba and Porto Rico; Our Great
and Rapidly Growing Cities. No other Christian
People ever had such a Task and such Opportu¬
nities."
Truly this is a great undertaking and I am
thankful that our race is included in this gigantic
purpose of so great a missionary agency.
CHAPTER XXVII.
NEW ERA OF GROWTH AND EX¬
PANSION.
I am truly grateful to all whose help and co¬
operation made possible the growth and expan¬
sion of Howe Institute. When I entered upon the
work, the conditions were not encouraging.
There was but one building, the "Howe Building,"
which had become dilapidated. There were no
industrial features nor were there any facilities
for such training.
Our first work was the improvement of the old
building, and increasing the teaching efficiency.
The next step was the erection of an industrial
shop and fitting up a good job printing office.
This not only enabled us to do our own printing,
but it provided training in typesetting and proof¬
reading for our students. After buying addi¬
tional ground for the enlargement of the campus
a teachers' cottage was erected which added much
to our convenience and comfort. In the fall of
1909 the Girls' Dormitory and Domestic Science
Building was completed. This is a large three-
story, concrete and brick veneered building. On
account of the benefaction of Mr. Chas. Howe,
this building bears the name of his estimable wife
(168)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
169
and is therefore, "The Clara Howe Building." The
plumbing and iavoratory outfit was a donation
from the Standard Sanitary Company, of Louis¬
ville, Ky., and was secured through one of our
faithful teachers, Miss H. Elizabeth Brown, of
New Brighton, Penn. Miss Brown had only served
us one year but was so devoted to her work
and so much interested in the great struggle that
was being made to equip a great school for the
training of her people in the South that she felt
anxious to render some service that would be
both tangible and permanent. Mrs. Florence P.
Cooper, another faithful1 friend, rendered us great
service by influencing the Woman's Auxiliary of
the West Tennessee Association to furnish in
royal style the reception room. Mrs. Cooper
has helped us from year to year and deserves, to
rank among the best friends the institution has.
Another good friend in the time of need is Prof.
E. N. Bolton, of Bells, Tenn. Under his leader¬
ship, the St. John Church, Rev. W. H. Bowers,
pastor, presented us "Fifty Dollars in Gold," to be
used in furnishing one of the bed-rooms, which
was done in beautiful fashion. Our Domestic
Science Kitchen is fitted up with the latest and
most . improved cooking apparatus. Eighteen
girls can do individual cooking at the same time.
This outfit was donated by the Memphis Consoli¬
dated Gas and Electric Company, for which we
are very grateful. Donations of Fifty Dollars
each were made by Mr. Duke C. Bowers, the
A Group of Howe Buildings: Dormitory and Domestic Science; Howe Building; Teacher's Cottage.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 171
owner of "Thirty Grocery Stores," in Memphis,
and Hon. C. H. Raine, President of the Mercantile
Bank.
I am also very grateful to members of the fac¬
ulty for money raised by concerts and otherwise
and also to several of the "Grades" of the school
that made gifts of supplies and money which
helped us no little in the struggle. May God bless
them. The spirit of self-help and appreciation of
sacrifices made in their behalf could hardly be
better evidenced by our young people than by ren¬
dering real assistance to movements and efforts
intended for their elevation. Nothing delights me
more than to note the progress of the work com¬
mitted to my charge. The association of the church
and the school makes a beautiful and happy combi¬
nation of forces most effective in the making of a
race. So often have I seen students preparing
themselves for life without the "one thing need¬
ful" (Knowing the love of Christ) happily con¬
verted in our meetings at the church opposite the
school. If in no other way Mrs. Rosa B. Fuller
(my wife) has made her claim to honor and
fame secure, she has done so by the eminent suc¬
cess that has attended her labors in the "Soul-sav¬
ing Meetings," in which scores of students, m'any
of them on the eve of graduation, have been made
to "Know Christ," whom to know is life eternal.
As well as being an experienced teacher and a
worker in the churches and associations in her
native section, Mrs. Puller has aided me no lit-
172 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
tie in my plans for enlarging 'and equipping the
school by her practical suggestions gained from
special study at Knoxville College, Hampton, Va.,
Institute and Tuskegee.
The work of Howe Institute is having its effect
upon the masses of our people. The extension
work of the Women's Bible Training Class is a
blessing, not only to the women themselves who
are taught how to live better and more useful
lives, but they go to their churches as helpers of
their pastors and missionaries to the poor neg¬
lected children of their neighborhoods. One of
the pastors became alarmed at the fact that the
women were studying the Bible so thoroughly and
asked if they intended to preach. "No" replied
one of them, "but we shall learn so much about
the Bible that nobody can preach to us but a
preacher." That is true. These women are
teaching the Bible in their churches and neighbor¬
hoods and so enlightening the masses that the
demand for a better prepared ministry is stead¬
ily increasing.
Another practical feature of our school
is the domestic science department. Wom¬
en who come to study sewing and millinery are
given practical instruction in economic cooking
and general housekeeping. Dr. E. B. Sykes has
been of great assistance to us by lecturing on the
care of the sick. The Bible Training Class,
taught by Mrs. V. W. Broughton, a cultured, ex¬
perienced and well-educated, Christian woman,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
173
who was present and assisted in breaking the
ground when the institute building was begun,
was helped in large measures by the lectures of
Dr. Sykes.
The cooks of the city have enjoyed the rare
privilege of being taught the use of the gas range
by our demonstrator. This enables them to com¬
mand better wages, as they can reduce th'e expen¬
ses of their employers.
The young mien preparing for the ministry, and
the pastors in charge of large churches, have
found Howe a friend and helper. The lectures
to the young men by Dr. J. B. Woods, who has
worked at Howe seven years, and my lectures to
the pastors have all attracted interested and in-
interesting students and hearers and have been
far-reaching in their results.
No record of the growth of Howe could be com¬
plete without the mention of Miss Lula I. Hobson
who came as private secretary in the fall of 1902.
When she came, a typewriter was unknown to the
business of the institution. Miss Hobson gradu¬
ated at Pearl High School, Nashville, Tenn., and
from the Stenographic Department of Walden Uni¬
versity. She had been recommended by the late
Rev. Thos. Jones, who knew her from childhood.
In 'a quiet and modest way Miss Hobson entered
upon the duties of secretary to the Principal and
her record for faithfulness and efficiency has
been a remarkable one. She soon became famil¬
iar with every detail of the school work and has
Howe Trustees: Rev. Wm. J. McMichael, Rev. A. L. Bart lett, Rev. T. J. Searcy, Dr. C. A. Terrell, Rev.
W. H. Heard.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 175
served in almost every capacity. She has sent
thousands of appeals and special letters and
knows what the school has done and how it has
done the work. Every student that has attended
the school during the eight years knows her, as
she has handled the mail. All of the pastors who
visit the school know "Miss Hobson" and many
of them use the "nick-name" which I need not
write. She is the same faithful, thoughtful
helper .'as the years go by and nothing in the way
of business is kept from her ears. Howe Insti¬
tute will never pay the debt of love and gratitude
due this earnest, honest worker, who, whether
with or without salary, has struggled on, without
murmur or complaint.
When I took charge of the school, there was
no provision for a bookkeeper and I found it nec¬
essary to do the work on the books myself. I am
glad that such was the case as it made me familiar
with the finances in every detail and gave a knowl¬
edge of the Home Mission Society's system that
could hardly be gained in any other way. As the
work grew heavier I secured an assistant at my
own expense and in 1905, Miss Lula B. Greenlaw,
one of our graduates, class 1904, was placed on
salary as bookkeeper. Without any special train¬
ing other than that gained thrpugh experience
and help from me, Miss Greenlaw has developed
into one of the most efficient bookkeepers to be
found in any school in the South. Not only does
ghe keep the records clean and correct, but Miss
176 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Greenlaw is a most excellent collector. Few are
able to escape her vigilance. During her incum¬
bency, the collections have increased from $1200.-
00 to $2,500.00 per annum, tfrom tuition. Miss
Greenlaw is a faithful and tireless worker and
has made my burden much lighter by the pecu¬
liar interest which she manifests in her work.
She has also become famous for dramas, as she
gives one each year to assist in meeting some spe¬
cial need at the school.
The various teachers, from year to year, have
all rendered valuable assistance in the develop¬
ment of Howe. Not only have they done their
work well in the class room but they have used
their influence to secure students 'and extend the
usefulness of the school. Prof. Wm. L. Pulliam,
Prof. W. T. Stockley, A. B., A. M., and Rev.
J. B. Woods, D. D., deserve special mention in
this connection.
In our Printing Department, Prof. W. P. Has-
kins has done a noble service. He is an expert
printer and a faithful worker and great results
have come from his department.
Ten years ago the property of Howe Institute
was barely worth $20,000.00. It is easily worth
$60,000.00 now as it has that rating with the
commercial agencies. The plant could not be
bought for One Hundred Thousand Dollars.
My work in Tennessee is not measured by the
amount of money raised, nor the wealth accumu¬
lated, while these are valuable considerations.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 177
Contributions of large sums of money toward the
support of an institution are indeed an expression
of confidence in the management. Thrift and fru¬
gality will lead to accumulation which is commend¬
able as an example to the masses who usually
toil and suffer on account of their failure to prac¬
tice the first principles of economy. The General
Education Board has made two conditional gifts
to Howe Institute, one of three thousand and an¬
other of two thousand. The conditions were
promptly met and the money was paid by the
Board.
THE HOWE BROTHERS.
Mr. Jerome Howe has shown himself a true
friend to the school. At a time when a friend
was most needed, be came to the rescue and ren¬
dered such assistance as entitles him to the last¬
ing gratitude of the Baptists of Tennessee.
Mr. Chas. Howe has shown his interest in the
school in a very tangible way. After making
several smaller donations to encourage us he gave
two thousand dollars toward the completion of
the Domestic Science Building.
The Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society
has been in close touch with the school for many
years. Their local missionaries taught our Bi¬
ble Training Class and much good has been ac¬
complished by their labors. In recent years this
society has paid part of the salary of the matron
of Howe and helped in many ways.
GROUP OF GRADUATES.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 179
My connection with Howe Institute has been a
most enjoyable relation. Young men and women
from Tennessee and several other states have been
trained for lives of usefulness and gone to enter
upon that work for which they have been pre¬
pared. Truly, we fix our own claim to immortal¬
ity by living for the uplift of others. Verily "to
live in hearts we leave behind us, is not to die."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
SKETCHES AND INCIDENTS.
J. M. Hilliard.
Early one morning a man about fifty years of
age came to the Howe Institute building and rang
the door bell. I answered the call.
"Brother Fuller," said he, "My wife said the
Lord showed her in a vision that if I would come
to see you, you would help me. I have been driv¬
ing a dray, but I am too old now and my employer
has discharged me and I haven't any way to make
a living."
"What do you want," said I.
"Well, if I had a horse and an express wagon I
could do very well as I am well known in the
city," he replied. "Wife said you would help us
but I don't see what you can do. But she has
faith in you and says you can help us. I saw a
horse and wagon for sale at the union depot the
other day."
"I have no money of my own, but we'll go down
and see the team," said I.
We walked to the station and^saw an express
wagon and horse labelled "For Sale." After
(i 80)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
18t
talking with the owner, we traded and I gave him
$65.00 cash for the outfit. The team was not the
best, but would do for a beginning. The faith of
the woman was so great that I felt it one of those
cases that justified me in borrowing money to as¬
sist the needy.
With horse, wagon, cushion and whip, my
friend set out to work. In a very short time he
brought me the money borrowed. His face was
lit up with a smile and despondency had disap¬
peared.
Later he came and asked assistance to get a
stronger wagon and a larger horse. I did not
hesitate to help him again as he had done so well
with the small team. Out he went, full of hope
and inspiration. Fortune' smiled upon him and
he soon decided to contract for lots 'and build him
a home. He bought some vacant, undesirable
lots, which he improved gradually and secured
lumber and soon began to build, paying for horse
wagon, lots and lumber, in small installments.
Fivfe years have passed. A few days ago
his deed was placed on record for the lots. All
notes canceled and he is now the proud owner of
a nice team, and a comfortable home, all free of
debt. Two dollars in cash and faith in God,
though advanced in years, with the assistance of
a friend five years ago, J. M. H. is now a faith¬
ful member of the First Baptist Church and the
owner of a home valued at one thousand dollars.
His faithful wife is an excellent Sunday-school
Group of T. B'. (^oleman, D. J. Avery and O. B. Taylor.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 183
worker and her home has many charms and bless¬
ings for them. This story is applicable to many
similar cases—"Where there is a will there is a
way." Help that "helps" is not only valuable but is
encouraging. Those who are helped should learn
to stand upon their own feet at the earliest mo¬
ment possible.
MARY AND EMMA.
Four years ago a queer-looking, muscular man
entered the Howe Building and inquired for the
Principal. Two little girls followed after him
with pathetic innocence. He said he came to en¬
ter his children in school. The conversation was
soon interrupted by the appearance of a woman
who claimed that the man in question owed her
a "board bill." While the woman consulted with
her escort as to what to do about collecting the
bill the queer man darted out of the entry hall and
on being pursued it was discovered that he had
set fire to a bundle of papers on the floor of the
chapel. He was soon apprehended, and on exam¬
ination it was found that he was insane. He was
sent to the County Home and his two bright little
girls, Mary and Emma, were left at our school
without money and without friends. I took the
children in charge, placing one in a family nearby
and keeping the other in my own home. With
mother dead and father demented, these chil¬
dren are facing the world. Both are stu¬
dents at Howe. Mary has a lovely voice
184 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
and is apt at music and sewing. She is in¬
dustrious and does general housework in very ac¬
ceptable fashion. Emma is smart and her people
are pleased with her. A mysterious providence
has provided homes for these homeless girls and
they may yet make their mark in the world.
THOMAS AND ERSKINE.
These two little boys were the joy and life of
their father's home. Thomas was born in North
Carolina and Erskine in Tennessee. They were
very devoted to each other. When very young
their mother died and the old lady, Mrs. Catherine
Woodford, who was their nurse, devoted two
years to the care of them until they were large
enough to "fight for themselves as she put it.
Being of a friendly disposition, they soon gained
a host of friends. They were apt and learned to
read and write very early. Both said they would
preach. Erskine said he would take charge of
Zion Hall," where the First Baptist Church for¬
merly worshipped, while Thomas said he would
return to North Carolina to preach. They visited
Norfolk, Va., Washington, D*. C., and other large
cities with their father and were able to give in¬
teresting accounts of what they saw. Thomas
submitted to a very dangerous and delicate opera¬
tion when quite small and remembers the physi¬
cian and nurse who cared for him. After return¬
ing from North Carolina I was taking them for
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 185
a drive over the beautiful streets of Memphis one
afternoon, and looking up into my face with a
childlike love and devotion, Thomas said, "Papa,
you are going to stand by your boys, aren't you T
"Yes," said I, spontaneously. The circumstances
made this remark by the child very, very impress¬
ive. In the fall of 1909 Erskine's health failed and
he went to heaven. No sweeter child ever lived.
Heaven is more attractive since he is there.
Thomas felt that his burden of love and affection
had increased with the death of Erskine, who was
very thoughtful of the comfort and pleasure of
his father. Thomas is determined to preserve
the family record intellectually and otherwise.
OTHO B. TAYLOR. -
In the year 1895 I was pastoring in North Car¬
olina. One of the churches was the Granville
Piney Grove Church, near Creedmoor. Two of
the most faithful members of that church were
Rev. J. M. Taylor and his good wife, at whose home
I was frequently lodged. They had several bright,
lovely children. After a very interesting revival
many souls awaited baptism, which was adminis¬
tered in a creek about midway between the church
and the little town mentioned above. Among the
candidates was little Otho, the son of Rev. and
Mrs. Taylor. After serving the church several
years as pastor, I resigned and soon moved to
Tennessee. Soon after taking charge of Howe
Institute I received a letter from Otho B. Taylor,
186 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
stating that he wished to come to Tennessee, tb
enter school. My reply to his letter was satisfac¬
tory to him and he came and entered school.
After spending several months in our school he
became a member of the First Baptist Church, of
which I am pastor. Otho felt very dear to me
and he seemed to regard me as a father, being
so many miles away from his relatives. While
in conversation with him one day, I said, "M!r.
Taylor"—he had grown to manhood now—"what
do you intend to follow in life?" I noted his em¬
barrassment and hesitation. "Well, I don't ex¬
actly know, Dr. Fuller, but I think I would like
to be a kind of a missionary lecturer," was his
evasive reply. "Well," said I, "we think you are
going to preach." "Well, really, Dr. Fuller, that's
exactly what I expect to do," was his frank re¬
sponse, "though I have never intimated that to
any one before," he added.
Pretty soon he came before our church,
preached his "trial sermon," was licensed, and
that little boy, baptized in a creek a few years
ago, is a model young man, highly respected by
both races, is a forceful and thoughtful preacher
and is on the eve of his graduation, with a fine
prospect of making a record creditable to himself
and to his race.
It was Otho's great-uncle, Rev. L. C. Taylor, who
gave me my first pair of pants. He always mani¬
fested much interest in me. He was a great Bible
student and teacher, and his wife, Mrs. Fannie
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 187
Taylor, was a devout Christian and companion of
my mother. Otho came from good stock and will
make good.
THOMAS B. COLEMAN.
When I was principal of Shiloh Institute War-
renton, N. C., a young man whose home was Wise,
N. C., was a very quiet, straightforward pupil.
Thomas B. Coleman is his name. He finished
at Shiloh and when I moved to Tennessee he
came also and entered the Howe Institute and
later graduated with honor. Mr. Coleman hacl
no one to assist him, but was determined to make
his way. He entered the Dental Department of
Walden University, from which he graduated
with high rank. He passed the state Board of
Tennessee and set up his practice at Paris, Tenn.
Later he decided to go to Mississippi. He passed
very successfully the Board of that state and is
doing an excellent practice at Natchez. Thomas
B. Coleman is a fine example of what a young
man can accomplish with character and pluck.
ORPHANS' AND OLD LADIES' HOME.
The colored women of Memphis are very enter¬
prising. They have many organizations. One
of the most prosperous is the Orphans' -and Old
Ladies' Home Association. Several years ago
they purchased twenty-five acres of land on the
Hernando Road and began raising money for the
erection of suitable buildings. I had previously
been connected with such work in North Caro-
188 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
lina, and it was not much of a task for the Mem¬
phis women to enlist my support and co-opera¬
tion. They had made the mistake of deciding
to erect their first building at a cost of $75,000.
To carry out this plan would take many decades.
I went into the organization, and while men had
not been acceptable as officers, I was made chair¬
man of the Board of Trustees. I urged them to
build a smaller building as a beginning. The ma¬
jority agreed and the troublesome minority ac¬
quiesced, at least until the building was erected.
The little finishing work and the institution starts
upon its great mission of saving the helpless or¬
phans and aged but worthy women. Out of the
greatness of the heart of Mr. D. W. Washington
came the offer to erect the handsome memorial
chapel in memory of his deceased wife. It is a
splendid building and shows that our successful
men and women are turning their eyes in the
right direction. Mesdames Cooper, Harvey,
Hooks, Wright, Edwards, Hodges, Bentley, Free¬
man, White and Boyd are among tihe leading
workers in the great organization.
SOME IMPRESSIONS FROM CONTACT WITH BOOKER
T. WASHINGTON.
Much has been said concerning Booker T. Wash¬
ington, his methods, meetings, ideas and policies.
How does he impress those who come in contact
with him ? I remember my first visit to Tuskegee. I
met hundreds of visitors from the farm, the
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 189
church and school, from teacher in the country
school to the president of the great university.
I expected set speeches and oratory—men most
gifted to be given preference in speech.
It was a farmers' meeting. The orator was
silent. Mr. Washington presided in a plain,
simple manner. He asked, "What have you
done in the way of buying and improvements,
since the last Conference?" "Have you bought
additional land?" "Have you cleared more
ground?" "Painted your house?" " White¬
washed your fence?" "Do you use improved
seed?" "How is the soil?" "Diversity of your
crops?" "Is your schoolhouse painted?" "How
long is the term of school?" "Have you a good
teacher?" "How is your church?" "Is your min¬
ister immoral?" "What is the relation between
the races?" What is the cause of the friction
between the races, if any?" "Have you a bank
account?"
I made up my mind not to attend another con¬
ference until satisfactory answers could be given
to these questions. I felt like going back home
and helping everybody and pushing every good
thing. Never did I feel more determined to cul¬
tivate friendly relations with all my neighbors.
I felt kindly disposed toward woman and children
of all races. These things guide me to-day in all
of my dealings.
Booker T. Washington is often misunderstood
by both races. His methods merit the closest
THOMAS and ERSKINE FULLER.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 191
scrutiny. His life should be carefully studied.
If his teachings were followed, holidays would
be less, labor would be more abundant and more
reliable; criminals would be speedily brought to
justice and the innocent would have ample protec¬
tion. Homes would be built up by our people, and
wives and children supported. Poll and other taxes
would be paid and the obligations of life faithfully
kept. There would be no more race antagonism,
as mutual help and friendly co-operation would
characterize the relations between the races in
the Southland, the best and most inviting field for
my race.
Dr. Washington is entitled to a hearing, and if
that is given, I shall be satisfied with the verdict
of an impartial jury of public opinion. The
South- has much to gain from the Washing¬
ton idea of the farm and country life for the
masses of the race. Industrial education means
intelligent citizenship, trained labor, able to know
when it is doing well and treated right, with suf¬
ficient wants to demand regular employment. I
have traveled the country over and with Mr.
Washington I am content to live and labor here
where I know 'and am known.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SPARKS FROM MANY ANVILS.
In my struggle upward I have gathered
strength and inspiration from many sources.
Nothing impressed me more in my youth than
a kindly remark made to me by the late Rev. Mo¬
ses A. Hopkins at the time Principal of the State
Normal School at Franklinton, N. C., of which I
was a student. Passing me one day in one of the
class rooms, he placed his hand on my head af¬
fectionately, and said, "Ah, my boy, I have a
feathered nest for you." I never asked him what
he meant by the statement, but thinking it ex¬
pressive of a hope in my future possibilities, I
took courage to reach the goal by my own efforts.
In forming my ideal for life I caught sparks
from many anvils. I looked for some admirabla
trait in those who were my teachers and helpers,
and determined to reproduce those traits in my
own life. In my observations I concluded to select
and emulate the faith of the late Henry Mar¬
tin Tupper, whose great achievements at Shaw
University, Raleigh, N. C., marked him as one of
the great men of the world. I knew of his faith
and the battle won by him. I admired the teach-
(192)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 193
ing ability and especially the simple methods of
Dr. Nicholas F. Roberts, professor of mathemat¬
ics at Shaw. Dr. A. W. Pegues was a man of
great discretion as a pastor and this excellent
trait kept him from entangling situations in
his church. Rev. J. A. Fuller was a good mixer
and made friends with everybody, and especially
the plain people of his own race. He made it
a point also to cultivate the friendship of the
leading white citizens in any community in which
he labored. This I regarded as a very, very wise
thing on the part of a man who labors in the
South or any other section.
Rev. M. C. Ransome was one of my early teach¬
ers and was the pastor of the church of which
my parents were members. I "professed re¬
ligion" under his ministry and was baptized by
him. Rev. Ransome was a man of great patience.
I have never seen him visibly agitated or excited.
In the midst of the fiercest criticism and opposi¬
tion he kept "his ear to the ground" and moved
quietly along. He knew the characteristics of
his people. He knew that they* had "spells of
talking" and would soon recover their right
minds if left alone. Rev. Ransome taught in
beautiful fashion the lessons of patience and for¬
bearance.
As a pulpit orator Dr. Augustus Shepard was
my ideal. He was a faithful Bible student. A
lover of good men. A man of deep piety and con¬
secration, with a "passion for souls." Dr, Shep-
DR. S. N. VASS, A. B.,
District Secretary Publication Society.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 195
ard was a power in the pulpit and his able ser¬
mons always charmed me, and I heard him with
pleasure at all times.
Dr. S. N. Vass was always noted for technical
scholarship. He had specific as well as general
knowledge. He knew, and knew definitely, the
things that he did know. It is from that kind of
scholar that we get our reliable authors. I have
heard it said that some men know too much to
teach. Their own ready knowledge makes them
the least bit impatient in the handling of a dull
student. Dr. Vass had thorough scholarship and
was a most excellent teacher as well.
Dr. Thomas E. Skinner was my instructor in
theology for four years at Shaw University. He
was a great reader and a ready talker. His ser¬
mons were not only sound in Biblical accu¬
racy and rich in gospel truths, but they
were gems in rhetorical finish. His sermons
were direct and every one of them had a pur¬
pose and a definite plan. He never rambled,
he went straight to the stake and drove the truths
home in telling fashion. As a theologian he was
sound, clear and learned. He seldom taught from
text-books. He presented Skinner's views on the
great subjects in a very able and convincing man¬
ner. He was orthodox, never speculative. He
stayed by the landmarks.
CHAPTER XXX.
HOW I BECAME A MINISTER.
Lest some one might fail to read this sketch in
full, let me say, in the beginning that ministers
of the Gospel are divinely called. An overruling
Providence leads them to decide to preach the
Gospel. From my early childhood I was called
"lawyer" by my older brothers. The sentiment
of the family seemed to have crystallized in favor
of my being a lawyer when I was quite young. In
keeping with the expressed desire of those about
me, I felt that law was to be my chosen field.
And, too, I have never known why I inclined to¬
wards the legal profession unless it was due to
the oft-repeated wish of my family. I had never
heard a case tried in court and had not been
brought into such contact with lawyers as to win
my admiration for them. However, we all went
"law-mad."
In the fall of 1885 I entered Shaw University,
and while it was my first time to stay away from
home, yet I enjoyed the session very much in¬
deed. M!y beloved schoolmates, E. R. Jefferson,
of Richmond, Va., a leading physician, too, Rev.
C. H. Williamson, business manager of the Bap-
(196)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 197
tist Sentinel at Raleigh, and H. H. Perry, a suc¬
cessful druggist at Fayetteville, N. C., made it
very pleasant for me, and my regard for them has
not suffered in the least on account of our failure
to correspond or the years of separation.
When the session ended I returned to my home
to make ready for my next year. I was training
in carpentry under my brother Asberry.
As the vacation passed, I became troubled in
mind. I knew no reason why I should be thus
troubled, as my plans for returning to Shaw were
working well. But still my heart was heavy
and my mind depressed. In some mysterious
way the thought of "preaching the gospel"
was suggested to me. I banished the thought
and argued that there was already one min¬
ister in the family, and, too, my brothers called
me "lawyer," and it would be both a surprise and
a disappointment to them should I turn down the
law for the ministry. Meanwhile I was still
troubled. The inexplain'able burden would not
leave. A good school friend of mine, Jas. A.
Pearce, was the first one to whom I confided my
perplexed condition. I told him of the war that was
raging within and sought his counsel. He had re¬
cently entered the ministry and he unhesitatingly
urged me not to resist what seemed to be the mind
of the Spirit.
After a few short struggles, I surrendered and
promised the Lord from the depth of my heart
that by his help I would preach the gospel. I
198 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
immediately wrote President Tupper what I had
decided to do, and he wrote me a very warm¬
hearted message of sympathy and encouragement
and offered some assistance that enabled me to
enter the theological class.
To my surprise and very great pleasure when
I decided fully to enter the ministry the trouble
that had vexed me left, and peace, blessed peace,
reigned in my heart and mind. "Woe is unto me
if I preach not the gospel," is the experience of
every individual properly 'authorized to preach.
My call was indeed irresistible, and having fully
decided in the beginning, I have never sought re¬
lease. My service, though unsatisfactory to my¬
self, has been cheerfully given in the cause of
the Master.
CHAPTER XXXI.
COLLEGE HONORS.
In my early school days I decided to finish a
college course and win a college degree. In 1885
I entered Sh'aw University, making the second
year College Preparatory. There were forty
bright young mien and women in my class. After
five years' hard work, I graduated, receiving the
degree of Bachelor of Arts at the commencement
in May, 1890, being the only one to receive that
degree. Along with my college course I took a
four years^ course in Theology. I felt sO much
the apparent need of a diploma, I asked Presi¬
dent Tupper to let me graduate from one of the
lower departments before finishing my college
course. He discouraged the idea, and what he
said was law with me.
I engaged in teaching public school following
my graduation, and liater became founder and
principal of the Girls' Training School at Frank-
linton, N. C. I felt a deep interest in the people
of Franklinton, because it was the home of my
parents and, of course, my birthplace. Other
denominations had good schools supported by
Northern funds and were largely in control of
(199)
PRESIDENT CHAS. F. MESERVE,
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 201
this erstwhile Baptist community. When sum¬
moned for a conference, I met a number of the
older brethren of the First Baptist Church. They
were anxious for a school which they regarded
as necessary if they expected to hold their ground
at Franklinton. I was deeply moved and said,
"Brethren, if you have no money, will you pledge
me your prayers and co-operation." "Yes," was
their response. The work soon began and a
beautiful building stood to the credit of the loyal
Baptists of Franklinton.
Three years after my graduation my Alma
Mater, convinced that three years had been spent
in successful literary work, conferred upon me
the degree of Master of Arts.
This was but an incentive to harder work and
more diligent study and investigation. Stand¬
ard and current literature, philosophy, science,
journalism and classics claimed a large part of
my attention. Essays, criticisms and produc¬
tions of various kinds increased my intellectual
culture until in 1906, having been at the head of
Howe Institute at Memphis, Tenn., for four years
the A. and M. College, at Normal, Ala., of which
the late Prof. Wm. "H. Councill was the honored
president, conferred upon me the degree of Doc¬
tor of Philosophy. My Alma Mater still "kept
track" of me. As President of Howe Institute,
hundreds of young ministers and pastors had lis¬
tened to my lectures on Biblical and Systematic
Theology. For twenty years I had been pastor of
Class of Memphis Pastors.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 203
Baptist churches in different parts of the country
—ten years were spent, however, as pastor at
Memphis. In the spring of 1910, Shaw Univer¬
sity saw fit to confer upon me the degree of Doc¬
tor of Divinity. My first knowledge of it was
gained by reading a newspaper published in the
city of Raleigh and containing a full account of
the commencement of Shaw. Loaded with four
degrees from reputable institutions, I shall feel
it my duty to live an exemplary life and keep my
scholarship abreast with the progress of the age.
Brother M. A. Fuller, who was my nurse in
childhood, tells me that grit and pluck were exhib¬
ited very early in my life. In my efforts to walk
I would frequently fall to the floor, but with an
expression of determination on my face, would
exclaim, "I'm going to get right up again." This
vim and will power soon put me on my feet and
has kept me there until this good day.
DR. E. C. MORRIS,
President National Baptist Convention.
CHAPTER XXXII.
OPEN ADDRESS TO OUR WHITE
FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH.
To the Editor of the Striker:
The colonization of the Negro is by no means
a new question. For more than twenty-five years
it has claimed the attention of the best thinkers of
the country, of all races. No doubt the white
people of the country are curious to know what
the Negro thinks about the movement now agi¬
tated by Senator Morgan to deport his race to
the Philippine Islands. I would assure you that
we are watching the trend of public sentiment, in
the North, in the South and everywhere, and,
most important of all, we are studying the facts
and conditions that give rise to this sentiment or
conviction. I believe that an idea or sentiment
is weak and impotent unless born of a condition
that sweeps you irresistibly to your conclusion.
We are viewing with no little concern the changes
taking place as the years go by, that may effect
our permanent residence in the South, or even in
America.
COLONIZATION NO SMALL MATTER.
It is true that the masses of our people, whether
living in the city or rural districts, are not prop-
(205)
206 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
erty owners, and are given to frequent changes
of residence. To them the idea of moving,
whether into a new ward, -a new plantation or to
a new country, is not a serious question. There
are others who have become freeholders or have
established themselves in some business or profes¬
sion and are educating their children and feel a
lively interest in the government and its institu¬
tions, and do not find it easy to conclude, upon a
moment's notice, to sever their connection with
their favorable environments and move to lands
and conditions unknown.
IN LOVE WITH THE SOUTH—WATCHING INFLUENCE
OF SENSATIONALISTS LIKE DIXON
AND TILLMAN.
I find myself deeply in love with the South; the
healthfulness of its climate, the fertility of its
soil, together with the proverbial friendliness of
its people, render the South a delightful dwelling
place. In spite of sensationalists in the ranks
of our neighbors, who imagine that the Negro
is threatening the stability of the republic and the
sanctity and security of home life, I believe there
are thousands of the opposite race who still have
faith in the ultimate triumph of the Negro over
the evils of ignorance and superstition. Occa¬
sionally, abnormal conditions may bring into
prominence a character like Senator Tillman, of
South Carolina, whose vision is so piercing as to
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 207
enable him to see. the instincts of the- savage be¬
neath the skin of the most cultured 'and refined
Negro; or a character like the Rev. Thomas Dixon,
author of "Leopard's Spots," whose brilliant intel¬
lect and remarkable originality of thought soon
transcended the bounds of denominational tenets
and started him in search of a new fiald. Such
mien delight in saying that the Negro is a "beast"
or a "savage," or is "not worth hell room." - It
has often been said that the best Negroes are
found among the best white people. If this be
true, it is a sad commentary upon the superior
character of those apostles and reformers of Ne¬
gro life and citizenship who report such discour¬
aging progress in their beloved work. I'm in
earnest about this matter of adjusting the race
question.
WHITE MAN FRIENDLY WHEN PREJUDICE NOT
AROUSED—EVILS OF EARLY OFFICE-HOLDING.
I know the white man pretty well. I have
worked with him in fields 'and forests. I have
served in his homes and offices and I have also sat
at his feet as student and served with him in halls
of legislation. Everywhere I have found him
friendly and considerate. But there is one unfor¬
tunate thing which, in a large measure, gave rise
to the troubles that vex us to-day. In the early days
of reconstruction, the Negro accepted office when
not at all fitted to discharge the duties thereof.
208 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
At that time the white man was stricken by the
ravages of war, stripped of property, bereft of
loved ones, who fell in battle. At that period of
tender sensibilities, the white man received the
impression of an ignorant Negro official and all
the learning and property acquired by the Ne¬
gro seem powerless to drive that ugly picture from
the spirit of his dreams. The designing politician
finds that a fertile field for operation, and, in due
time plants the seeds of his ambition, and culti¬
vates them with the blade of vituperative oratory.
The politician gets his office, the unfortunate and
inoffensive Negro gets his newly-made enemies,
and the whole community gets a protracted spell
of madness and fury, the fruits of which may
often be seen dangling from the limb of a tree,
or floating on the water, or writhing in 'agony at
the stake. The thinking Negroes of to-day are
watching these conditions.
GRATEFUL WHITES SHOULD DEFEND US.
We are watching the old Confederate Soldier
for the assertion of the spirit of gratitude that
usually lodges in the breast of a soldier, with the
hope that he will yet come to the defense of those
who watched over his wife and children while he
was facing death upon the field of battle. We
are listening for the noble white women of the
land, who know with what true devotion the Ne¬
gro has protected them in the past, to say one
Word in our behalf,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 209
DENS OF VICE NOT UNDER OUR CONTROL.
'Tis true that life in the crowded cities has told
seriously upon the morals of the race. The abil¬
ity to eke out an existence without the expenditure
of much labor has filled the ranks of the idle
and vicious. But that can be remedied. You
have by improved (?) political methods elimi¬
nated the Negro from participation in the munic¬
ipal government of Southern cities and you have
the power to close the dives and dens where crim¬
inals are bred and crime is hatched; and, where
even on the Lord's Day, gambling is carried on
and the baser instincts of their nature are fed and
inflamed by rum.
CONTENT IF UNMOLESTED.
But shall we colonize? If so, when and where? In
my opinion, the Negro would prefer remaining in
the South, if suitable conditions would obtain. You
ask what are those conditions? I answer, just
as it strikes me: We ask nothing extraordinary,
but simply to enjoy "life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness." Life needs to be free from mob
violence; political rights should be guarded by
the law as laid down in statute books, founded
upon the constitution; and we should be given a
free field to earn a legitimate support for our
families, unmolested by whitecappers and hood¬
lums. We do not object to stringent laws. All
210 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
we ask is that the power that makes them ac¬
knowledge their majesty and obey them as well
as execute them upon the weak and ^defenseless.
If there is to be no final limit to riot and intimida¬
tion, it will be better to separate for the good of
all, before a constant disregard of legal proce¬
dure endanger the civilization so highly prized by
the Anglo-Saxon. When ?
MUCH TRAINING BEFORE COLONIZATION.
If we are to go to ourselves, considerable train¬
ing in the art and science of government is essen¬
tial. And that is the work of many years. Burke, in
the English Parliament, when defending the Colo¬
nies in the struggle for independence, said the
colonies could govern themselves, because they
had been schooled in the science of government.
He said that more copies of Blackstone's Com¬
mentaries had been sold in New England than
had been purchased in the Old World. Denying
us participation in the government is poor prep¬
aration for colonization unless it is desired to
work our destruction; that I am unwilling to be¬
lieve. Shall we go to the Philippines? First of
all, that is a treacherous climate, where dwarfed
and mongrel races render almost impossible a
high standard of civilization. Newly emancipated
races, which have been denied the advantages of
education by the laws of the country, should be
brought in touch with the highest type of civiliza-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 211
tion, so that by schools and literature, as well as
by contact with wholesome environments, the
work of intellectual and moral regeneration may
be carried forward with vigor and continuity.
THE GREAT PROBLEM NOT ENTIRELY SOLVED BY RE¬
MOVAL.
The short-sighted individual may think that the
removal of the Negro from his door would mean
the final settlement of the perplexing question.
But not so: distance has been well nigh annihi¬
lated by the facilities for transportation; the
once impassable seas have become the highway
of the nations, and commerce has knocked at
every door where human speech has been heard,
and made every nation, to some extent, interested
in the welfare of the other. To snatch ten mil¬
lion dissatisfied but loyal citizens from their
homes and hurl them into the midst of other mil¬
lions more restless and dissatisfied might create
a new problem more difficult of solution than the
first. But let us renew our confidence in God,
who holds the destiny of nations in His hands.
Listen less to agitators, whether white or black,
who seek only to fatten on the strife which they
are able to foment. Purify our municipal govern¬
ment. Elevate the schools above questionable
methods. Don't exclude the Bible from them.
Let the administration of justice become so mani¬
festly fair that concern about its miscarriage will
212 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
disappear. Recognize a man for his character
and worth. Help us, on railroad trains, in wait¬
ing rooms, and everywhere, to protect and respect
our women, by removing the embarrassing and
objectionable features of the so-called equal ac¬
commodations. Write us up in our school life
and business life, as well as in prison cells and
gambling dives, and you will have made the
grandest step toward the solution of the great
problem!, even if it be colonization.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
AN EDITORIAL AND ORIGINAL
THOUGHTS.
(The Signal, T. 0. Fuller.)
Negroes to Support Taft.
Loyal to the Party of Lincoln and Grant—Afraid
of Democracy.
The presidential campaign waxes warmer as
the election approaches. William J. Bryan car¬
ries the banner of Democracy, and is leaving no
stone unturned in his efforts to win the fight.
Personally, Mr. Bryan is popular. He is a bril¬
liant orator and a fine writer, and has been before
the political footlights for several years. Unfor¬
tunately for Mr. Bryan, he is a Democrat, twice
defeated, and his strength lays more in the in¬
ability of his party to agree upon a candidate
other than himself in the face of his unceasing
and unbroken campaign than any faith in his su¬
perior statesmanship or the stability and worth
of his policies. A staunch free silverite, in many
respects a Populist, with Socialistic tendencies,
Mr. Bryan has turned his sails toward every fa¬
vorable political gale, with the hope of landing in
the presidency. The South quotes him as their
(2x3)
214 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
friend in fixing the political status of the Negro.,
He is a willing convert to white supremacy, and
looks with favor upon the elimination of the Ne¬
gro from politics in the South. There is a slight
suspicion that Mr. Bryan favors the Negro when
it comes to national politics, and that he also symn
pathizes with the Negro in the Brownsville mat¬
ter. These last mentioned must remain only sus¬
picions, as there is nothing on record either in
"The Commoner," Mr. Bryan's personal organ,
or in the platform upon which Mr. Bryan stands,
to give any substantial hope for a favorable con¬
sideration at his hands should he enter the White
House. The silence of one so gifted and influen¬
tial as a writer and orator and the entire absence
of any favorable reference to the Negro in the
Democratic platform, made by his loyal friends,
makes the merest "bosh" of any statement that
Mr. Bryan would champion the rights of the Ne¬
gro should he be elected. Why such political cow¬
ardice appeals with any force to intelligent Ne¬
groes I fail to see. And more, Mr. Bryan is the
candidate of a party that has been consistent in
its hostility to the political rights of the Negro.
Should Mr. Bryan be. elected, what could he hope
to accomplish under the control of a party that
has swept away every vestige of our political
power wherever it has been able to do so? On
the other hand, the Republican party came into
existence as a liberty party, championing the
rights of the Negro. It has been consistent in
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 215
its platforms and its legislation. Its policies have
been right, its practices good. There have been
some things it could not do. This is true with
everybody but the Creator. The severest tests
have been judicial, where Democratic legislatures
have sought to nullify the constitutional guaran¬
tees of our liberties as freemen. The standard-
bearer of our party is the Hon. Wm. Howard Taft,
of Ohio, a statesman of broad judicial mold, kind-
hearted and liberal. Humanity, the world over,
has felt the noble impulses of his nature, and
been blessed by the greatness of his soul. Civil¬
ization could have no grander exponent, govern¬
ment no abler administrator. The Negroes of
the country should support him as one man. He
believes in them. He belongs to that class of
Republican statesmen who would accord us every
right and privilege known to freemen. It would
be the height of treachery to strike down this
noble chieftain to gratify the spirit of unholy re¬
venge. The world would look with scorn upon a
people so drunk with passion and hate. Thousands
of our best friends hitherto would doubt our claim
to their consideration should we exhibit such a
weakness. An organization of Negro voters
which met in New Haven, Conn., some time ago,
among other things said the following:
"However, two things are certain concerning
the present campaign. First, that any general
bolt to the Democratic party at this time would
be ill-advised, and second, that no self-respecting
216 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Negro can vote for William H. Taft, in view of
his Negro policy." Now there you'are. These
independents are saving us with a vengeance.
Don't vote for the Democrats and you are a fool
to vote for Taft. With them you are an idiot or
a fool. Hold up your hands if you agree. This
paper stands squarely for Judge Taft. With him
are our friends of the olden time. In fact, the
business interests of the country depend upon his
election for maintenance. Eliminate from the
Bryan supporters those who vote from prejudice,
whether white or black, there would not be
enough left in some states for a decent fox chase.
Vote for William H. Taft. By so doing the Ne¬
gro of the country will exhibit manhood of a high
degree.
ORIGINAL THOUGHTS.
/
There is a remedy for all human ills that may
be had for the asking. The love of Christ.
* * *
Our companions should be well known to us.
* * *
In the struggle of life the worthy will survive.
* * *
A right conception of the supernatural is the
mainspring of the higher life.
* * *
The activities of the human soul bespeak the
destiny thereof.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 217
The communion of great minds is fruitful of
inestimable goodness.
* * *
The ideal is the measure of the action.
* * *
The acceptance of a hospitality implies an obli¬
gation to appear in creditable fashion.-
* * *
Soul culture is the highest and truest test of
civilization.
* * *
When a member of a deliberative body is denied
the privileges and prerogatives of membership it
is ho reflection upon the integrity or fitness of the
one thus denied.
* * *
Ponder well the path of thy feet and many a
falling tear will be averted.
* * *
Friendship is the silver cord that binds heart
to heart in the struggle of life.
* * *
Childhood is the fertile soil into which great
hopes 'are sown.
* # *
The stainless conscience is a jewel of great
price.
* * *
Take frequent draughts from the sparkling
fountain of wisdom.
218 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Devotion to principle is an evidence of sterling
qualities of manhood.
* * *
Pluck the laurels from the brow of opportunity.
TRIBUTE TO WOMAN.
(Extract from an Address.)
Woman is God's noblest gift to the happiness
of the world. She is—
1. The sweetest and tenderest note in the mel¬
ody of the home.
2. The most beautiful wreath upon the brow
of civilization.
3. The loftiest mountain upon the plain of hu¬
man ambition.
4. The brightest star in the constellation of our
hopes.
WOMAN'S SPHERE.
"They tails about a woman's sphere
As though it had a limit,
There's not a place in earth or heaven,
There's not a task to mankind given,
■ There's not a blessing or a woe,
There's not a whisper, yes or no;
There's not a life or death or birth,
That has a feather's weight or worth,
Without a woman in it."
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 219
THE HOME, ITS OWNERSHIP.
(Extracts from an Address Delivered October 29,
1907.)
Home, the sweetest word on mortal tongue.
"The sacred refuge of life."—Dryden.
The corner-stone of the world's civilization.
The first altar of worship.
"The dry dock and harbor of the sea of life."
Centre of social purity.
The basis of civil government.
WHY WE SHOULD OWN OUR HOME.
1. Because it is possible.
2. Necessary to the ideal home life.
3. Inspires the owner with manhood.
4. Increases one's interest in the community in
which he lives.
5. Frequent movings incur financial loss and
lessen the interest in domestic improvements.
6. Makes one the real ruler of his castle, secur¬
ing for him the respect of his family and neigh¬
bors. .
7. Renders one less liable to commit or encour¬
age crime.
8. Gives recognition not otherwise secured.
9. The ownership of property makes possible
the transmission of the spirit of thrift and owner¬
ship to posterity.
He who has never owned a home cannot fully
realize the meaning of the term.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
A MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG.
Text:—"0 Lord, I pray thee, open the young
man's eyes, that he may see." (2 Kings 6:17.)
My Dear Friends:—It gives me more pleasure
than I can express to stand before you at this
hour and speak to you the words of inspiration
and hope. The young blood has not all passed
through my own veins as yet, nor has the vigor of
my youth departed. But I feel the heart-throb
of a bouyant spirit, and the enlivening touch of
young manhood throws me into the most perfect
sympathy with the youth of the land and realiz¬
ing, in a measure, the possibilities that shine out
upon the canvass of the twentieth century, I bid
you, in the name of God, go up at once and pos¬
sess them. The whole world to-day is an open door/
There are heights that are yet untouched, ex¬
panses yet unmeasured, seas unwhitened by the
adventurer's sail, mad currents and rapids unhar¬
nessed by the captains of industry, theories unde¬
veloped and scientific principles that have not yet
taken their places in the great category of intellec¬
tual discovery. There stand before the thinking
world vast problems that have thus far baffled so-
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TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 221
lution; but God knows there is nothing impossi¬
ble and it remains for the youth of the land,
strong in mind, firm in body, vigorous in intellect
and courageous at heart to solve the world's un¬
solved problems; to cross hitherto impassable
chasms, to scale the unsealed heights and to write
victory and triumph upon the resplendent chariot
of our advancing civilization. My friends, before
urging you to this herculean task, I would rid
your minds of the prevalent and oft repeated fal¬
lacy that there is native inferiority in man.
Neither in the form of his body, nor the shape of
his head, neither in the turn of his foot nor the
texture of his hair, neither in the size of his nose
or the color of his skin, can the evidences of infe¬
riority be found. In coming to this decision, I
have perused the books and literature from the
hierogylphic characters of the catacombs that
marked the communication of the ancients to the
dazzling signals of the wireless telegrams that
flash the news across the bosom of the ocean, and
I find nothing to warrant the presumption that
pluck and energy based upon purity of character,
will not take you to the highest realms of great¬
ness in any department of human endeavor. The
world's only standard of honor, that is worthy of
attention, is the word of God. Its history is au¬
thentic, its prophecy is sublime, its science is un¬
challenged, and its poetic flashes are transcen-
dently beautiful. At one time you stand around
the grandeur of Eden, at another upon the smoky
222 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
heights of Sinai, upon which the fires of Divinity
are flashing. You can see the kaleidoscopic glow
of the burning bush and the rushing speed of the
fiery chariot; you can hear the soul delighting
melodies of the angelic messengers that sang to
the world the Saviour's birth, of the melliforous
voices of a mighty Pentecost that preached to
every nation in their own tongue. These are
some of the sublime characteristics of the great
Book of books that make it the "wreath into which
are twisted all garlands, the song that blends all
harmonies; and the firmament in which suns and
moons and stars and constellations wheel and
blaze and triumph."
This grand old volume that has withstood the
test of ages tells us that God has made of one
blood all nations to dwell upon the face of the
earth. He that would despair because of ob¬
stacles or falter because another would pin upon
him the badge of inferiority is not worthy of suc¬
cess. My faith in the young is based upon the
achievements that have already made the world
acknowledge their worth and usefulness. Sir
Isaac Newton, one of the world's greatest think¬
ers, who made possible a better understanding of
the power that holds the worlds in their places as
they rush madly through space, made many of his
discoveries before lie was twenty-five. Wilber-
force, Fox, Gladstone and Peele were members of
the English parliament before they were twenty-
three, Whitney and Howe gave the world the sew-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 223
ing machine and cotton gin before they were
twenty-seven. Franklin was a publisher at four¬
teen. Lord Bacon left the university for a world¬
wide career at sixteen. Kelley and Sheets, re¬
nowned poets, had finished their life work at
thirty. Webster and Clay were startling the
American Congress at thirty, and the world's
great preacher, Chas. H. Spurgeon, of England,
was giving the gospel of salvation at sixteen.
Take courage my young friends, your sun has not
gone behind the hills. You may be dull, but don't
despair. Gladstone says: "There is in every
young man the material for good work in the
world, not only those who are brilliant and quiet,
but in those who are solid even though they may
seem dull. Napoleon's teacher said he would
need a gimlet to put learning into the head of the
future conqueror of Europe. Sir Walter Scott,
Dryden, Swift, Goldsmith, Gibbon and Adam
Clark, famous throughout the world, were djill
boys at the beginning. But in order to reach
your possibilities certain elements must be taken
into consideration.
The first element is character, that which is en¬
graved upon the human soul, not what a man or
woman seems to be, but what she or he really is.
Emerson says. "The truest test of civilization is
not the census nor the size of the cities nor the
crops, but the kind of man the country turns out."
Many a useful life is blighted by the mistake of
early life. Start right, young man, young woman.
224 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Another element of success is "a determined
will." Another element is concentration. Put
all of your energy to work at one thing. Archi-
mides drew a mathematical figure in the sand and
asked the Roman soldiers, who were ready to take
his life, to wait until he could solve that one prob¬
lem. Coleridge left behind him forty thousand
treaties on metaphysics and divinity, not one of
them complete. Charles Kingsley says: "I go at
what I am about as if there was nothing else in
the world for the time being." And that, my
friends, will bring success to you if you will only
heed it.
Beware of the little mistakes or little sins so-
called. Says one, a silk fibre stretched across the
glass of a telescope may hide a star. A pebble
dropped into the,ocean from an infant's hand will
stir the waters to their greatest depth and widest
bounds.
CHAPTER XXXV.
WORK, THE LAW OF LIFE.
(A sermon preached at the A. & M. College, North
Carolina.)
Text: John 5:17.—"My Father worketh hither¬
to and I work."
The acceptance of the kind invitation of the
able and affable president Dudley to preach the
baccalaureate sermon upon this occasion affords
me the much coveted c»pportunity to revisit my na¬
tive state, the greatest of southern common¬
wealths, a patriotic love for which burns with per¬
petual flame in my heart of hearts, and also, to
view the splendid progress of this, the foremost
of A. and M. Colleges f or the colored race, in this
country.
John 5 :17 is the texrt, and the words are those
of the Savior of the world,11 //hen enraged and hos¬
tile Jews chided and persecuted him for lifting
the burden of human suffer ing on the Sabbath.
"My Father Worketh Hithe rto and I Work," said
he. In this remarkable an d striking pronuncia-
mento is found our theme,, "Work, the. Law of
Life."
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226 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
"Work, in common language, is the exertion of
strength, energy, or other facilities, phystcal, or
mental, directed to some purpose or end; toil,
labor, employment."
Technically—"The overcoming of resistance;
the result of one force overcoming another; the
act of producing a change of configuration in a
system in opposition to a force which resists that
change."
Theologically—"It is the exercise of moral and
spiritual energies in the dissemination of gospel
truth, with a view to changing the convictions of
men and bringing their lives into conformity to
accepted, religious doctrines."
That work is law can be seen in the natural
world. The whole universe is a busy whirl of al¬
most inconceivable activities, each atom moving
in its time and by fixed and established laws; each
planet in its orbit; each star in its constellation,
differing in glory and splendor, but perfectly
obedient to established order. The mighty
agencies of fire and water beneath and upon
the surface of the earth are all hurrying to
the discharge of the dutien that result in giving
beauty and grandeur to the natural world. Ev¬
erywhere there is activity, change and life. It
is none the less true \ pith m an. He must keep
step to the music of the world. He must work,
for work is. the law of' life.
Life is but a rapid transit s vstem of decay and
renewal. A systema ,t|c exercj^e of the physical
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC L1PE, 227
powers directed to the attainment of some object,
and the satisfaction of some desires is essential
to the strength and health of theTiuman system.
Neither the violent punches and strides of the ath¬
lete nor the acrobatic manoeuvers of the aristo¬
crat in his private gymnasium will adequately
substitute the habitual and steady swings of the
laborer who wins his bread in the daily and con¬
stant battles of life. Nothing so quickens the
step, smooths the brow and holds the physical and
mental powers of man in that beautiful and happy
equipoise as the regularity of employment and its
adequate and just reward. The Almighty God
whose fiat brought these beautiful worlds from
the womb of his Providence and whose brooding
spirit forced a firmament between earth and sky,
brought continents from the depths of the ocean
and fringed them with towering majestic moun¬
tains, all of which, in due time, glistened with pic¬
turesque vegetation and swarmed with animal life,
wisely decreed that man should labor, and eat
bread in the sweat of his face. He who refuses to
labor is an enemy to self and in rebellion against
God. To replenish the earth and subdue it is his
task. Starting upon this mighty obligation man
seeks an inventory of his stock in trade. The
giant trees of the forest and the massive rocks of
the mountains, the fish of the sea and the fowl of
the air, the coal and iron of the mines and the oil
of the wells, the pearls of the ocean the sparkling
diamonds, the unharnessed powers of the rivers,
228 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
the shifting winds that inflate the sails of com¬
merce, together with flashing currents of electric¬
ity, all await the willing hand of him who will
make good the will and purpose of the Creator.
Work, indeed, is the law of industrial life. The
demands of this century are peculiarly exacting.
Agriculture and manufacturing are striving for
the mastery. The one drawing the multitudes into
the cities and creating conditions both menacing
and hazardous; the other calling the masses to the
rural shades where the air is pure and the dangers
less. The one producing the raw material and
the other changing the raw material into useful
articles. Out of these two contending elements
grow the great economic principle, the division of
labor, upon a proper adjustment and expansion of
which depends industrial progress of our country.
The rapid increase of our population and the
congestion of the same in large industrial centers
calls loudly for diversified industries and a sys¬
tematic division of labor giving each the mastery
of some particular branch of industry and guar¬
anteeing skill" in the performance of given tasks
and bringing into play the creative and inventive
genius of the mind of man. It is in recognition of
this important principle that the governments of
the world have entered the field of education. It
is found that there is a valuable asset in the skilled
hand and ingenuous brain as well as in the forest,
field, and the elements about us.
The Commonwealth of North Carolina recog-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 229
nized this fact and an A. and 'M. College for the
Colored youth of the state is the grand result.
Rich and prolific in" natural resources from moun¬
tain to ocean and from border to border, this
great state, would train the hands and quicken
the intellects of her dusky sons and send them
forth to gather the gems of her matchless re¬
sources, to glisten in the golden coronet of her fu¬
ture greatness. How well you will discharge this
important trust the future records of the state
will testify.
Work, also, is the law of intellectual life. With
the passing years, theories and dogmas have
changed and the man of letters who would keep
pace with the times must work. He must dili¬
gently apply himself to study and investigation,
in the text-book, in the magazine, in the current
press, the circulating university of handy infor¬
mation, thinking, conversing, observing and com¬
paring he must work incessantly. The mind once
trained to think and plan must be kept within
proper channels or there is danger. The "idle
brain" is no less, "the devil's workshop" today,
than when the words were uttered. The educated
idler is a menace to society and a danger to civili¬
zation. His fertile brain is but a hotbed of vice
and crime and a treacherous harvest is reaped
from his machinations. The fields are white and
inviting and the man of industry and push can
bless the world by capturing the unbridled ele¬
ments of chemical and physical power and making
230 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
them subservient to the well-being of mankind.
Says Ella Wheeler Wilcox:
"There are uncut jewels of possible fame,
Lying about in the dust,
And many a noble and lofty aim
Covered with mold and rust."
May the young men of today go forth with en¬
ergetic purpose to add to the already splendid ar¬
ray of illustrious achievements of this golden age.
For says Tennyson:
"We are living, we are dwelling in a grand and awful
time;
In an age on ages telling, to be living is sublime."
Work is also the law of spiritual life. For
work is the law of creation and Providence, and
indeed, this mighty contest began when Lucifer
was hurled from the gilded realms of Paradise
and shooting with meteoric brightness made hell
resound with the force of his coming. Yes, before
the morning stars sang together or the Sons of
God shouted for joy this spiritual work of right
against wrong went steadily on. Calling to
Adam in the garden, whispering to Moses in the
flaming bush, storming upon the heights of
Sinai, riding upon the waters of the rfood, sit¬
ting in the lion's den, and the fiery furnace, hov¬
ering in pillows of cloud and fire, dropping in
heavenly manna, walking through the midst
of the sea, strengthening, bracing and delivering
prophet, priest and king in the old dispensation,
until the fulness of time had come when the An-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 231
gelic Messengers from their choir loft in the
skies sang that thrilling anthem at the birth of
the Saviour, all of these resplendent evidences of
spiritual industry made potent and convincing the
acclaim, of the Saviour when he said, "My Father
worketh hitherto and I work."
Christianity is the greatest of world powers,
which aims at a complete conquest of human agen¬
cies for good. The church is the visible expres¬
sion of the Kingdom of God actively engaged in
renewing society, root and branch, without which
it would be needlessly cumbering the earth. The
Gospel of love and peace must be preached in all
the world as a witness to all nations, says Christ.
And "go ye therefore" is the great command
"The church is a body of activities," says one, "of
work, of good deeds, of charities, breaking bread
to the multitudes." Christianity is essentially a
missionary religion. Missionary in its methods
to the end that it may be philanthropic, winning
all men to obedience to the divine scheme of love,
so making a perfect world. To those who are
beneficiaries of this universal gospel the Saviour
wills that you might have life and that more abun¬
dantly. But work is the great law of the higher
life. The harvest is great and the fields are
white, and I bid you sharpen your blades and en¬
ter to gather the golden grain. Work will test
the strength of your manhood and add confidence
as you bring in the golden sheaves. Honest toil
will also test the character of your preparation
232 TWENTY YEARS lis PUBLIC LIFE.
whether it is thorough or lacking. The exercise
of your powers and gifts will add grace and
charm to life and magnify your conception of the
great responsibilities that rest upon you. God
bless you.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE PHYSICIAN AND CIVILI¬
ZATION.
Honored President, Faculty, Graduates and
Friends:
The high honor of delivering the annual ad¬
dress to the Graduating Class of 1908, of the Uni¬
versity of West Tennessee Medical College has
fallen to me. Untrained in the science of medi¬
cine and unskilled in the practice of your emi¬
nent profession, the wonder is that you have
sought the services of a clergyman to give counsel
and inspiration at this important hour. It is
mine to treat the soul of man afflicted with the
maladies of human depravity, while you relieve
the pains tfrat rend and torture the human system.
While my treatment will neither set a-fractured
limb, remove a foreign body, or correct a disor¬
dered circulation, neither can you extract human
depravity, by the most delicate operation known
to surgery or purge the sins of man by the most
powerful nostrums to be found in your Materia
Medica.
Differing as we do in the nature and scope of
our activities, it must be that you are anxious to
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234 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
know what is the clergyman's conception of a
physician. In complying with your request, I
have selected as a subject, "The Physician and
Civilization."
The authorities tell us that a physician is a stu¬
dent of nature in general and not simply of man's
physical frame in health and disease. He is a
natural philosopher. One who is skilled in or
practices the art of healing. One who is duly
qualified by study and training and authorized by
competent authority to prescribe remedies for di¬
seases. According to John Stuart Mill, the scien¬
tist, "The physician became in England, at least,
synonymous with a healer of diseases, because
until a comparatively late period medical practi¬
tioners were the naturalists."
Medicine appears to have been first practiced by
the Egyptian priests. Pythagoras endeavored to
explain the philosophy of disease and the action
of medicine about 529 B. C. Hippocrates, the Fa¬
ther of Medicine, flourished about 422 B. C., and
Galen, born A. D. 131, was the oracle of medical
science. About 980, Avivenna, an Arab, wrote a
system of medicine. The art was brought into
Europe from the East, about A. D. 1150. The
first medical college on record was at Salemo in
the tenth century. Old English schools had de¬
partments of medicine. A department of medi¬
cine was connected with the University of Penn¬
sylvania, in 1765 and today there 'are about two
hundred medical colleges in the United States, It
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 235
is safe to say that your profession began with the
earliest needs of the human race and has kept
pace with and met the demand of an advancing
civilization. What is civilization? The scholars
agree that civilization consists in what may be
called culture and refinement in a nation; and a
nation may be considered as civilized when a large
proportion of those belonging to it have their in¬
tellectual and moral faculties and all their higher
nature, in a large measure, developed and becom¬
ing increasingly so with the advancing years. "At
present," says one, "Barbarism, semi-civilization,
and civilization are seen contemporaneously exist¬
ing in the world. Individuals can move backward
as well as forward in culture and it is axiomatic
that those aggregations of individuals called races
or nations can do the same." Where they have kept
strictly in view the things which make for their
personal well-being and guarded well the rights of
their fellows, held sacred the great principle of
"humanity to man" and given encouragement to
the growth and development of the social and do¬
mestic sciences and the great industrial arts, civ¬
ilization has gone forward with leaps and bounds;
while, on the other hand, when these essentials
and tests have been neglected and discarded man
has lapsed into superstition and barbarism.
Regarding progression in material prosperity,
certain stages in civilization according to an emi¬
nent authority, have been seen to occur. 1. A bar-
barious one in which mankind fed on roots, fruits,
236 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
and fishes, when these last can be caught without
effort. 2. The state of a hunter in which the
individual raging with pinching hunger, from
careless and improvident habits, goes forth in anx¬
ious search of wild game. 3. That of the shep¬
herd in which to avoid the uncertainty of the re¬
sult in hunting, wild animals were domesticated
and driven from one verdant plain and sparkling
brook to another. 4. The agricultural state in
which the mighty forests were felled and con¬
verted into fields of golden grain; the right of
property established and the home life empha¬
sized and exalted as a potent factor in the life of
man. 5. That of manufacture and com¬
merce in which raw materials were transferred
and made into useful articles and the interchange
of products and commodities established. Along
with the above mentioned stages have come the
development of the mind, which is regarded as the
supreme standard of greatness. It is held by M.
Auguste Comte that nations necessarily passed
through a theological, a metaphysical, and a posi¬
tive or scientific stage. He is supported in this
view by Littre, of France, and Buckle, of England.
Go where we may and search where we will in
every horizon of human endeavor the silver rays
of the physician's star may be seen shedding light
upon the pathway of mankind. The physician
and civilization have gone hand in hand. When
the flower of civilization was but a tender bud and
man walked forth amid the primeval forests, seek-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 237
ing shelter in clefts and caves and subsisting upon
the spontaneous productions of nature, while the
simple outdoor, normadic life knew but few dis¬
eases and made but little demand for skillful
treatment, yet the "doctor-man" was on hand with
the root and the herb and sought as best he could
to relieve the sufferings of his fellows. The Voo¬
doo or the witch doctor, with his quaint parapher¬
nalia of rare feathers, who regarded the presence
of disease as due to evil spirits, and the Conjurer,
who thought he could contaminate the ground and
the very air itself, and remove the spell from the
victim of an adversary, and even the quack, who
substituted boastful pretensions for his dreadful
lack of medical skill, have not only crouched by the
wayside and haunted civilization in its onward
march, but have forced their wierd theories upon
the attention of the medical science throughout
the world. The physician has pressed his way
from age to age with discovery after discovery,
within the field of vegetation, where an Alwise
Creator has stored in rich profusion the roots,
herbs, and leaves for the healing of the nations,
and in the matchless mechanism of the human
body has pursued his investigation, by dessection,
vivisection and experiment, in the laboratory has
he chased protoplasm, bacteria and nameless
germs, winning victory after victory until he is
cheerfully acknowledged to-day to be the god¬
father of the world's greatness.
238 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
This is, indeed, an age of industrial and com¬
mercial activities. The thrift and genius of man
have created great cities of immense population.
Thousands have come from the fresh, pure air of
the farm, where the copious showers of nature
fall in lovely smiles upon forest and field, and
crowded themselves into tenements and alleys,
making a veritable hotbed of epidemic and di¬
sease. These conditions have placed a high prem¬
ium upon medical skill and in these great commu¬
nities, the physician is, indeed, the man of the
hour. Standing at the head of the city's board, of
health and directing the sanitary forces that
drive the scourge of disease from a doomed peo¬
ple, the physician is worth his weight in gold.
Without him, the pestilence of disease would de¬
populate the lovely palace of the rich, as well as
the hovel of the poor and drive the value of prop¬
erty to the foot of the column. Inspecting the
water supply, testing the food and providing for
the isolation of infectious diseases and the exter¬
mination of pests, the physician is the faithful
guardian of public health, indispensable to munic¬
ipal life.
CIVIC DISCIPLINE.
In organized society there is an absolute neces¬
sity that crime be detected and criminals pun¬
ished. Without this, civilization is but >a byword
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 239
and a name. Degenerates, schooled in vice, are
often able to elude the ordinary processes and
methods of detection. But the presence of the
physician, whose skill in "quantitate and qualitate
of analysis" like the noted Faraday, makes possi¬
ble by chemical experiment, the discovery of the
presence of the poison and the ultimate conviction
and punishment of the shrewd criminal. Herein
lies an obligation which your honored profession
owes to the courts and tribunals, and the well-be¬
ing of society, which is being met by your emi¬
nent men in a manner that is recorded to your
everlasting credit.
LONGEVITY.
The contribution made by your profession to
the longevity of the race deserves the highest com¬
mendation. By the formulation of hygienic rules
and the discovery and promulgation of the preven¬
tatives of disease you have reduced the death rate
to an appreciable extent and sent the sunlight of
health and joy into thousands of homes, whose
inmates rise up and call you blessed. Your anti-
pirines, anti-febrines, anti-septics, and anaesthet¬
ics have been a benediction to the world. This is
an age of commerce, trade and industrial expan¬
sion. Here and there the kings of finance have
established plants for the development of the nat¬
ural resources of the country. Whether mining
coal beneath the bosom of the earth, tunnelling the
240 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
mountains as a right-of-way for the peerless lo¬
comotive or sailing the seas with a cargo of choice
commodities, the physician and surgeon must be
a member of the party. When nations go to war
in defense of their rights against insult and inva¬
sion, along with the stalwart soldiers trained to
fight and to die, whether in army or navy, the hos¬
pital corps, with the physician in charge, is an in¬
dispensable accompaniment. Verily, the physi¬
cian is Civilization's utilitarian. His place in
the world's economy sets out in bold relief a high
ideal of qualities, character and equipment. He
stands guardian at the approach of infant exis¬
tence and bends tenderly over the form "upon
which will soon fall the curtain of eternal night.
He is a herald of joy to those who anxiously
await the coming of the newly born angel in the
circle of the home and gives the last sad message
for those who are passing into the valley of the
shadow of death.
1. The trust and responsibility of the physi¬
cian demand that he possess unquestioned ability
and skill of the highest order. He holds the bal¬
ances of life and death. He touches and manip¬
ulates the silver cord that binds humanity to the
world. At one end there is hope, home, society,
happiness and government; at the other end
there is eternity itself, into whose sacred precinct
the powers of man cannot explore. He who
would assume the delicate and arduous tasks of a
physician should equip himself with the best in
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 241
learning1, literature, and theory and practice and
demonstration, that the lofty profession affords.
The science of medicine ranks with the wonders
of the world and yet, it is incomplete. The universe
is constantly giving up new remedies to the indus¬
trious and studious discoverer. The human sys¬
tem is labyrinthic in its structure and many cor¬
ners, angles and circles await the invader in
search of unpressed paths. There are diseases
that still defy successful treatment and invite the
graduates before me tonight to come in and pos¬
sess the land.
2. The physician should possess high moral
courage. The condition of society affords an in¬
viting field for malpractice. Veiled infamy is rich
and offers a handsome fee. Unless the physi¬
cian is a man of character, the temptation of glit¬
tering, gold may lure him into the forbidden and
dangerous paths of unprofessional conduct.
Courage is a valuable asset in the makeup of the
physician. Without it many have fled before the
ravages of disease and the scourge of epidemic.
3. Patriotism in the physician is also needed
to give him a firm hand and a steady nerve amid
the groans of the wounded and dying, upon the
field of battle. High honors are lavished upon
the patriotic surgeon, by all the nations of the
world. There is nothing more essential in the
life of the physician, if he would win success, than
personal integrity. Nothing will bring fortune
quicker than'honor and confidence. When ad-
242 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
mitted into the sacred confines of the home, it
should never be a subject of debate whether the
one thus admitted and given the delicate liberties
of the occasion is not only a scholar, a skilled
practitioner, but a calculating, discriminating,
hightoned gentleman. Gentlemen, the hour is
come. Your alma mater will soon place upon
your brow the golden coronet of professional dis¬
tinction. The eminent members of this distin¬
guished faculty have built wisely and well. They
have bedecked your lovely craft, from the rare
collection of their professional research and gath¬
ered us here to witness the launching, the chris¬
tening. The sea before you is calm and inviting,
the skies are clear and the breeze is favorable for
the journey you are about to take. The sun of
the world's civilization is rising higher and high¬
er. The race to which you belong is but in the
morning of its greatness. What her destiny will
be, no earthly prophet can accurately foretell.
With a sharp knife and a trained hand go carve
your name with immortal incision upon the Par¬
ian marble of your profession, ascend heights
and explore fields of which Aesculapius never
dreamed and your preceptors and friends will
watch the white light of your brilliant career, as
the astronomer follows the path and notes the
flashing brilliancy of a newly found star.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
BOOKS AND READING.
(Pcvper read before the Colored North Carolina,
State Teacher's Association, at Kittrell,
N. C., June 18, 1896.)
When the invitation to prepare a paper for this
session of the North Carolina State Teachers' As¬
sociation had been accepted, the task of selecting
a suitable subject presented itself. The remarka¬
ble history of the Association confronted us.
And, too, the brilliant array of subjects from year
to year, treated by the ablest minds in the State
tended only to increase the difficulty. But the oft
repeated saying, "There is nothing new under the
sun," came to the rescue, and we contented ourself
to ask your consideration of the very familiar sub¬
ject, "Books and Reading." In treating this sub¬
ject we shall not include treaties upon scientific
and theological subjects, but will confine the dis¬
cussion to literary works characterized by art and
taste in composition. In the collective body of
literary productions we find books written upon
Fiction, Biography, History, Poetry, Drama, Ora¬
tory, etc. Truly our age might be called the
"Book Age," or "Age of Scribbling," says one.
(243)
244 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Nor is this spirit confined to any particular
country or monopolized by any one race; and let
us venture the assertion that should this condition
of affairs continue without abatement, he who
takes the time, in the next century, will search in
vain for a scholar of any degree of renown who
has not been guilty of authorship. The readers
of today must be impressed with the multiplicity
of books upon the various subjects mentioned
above, and what subjects to read, and what au¬
thors to accept are problems not easily solved by
the immatured mind. Perhaps no one will deny
that the student's course of reading is shaped to a
great extent by the suggestions of his teachers.
The foundation is usually laid in the school room,
and if the teacher is narrow his prejudices are
communicated to the pupil, whereas, if the teacher
is broad and liberal it will be seen in the culture
and development of the students.
IMPORTANCE OF BOOKS.
Seated in a study, surrounded with books upon
every subject, the cultured reader can fix his eyes
intently upon the page while his mind delights it¬
self, upon pyramids, stone statues and the ruins
of ancient, empires, visits to the relics of the Rom¬
an government, once famous for her Caesars, Cic¬
ero, and Calatine,. ascends the Alpine heights,
passes within the range of the British Lion, sum¬
marizes the magnificent grandeur of every clime
and beholds with wonder the enchanting beauty
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 245
of the seas. Says Rogers, "Among the varied exter¬
nal influences amidst which the human race is de¬
veloped, a book is incomparably the most impor¬
tant and the only one that is absolutely essential.
Upon it the collective education of the race de¬
pends ; it is the *sole instrument of registering,
perpetuating and transmitting thought."
Kingsley says: "Except a living man, there is
nothing more wonderful than a book, a message
to us from the dead, from human souls whom we
never saw, who lived thousands of miles away,
and, yet these, in those little sheets of paper com¬
fort us, terrify us, teach us, and open their hearts
to us as brothers." Bartholine places a higher es¬
timate upon books, when he says, "without books
God is silent, justice dormant, natural science at a
stand, philosophy lame, letters dumb, and all
things involved in chimerean darkness." And re¬
marking upon the companionship of books, the il¬
lustrious Sage says: "Sitting in my library at
night and looking on the silent faces of my books,
I am occasionally visited by a strange sense of the
supernatural. They are not collections of printed
pages, they are ghosts. I take one down and it
immediately speaks with me, perhaps in a tongue
' not heard on earth. I travel with cohorts around
me mightier than ever did Tamerlane or Khan on
their fiery marches."
Agreeing as to the necessity and importance of
books, one is led to inquire what books to read.
We answer that every one whose time is given to
246 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
literature should read at least one book in each de¬
partment of literature. It broadens and devel¬
ops the mind.
Fiction has been styled the "literary produc¬
tion of the imagination." Fiction satisfies the
desires of the different stages of human life.
While the other writers are treating of great
events, holding up great geniuses and formulat¬
ing theories and dogmas, the novelist is true to
nature and delights in simplicity, and brings great
achievements within the reach of the weak and ef¬
feminate. The novelist transforms the small ani¬
mals into intelligent beings, dresses the small boy
in his father's attire and makes him a hero and an
adventurer; such is pleasing to the mind of the
child and thoroughly captivates him. Later the
novelist takes the youth just entering the social
circle, and leads him in search of an admirer. He
stimulates the hopes of the youth by repeating to
him the success of .others, and when the moment
of disappointment and broken promises come the
Novelist soothes the sorrows of the youth with the
touching and sympathetic stories of other heart¬
broken lovers, and shows him the light behind the
cloud. Let us believe then that our most promi¬
nent Novelists have a place among the best writers
while fiction serves to teach history, gives recrea¬
tion to the weary student and, following life from
the cradle to the grave, forms a valuable manual
for the study of human character. We would
also commend the study of
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
247
BIOGRAPHY,
which is, according to Hunter, "the written life
of an eminent person." He adds: "The more
prominent a person has been, the more nearly does
his biography become identical with history in the
ordinary sense. A life of Martin Luther, Napo¬
leon I, or the first Duke of Wellington is in all es¬
sential particulars history, and that, not of a sol¬
itary nation, but of Europe, nay, even of the
world." In reading the lives of great men we
learn to discriminate between a true greatness
and a false greatness. Some men are recorded as
great, because they appear great, sway the people
by noise,' amass great wealth, establish some im¬
portant enterprise or lead in some exciting con¬
test with a show of success while they are devoid
of honesty of purpose and broad sympathy, the es¬
sential elements of true greatness. Great men
collect the wisdom and public spirit of the age in
which they live, and embody them in living ac¬
tions and words. Standing upon the loftiest
mountain peaks we can survey the grandeur of
the subordinate heights, lowering themselves un¬
til they touch the green vales below, and follow¬
ing great men to the summit of their greatness,
we not only note the steps by which they climbed,
but losing our own conceit, we feast upon the ac¬
cumulated wisdom of the past: renew our faith in
the power of God to reproduce His character in
the lives of men, and determine to imitate the vir-
248 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
tues of those whose title to greatness is undis¬
puted. It is very essential, also, that a portion of
our time should be given to the study of
HISTORY,
which is a record of the most important events
chronologically arranged, with an inquiry into
their causes 'and the lessons which they afford
with regard to human conduct. It is also termed
"Philosophy teaching by example."
It is one of the characteristics of our nature to
search past records and foretell the future. To
know from whence we came aids us in ascertain¬
ing the progress of civilization and forms a basis
for calculations as to the future. History renders
valuable assistance in this. While it is true that
history cannot be studied to the best advantage
apart from the relics of warfare, visiting old cas¬
tles and battle-fields, yet the reading of the disad¬
vantages and hindrances of our fathers should
lead us to a better appreciation of our own advan¬
tages and inspire us to greater efforts for future
development. But perhaps there is no depart¬
ment of literature more inspiring and ennobling
than
POETRY.
Poetry is the inmost expression of the real life
of the human soul. Emerson says. "Poems
and songs are the deepest feeling" the inmost soul
of the times embalmed and made immortal."
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
249
St. John says: "The best poetry is ever in al¬
liance with Christianity."
Ibid says: "All nature is poetical because, it is
in the form in which the eternal feeling has
clothed itself with infinite suggestiveness."
But we must believe that not all poetry is re¬
corded in verse and prose, for it is often the si¬
lent voice of God re-echoing through the magnifi¬
cent sceneries of forest and field, the kaleidoscop¬
ic display of the shifting clouds and the divine ele¬
ment in our human nature. But what can be
more fascinating and instructive than the study
of the
DRAMA,
which is nothing less than the teaching of human
nature by means of experiments ? Tragedy, with
its display of evil passion, and comedy, represent¬
ing the bright and cheering aspects of life, are the
two elements of the drama. The dramatist pre¬
sents scenes with acts and actors, thereby appeal¬
ing to the senses, while other narrators simply
describe scenes.
Says Shakespeare: "The object of the drama
is to hold the mirror up to nature that all classes
may see their image and defects." Without this
knowledge of self the failings cannot be corrected
and virtue would fade away. Indeed much 'at¬
tention is being paid to
250 twenty years in public life.
oratory.
The art of speaking in public in an eloquent and
effective manner. It is well that we be able to
know the true orator from "the twaddler," the
"sounding brass" or the "special pleader," who by
birth, circumstances or contact becomes the
champion of some particular cause. The true or¬
ator speaks from conviction, with a heart beating
with true sympathy for his fellow creatures.
Channing says: "Of eloquence there can be but
one fountain, that is inward purity."
Says Aristotle: "There 'are three causes for be¬
lieving a speaker, viz: 1st, prudence in statement,
2nd, excellence in character, 3d, having the inter¬
est of the hearers at heart." Passing from the
consideration of books, permit a few suggestions
as to what
authors to accept.
In reading one book, in each department of lit¬
erature, we should read the very best author that
can lie secured. Much can be gained by selecting
the standard author who has explored the bound¬
less store of literary productions, ransacked vol¬
ume after volume and gathered the choicest and
most precious gems of thought and treasured
them in one grand collection. The general read¬
ing should be confined to that class of writing best
suited to the taste and calling of the reader. Our
minds run in different channels and under the
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 251
supervision of an experienced advisor we should
make our own choice. With a view to our needs
we should select books that interest us, that bring
into play, tax and develop our mental and moral
powers, and thereby better fit us for the duties of
every day life. These rules will exclude the
cheap, trashy literature handled by many news¬
dealers at present. Bad books should never be
placed in the hands of the people and especially
the young. As to the effects of a bad book I
quote from a prominent writer who had once
been a victim to such. He says: "I cannot erase
the effects of the impure thoughts which in that
quarter of an hour that vile book lodged in my
mind and heart. I can and do pray against the
sin, and for God's grace yet to conquer it, but it
is a thorn in my flesh and still causes me great an¬
guish'and bitterness." Those who have that im¬
portant trust of making the first impressions upon
the youth of the land should ever keep these
thoughts in mind.
HOW TO READ.
We should read in such a way that the follow¬
ing quotation will not be applicable to us.
"A book full blockhead ignorantly read,
With, loads of learned lumber in his head."
Such persons are met on every hand. They
have read nearly every book you can mention, but
cannot bring it into intelligent service. They are
252 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
full of undigested material which, perhaps,
accounts for their officious and restless condition.
If we would be benefited by reading a book we
should (a) read a brief sketch of the author which
gives the circumstances under which the book was
written;' (b) read the preface and learn the ob¬
ject for which it was written; (c) survey the ta¬
ble of contents which sets forth the subjects
treated; (d) note the important passages and
(e) make a written summary of the information
gathered.
Let me thank you for your patient hearing and
apologizing for the length of this paper; I close
with the following lines from Milton:
"Many man lives a burden to the earth, but a
good book is the precious life blood of a master
spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to
a life beyond life. Tis true, no age can restore a
life whereof, perhaps, there is no great loss; the
resolutions of ages do not often recover the loss
of a rejected truth, for want of which whole na¬
tions fare the worse."
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
AN EMANCIPATION ADDRESS.
My Friends and Fellow-Citizens»of the city of
Memphis:
The occasion which calls us together is one of
the grandest in the annals of the world. Forty-
three years ago the immortal Lincoln gave to
America his famous proclamation of Emancipa¬
tion, which meant the liberation of four million
slaves who for 240 years had groaned beneath the
galling yoke of a cruel and degrading servitude.
Lured from their native land, the cradle of civ¬
ilization, a land of matchless splendor and charm¬
ing natural grandeur of bird, of fish, of shrub, of
animal, and smiling with a wealth of lovely flow¬
ers, and rich with the delightful aroma of fra¬
grant woods and spices, by the wily Dutch
traders, who sold them into the servitude of north¬
ern and southern speculators, they toiled and suf¬
fered and bled until the awakened conscience of
American manhood produced an Abraham Lin¬
coln, whose stability of character, unsullied pa-,
triotism and incomparable devotion to the cause
of the Union founded upon universal freedom,
(253)
REV. A. D. HURT,
A Famous Son of Howe.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 255
fired the hearts of Sherman and Grant to snatch
the incubus of slavery from our national escutch¬
eon and write in living letters of blood and fire the
freedom of four million slaves. It is upon the an¬
niversary of such a glorious event in the history
of our race and the country that we hallow and
celebrate this glorious day. It may be that there
are those who are lukewarm upon this occasion
and find nothing worthy of their time and atten¬
tion. But I venture the assertion that the Negro
who fails to find interest in an occasion of this
kind is not worthy of his so-called freedom and,
perhaps, would be better off a slave.
But, fellow-citizens, to my mind freedom is the
grandest word on mortal tongue. It is the high¬
est and most precious jewel in the coronet of our
civilization. It was the love of freedom that gave
to San Domingo her Toussaint L'Ouverture; to
Germany her Bismarck; to France her Napoleon;
to England her Charlemagne and Gladstone; to
Cuba her Maceo; to the Transvaal her Cronje; to
America her Patrick Henry; and last, but not
least, to the American Negro the matchless ora¬
tor and superb statesman, Frederick Douglass.
My friends, as a race, we ar'e standing amid the
scrutinizing gaze of the grandest age of the
world. Statesmen and philosophers are taxing
their wits to fix our station in the body politic.
I am of the opinion that it does not remain for
the generous sympathy of the North, whose friend¬
ship has been tested on a hundred fields of bloody
Mrs. Louisa Maben and Her Sewing School.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
25?
battle, nor the proscriptive and cruel prejudices of
the South, whose previous condition of owners
and masters unfits them to give just recognition
to Negro manhood rights to fix our place and
status among the races of the world. But rather
for you, my friends, whose brawny armed ances¬
tors felled the stubborn forests of the sunny South
and converted her spacious lands into fields of
golden grain; who tunnelled the rugged mountains
and replaced the sluggish stage coach with the
dashing fiery monster locomotive; who changed
the miry marshes along our mighty rivers into
splendid metropolitan cities and who cleared the
splendid roadway that leads civilization to the
West; these and a thousand other achieve¬
ments richly befit you, my friends, for the glorious
task of working out your own salvation and carv¬
ing your own destiny upon the marble tablet of
time. Notwithstanding the many hindrances that
confront us, the many clouds that obscure the
star of our hope,-1 believe with all of my soul that
the day is at hand for an onward move for our
people. Charmed and delighted by the spirit that
lifts our heads above the waves that would de¬
stroy, I feel, as Tennyson says,
''We are living, we are dwelling,
In a grand and awful time,
In an age on ages telling,
To be living is sublime."
But I wish, among other things, that my race
should grasp and hold the[ key to the industrial
REV. W. H. BOWERS,
A Famous Son of Howe.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 259
development of the South. Industry is the
mother of wealth. The South to-day is like
a great ocean of undiscovered and undeveloped
greatness. Her fields, her mines, her factories,
her fertile acres that yield the richest harvests
of the fleecy cotton that clothes the nations of the
earth, are but the willing slaves, of which the
hand of industry is the undisputed master. The
climate and time-honored custom of the South
make the Negro the choicest laborer available in
all the world. If we are to take rank in the
world of commerce and substantial business and
material progress, attention, close and painstaking,
must be paid to the labor question. The lawyer, the
doctor, the teacher, the preacher and the Negro
business and professional men of all classes are
dependent upon the laboring masses for the wages
and salaries and fees that increase our bank ac¬
counts, build our homes and give us standing in
the communities in which we live. To see that
labor is amply repaid and kept cheerful and happy
should be the concern of every Negro, high and
low. Equally important is it our duty to see to it
that the idle and shiftless are weeded out; un¬
necessary "days off" and holiday excursions that
render uncertain and undesirable so much of the
labor that would otherwise be the backbone of
many industrial enterprises, thoroughly and en¬
tirely removed, as a curse upon us, and all see to
it that more 'and more skill and general efficiency
shall be the chief characteristic of the Negroes of
the South.
260 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
The handmaiden of industry is economy. It is
the receptacle of well-earned dollars and cents.
The man who labors and fails to accumulate will
some day cease to labor. That the man who ceases
to earn his bread in the sweat of his own face
will some day get his bread in the frowns of a vic¬
tim who looks into the mouth of a Smith and Wes¬
son, is a fact that is demonstrated almost daily
upon the streets of our city. Another thing that
should claim our attention is the keeping intact
the identity of our race. Standing here in the pres¬
ence of God and surrounded by this company of
patriotic citizens, I express the hope that for all
time to come and until the volume of human his¬
tory shall be sealed and delivered to the Omnipo¬
tent Judge, there shall always be among the peo¬
ple of the earth 'a race known as the Negro race.
I hope and pray that the Anti-Kink and Anti-
Black which wily schemers of the country are
dumping upon the market, will fail to destroy the
identity of the race or make us ashamed that we
are Negroes. Since Crispus Attucks enriched the
soil of Boston with the first blood of the Revolu¬
tion, and the black troopers of the Army of
the Republic snatched Old Glory from the
clouds of defeat, and saved the name and fame
of Teddy Roosevelt, struggling amid the block
houses of Spanish sharpshooters, yes, since our
own Booker T. Washington brought fresh and
lasting glory to the African name, in every clime
of the earth, I rejoice to-night that I am a Negrcr.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 261
Our citizenship should be loyal. They say
our property is" more nearly taxed to the proper
limit than any other property owned in the com¬
munity. They say we should help in the deten¬
tion of crime and the punishment of criminals.
We do. Our murderers hang from the gallows
whenever they live to get there and answer tha
demands of a broken law while the murderers of
other races continue to hang around town to laugh
at the miscarriage of justice. And yet, with all
this, we are loyal and will continue to be. All we
ask is a man's chance. Another prayer I some¬
times breathe in the silence of my home and that
is that the 75,000 Negroes of Memphis may awake
to their might and power. Like sleeping giants
they doze away while the mice of discrimination
and prejudice are gnawing at the ropes that
bind th^ unconscious giant. Fifty cents apiece
would equip a splendid transportation company
to convey our lovely wives and children from
place to place and remove them from the jeers,
taunts and insults of the street car conductors.
One dollar each would build and equip a splendid
university where our aspiring youths could chase
the beauties of science over fields of intellectual
discoveries. May it be that a Moses fhlas already
seen the golden sunlight of promise;, been
snatched from the bulrushes by the hand of prov¬
idence and trained in all the wisdom of the mod¬
ern Egyptians, who shall lead our people beneath
the pillar of cloud and fire, across the seas, and
262 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
into the land where liberty is something else than
a dead letter upon the statute books of a so-called
Christian civilization.
I cannot close this address without reminding
the mm of the race of the great debt which in some
way must be paid. Who was it that formed the
nucleus around which the tender fabric of our
home life was woven when master and mistress
tore with merciless hands the tender ties of hus¬
band and wife, mother and child? OUR WOMEN.
Who struggled up through despair and darkness
and misery and suffering along the winding path
of servitude, beset by demons and ruthless pursu¬
ers of womanly honor, half-fed, half-clad, emerg¬
ing after two and a* half centuries from the valley
and the shadow of death itself, holding aloft in
the clutches of her black (bands the heavenly jewel
of virtue? OUR WOMEN. Who shouted into
freedom, in poverty and rags and entwined the
arms of her angelic devotion about her liberated
children and followed into lonely cabins to suffer
and to die, if need be, the husband just from
the auction block and slave pen, and fought
side by side in the battle of life until the hori¬
zon reddened with the blush of approaching com¬
fort and prosperity? .OUR WOMEN. Our civ¬
ilization will not mean much until woman is given
respect and honor. What care I for the plau¬
dits and epithets of a partisan and prejudiced
press that denies the simplest courtesy to the
Women of our race among whom are as sublime
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 263
specimens of beauty and intellectual and moral
grandeur as the world has ever produced! While
others are erecting monuments, let us erect one
whose expansive base shall be as broad and deep
as the mighty ocean, bearing on its bosom the
commerce of the Nation, and whose marble peak
shall catch the first ray of the morning sun.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
PRESS COMMENT.
"State Senator Rev. T. 0. Fuller (colored), of
Warren, has received a call to the pastorate of the
First Baptist Church, (colored) of Memphis,
Tenn.
"Rev Fuller is one of the ablest members of his
race in the State and his exemplary character has
won for him the respect of the white as well as
colored people of his county. We say this much
as due a worthy colored citizen whose work and
efforts, so far as we have ever heard, have meri¬
ted the confidence of his people. As a Senator, in
a Democratic Senate, he was accorded the respect
of every member."—Warrenton (N. C.) Record.
* * *
"Concurrent jurisdiction in all criminal cases
has been given the Superior courts of Warren
with the Criminal courts, thus giving us an op¬
portunity to clear our jail of prisoners every three
months instead of every six months as heretofore.
This is right 'and we are thankful for the change
and thank Senator Fuller for the bill, he having
introduced it."—The Record.
(264)
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 265
"Rev. T. O. Fuller, A. M., Ph. D., pastor of the
First Baptist church, Memphis, Term., and pres¬
ident of the Howe Institute, made a powerful and
soulrstirring address also.
"Rev. Mr. Fuller was one of the most fluent
speakers of the convention. At times he swept
the audience away on wings of oratory and at
times he had the house convulsed with laughter.
He is the J. C. Price of the platform of today.
Chaste in diction, lofty in ideals, language flows
from his lips like honey from the honey comb. '*
Clipping from the News and Observer, Mammoth
Edition, Raleigh, N. C.'
ELEVENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
Made up of Warren and Vance Counties—This
District is Among the Fertile and Go-aheaditive
Sections of the State, and is represented by
THOMAS 0. FULLER,
The Only Colored Member of the Senate of 1899
—Senator from the Eleventh District.
In the colored race some few by pluck, energy
and untiring effort have climbed high on the
ladder of success. And as an example of what
can be accomplished by the colored people of the
"Old North State," Thomas O. Fuller stands a
growing tribute to his race. He is a native of
this state and was born at Franklinton in Frank¬
lin County in 1867.
REV. A. H. MILLER,
Noted Minister and Financier.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
267
The early part of his life was passed at the pub-
lie schools of the county, where the foundation of
his future education was begun. His ambition in
life was for a higher degree of living than a mere
mechanical life's labor, so he entered Shaw Uni¬
versity of this city in 1885, and with the determi¬
nation to get through by hard work and teaching
through vacation, the last two years of his course
being spent as a student teacher in charge of the
English class of the University. He graduated in
the class of 1890 with the degree of A. B., the de¬
gree of A. M}. being conferred on him by the Uni¬
versity three years later. After his graduation
he was engaged 'as teacher in Granville County
for a period of two years, and during the first
year of this period he was married.
In 1893 he removed to his old home at Franklin-
ton and established the first colored graded school
at that place, which school flourished under his
tutorship until by an act of the General Assembly
of 1895 it was incorporated under the name of
the "Girls' Training School" with Thomas 0. Ful¬
ler, as principal, he remaining until 1897, when
he resigned his position to accept the presidency
of the "Shiloh Institute," which is one of the best
colored institutions of learning in the State, and
is located at Warrenton in Warren County.
In 1898 he Was married again, he having had
the misfortune to lose his first wife while living
at Franklinton.
He is pastor of the colored Baptist church at
268
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Warrenton and has for a number of years been
vice-president of the Shiloh Baptist Association,
and at present is the recording secretary of the
North Carolina Baptist Sunday-School Convention.
He is not a politician, but was called upon to accept
the nomination as a candidate for the Senate of
'99 from the eleventh district, upon the with¬
drawal of Col. Cooke from the race. His election
was without opposition.
While a member of the Senate he was ever
faithful to the interests of his race, though it must
not be understood from this that his white col¬
leagues in the Senate would necessarily pass leg¬
islation detrimental to the colored race, for all
legislation that benefits the white man in North
Carolina will also benefit the colored man, be¬
cause the interests of the two in an industrial way
are the same. Senator Fuller is a man who be¬
lieves that the Negro has been greatly benefited
and is yet to be greatly benefited by his contact
with the white man. In his views on the race
problem, and in fact, in all things that pertain to
the future welfare of the Negro, he is in thorough
harmony with Booker T. Washington, who is the
most enlightened 'and the most useful man of his
race in the South to-day.
Another similarity noticeable of these two lead¬
ers of the colored race in their strong and forceful
manner of public address. Senator Fuller has
acquired an enviable reputation as an orator,
than whom there is none of his race more elo-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 269
quent in the state. In' the Senate he made a
strong and forceful speech on the subject of the
Constitutional Amendments when that important
measure was before that body.
WARREN COUNTY.
Warren County lies on the northern border of
the State, and is bounded in part by the Roanoke
river, the tributaries of which drain about one-
half of the territory.
It has 254,318 acres of land, valued at $1,179,-
102.
Town lots, 251, valued at $226,664.
Total value of property, $1,994,671.
Factories—Wagon, 5; harness, 1.
Vote in 1898—Democrats, 1,217; Fusion, 2,251.
County seat, Warrenton.
VANCE COUNTY.
Vance is a new county, formed in 1881 out of
Granville, Franklin and Warren, and combines
the best qualities of those three important coun¬
ties.*
It has 160,100 acres of land, valued at $888,-
775.
Town lots, 939, valued at $605,753.
Total value of property, $2,323,105.
Cotton mills, one, with 5,000 spindles and 204
270
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
loons; sash, harness, tinware factories and ma¬
chine shops.
Vote in 1898—Democratic, 1,233; Fusion,
1,791.
County seat, Henderson.
A NEGRO INSTITUTION WHICH IS DOING
GREAT WORK.
GOVERNOR GLENN, OF NORTH CAROLINA, WRITES
ENCOURAGING LETTER—EIGHT STATES ARE
REPRESENTED.—MORE THAN 150
GRADUATES.
An institution which is doing a great work in
a quiet and unostentatious way is the Howe Insti¬
tute, a Negro school ably conducted by the Rev.
T. 0. Fuller.
The following letter just received by the Pres¬
ident of Howe Institute from Gov. Glenn, of North
Carolina, shows the character and capacity of the
man at the head of the school:
"State of North Carolina, Executive Depart¬
ment, Raleigh, February 18, 1905.—Rev. T. 0.
Fuller, Howe Institute, Memphis, Tenn.—*Dear
Sir: I thank you for your kind letter. I remem¬
ber you as a member of the Senate of '99. You
always conducted yourself becomingly and mod¬
estly and won the respect of every white senator
in that body. You also showed that you were a
twenty years in public life. 271
man of ability. If the colored race had amongst
them such leaders as you are and were not driven
wild by designing politicians, the conditon of
their race would be greatly improved. The col¬
ored people can always count on my making every
effort in my power towards their improvement,
provided they on their part act wisely and well.
Wishing you success, I am
"Very truly yours,
"R. E. Glenn, Governor."
Howe Institute is owned and controlled by the
Colored Baptists of Tennessee . The school
ranks as one of the best of its kind in the South.
The faculty of ten, all colored, consists of grad¬
uates of leading Negro schools. Rev. T. 0. Ful¬
ler, A. M., Ph. D., is principal, and under his ad¬
ministration the school has steadily grown in pop¬
ularity and efficiency.
With no endowment, the school depends for
its support upon the tuition and donations from
churches, associations and individual funds. * * *
Principal Fuller says 335 of the students are
from Tennessee, and 21 from seven other States.
The record shows 80 who work their way, and
the parents of 85 own their own homes. An in¬
dustrial shop is in course or erection, which will
provide instruction in printing and carpentry.
The students are taught neatness, politeness and
industry and urged to become honest and substan¬
tial citizens. The school has sent forth more than
272 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
150 graduates, many of whom are doing excellent
work. The property consists of a large three-
0tory building, which stands at the. corner of
Frazier and Wellington streets, and. a workshop,
when completed, will increase the valuation of
the property to $30,000.
(The True Reformer is always proud to record
the laudable achievements of North Carolinians
abroad and we take great pleasure in reprinting
the above from the Memphis (Tenn.) Commer¬
cial-Appeal. Rev. Fuller is a native North Car¬
olinian 'and has distinguished himself wherever
his hands have found work to do.—Ed.)
A PRACTICAL SCHOOL.
THE STORY OF HOWE INSTITUTE, MEMPHIS, TENN.,
AS TOLD BY A DAILY NEWSPAPER.
What it is Accomplishing with the Aid of the
Home Mission Society.
A GLANCE AT THE SCHOOL.
Out on St. Paul street, between Wellington and
Lauderdale there is a new building that promises
to mean much to the industrial uplift of the Ne¬
groes of Memphis and of the adjoining territory.
It is the newly-completed dormitory of Howe In¬
stitute, and is designed for the use of the out-of-
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
273
town Negro girls who attend the institution. An
old lot, some 30 feet below the street level, was ac¬
quired by the far-seeing principal of Howe, and
after a 14-foot fill had been made, he had the
three-story brick dormitory built at the back of
the lot, and the front part is to be made into a
sunken garden that will be in itself an argument
for civic improvement in Memphis.
Howe Institute is 21 years old, owing its incep¬
tion to'the interest of Northern missionaries, Pe¬
ter Howe, of Illinois, being the first benefactor.
It was the outgrowth of a movement to fit the
Negro for making his way in the world 'as a ca¬
pable worker. It was to counteract the spirit of
idleness and indolence that followed in the steps
of the emancipation proclamation.
The first school was held in a church. Now a
big red brick building, woodworking shop, the prin¬
cipal's cottage, a brick church of artistic and re¬
fined architecture and the new dormitory for girls
form a promising colony that should grow if the
plans of Rev. T. 0. Fuller, the principal, work out
satisfactorily.
There are 258 pupils enrolled. All of these
take the literary course. Forty per cent, take
the domestic science courses. It is not a free
institution, yet 60 per cent, of the pupils are earn¬
ing their way, wholly or in part, through the va¬
rious courses. Seventy per cent, of the boy stu¬
dents work as servants in white families in Mem¬
phis, giving their time before and after school
274 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
hours and on Saturdays in exchange for their
room and board and a small wage. These pupils
are required by the institute to be neat, truthful
and polite, and to give notice if they expect to
leave their places. Otherwise'they are refused
further endorsement when looking for outside
work.
Girls are rarely placed outside the institute.
The principal says that he has found that housing
and protection are inadequate for them in the av¬
erage servant's room and they are safer in the
school—therefore, the new dormitory. These
girls may earn their way in the school by working
at so much per hour if they wish. All are ex¬
pected to be enrolled in the domestic science
classes and the equipment is exceptionally fine for
such work. In the new dormitory a kitchen, laun¬
dry, ironing room and model dining-room have
been planned. Practical work will be done there.
All the rooms—reception, library, lecture hall,
bed rooms, bath room and dining-room—are large,
airy and well lighted, Professor Fuller having
drawn the plans himself with these points es¬
pecially in view. The domestic course will also
include plain and fancy sewing, millinery, house¬
keeping and nursing.
INDUSTRIAL WORK.
One room in. the building has been fitted up free
by a local company, and a demonstrator will be
furnished to teach all the girls the use of gas and
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 275
electric ranges. An especially interesting feature
pf this is that any Negro cook in Memphis who
wishes to know how to operate her mistress' gas
range is invited to come there and learn, free of
charge any and all things needful. This is to
prevent wastefulness in using gas and to mini¬
mize the danger that may arise from ignorance.
The institute is expecting this year to have the
co-operation of the Housekeepers' Club and of
similar domestic science organizations in the lec-.
ture course for the students. Members of these
clubs have been invited to appear before the stu¬
dent body and talk on the relation of mistress and
maid, and to offer suggestions as to what is ex¬
pected of a good, well-equipped domestic. This is
an innovation that is expected to result in much
mutual benefit.
A good many years ago some Northern mission¬
aries, interested in the Howe Institute because
of the industrial features that were supposed to
be a part of it, came to Memphis to visit the
school and lend the aid of their influence if not of
their purses, to its advancement. They found
some good Latin and Greek exercises on the black¬
board, which one of the guests frankly owned he
could not read, but the windows were dim with
dirt and the trades and domestic sciences were
not in evidence.
It is the intention of the present principal to
elaborate on the industrial features, which he de¬
clares are, as yet, inadequate. One of his gradu-
DR. R. H. BOYD, D. D ,
Secretory National Baptist Publishing Board,
Nashville, Term.
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 277
ates is now at Tuskegee fitting himself to teach the
trades in the shops at an early date. The boys
will study upholstering, carpentry, kalsomining,
bricklaying, painting, printing, grading, sodding,
etc., at an early date. A glance over the cata¬
logue shows that within the past 16 years^ where
record has been kept of the 200 graduates, there
have been 13 who became stenographers and type¬
writers, 16 teachers, 5 physicians, 5 ministers, 1
music teacher, 2 dentists, 2 seamstresses, 1 trained
nurse, 1 printer and 1 domestic. Others went to
their own homes or into service. The catalogue
of the future will show wider results. The boys in
the print shop are getting out a paper that augurs
well for a few good Negro printers when the
course has been completed.
A recent graduate of Howe went to Meharry
Medical College, Nashville, for the course in den¬
tistry and attained the highest average of all
competitors before the state examination board of
Mississippi and is now a practicing dentist at
Natchez. One boy, Monroe Allen, after gradu¬
ating, went West and is recognized as one of the
founders of Red Bud, Okla., having bought land
there and erected a mill and gin with his own
hands.
SETTLEMENT WORK.
Settlement work of a kind is done at Howe.
There is a free kindergarten for Negro children
of the neighborhood, and the student teachers in-
278 TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE.
culcate many good and wholesome lessons along
with the daily study. Other children are invited
in and entertained after a fashion that means mis¬
sion work when applied at home. The Bible class
connected with Howe draws its members from
many homes and represents all ages. Not long
ago a preacher remarked to one of the older wom¬
en : "By and by you women will be getting ready
to preach, you study the Bible so much." "We
don't want to preach," said this anti-suffragist,
"but we'll certainly be .able to tell good preaching
when we hear it. It will make the preachers
study more."
The institute is owned and controlled by the
Negro Baptists of Tennessee. There are 43
churches of this faith in Memphis alone, with 10,-
000 members. There are 140,000 in the entire
state. They see that money is raised for the
school when needed. Each room in the new dor¬
mitory is maintained by some church. Toward
the building recently completed the General Edu¬
cation Board gave $5,000, and Mr. Charles Howe,
son of the founder, gave $4,200.
The head of the institute is one of the progress¬
ive Negroes of the South. When he came to
Memphis seven years ago, it was with the endorse¬
ment and recommendation of the Hon. R. B.
Glenn, then Governor of North Carolina, from
which state Fuller hails. As Fuller was the last
Negro to serve in the legislature of his state, and
as Gov. Glenn was a member at the same time,
TWENTY YEARS IN PUBLIC LIFE. 279
the value of the endorsement can be appreciated.
He was called "an industrious citizen and a safe
leader of his race," and has more than justified
the confidence of his white neighbors in his work
here. His progress is slow, but sure; his aims are
practical and sane; his institute pays as it goes,
and when the Negro students have availed them¬
selves of the opportunities he offers the upbuild¬
ing of the race here in this center of a great Ne¬
gro population will have had a needed impetus.
MRS. F. P. COOPER,
Teacher Woman's Bible Training Class.
.. ' ' - ' . • ' . . 'r.