U.CD. LIBRARY LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS Seeking the Best DEDICATED TO THE NEGRO YOUTH An Autobiography, Entertaining, Instructive, and Inspiring, Ten. Chapters of True Stories and Interesting Episodes in the life Of the Author, Bits of History in Verse, or a Dream of Freedom Realized, A Poem modeled after the style of Hiawatha, depicting the life and sufferings of the Negro from the time he was brought to American shores until he had obtained his freedom at the close of the Civil War, $fai Essays and Poems, charming in ar rangement, beautiful and instruc tive in thought, full of whole some advice to all. A cred it to literature, and worthy of a place on the shelves of any library ALL IN ONE VOLUME FIFTH EDITION BY OTIS M. SHACKELFORD, A.B. ILLUSTRATED BY GRANT TAYES KANSAS CITY, Mo. BURTON PUBLISHING CO. I9II LIBRARY i** Brlml^lm I COPYRIGHTED 1909 BY OTIS M. SHACKELFORD. INDEX. Page. INTRODUCTION 7 SEEKING THE BEST 11 BITS OF HISTORY IN VERSE . .. 79 ESSAYS : Vital Factors in the Growth of Civilization 113 The Perpetuity of the Race 120 Selfishness 123 Superstition, Envy, and Mistrust 12S Education 126 Let Us Stop and Consider 128 A Practical Sermon 130 Think, Watch, and Act 132 We Must Make Friends 135 The Triple Alliance of Manhood 138 POEMS : Music 55 Are They Dreams? 56 The Lincoln Institute Fire 149 The Poets 151 Our Souls 153 A Lover's Plea 155 5 5 INDEX. POEMS : Page. The Wail of the Wanderer 157 The Passing of Spain 159 A Tribute to Lincoln Institute 160 The Deplorable End of a Ten-Cent Show 162 Life a Dream 169 Speak 171 The Old Soldiers Let Them Talk 172 Danger to China 174 Time the Healer 175 Deeds Superlative 176 Class Poem 177 EDITORIAL COMMENTS 178 INTRODUCTION. On the 15th of March, 1895, I had scribbled some verses about the burning of the old Lincoln Institute building and handed them to the editor of the Evening Courier, with whom I was ac quainted, for correction. And fancy my surprise when the next evening the following article appeared : "Jefferson City is deservedly famous for the intellectual attainments of her people generally and individually. But she can now ^ boast of a production to which no other city in this sec tion of the country can make a claim. The writ er is a Negro and a student of Lincoln Institute. He is accomplished in Greek, Latin, German, and the English language. He is an ardent devotee of the Muse, and the verses printed below are a fair illustration of his genius." Perhaps the above article and the poem, whicK will be found in another part, give the impression that I am somewhat of a scholar and poet. I lay no special claims to scholarship or an ability to write verse. But I am a lover and a "would-be" 7 8 INTRODUCTION. promoter of literature, realizing as I do its ethi cal value and its effect upon the culture, refine ment, and education of a people ; realizing as I do that we are in great need of a literature and his tory, that our deeds and achievements are being neglected and obliterated by a relentless past, and that if someone does not come to the rescue and perpetuate our memory in letters, our past will indeed be a thing of the past. We must have poets to sing of our deeds, and we must have historians to record them. It is unfair and unreasonable for us to expect men of the other race to do this. They have not the time. They need their brain and intellect for other things. Their emotions and feelings do not run in this direction. John Greenleaf Whit- tier, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Wendell Phillips, and others of that school, have long since been dead. We are left alone to tell our own tales of woe and to sing our own songs of gladness. We cannot longer afford to neglect or to set aside the cultivation of literature. We should begin at once to teach our children how essential it is to the culture and refinement of a people. We should look around about our school-rooms into the innocent little faces that are peering angelicallv into ours, and there see INTRODUCTION. 9 if we can discover some Emersons, Shakespeares, Miltons, Bryants, or Tennysons in embryo. If we should find one child with latent literary power, one child with poetic inspiration, as it were, it is our duty to interest ourselves in him, nurse him and foster that spirit within him; for the value of one such to the race and to the world cannot be over-estimated. "Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark un fathomed caves of ocean bear; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen And waste its sweetness on the desert air." This may be true of some of the little folk we meet in our school-rooms daily. We would not have them grow up as "mute inglorious Miltons"; we would not have them "waste their sweetness on the desert air." We need their serv ices. Our race is in great need of such talent, and our posterity for a history is dependent upon it. Such it is, my friends, that brings forth this tedious yet pleasing effort on my part. And though I have some doubts as to the perfection of thought and precision of diction, I find no small degree of pleasure in presenting it. And though it may be ignored and severely criticised 10 INTRODUCTION. by some, though its sales may not net one penny of gain, and though in future years I may not be permitted to add to it or write another, I shall go down to the "tongueless silence of the dreamless dust" happy and proud in the thought of having contributed, though imperfect it may be, one small volume to the literature of my race. THE AUTHOR. 'A Poet in Embryo.' FOREWORD TO FOURTH EDITION We desire at this time to thank the generous pub. lie for the liberal support it has given the book "Seek ing the Best," since its first appearance. The people seem to be looking for just such a work as we are offering. Everywhere in our travels during the past year we have met with a success that did not at first seem possible. And people and papers of our own and other races who are able to criticise and judge, have encouraged and inspired us to go on in the needful work. We can but feel proud when we realize the good that is being done through our publication for the youth of our own race. We are told that often entire programs of schools and literary societies are made up from the contents of this book. That the lessons of patience and perse- verence taught are firmly fixed in youthful minds and hearts. That the author is a real benefactor to his race, and deserves much credit for the labor and skill wrought in his work We feel that the continued success and prosperi ty of the book demands the publication of this Fourth Edition. So "Seeking the Best" appears again for the fourth time. Yours with thanks, THE AUTHOR. FORWARD TO THE FIFTH EDITION " Seeking the Best " continues to prosper, and it gives us much pleasure to present this, the fifth edi tion of the book revised and illustrated. With new features we are sure that it will be hailed as heartily by an approving public in the future as it has been in the past. Being a creation purely original, conceived in the brain of a colored writer, and pictured by the skillful hand of a colored artist, it is readily seen to be in many respects unique. So rare a combination com mands immediate attention, and naturally meets the approval and appreciation of all lovers of literature and art. We are indebted to the young and talented artist, Mr. Grant Tayes, for the pen sketches found in the book. He is a genius in his work, and no doubt will some day find the place which he deserves in the artistic world. We cannot praise him too highly or do too much to encourage him in this great work of uplift. Again we extend thanks to patrons for past favors. Youri truly, THE AUTHOR. ILLUSTRATIONS. Author's Portrait Frontice Piece A Poet in Embryo Facing Page 10 We Played Together Almost Con stantly 16 There was a Real Negro Band " " 21 At the end of First Year I Went " " 33 Home The Evening Star Quartet 37 I was Left to Foot it Alone 46 The House in Which I Taught " " 50 I Stood Rapt in Wonder and Amazement 62 See Him on the Old Plantation ' : " 88 Still They Held Their Secret Meet ings 95 And They'd Stay 'Till Day was Breaking 100 Say Not Farewell My Angel Love " " 155 We Once Were Pure as the Morn ing Dew 158 Love You Me? Have I Your Heart? " " 171 CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. My Little White Companion. The Colored Band. CHAPTER II. The Barber Shop. The Village Orchestra. I Hear the Call. CHAPTER III. My Father's Lecture. Off to School. Search for Work. CHAPTER IV. At School. My Return Home. The Death of My White Companion. CHAPTER V. The Evening Star Quartet. The Sick Tenor. The Great White City. CHAPTER VI. My Last Year in School. A Good Record and a Satis factory Graduation. CHAPTER VII. In Search of a Position as Teacher. The County Super visor. My Tactless Companion. Footing It through the Forest. A Lecture. CHAPTER VIII. A Six-Months School Secured, at Thirty Dollars per Month. My Stay in St. Louis County. 13 CHAPTER IX. Entering the Literary Field. A "Write-up" in the Post- Dispatch. CHAPTER X. A Trip to California. The Start. The Jolly 49th. In Colorado. The Eden of the World. Landing of the Troops in Frisco. Over Two Thousand Miles from Home. Crossing the Gulf. Viewing the Pacific. The Cliff House. The Seals. In Chinatown. The Tennessee Soldiers. Our Return. A Member of the Pickaninny Band. Our Splendid Equipment. Through Southern States and Cities. The Celebra tion at Nashville. Back to St. Louis. CHAPTER XI. Teaching in My Alma Mater. Loyalty. Delighted in the Work. Unique Methods. "Football in the Read ing Class." Summer Vacations Spent in the East. Chautauqua. Boston. 14 CHAPTER I. MY LITTLE WHITE COMPANION. I was born on the 26th day of March, 1871, in the town of Tipton, in central Missouri; a place with less than two thousand inhabitants, and a place where, on account of its smallness of size, the social distinctions, especially among the boys of Anglo-Saxon lineage and Negro decent, were not so tightly drawn as they were in the larger towns of the Middle West. Hence, at a very early age, I formed an acquaintance with one of my little white neighbors, which later, by con stant association, grew into the warmest friend ship. We became boon companions, and were almost constantly in each other's company when we were not at school or doing chores at our re spective homes. I loved him, and I am quite sure that he thought more of me than he did of any other boy, regardless of color, in the town. But, unlike Mr. Dubois, who, in "The Souls of Black Folk," writes of his early life among children of the other race,, and who became shocked and IS 16 SEEKING THE BEST. very much grieved on account of the sudden dawning of this awful truth, as he seemed to think it, that there were distinctions on account of color, I always knew of racial differences and conducted myself accordingly, and so was saved from much humiliation along this line. And right here permit me to say that the reference to my association with children of the other race is original with me; that long before "The Souls of Black Folk" was published, and when "Seek ing the Best" was a mere dream, I had conceived the idea of weaving the name of my little white companion into the threads of this my life story which I am about to relate. As I have said before, we played together al most constantly, to the exclusion of all others; and after a day of romping and roaming through forests, wading through streams, swimming in ponds, fishing in creeks, killing frogs and snakes, gathering fruits and flowers, playing ball or mar bles, robbing birds' nests, and amusing ourselves in a hundred other ways known only to boys, we would at last, when the day was over and the sun had hid itself behind the western hills, tired from our daily pleasures and pastimes, hie ourselves to some soft spot or comfortable place for rest and repose. There our minds would revert to SEEKING THE BEST. \7. the more serious things of life, and we would discuss the future and try to make choice of the most desirable trades and professions, and tell what we intended to do or be when we grew up. It is perhaps this part of our association which in after years has impressed me most, and which has made it necessary for me to refer to my lit tle companion in writing this, the early history of my life. I was always a proud, ambitious, high-minded child, and felt myself as good and as mentally capable as any boy of the other race, my little companion not excepted. But he was a few months older than I, and knew many things, ow ing to his home training and environments, that I had no way of knowing. Without reflecting on my own raising, it is only fair to say that my companion lived in a home of culture and refine ment and had everything he could wish for in the way of books and music and instructive games and toys. He had two sisters and a brother, and a Presbyterian father and mother, who idolized their children and studied daily for their happi ness and amusement. While I was of an inde pendent nature and was the physical master of my companion, my character was not strength- 18 SEEKING THE BEST. ened by the above-named advantages, which mean so much in the early life of a boy or girl. My home, though, was somewhat better than that of the average Negro at that time ; my father, be ing a preacher and a teacher, possessed many good books, but not for young minds, and he talked education almost constantly. However, on ac count of the advantages my companion had over me, I was unconsciously led and influenced by him, and would believe almost anything that he would tell me. On those occasions when we would have serious discussions as to our future lives, I was very often made to feel discouraged on account of the lowly condition of my race. My little companion, by misrepresentation, had led me to believe that there was f io dignity in it or bright future for it. If I should venture some great achievement for myself in a high school or college, he would set me back by saying, "Col ored people [he had too much respect for me to say "niggers"] do not have colleges." If I should speak of owning a big store some day, or of venturing out upon commercial seas, he was ever ready with the response, "Colored people do not have stores." If I should aspire to be a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, or any one of the pro fessions, my ardor was always dampened by the SEEKING THE BEST. 19 above expression. According to my little com panion, there was no dignified labor or calling for Negroes. I could not argue the question with him, for I had no proofs. This, in the light of all his great possibilities, made me feel very, very sad indeed. I was always a great lover of music, and on one occasion, while myself and white companion sat listening to the sweet strains of the village band, I ventured to assert that when I got to be a man, I was going to join a band and make some sweet music too. My companion promptly re sponded with his ever-ready reply, which was al ways as a dagger in my heart, "Colored people do not have bands." The thrust this time seemed to hurt me worse than ever before, and I soon left him ; but he never knew the reason why. A few weeks after this incident, arrangements for a big colored picnic were made; many visitors, were to be in town, and fancy my delight when it was announced that the Lexington colored band had been engaged to furnish music for the occa^ sion. When the day came, my heart was made to leap for joy ; for sure enough, there was a real Negro band, dressed in uniform, with drums and horns, playing just as sweetly and executing even better than our own village band. I was de- 20 SEEKING THE BEST. lighted. This, indeed, was a balm poured over the deep wound inflicted by my little white com panion. Though I never twitted him or said a word to him about it, I was satisfied that he did not know everything regarding the possibilities of my race. I reasoned further, that if he were mistaken in this one instance, it was possible for him to be mistaken in all the rest of them. I related the band incident to my mother, and she, having a broader view and more knowledge concerning these things than either of us, pointed out many instances of Negro superiority and skill, and I became satisfied that somewhere in this broad land there were Negro lawyers, doctors, musicians, bankers, college professors, and skilled laborers just as competent as those of the other race. This bit of information soothed my feel ings and made the prospects seem brighter for me. I never discussed these questions with my companion again, for I realized that he had prej udice in his heart, and I pride in mine, and though we were only children of tender years, such discussions only caused a bitterness which would poison friendship. I did not want this done, as we had spent many happy hours together and I did not see any reason why we should not SEEKING THE BEST. 21 continue to do so, provided we steered clear of this subject, which grated on our sensibilities. But, as we grew older, we began naturally to drift apart and were seen together less often. Finally he was old enough to take a place in his father's store, and I went to work in a barber shop. We would meet on the streets sometimes, ex change a few words, and pass on to our respect ive duties. But I knew in my heart that our close intimacy and friendship was nearly at an end. CHAPTER II. IN THE BARBER SHOP. I went to work in the barber shop, and while there learned many things that I never knew be fore. This shop was the headquarters for gossip of all sorts, from a baseball game to a village scandal. No subject, however insignificant, was left undiscussed. It was by no means an ideal place for a fourteen-year-old boy, but it was the best I could do. I endeavored to catch and store away all the useful things I could hear, and to pay no heed to the frivolous or unbecoming. One of the best things for me was that the village orches tra, of which my uncle was leader, held its re hearsals there; and I, being a lover of music, handled the instruments, when the barbers were away, and by observation and close attention to all that was said regarding scales, chords, keys, range and scope of instruments, was soon able to play on any of them and take part in the or chestra rehearsals. This accomplishment I found to be useful to me in after years. 22 SEEKING THE BEST. 23 I read the daily papers, and thus kept in touch with everything worth while that was going on in the world. There was always deep down in my heart a desire to be somebody and to do some thing worthy in the world ; and often there in the shop, while others were telling big tales and dis cussing vain and frivolous subjects, my mind, rapt in silent meditation, was planning how to reach a broader plane, how to ascend to a higher life. You have no doubt, dear reader, heard the story of the eaglet that by some mischance was hatched out with a brood of chickens. One day, while eating and scratching around in the barn yard, he heard high up in the sky a scream or cry. The cry was that of an American eagle, and though the eaglet had never heard it before, he recognized it as a call to come up out of the barn yard. He was never again content to live in the barnyard with the chickens. Day by day he gained strength and his pinions developed, and one day, while playing about in the barnyard with his companions which were unlike himself, he heard that cry again. He responded this time, lifting his pinions, he raised himself to the fence, then to the barn, and, looking about with sharp eagle eyes, he took an upward flight, and began to 24 SEEKING THE BEST. soar higher and higher, penetrating farther and farther into the blue canopy of the heavens, seek ing his kind. He had answered the call. While in this shop I heard the call, "Come up out of the barnyard," and the one absorbing question with me was, how to answer this call. For two years I remained in this shop with agreeable surroundings, but unhappy and dissat isfied, and I wondered when and how it all would end ; for end it must I was quite sure. And one day it all did end, abruptly and unexpectedly. CHAPTER IIL MY FATHER'S LECTURE. It was in the beginning of the month of Sep tember, in the year 1889, that my father, who was making preparations to go off and teach school, called me in and proceeded to give me a lecture, as he usually did on such occasions when he was leaving home. 'Tis true that I was a boy who greatly loved out-door sports and amusements, and had spent many and many a day, not even taking time to eat my meals, in satisfying my intense desires along this line. And while I never missed a day from school, and was always bright and apt in my books, and would never attend rowdy gatherings and church festivals, I wasn't the best boy in the world. I would spend many idle hours standing around a gang of bad boys, watching them play cards or throw dice, though I would never in dulge myself. Besides, these fellows thought quite a deal of me, and respected me too much to ask me to take part in any of their games where -* 25 26 SEEKING THE BEST. gambling was involved. They knew that I was a good fellow, and very often, when in trouble, would seek my counsel. I would always try to set a good example. I knew how far to go in mischief, and would stop when the limit was reached. So, when my father called me in and lectured me in such a manner as he did, I was very much hurt and my heart was filled with resentment ; for I was doing the very best I could, considering my environments and chances in a town like Tipton. He said many things which grieved me, and con cluded with the climax that I was of no account and never would be. I said nothing. My heart was too full to explain or in any way try to vin dicate myself. In this condition he left me and went away, to begin his school the following Monday morning. I brooded over what he said to me the rest of the day, and that night I con cluded that ere he should return at the end of the week I would be gone. I had a very independent spirit, which he himself had bequeathed to me at birth. My father and I had been talking over the matter of attending school somewhere for two or three years, without reaching any definite con clusion ; my father always saying, as the time for SEEKING THE BEST. 2* preparation approached, "Well, you had better wait another year." So, smarting under the se vere tongue-lashing that he had given me, I determined to take the matter of going off to school into my own hands, and, calling one of my boy friends to me, I told him of my intention. He asked me when I was going, and added that he would go along with me for company. I was glad of his offer, for I had never been away from home, and I knew my companion could be of much service to me, for he was a newsboy, boot black, and apple-peddler, and knew a great deal about travel, having "bummed" his way to Kan sas City and St. Louis numbers of times. On this dignified occasion, however, it was not our intention to beat our way, but we would go down on the local freight. My companion knew the conductor, and he thought we could talk him into giving us a free ride to Jefferson City, as that would be our destination. Thus we agreed, and the next morning I told my mother that I was going to Jefferson City to hunt a place to work and go to school. She tried to per suade me not to go until my father returned at the end of the week ; but my mind was made up, and off I started. Myself and companion boarded the train and 28 SEEKING THE BEST. we pulled out; as we had anticipated, the con ductor was kind to us and allowed us to make the trip free of charge. In return for his kindness, we sang what songs we knew for him, and my companion danced a jig, and the conductor was well pleased with our entertainment. We reached Jefferson City late in the after noon, and walked around for some time in quest of a place to spend the night. Finally, a friendly man directed us to the Institute, telling us to see President Page. We went as directed, and after we had gone quite through the girls* dormitory and peeked in nearly all of the rooms, someone took us in charge and escorted us to the Presi dent's office. The President was kind, and asked if we had had supper, to which we replied that we had, though we had not. He then told us to go over to the boys' dormitory and a teacher would give us lodging for the night. We did so, but had to sit around for some time before anything was done for us. Finally, at a very late hour, a teacher assigned us to our rooms. I had hoped that myself and companion could spend the night together, but not so. I was sent to be the bed-fellow of one who was in the Senior class. He was large of statue, very dark in com plexion, and not good-looking, but fine in conver- SEEKING THE BEST. 29 sation and charming in personality. He seemed to be steeped in knowledge. From that one night's association I observed that he was very popular and seemed to be somewhat of a dictator. I found out further, that thus far he had worked his way through school, that he had seen many dark days, but that he was now one of the jan itors of the Institute, and had hopes of finishing from the Normal Department the following June. He believed that there was a bright future for him, and felt that the best things of life were not too good for him. And I must digress right here for a moment to say that this young man has succeeded admirably. Everybody knows him, for he is one of the chief Negroes of the Nation. And though he does not remember my first night at Lincoln Institute, I do, and he is closely asso ciated with it. My bed-fellow that night was none other than the Ex-President of Quindaro University and Ex-Registrar of the United States Treasury. The next morning myself and companion rose early and went to the city to look for work. We tramped around for several hours, but without success. Either, "The boy we had last year will be back," or, "We will not need a boy for a month or two," was the reply that we received 30 SEEKING THE BEST. at every door. I was not daunted by these re plies, but my companion was, and decided to catch a train and return home at once. I re solved to put in the rest of the day in search of a place, for I liked the Institute and did not mind a few hardships, provided I could get an oppor tunity to attend it. That day closed, however, with "nothing doing" for me. I had brought no baggage along with me, so I decided to return home and get my trunk, pretend to my mother that I had a place to work, and get back to Jef ferson City in time to start in on the first day of opening, which was September 6th. CHAPTER IV. AT SCHOOL. I know I must have looked and acted rather "green" on my entering Lincoln Institute the following Monday morning, for the life was en tirely new to me, and all the faces were strange ; the buildings were large and commodious and unlike any that I had ever seen before; the grounds were unfamiliar; the sleeping quarters were undesirable, having just been opened up; and many of the boys appeared to be mean and uncompanionable. For the first three or four days I was very lonely and dispirited indeed. And, too, the ques tion, "How was I to stay there?" was ever in my mind, for as yet I had not secured a place to work, though I had tried very hard. My class mates, however, soon began to take interest in me, and I found out through some of them that there was no need of my worrying or becoming discouraged, for there were many students in rny condition ; that this was the case at the beginning of every school year, and that almost invariably 31 32 SEEKING THE BEST. things worked out all right for those who KacI the grit and determination to stay. These as surances strengthened me much in my resolve, and the prospect grew more beautiful and bright for me. And at the end of two or three weeks I had secured work and was rapidly growing in favor with my teachers and in popularity with classmates and students. Besides, I was charmed with the intellectual atmosphere of the place, the like of which I had never seen or felt before. This new life of books, music, oratory, debate, and general in telligence was the source of much inspiration to me. I also realized that my classmates and as sociates were the cream of the State, and that I had connected myself with a great family that was struggling to lift itself up on a higher and broader plane, which worthy ambition from child hood up had been my aim. I had long hoped for such opportunities and such associations, and now my hopes were realized. I was happy, con tented, and proud, notwithstanding the fact that I had a long way yet to go, and how I was to go the distance was by no means settled. It would be impossible for me, in this brief account of myself, to relate even half the im portant incidents of the eight years I spent in "At the end of the fast year I returned home." SEEKING THE BEST. 33 Lincoln Institute as a student. Suffice it to say that I had my ups and downs, as all other earn est and determined students have. At the end of the first year I returned home, and I was proud indeed to tell of my progress and of the great opportunities presented at Lin coln Institute. I also had the pleasure of chatting with my white companion about the Negro boarding- school, while he told of the course that he was taking in a business college at Sedalia. And though he may have not, I distinctly remembered what he used to tell me when we were little play mates, "Colored people do not have colleges." And though I never mentioned these things to him, I was convinced that it was the prejudice that existed in his little heart, prejudice for which he was not responsible, that prompted h/im to say these heart-breaking things to me. In a few months after this, when I had re turned to school, I received the shocking intel ligence that my little white companion was dead. This event grieved me very much indeed. It was many months before I could realize the truth of this sad intelligence. Our intimacy and friendship had finally come to an end, in a way we had not expected, CHAPTER V. IHE EVENING STAR QUARTET. I belonged to the Evening Star Quartet, which organization furnished entertainment on various occasions and in various places. We were known through the city, and were called on for concerts and serenades frequently, the contracting parties paying well for our services. Every Saturday night the guests of the Madison Hotel expected us, and we would arways make special preparations for their entertainment. Our leader, besides being a triangle-player, re cited stump speeches and comical selections; our tenor was a great whistler and played well on the mouth-organ; our basso was skillful with a mandolin ; and your humble servant, who was the baritone singer in the quartet, played the guitar. Thus you see we had a rare aggregation of tal ent and were capable of being the best for this kind of work in the State. Our repertoire of songs was replete with solos, duets, medleys, quartets, and selections from operas, comic and 34 SEEKING THE BEST. 35 otherwise, and we boasted of our superiority over the Silver Tongue Quartet, who were our rivals and had their residence upon the Lincoln Insti tute grounds. We were at our best while the World's Fair was going on at Chicago. We saw great possi bilities over there for such a quartet as we had. We would meet and at our rehearsals discuss the advisability of quitting school early that year and singing our way to the great White City. We were not long in making up our minds that this was the thing to do. So we began to make prep arations, and in the month of May, on one Sun day afternoon, after responding to an invitation to sing two seletcions at a sacred concert at the Baptist church, we started; and ere the sweet strains of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and a chant of "The Lord's Prayer" had ceased to ring in the ears and hearts of this audience, we, having filed out before dismissal, were well on our way to what then looked like pleasure and prosperity. The following morning found us in Fulton, Missouri. There were many people in town that day, on account of a big horse show that was being held there. Things "looked good" to us, so we opened up with some of our favorite selec- 36 SEEKING THE BEST. tions, to the delight of the great crowd that was not long in gathering. We passed the hat after we had sung several selections, and the clinking of coins was indeed pleasant to our ears, while glorious visions of the great White City rose be fore our eyes. That night our efforts on the streets were no less successful, and the coins were almost as plentiful, and the next morning we left Fulton in a very cheerful mood. At Mexico we did fairly well, and would have been all right had we not stayed a day too long. We liked the girls of that place and spent our money freely on them, thinking that we could make it up at Louisiana, which was to be our next stop. After paying our board-bill and pro curing tickets for the next stop, we found that our treasury department was very low. We reached Louisiana about eight o'clock in the morning, ate lunch at a colored restaurant, and then went out to look for some friends we knew. We spent the day pleasantly, and at night went up on the main street to sing. We did not do as well as we expected, but we succeeded in making expenses, including our fare to Roodhouse, Illi nois, which was to be our next stopping-place. But before we could get away from Louisiana the next day, our tenor singer took a chill and SEEKING THE BEST. 37 was awfully sick. It was impossible for us to travel with him in this condition, so we put him to bed and waited for his recovery. We gave him quinine, and when the fever which follows a chill came up, he was delirious and grew danger ous. He would stare at us wildly and threaten to do us bodily injury if we did not leave him. It took all our united efforts to hold him in bed while he was in this condition. However, as the fever left him he grew better, and when evening approached he was able to take the train for Roodhouse, Illinois. We reached Roodhouse about eight o'clock that night, procured lodging at a white boarding- house, as there were but two colored families in the town and they could not accommodate us, and went up town to look the situation over and see what were the prospects for success. I wanted to leave the tenor singer at the house, as I had had the chills and knew how weak and faint one felt after such an experience; but the other boys insisted that our means were ex hausted and we must sing that night in order to meet expenses. Our tenor singer thought he could make it. So, realizing the force of their argument, I gave over to them. We thought we would step in the restaurant connected with the 38 SEEKING THE BEST. depot and drink a cup of coffee before proceed ing further. We all went in, but our tenor claimed that he did not want anything and went out on the platform. It was not long before someone came in and told us that we had better look after our friend. We went outside the sta tion, and found our tenor lying on the platform in an unconscious condition. We became very much alarmed about him. After a short while, he was restored to consciousness and felt able to return to the boarding-house. Our singing for that night was broken up. The next morning our tenor was no better, and we began to think what was best to do. We all could not remain there until he recovered, for we had no money and our instruments would be good for but one or two days at best. And there was no telling how long our tenor might be ill. We finally hit upon this scheme: as our bass singer had friends in St. Louis and could secure money as soon as he got there, and as our leader was a hustler and could get over the roads, these two should go on to St. Louis and leave me there to care for the tenor until they could send money with which to redeem the instruments and to pay our fare to St. Louis. There was only $1.50 in our treasury. The bass singer had to use this SEEKING THE BEST. 39 to induce the conductor to allow him to ride the distance of between seventy-five and a hundred miles, while the other fellow was to hustle. I did not like this arrangement much, for I was afraid of the tenor, in the first place, and did not know how to care for sick people. So I suggest ed that the leader remain there with the sick tenor and I be allowed to run chances with the conductors to get to St. Louis. After some par leying and wrathful expressions, it was agreed that I should be the one to go along with the bass. That night, in the midst of an awful down pour of rain, we hastened to the station to await the arrival of our train. We both boarded, the bass going in one coach and I another. I pre tended to be asleep when the conductor came in the coach where I was. He looked down on me, passed on, and said nothing. As the morning dawned and the train drew nearer to St. Louis I began to feel much better. I must confess that I was uneasy the greater part of the ride. But I grew bolder as the train sped on and on toward St. Louis, and when we were within a few miles of the great city, I went into the toilet-room and performed my ablutions. On my return, in the vestibule, I met the conductor. He asked me 40 SEEKING THE BEST. where I got on. I told him at Louisiana. He began to question me about certain people who lived there, and I answered him as best I could, turning the conversation as quickly as possible to the weather and crops. He soon left me, for we were now very near the bridge in East St. Louis. I went into the coach where my bass companion was, and he seemed very much sur prised to see me ; he had not seen me since the train left Roodhouse, and he was laboring under the impression that I was left. We were now at the bridge, and as I did not have that portion of the ticket which carries one over the bridge and my companion had only suc ceeded in persuading the conductor to allow him to go as far as East St. Louis, we both got off. We fumbled around for some time in our pockets, and succeeded in digging up ten cents enough to pay the toll across the bridge. Our plans thus far had been carried out all right, and in a few days they were completed by the arrival of the two other members of the com pany, with the instruments and baggage. I never could have any luck in St. Louis, and after remaining there for two weeks, I borrowed money from a friend and secured passage over to Chicago. I arrived there at eight o'clock in SEEKING THE BEST. 41 the morning, and went to work as porter in a cafe at twelve. I remained there two weeks, after which I went out near the World's Fair grounds and helped furnish up one of the many hotels that were being built in close proximity to the fair grounds. This carrying furniture up five and six flights of stairs was the hardest work that I ever did in my life ; but I stuck to it until it was done. When this was done, I found no difficulty in finding other work. This was the most successful season that I spent during my school career. I had an oppor tunity to see much of the fair. I purchased a new trunk and filled it up with clothing, and the following year, when school was out, had some money left. My jcompanion/s in St. Louis /finally made their way over and went to work. We would see each other often, and sometimes sing for our own amusement and pleasure, but we never thought of trying to earn a living by our musical talents in the great White City. CHAPTER VI. MY LAST YEAR IN SCH-OOL. In this way I continued to struggle on and on with my school work until seven years had slipped away and the time for my graduation was drawing nigh. I could now see the goal for which I had so long been striving. I had suc ceeded in some way, I knew not how. And al though my last year promised many more trials and besetments, I had grown callous to hard ships and did not mind those that were in store for me during my last year. And so, girding myself up for the final struggle, I finished with great pride and satisfaction to myself. Besides completing the collegiate course as laid down in the school curriculum, I had formed many lasting friendships, made a favorable im pression with my teachers, and shared the good will and best wishes of all classes alike. I was indeed proud of my record as a student. I had been an active member of all the literary organizations connected with the school, was one 42 SEEKING THE BLST. 43 of the organizers of the first band and orchestra that the institution ever had (playing the cornel in the band and bass violin in the orchestra), was identified with choirs, quartets, and choral soci eties, and had done much in the interest of ath letics for the school (playing short stop on the baseball team and having the name of being the best boxer in the school). And now, when I had delivered my graduating oration on the 14th of June, 1897, in the Hall of the House of Representatives at the Capitol building, my school life as a student was over. CHAPTER VII. IN SEARCH OF A SCHOOL. After graduating, I went home to spend a few weeks with my folks. I remained there till the latter part of August, when I began to grow restless and impatient. Time was passing away, and I was anxious to secure some kind of profit able employment for the winter. Everything that I had obtained thus far in life I had been obliged to get by hustling, and I was quite sure that the same would be true in this case. So, when an excursion from Kansas City to St. Louis came to our town, I boarded it and pulled out for the Smoky City. On my arrival in St. Louis, I was told by the people with whom I was stopping that there were several vacancies for teachers in St. Louis County. So, with very limited means, I started out to find some of these vacancies and, if possible, secure a situation. The first place to which I came I was told that there was a vacancy in the colored school, and that if I could see the directors, I cor Id in SEEKING THE BEST. 45 all probability secure the situation. After much hard work, I succeeded in finding some of the directors, and they wanted to see my certificate. I had none, for I was a graduate from the Col legiate Department of Lincoln Institute, and the diploma which I received did not entitle me to teach in the State without further examination. So they said they could not talk business with me until I secured a certificate from their County Supervisor. This meant that, with my limited means, I should go to Allenton, Missouri, where the Coun ty Supervisor lived ; and, seeing that this was my only course if I wanted to teach in the county, I went to Allenton the next day. I found the Supervisor easily, and after paying him one dol lar and fifty cents out of my limited means, this amount being the examination fee, he gave me paper and pencil and told me to begin writing. It was about nine o'clock in the morning when I began, and by four o'clock in the afternoon I had completed the list of questions. He hastily corrected my papers, and wrote out a certificate and handed it to me, that I might be able to catch the train which left for Chesterfield at five o'clock. I thanked him kindly for what he had 46 SEEKING THE BEST. done, and hastened back to the district where the vacancy existed. I did not see the directors that night, as it was late when the train reached the place. But the next morning the man with whom I was stopping hitched up his cart and carried me to a place where the directors were holding a meeting. Presently we came up to where four of them were assembled near a barn. We greeted them, and then the man who was with me began talking and made himself obnoxious by his domineering attitudes and ways, insinuating that the board had never given the colored school a square deal, and that this man here (meaning myself) was an intelligent man and deserved much more money than they were offering him. Before I could find time to speak, the members of the board were thoroughly wrought up and disgusted, and I saw my chances for work were spoiled by my association with this tactless fellow. They ab solutely refused to talk business with me, so, with my limited means, I had to move on. The man who had the cart, with seeming regret, put me on the right road for the next district, and I was left to "foot it" alone through a strange country. I was not discouraged, however, and trudged along until I had reached the next place, SEEKING THE BEST. 47 There was now but one other place left. My intention was to reach this the next day. But the question as to how I was to get back to St. Louis was now confronting me. I was thirty miles away, and my limited means were ex hausted. I had not even a penny with which to buy a stamp. But I was always resourceful, and, after studying the situation over for a while, concluded that the only way out of the predica ment was to deliver a lecture at Centaur the fol lowing Friday night, and that by charging an admittance fee I might perhaps be able to secure the price of a ticket back to St. Louis. So, thus deciding, I secured three or four sheets of writing paper and wrote on them, advertising "A Great Lecture by Professor O. M. Shackelford, at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Centaur, St. Louis County, Missouri, Friday night at 8 P. M. Ad mission, ten cents." I placed these notices in conspicuous places and told everyone I saw about the great lecture and invited them to be present. The next morning, after having spent a lonely night with a family who lived in a hut surrounded by a very dense forest, I struck out for Centaur, and upon reaching that place, after having walked seven or eight miles, I immediately inquired as to the whereabouts of the directors of the colored 48 SEEKING THE BEST. school. I was told, and went as directed, and found the one who lived nearest. I talked with him, and he liked me. He wrote a note to an other member of the board, and requested me to take it over to him. I found the other member at home, gave him the note, and he, having read it, glanced me over and said that he was well pleased with my appearance, that there was only one other man to see, and that he would see this man himself and inform him of a meeting to be held at the school-house the following morning, at which time he thought they would elect me. He told me to be sure and be present at the meeting. I thanked him and turned away. When I got back to Centaur, it was late in the evening, and the lady of the house was busy preparing supper. I heard her say something to her husband about a tramp, and I was sure she was talking about me. I knew, however, how to brace up and look genteel, and did so. I sat down to the table (I was very tired and hungry), and enjoyed a supper of fried chicken, hot bis cuits, and coffee very much. I also slept well that night, for I was in need of rest. CHAPTER VIII. A SIX-MONTHS SCHOOL SECURED. The next morning, after eating breakfast, I went to the place where the board was to meet. I found them there, talking over business per taining to school matters. They greeted me cor dially, and soon turned their attention to the selection of a teacher for the colored school. I showed them my certificate and recommenda tions, and they seemed unanimous in the belief that I was the right man, and proceeded without hesitation to elect me to teach their six-months school, at a salary of thirty dollars per month. I was too tired to protest or to make a show of dissatisfaction. In truth, I had had enough of tramping through the hot sun, the dusty roads, and the dense thickets of St. Louis County. Be sides, my shoes were worn out, and on this ac count I could go no further had I the strength or inclination to do so. I had covered nearly every foot of ground from Centaur to St. Louis, and I was only too glad to have my labors ended 40 50 SEEKING THE BEST. in this way if they could possibly be. So I accepted the place and felt very much relieved. Several persons came out to the lecture that night, but I postponed it till a later date. The truth is, I had no lecture to deliver; though, had it come to a "show-down," it was my in tention to speak my graduating oration, which was still fresh in my mind, and thus try tc sat isfy those who would be kind enough to come out to hear me. My stay in St. Louis County was both pleas ant and profitable. For here, on the banks of the majestic Missouri and amid the vine-clad rocks and foot-hills, sisters to the mighty Ozarks, in a place where Nature and Nature's God hold full sway, I did my first real thinking. Here I real ized for the first time the possibilities of a broad er life, and saw the necessity of a firm founda tion for future growth. The birds, the brooks, and the river furnished music for this place of Nature, and this music in turn lent inspiration to me and impelled me to pen many of the essays and poems now con tained within this book. Here I drilled myself in elocution, oratory, and song, and had beauti ful flowers and trees, which bowed their grace ful forms in appreciation and approval, for my SEEKING THE BEST. 51 audience. Birds and squirrels and other hab itants of this haunt of Nature were my friends. Who with the narrowest kind of soul would not be happy in an Eden like this? The house in which I taught was made of logs, and it did service both for school and church. Through its cracks and crevices snakes and frogs often peeped good-naturedly and were not in frequent guests, to the amusement and delight of my circle of little backwoodsmen. This was my first school, and I enjoyed my work, laboring as hard and as incessantly with these fourteen children for thirty dollars per month as I have since for more than double that amount. CHAPTER IX. ENTERING THE LITERARY FIELD. I went to St. Louis when my work was ended in the county, carrying with me the essays and poems which I had written there; for I liked them, not so much for their merit (for I doubted them in this respect), or because they sounded well to me, but because they had been my com panions and the source of much delight. They had assisted wonderfully in passing away the long winter days, that no doubt would have been dull indeed had they not claimed my attention. I do not know why, but I carried them to the Sunday editor of the Post-Dispatch. He read some of them, and was interested. He inter viewed me, and then had an artist sketch me. On the next Sunday the Post-Ditpatch contained my picture with the article which follows; and I found myself talked of throughout the State, just as I was in Jefferson City when my poem on the Lincoln Institute fire was published. While I was not altogether pleased with the 52* SEEKING THE BEST. 53 "write-up" which the Post-Dispatch gave me (newspapers never tell things just as they are), I felt some degree of satisfaction at having my name heralded throughout the country in such a laudable cause. It was at least one step in the literary field. The article as published by the Post-Dispatch follows : A MISSOURI NEGRO WHO LONGS TO GAIN FAME AS AN AUTHOR OF VERSE. Otis M. Shackleford, a Missouri Negro, is am bitious to win the applause of men by his poetry. He teaches school in Centaur, St. Louis County, but his home is in Tipton, a small town in Moni- teau County. Shackelford is as black as any child of Africa, and has all the physical characteristics of his race. He boasts that only pure Negro blood flows in his veins. He said: "My ambition is to be a great poet. I wish to show the world what the full-blooded Negro can do when he applies himself and refuses to be come discouraged by the many prejudices which the white race holds against him. I have en countered many obstacles in my efforts to achieve this end, but so far I have found ways in which to overcome them. My advantages have not been any better than those of many another Ne gro boy. I was jborn in 1872, and my struggle 54 SEEKING THE BEST. witH poverty and misfortune began at that time. My parents, though more intelligent and better educated than most Negroes, were very poor. My father was a Methodist preacher and a school teacher. He instilled into my heart a desire to get a good education, and when I was old enough to go to public school, I studied very hard. "When I completed the public school course, my plans seemed to be balked. I had no money and it was impossible to get an education with out it. But I got a position as waiter in a St. Louis hotel and soon made enough money to pay my way for a year at Lincoln Institute in Jef ferson Gty. "Soon after I entered that school I began to read the poems of Byron and Scott; and their beautiful verses made so vivid an impresson on me that I soon found myself trying to write in rhyme about things. I showed my productions to my schoolmates and teachers, and was complimented very highly. I did not try to publish any of them, and none of my poems appeared in print until three years later. When Lincoln Institute was burned in 1894 I wrote a poem about the fire, and it was printed in the Jefferson City Courier. Since then several of my short poems have been printed in Missouri weekly papers. "I hope some day to be able to write verses good enough to be accepted for publication by the great magazines. "I am making a special study of literature, and I read all the good poetry I can get. I want SEEKING THE BEST. 55 to make myself an honor to my race, and I study through all my idle hours. Byron is my favorite poet, and I read one of his poems every day. All the other poets I like, but none of them can ever take Byron's place in my heart. I read not only in the English language, but also in the German, Latin, and Greek, which I have studied for many years. "The spirit of my poems shall always be the betterment of the condition of my people. I want to see the Negro elevated to a high intel lectual plane, and it is my purpose to assist him in every possible way to find the light. "During the last five years I have written a hundred poems, and I have preserved every one of them." Shackelford says that the following poem on "Music" is one of his best: "Music, sweet Music, the language of love; The language of passions which came from above ; The language of hope, of grief and despair; The soother of pains and all earthly care. We love thee, O Music, because thou are pure; As echoes from Heaven ye came, we are sure; A song from the angelic choir divine, O Music, sweet Music, an art so fine. Thou speakest for all who are sad and distrest The happy, the rich, the poor, and the blest, The feeble, the blind, the wretched, the old ; By the thejr feelings have sweetly been told.* 56 SEEKING THE BEST. Shackelford has the imagination of a poet, as the following lines, entitled "Are They Dreams?" indicate : "Sweet is the solitude of one who alone Takes a peep backward o'er the path he has come; Sweet are the visions beneath childhood's sun, Sweet the remembrance of one's happy home. "Tell me, oh tell me, do they differ from dreams, These sweet recollections and childhood scenes; These visionary paths of the forest green, The musical flow of the woodland stream? "Tell me, oh tell me, if here down below, Where mosses and ferns and sweet flowers grow, Where music and song, with strain soft and low, Be a sweet dream of Heaven, or do you know ?" CHAPTER X. A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA. It was in the month of December, 1899, that the Pullman Company was enlisting the services of men to look after their coaches which were used for conveying soldiers westward en route for the Philippine Islands, just after the Spanish- American War, when things were in such an unsettled condition in those new possessions. I chanced to be in St. Louis at this time and thought to take advantage of this opportunity to see some of the western country and also to ac quaint myself with the soldiers and the soldiers' way of living. Hence I betook myself to the office of the general superintendent for the com pany, and, in a line of others, found no difficulty in securing the employment which I sought. I was assigned and given equipment for a coach, and told to be prepared to depart early the following morning. I listened to all instruc tions carefully, and though I had never done any railroading before, at the end of the lecture I 57 58 SEEKING THE BEST. found myself very well informed and felt con fident that I could do what was required of me. The regiment to be conveyed at this time was the Forty-ninth U. S. Infantry. A finer-looking set of men never donned the uniform of blue than the ones found in this regiment. I was charmed with their appearance, and anticipated a glorious trip with them to California. The next morning early, on schedule time, we pulled out from St. Louis, full of life and buoyant of spirit, bound for the rocky shores of the Pacific. San Francisco was the destination so far as myself and the rest of the Pullman em ployees were concerned. There were more than a hundred of us in all, but the trains were divided into three or four sections, so but few of us were together or saw each other after leaving St. Louis. Among the number of men on my sec tion there happened to be one fellow that I knew in school, and naturally we became companions on the trip. We traveled over the Union Pacific, and the first part of our journey was dull and monoton ous, to say the least ; but as we proceeded farther westward interest grew. The long ride through the broad prairies of western Kansas was pro saic indeed, there being nothing so favorable of SEEKING THE BEST. 59 comment as the high cold winds, which blew al most constantly. We had little to do but to ob serve and study the make-up and characteristics of the soldiers who occupied seats in our respect ive coaches. They were a jolly set, these; singing, danc ing, swearing, and gambling constantly. Night did not put an end to their noisy frolics. They seemed to have no respect whatever for law and order. Some of them were ill-mannered, un couth, and wholly degenerate. Those of the gen tler sex could not approach the train without in sult. Old men were made the butt of practical jokes, and boys were swindled out of their lunches which they had purchased with their own means. And these men were only controlled by rough, unkind officers, who ruled with an iron hand and who emphasized each command with a fearful oath. Such, as we observed it, was the personnel of the Forty-ninth, and with such on our five- days journey were we to be cooped up. We were now among the mountains of Col orado, and, this being my first visit to such a region, I was naturally carried away. Pike's Peak, the Devil's Slide, the Forty-Mile Tunnel, the snow-capped mountains above, and the green valley below, filled my thoroughly aroused soul 60 SEEKING THE BEST. with awe and amazement. A detailed descrip tion here is impossible. We sped on and on through Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, and as we did so the scenes, already se awe-inspiring, increased in grandeur and beauty, iiSiitil at last we reached the Eden of the world California, the land of surpassing beauty and splendor; a land that pen cannot describe and brush cannot por tray. Here, where December has the attributes of May, birds were singing, flowers were bloom ing, fruits were ripening, bees were humming, brooks were babbling, and all nature was happy and gay. Soon we were in the grand and magnificent city of San Francisco, and our soldiers were making preparations to quit the train on which they had been confined for five long and tedious days. We were all glad to quit our close and cramped-up quarters, and to once more plant our sleepy feet upon the glad green earth. In spite of the ill impression that the conduct of these boys had created within me, my heart swelled with pride when I beheld them in a mag nificent line ready to respond to the commands of the officers. It was then that I realized that a soldier in camp, or one cramped up in the nar row confines of a railway coach, was far differ* 'SEEKING THE BEST. 61 ent from one on dress parade or in line of duty. And I sympathizedjwith them, and forgot what seemed lolifi. their jngany ills _ andL shortcomings. Myself and companion remained with our coaches and were taken back to Oakland, where we were side-tracked. After_checking up pur linen and supplies and performing other duties which were required" of us, we went up town to refresh ourselves with food in a fashionable restaurant. Having subsisted, the past five days wholly oa hard tack, coffee, and dried beef, we felt greatly the need of a change of diet. We ate our supper, which consisted of sirloin steak with mushrooms, French fried potatoes, hot bis cuits, butter, and coffee. It is neelless to say that we enjoyed it. We_xetunied.to.Qur coaches, wrote a_few letters to home, and friends, and then, two thousand "miles away in a strange land, tireTS3~worn~"we"lay down for a deep sleep and sweet rest. The next morning myself and companion, having slept much later than we expected, rose, ate breakfast, and planned a .day _f or ^sight-seeing. From childhood up I had had a^great_desire to see theJPacific,.. and JIQW^ jwith my, dream so close to realization, I grew impatient with my 62 SEEKING THE BEST slow companion and proceeded on my journey without him. I made my way to the pier, boarded one of the steamers, famous for its beauty and splen dor in construction, and was soon ploughing my way across the bay to the Golden City. It was a beautiful morning in December. The air was fresh and the sky cloudless. Birds were sing ing, flowers were blooming, and the atmosphere was fragrant with the orange, the banana, the pineapple, and the rose. The women dressed in various costumes of light fabric, many of them wearing sailor hats, and looked much like the pictures of coast life that inlanders so often see. It was a glorious sight indeed. Forty minutes were consumed in taking this delightful ride, at the end of which time I found myself upon a street-car, bounding oceanward, to the realization of my childhood dream. In the distance I could hear a mighty roar, which told me that we were nearing the ancient rock-bound shore. Imagine my feelings when in the next few moments I stood rapt in wonder and a'maze- ment at the awe-inspiring scene before me. The billows with their white caps rolled high, and the foaming waters furiously lashed the shore. I stood there for some time, silent, dumb- s a. SEEKING THE BEST. 63 founded, and amazed. And when at last my mind grew active, a thousand thoughts came teeming in and I was fearful that my soul, filled with so much ecstasy, might burst. I thought of the great Balboa, the first white man who ever gazed upon that vast expanse. I thought of the many thousands, lured on to these rugged shores by a lust for gold, whose bones were now bleach ing in the dust. I thought of the sublime heights to which Byron soared when he wrote his "Apos trophe to the Ocean," and I could not refrain from shouting aloud these famous lines: "Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean roll! Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain; Man marks the earth with ruin his control Stops with the shore/* And as I continued to gaze upon that rough, rugged, awful expanse a thousand other sublimer thoughts crowded my bewildered brain, which caused my delighted soul to cry out, "Glory! glory!" After some time, when my spirits had grown calmer, I remembered my intention to dip my hands and bathe my face in the mighty wa ters. This I did, and departed for other points along the shore. I soon found myself on the veranda of the ' 64 SEEKING THE BEST. famous Cliff House, gazing ,upon the rugged rocks and reefs some distance from the shore. And when I saw the seals rolling and tossing pitifully about on these rocks, and heard their sad and lonesome cry, which was a mixture of bark and wail, there was something so weird, something so human-like about them that I thought perhaps these were lost souls re-embod ied thus and s&nt back to earth for punishment. And I gazed and gazed and thought and thought how wonderful are the works of God's creation ! And thus I stood for a long time, rapt as one in a trance. My greatest desire and purpose was now ac complished, and though I visited Golden Gate Park, the Sutro Bath Works, and many other places of interest, they were only ordinary in comparison with this great ocean view, and the like of which might be seen in any well-kept city of America. I now betook myself back to the business sec tion of the city ; there I met my companion, and we joined in an expedition through Chinatown. We saw many interesting sights, observed many customs of Chinese life, and handled many things created by Chinese hand and brain. We did not tarry long, however, in this Oriental atmosphere, SEEKING THE BEST. 65 for the tenants of the district looked and acted too sullen. We did not think they were pleased with out visit, and we were not quite sure that they did not mean to do us bodily harm; so, when a guide insisted that we go farther and see more, we thanked him and made our way to other points of interest in the great western city. The next day we learned that the Tennessee soldiers had just arrived from Manila, that they were disembarking, and that it would be our duty to handle to Nashville the trains upon which they were to return. It was rumored that the Ten nessee soldiers were a bad lot, that they had killed several Pullman employees, and that there was much trouble in store for "those of us who were called upon to care for the cars which were to carry them back. I had no fears, however, and went to the office of the general superintend ent ; I was assigned to the car "Cleora," and was told to be ready to start the next day at two o'clock. The next day at two o'clock I was at my post of duty. Every one was busy making prepara tions for the trip. Tramps and hoboes were much in evidence, and were planning to make their way home or to points farther east. A,coli_ ored boy came up to me and said that he was 66 SEEKING THE BEST. a member of the Pickaninny Band of Kansas City; that they had been making a tour around the world, but at Honolulu they got stranded and were compelled to disband; that he had worked his way on a steamer from Honolulu to San Francisco; that he had been there about a week, but was unable to find employment, and now he was. anxious to get back to his home in Kansas City; that this was the only chance he had, and he asked if I could not take him. I be lieved him and was sorry for him ; so I spoke to my conductor in his behalf. The conductor said that he would not be responsible for him ; that I could take him if I desired, but that he was not supposed to know anything about it. I thought the matter over, and decided that I should pass that way but once, and if there was any good that I could do, I would do it then ; so I took the boy on board, secluded him in one of the wash-rooms of the car and locked the door. It was not long before our train pulled out on the Southern Pacific for Los Angeles and other points in southern California. On and on we sped through this fairy land of fruits and flowers and perpetual spring. The ride homeward promised to be more pleasureable and fuller of comfort than the one SEEKING THE BEST. 67 westward. The soldiers were a lot of good- natured boys, some of them from refined families, and ranged from the ages of eighteen to twenty- five. They were^kind to me, and got into my confidence at once, t ru st mglarge] sums^Tmoney , jewelry, souvenirs, and keepsakes of all kinds to my care. Many of them were "mothers' boys" and were so glad they were going home. It was evident that they had been misrepresented by malicious tongues. There was a striking con trast between their behavior and that of the col ored troops which had been conveyed thence a few days before. Then, too, a delegation of Tennessee ladies had come all the way from Nashville to meet the sons of their State who had recently been mustered out from service in the Spanish- American War. These added dignity and called for respect from soldiers who might have reck less or vicious inclinations. The commissary department, too, was con ducted on a different plan. The tables were liter ally covered with every variety of food in the market, and the boys ate from plates with silver knives and forks, instead of from mess - pans made of tin with knives and forks of iron. They were given three meals, a day, and they slept in 68 SEEKING THE BEST. berths as other tourists did. So there was no reason why every one should not be happy and comfortable on this journey through the South. Thus equipped, we continued through south ern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee to Nashville, stopping at the most important cit ies and towns along the route. Among these the most important were Phoenix, Arizona, Dem- ing, New Mexico, San Antonio, Texas, New Or leans, Louisiana, Mobile 'and Montgomery, Ala bama, and Nashville, Tennessee, which was now our destination. We were now at the end of our journey, and no unpleasant incidents had happened to mar our homeward trip. The boy that I brought from California got awfully fifed ._ in ...his -close quarters, and one night, while everyone slept -as he thought, came out and was acting porter when someone spied him. He was mistaken for a robber or an intruder, and was roughly handled and put off the train, in Texas. He managed, however, to get back on, and found his way to his hiding place, and he was glad to remain in there until the train reached the end of its jour ney. He thanked me kindly:, for ..what. I had done for him, and assured ir~ that he would have no SEEKING THE BEST. 69 difficulty now in getting back to Kansas City, and that he would remember me to_Jhe__ longest day he lived. TThe soldiersT^K^ding me good- bye7TelFlHe train to go to their friends and Respective homes. There was a great holiday in Nashville that day; drums were beating, flags were flying, cannon were bursting, and men, women, and children were shouting for joy at the return of the troops. Enthusiasm was high indeed in Nashville that day. The next day, after visiting the schools and some friends, I was given transportation to St. Louis. I arrived in St. Louis the next morning, a wiser_janji_jniich.__. stronger man than I was when I departed-a- fortnight before. This event of my life happened nearly ten years ago; but I remember the incidents almost as clearly and as distinctly now as I did the week after they happened. CHAPTER XI. TEACHING IN MY ALMA MATER. Since I left St. Louis County, where I taught m,y first school, many important things have happened in my life; but I shall not attempt to note them here. I have enjoyed the school work in which I have engaged since then. The uplift of my people has always been the highest aim in my mind, and I have conscientiously striven to that end. 'Tis true I have made mistakes; but this only proves me mortal. If we did not make mistakes, we would be perfect; then we could not dwell here. We are put here to de velop and grow into perfection, and when we become completely so, God has use for us in other spheres. My work at Versailles for one year, and at Warrensburg for three, was entirely satisfactory to me. I am sure that I did good work in these places, and that the inspiration lent the boys and girls is lasting. I know of no event in my life, however, so 70 SEEKING THE BEST. 71 important as the call from the principalship oi the Howard School at Warrensburg to teach in the English and mathematical departments at Lincoln Institute, my Alma Mater, where I had spent eight of the happiest years of my existence as a student, notwithstanding the hardships that I had to undergo. This call alone I deem an honor worthy of note, and feel proud to say that the four years spent there as a teacher were in the interest of the good name of the school and in the interest of the Negro youth of the State. I loved my Alma Mater, and was loyal to her. I felt the great responsibility which rested upon me and upon those in whose charge she was placed. I was jealous of her good name, and did everything in my power to sustain it. I be lieved that when a student or teacher was caught in wrong-doing within her sacred walls or upon her sacred premises, he should suffer the severest consequences. I realized that the school should not be entrusted to careless hands, and I took a stand for strict discipline and high morals. And because I was earnest in my belief and backed it up with forcible words on all occasions, I grew in the disfavor of the President, who finally rec ommended my dismissal from the institution, on the ground that I was nervous and highly ex- 72 SEEKING THE BEST. citable (which meant that I was too conscien tious) ; and did not fit well in the work. My four-year stay at Lincoln Institute was time by no means wasted. I improved myself in many ways. I was always busy at something. Besides my regular school work, I took great in terest in the band and orchestra, sustaining these valuable acquisitions to the school with means from my own pocket; and I was glad to make the sacrifice in the interest of the school. I con tinued to write essays and poems, and at night in my room found much pleasure in this tedious work. On one occasion I gave a poetic recital to the Buskin Society, which was one of the lit erary organizations of the Institute. This recital was the source of much delight to all present, and was for a long time after the comment of the whole school. I was willing at all times to aid in the order and discipline of the place, accompanying the girls to the city, to church, or to the country for a walk; and often at midnight or in early morning I have been aroused from my peaceful slumbers to see some boy or afflicted girl off on the train. On one occasion a boy died in the dormitory, and it became my duty to take charge of the body and accompany his father home. It 73 was one of the coldest nights in winter, and we had to go eighteen miles overland that night be fore we could reach the home of the dead boy and come into the presence of a grief-stricken mother, I also enjoyed my work in the school-room and studied for the entertainment of my classes, and sought the best methods for presenting sub jects to them. If interest lagged, I always hit up on some scheme to stimulate it. One of my meth ods, entitled "Football in the Reading Class," was sent to the Intelligence, a school journal pub lished at that time in Oak Park, Illinois. It was accepted and caused much favorable com ment when it was published. The article as it appeared in the Intelligence follows: FOOTBALL IN THE READING CLASS. Do you find the pupils of your fourth and fifth grade reading classes dull and inattentive? Do you find it impossible to awaken them in any way? Have all methods failed? If they have, as a last resort, try this one : Make the reading lesson a game or contest between the boys and girls. Children are naturally fond of games, and if all their recitations could be conducted on the plan of some game, better work would be done by the so-called dull and disinterested ones, 74 SEEKING THE BEST. I find it an admirable plan to conduct my reading classes on the order of a football game. Good results have come from it, and I think my co-workers will agree with me when they have tried it once. Assign a lesson of two or three pages, ac cording to the general ability of the class, and divide the recitation period into "halves." Call them the "first half" and the "second half." Let the ends of the paragraphs, if they are very long, represent "goals." If they are very short, it will take two or three of them to represent a "goal." The teacher, as referee, shall call the game. Let a girl, for instance, get up and read. The boys are to watch closely and criticise, and im mediately call the attention of the teacher to any mistake that the girl makes. One, two, or three mistakes may be consid ered a "down," according to the rule adopted by the teacher and class beforehand. If a girl makes three mistakes, the third mistake may be called the "third down," and a boy takes up the reading where she left off. The girls are now on the alert for mistakes; and when a boy has made three mistakes, or "downs," as we call them, another girl takes up the reading, and if she goes to the end of the paragraph or "goal" without making a mistake, she has made a "touchdown." A "touchdown" means five points in favor of the girls. Then if the girl, or any one on her side, can SEEKING THE BEST. 75 relate smoothly the paragraph or portion of the story read, they have "kicked goal," which counts as another point, making the score 6 to in favor of the girls. The game can thus continue until the time for the recitation is up, and the party making the greatest number of points with in the limit of the recitation period wins the game. This reading contest may be had not too fre quently, but as often as the teacher deems it wise. It will not be void of results. Try it, and ite advantages can readily be appreciated. Many other methods equally productive of results have I resorted to in my class work ; but, since this is not a treatise on pedagogy, I shall not present them here. I only mention this one instance to show my interest, my activity, and my resourcefulness in stimulating dull or disin terested minds and instilling within them a desire to excel. To improve myself along the lines that I was teaching, I spent three successive summers in Chautauqua, New York. I felt that the State Normal for Negroes in Missouri ought to have the best talent that could be found, and I set out to try to prepare myself to satisfy the de mand, so far as I was concerned. For this pur pose I found that there was no better place than Chautauqua, New York. 76 SEEKING THE BEST. Chautauqua, a charming little town situated in western New York, on the banks of a beauti ful lake which bears the same name, has a unique history. It was founded by Henry Miller and Bishop Vincent, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, back in the early seventies. It at first was used as a camp-meeting ground, but has since, by constant growth along religious and in tellectual lines and by its ever-increasing and ex tensive lecture course, become one of the greatest educational centers of the world. It is no place for idlers; still, one can sit with folded hands and breathe the intellectual air, and thereby be come inspired to do great things. Activity seems to be the watchword. And every hour of the day, from seven in the morning till ten at night, something interesting, something beneficial is go ing on. The best lecturers, the best writers, the best musicians, the best scholars, the greatest of earth along all lines of work or professions, are seen and heard here. It was here, under some of the best special ists in our American colleges, that I did my sum mer work. Latin, German, French, higher Eng lish, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry being the subjects which I took. I also did work in the School of Expression, and took advantage of the SEEKING THE BEST. 77 discussions on pedagogy and school management in the Teachers' Institute of New York State, held on the grounds. I was strengthened intel lectually, morally, and spiritually, and on my return to Lincoln Institute endeavored to dissem inate whatever of good I had learned, and there by benefit the youths that chanced to fall under my guardianship. While at Chautauqua, I took advantage of the excursions and low rates to visit some of the larger cities of the East; Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Buf falo, and Niagara Falls being included in my itinerary. These I should be pleased to discuss in detail, for my visits to them and the sights that I saw while at them aided me much in some of the subjects that I was called upon to teach. Boston is perhaps the greatest city in Amer ica in which to study the early history of this country. While there, I visited Harvard Uni versity; tHe Boston Public Library, said to be the finest in the country; the State House, the walls of which are decorated with historical de signs and inscriptions ; the statue of Abraham Lincoln breaking the shackles from the Negro slaves ; the Old South Church ; Faneuil Hall ; the spot where Crispus Attacks, the Negro hero, fell ; 78 SEEKING THE REST. and a hundred other places of historical interest and renown. I also visited Charlestown, and sat for several hours at the foot of Bunker Hill Mon ument. While there I thought of the battle fought June 17, 1775 , and the many Revolution ary heroes who fell. I thought of Daniel Web ster, who fifty years later delivered his famous oration, in which he said: "Venerable men, you have come down to us from a former generation. God has bounteously lengthened out your lives that you might behold this glorious day." These and other thoughts of Colonial days held my attention for hours. But the National G. A. R.s, who were meet ing in Boston at that time, claimed most of my attention. They had their usual street parade, and about 25,000 old veterans were in line. Their feeble steps, gray hairs, and bent forms, but cheerful countenances, furnished material and in spiration for the poem entitled "The Old Sol diers Let Them Talk," found in another por tion of this book. It was a magnificent sight and, vision-like, it has returned to me many times since. Bits of History in Verse; OR A Dream of Freedom Realized CONTENTS Prologue. The Negro. Secret Hopes of Freedom. Secret Meetings. The Underground Railroad. Growing Wise. A Bone of Contention. Preparing for a Frolic. On the Way. The Fun Begins. Something Sad About It. Indignation and Secession of the South. The Struggle Between the North and the South. The Negro Called to Arms. Fighting for Freedom. The Triumph. Abraham Lincoln. PROLOGUE. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of a race that has had its sorrows, Had its griefs and its woes and its sufferings; Of a race forlorn and forsaken, Of a race despised and downtrodden; Of a race from shores that were foreign, Was ensnared and seized and bounden, And brought to a country so barren, A country so wild and unsettled, And sold as slaves to a master, To toil and be driven as cattle, To work in the fields and the forest, And buiLd up a new land and country. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of this race that has had its sorrows, Its griefs and its woes and its sufferings; Condemned and scorned and called worthless, Because of its lowly condition; For which 'tis not called on to answer, For which other races must answer, Since others have caused it to be so, 84 SEEKING THE BEST. | Condemned and scorned and called worthless, Because of its swarthy complexion; A birthmark of honor God-given, Which no man should 'tempt to be rid of ; A mark that we all should be proud of, Because it is true and God-given. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of this race, forlorn and forsaken, Of this race, despised and downtrodden ; That was seized from shores that were foreign And brought to the farms and plantations, In America's land of the sunshine, To the land of the palm and palmetto, To dwell and be simple and thankful, In the huts and the rude little cabins. Built by the hands of a master, To protect from the winds and the weather. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of this race that was sold to a master, To toil and be driven as cattle; To work in the fields and the forest, And build up a new land and country, A country that now is the foremost, That stands at the head of all others, In science, art and achievements, SEEKING THE BEST. 85 And things which persuade us to wonder. So great that all nations respect her, And call her to settle their quarrels; A country owing much of its greatness, In wealth and other achievements, To the faithful toil of the black man, Condemned and scorned and called worthless, Because of his lowly condition, For which he's not called on to answer, For which other races must answer, Since they have caused him to be so. A country, with its lakes and its rivers, Its forests, its fields, and its landscapes, Its mountains, its hills, and its valleys; A country with beauty surpassing. And the Negro, who toiled to help make it, Deserves a big share in its profit. A race condemned and called worthless, Because of its swarthy complexion ; A birthmark of honor God-given, Which no man should 'tempt to be rid of; A mark that we should all be proud of, Because 'tis true and God-given, Vast fields of rice and tobacco, And things that are wealth-producing, 86 SEEKING THE BEST. Were made by the hands of the Negro ; A race forlorn and forsaken, A race despised and downtrodden, That from the shores that were foreign Was ensnared and seized and bounden; And brought to a country so barren ; A country so wild and unsettled. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of this race that was sold to a master, To toil and be driven as cattle, To work in the fields and the forests And build up a new land and country ; The brightest and best among nations; The land of the pine and the fig-tree, The land of the flowers and sunshine; America's beautiful Southland. Sing to me, O Muses of Heaven, Of the race that is called the Negro, THE NEGRO. See him on the old plantation, As he toils and labors daily; Labors long, from morn till evening, In the fields of cane and cotton; Silver cotton, "king of market," In America's great Southland ; In the land of flowers and sunshine. Always faithful, ever hopeful For a day of sweet deliverance From the hands of some cruel master, Growing rich and growing prosperous By the toil of faithful servants. Growing rich and prosperous daily By the hands of those he hated, By the hands of those he punished. Thus the Negro labored onward, Watched and dogged by overseer, Fed on food so coarse and scanty, Scarcely 'nough to keep him going. Scarcely 'nough to keep him living; Just enough to keep him working Was the food on which they fed him, 87 88 SEEKING THE BEST. Clad in clothes that weren't sufficient To protect him from the weather, From the cruel blasts of winter That extend into the Southland, In the land of the palmetto, In the land of flowers and sunshine; Just enough to hide his person Were the clothes in which they clad him. Thus he traveled meekly onward, Going to the tasks they gave him With a sort of resignation, . Not unlike a beast of burden; Like unto a faithful Christian, Doomed to die from pain and torture, On account of some great principle; So the Negro traveled onward, Quite despondent, heavy-hearted, Always faithful, not unhopeful, Of a day of sweet deliverance. o! g- 2 cr o "7 J- \P -j j ? i ^ ' i;fe \ -7 ^ SECRET HOPES OF FREEDOM In the fields he was always singing, Pouring forth the grief within him In the strains of sweetest music, Giving vent to thoughts and feelings In the tones of minor music; Tones that set us longing, yearning, For a home that 's far off yonder, For a land that 's bright with sunshine, For a place that knows no bondage, Knows no master, knows no sorrow. In a land that 's 'way off somewhere, In a place we know not of, In the mind are only glimpses. And they spent the days in singing, Working in the fields of cotton, Mother thinking of her children, Father mindful of his family. Thus the Negro labored onward, Singing in his woe and misery, Hoping for the days of freedom, Dreaming dreams of happy freedom, For the freedom of his family. And he often sat and brooded, 90 SEEKING THE BEST. In the hours of darkest midnight, In the days before the war-time, In the gloom of cruel slavery, With no gleam of light as freedom, But with hope within his bosom; With a hope he dared not speak of, Or to think of very often, Lest someone might hear him thinking, Tell the driver, cruel master, Who was willing, always ready, When the least excuse was given, To inflict a hundred lashes On the backs of humble servants, Toiling for their master's welfare. But his secrets burned within him, Burned so bright and were so cheerful That he could not keep them longer, Had to share them with his brother; For his brother toiled beside him, Shared his griefs and shared his burdens, Suffered pain and suffered hunger, Just the same as he had suffered. Then, if there was any joy In that dream of coming freedom, Why not, why not tell his brother, Let him have that selfsame feeling, Which doth buoy us up and onward SEEKING. THE BEST. 91 In our trials and tribulations, Makes us bright and gay and happy 'Cause of something better for us? So he told his trusted brother; They began their secret meetings, Whispering softly to each other Some of the secrets of their masters, As they accident'ly heard them Talking of their lands and Negroes, What might happen in the future If the Northern people triumphed In th' election coming onward; What might happen to the Negroes, What might happen to the Southland, What might happen to the household, If the Northern people triumphed In th' election coming onward. 92 SEEKING THE BEST. SECRET MEETINGS, And they held their secret meetings, Learned a great deal from each other That they theretofore knew not of ; For they had no way of knowing, Could not read the weekly journals, For their masters had prevented Them from study and from learning, So that they were dull and ignorant Dull and ignorant, void of learning. Thus their masters strove to keep them; But they held their secret meetings, Learned a great deal from each other, Learned that other Negroes cherished In their hearts and in their bosoms Love of freedom, love of manhood; That the hope was universal, In the breast of every Negro, That at some time in the future, Negroes all should have their freedom. SEEKING THE BEST. 93 THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. Learned about a few uprisings By the Negroes of the Southland; How they flew to arms of sudden, Killed their masters and their families, Made a dash for freedom northward, But were caught and killed while fleeing Toward the land of freedom northward. Learned about a secret railway, All about the stations near it; How the slaves had traveled on it, How they hid themselves in day-time, How they traveled in the night-time; All about the ones who ran it, All about their secret kindness: How they 'd help the Negro onward, Onward through the secret passage, Till he reached the land of freedom, Land of freedom to the northward. 94 SEEKING THE 3EST. GROWING WISE. Still they held their secret meetings, And their minds grew sharp and subtle, And they learned to trust each other; Never hinting, never breathing-, What was said in secret meetings. And their masters did not know that They had gotten so much knowledge, So much craft and so much cunning, In those quiet secret meetings, Else they would have quickly stopped them, Whipped them with a wicked cowhide, Probably sold them further southward, To a mean and cruel master, Just because they had such wisdom, Which they might impart to others, Make them wise and make them crafty, Make them mean and hard to handle. SEEKING THE BEST. 95 A BONE OF CONTENTION. Still they held their secret meetings, Learned some of the burning questions, That were talked of in the Southland ; Learned that there was quite a struggle Tween the North and sunny Southland, O'er the bondage of the Negro/ O'er the question of his freedom, And the anger of the southman, And the firmness of the northman, In the election coming onward. What would happen to the Negro, What would happen to the Southland, If the Northern people triumphed In th' election coming onward. But they never breathed or hinted What they learned in secret meeting Tc their young and simple brothers; For they feared they might not keep it. They were young and they were thoughtless, Full of fun and prone to frolic, Which they practiced in the night-time, When their masters were asleeping, When their masters could not see them, 96 SEEKING THE BEST. PREPARING FOR A FROLIC See them when their work is over. Fixing for a dance or frolic In a vacant Negro shantv In a valley far off yonder, In a valley ten miles distant. How are they to go the journey ? Tired from working with the cotton, Tired from working in the corn-field, Tired from struggle with the oxen, Tired of laboring all the day long. Harder problems have they solved, Harder questions have they answered; Closer places have they been in Than the question of this distance, Of this distance to the valley. How to get a Christmas dinner, How to dress up for a party, How to satisfy their hunger When their masters failed to feed them, How to get a Sunday garment When their masters failed to clothe them, These and other harder problems Had they solvecl with ease so often SEEKING THE BEST. 97 That to them was second nature. Every evil has its remedy, Every problem its solution, And this little ten-mile distance Was no barrier to their pleasure. 98 SEEKING THE BEST. 'ON THE ROAD. They would steal old master's horses, Fat and sleek and full of spirit; Steal them while that he was sleeping, Soundly sleeping in his mansion; From the stable would they steal them, Ride them upward through the valley To the place of fun and frolic, Till they reached the very doorway Of the place of fun and frolic. There a score or more of Negroes Would assemble in the night-time, Would assemble for their pleasure, After toiling hard the day long, After toiling hard the week long. Thus they whiled away their sorrow, Thus they made their burdens lighter. Thus they had their recreation, Through a life that was a struggle, SEEKING THE BEST. 99 THE FUN BEGINS. There they'd meet and greet eacti other, Some in mistress' evening dresses, Some in master's Sunday garments, Some in clothes that did not fit them, Some in waistcoats old and rusty, Some in things that were respectful, Suited for this glad occasion. And they'd stay till day was breaking, Keeping time to bow and fiddle ; Bowing, scraping, cutting capers, Treading softly, stamping loudly, Stamping loudly to the music. Fun it was to see them dancing, Keeping time to bow and fiddle. But the joyous dance was ended With the dawn of early morning. And the Negroes scampered homeward From the place of fun and frolic To the place of toil and labor, Lighter hearted, better spirited, By the contact with the neighbors From the gther. big plantations, 100 SEEKING THE BEST. SOMETHING SAD ABOUT IT. Thus the Negroes stole their pleasures, In the darkness of the midnight, Midst the gloom of cruel slavery, In the days before the war-time. Though we smile, for 'tis amusing, There is something sad about it; Something sad about their doings, Something sad about their pleasures. In their singing there was sadness, In their dancing there was pathos, In their nonsense there was pity. And our eyes begin to moisten, Down our cheeks the tears to trickle, When we come to think about it : How these Negroes, worn and weary, Nothing in the world to hope for, Nothing in their lives to live for, 'Tween the hours of night and morning, Had to steal a little pleasure, Had to steal a little pastime. INDIGNATION AND SECESSION OF THE SOUTH. While the Negroes thus were sorrowing, And were stealing out at midnight, And were holding secret meetings, And were having secret pleasures, In the breasts of Southern white men Burned the flames of indignation, Burned the fire of bitter hatred For a class of Northern people, 'Cause they interfered with slavery, Would not have it in the Northland, Tried to stop it in the Southland, Put a limitation on it. And disputes grew very heated, In the Congress of the country, O'e.r the awful slavery question, O'er tne Negro and his freedom, O'er the Negro and the Union. And th' election coming onward Set the Southern people thinking, Planning what to do if beaten, If defeated in th' election. 101 102 SEEKING THE BE'ST. In the course of many events, Far too many to relate here, Things had taken on an aspect That was threat'ning immense danger To the Union and the country Of the States in North America; For the North had been victorious, And the South had been defeated, In th' election in the fall-time. Abraham Lincoln was elected As the chief of this great Nation. Then the Southern States seceded; Said, "Too much, we cannot bear it." And they cut the ties that bound them To the Union and the statehood, And established in their own land, In the land of cane and cotton, In the land of flowers and sunshine, In the land of slave and master, Government suited for their people. Thus the Union went to pieces, Thus the government of our fathers, Who had fought the Revolution, Who had builded up a nation, Went to pieces in a twinkling. When affairs had reached this crisis, And the South seemed so determined SEEKING THE BEST. 103 In their efforts to establish As an independent nation, Free to exercise her State right, Free to buy and sell her Negroes. Then the North went into counsel, And discussed the situation; And came out with this decision: That they 'd go into the Southland, Whip this bold, rebellious people; Force them back into the Union, Make them do \vhat they were bidden. And they went into the Southland With a great determination Just to do what they decided. 104 SEEKING THE BEST. A STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH. Thus began a fearful struggle Tween the North and sunny Southland. But the North had underrated Those with whom they were to combat ; Did not know their strength in battle, Did not know of their equipments, Did not know of their resources, Did not know of their surroundings, Did not know the intense feeling Burning in the Southern bosom. They forgot that they were brothers, Brothers in the Revolution, Brothers in the strife for freedom From the tyranny of England, And there was that fire and valor In the hearts of Southern warriors, Just the same as Northern foeman. So they fought a bloody struggle With the brave and fearless Southman. THE CALL OF THE NEGRO TO ARMS. But they found they could not conquer In the time which they expected. So they had to call the Negro, Call the Negro to assist them. "Come and help us, colored brother, Come and help us fight these rebels, Help us whip these Southern people, And we '11 give to you your freedom." Thus they spake unto the Negro; And the Negro quickly answered To this cry for their assistance. And they went with pride and pleasure To the struggling Northern army, And they fought like fire and fury 'Gainst their brave old Southern masters, 'Gainst the ones who once had owned them, 'Gainst the ones who oft had flogged them. With a will and with a vengeance, Wild with rage they 'd charge an army, Sweeping everything before them. And the stories that were spreading, That the Negroes all were cowards, 105 106 SEEKING THE BEST. Would not stand their ground when fired at, Proved to be a groundless theory; That the Negro was a warrior, Was a brave and fearless foeman, Worthy of the place they gave him, In the ranks of loyal subjects. Thus we find him fighting bravely In the line of dreadful battle, Striking blows to gain his freedom, Striking blows to save the Union. THE TRIUMPH Then at last the struggle ended, And the North came out victorious, And the South came up defeated, Had to come back to the Union, Had to give up all their Negroes, Had to do as they were bidden. There was sorrow in the Southland, There was gloom instead of sunshine, There were tears instead of joy, There were prayers instead of curses, There was quiet 'stead of boasting, There was freedom 'stead of slavery, There was union 'stead of discord, When the civil strife was over. There was joy in the Northland, There were shoutings 'mongst its people, There were tears and there was weeping; Not the tears of the defeated, But the tears of joy and victory. There was honor for Abe Lincoln, For the good that he'd accomplished For the Negro and the Union, For this country and its people. 107 108 SEEKING THE BEST. And the Negroes left their masters, Quit the scenes of early childhood, Quit the sunny old plantation, Quit with sorrow and rejoicing. Scattred 'round about the country, Sorrowing 'cause they loved their masters, Spite of all the cruel treatment, Spite of all the scars and bruises That their masters left upon them Be it said, much to their credit, All the masters were not cruel. Some were good and kind and gentle To their slaves and household servants, To the ones who toiled to help them. Some of them were quite devoted To their good and faithful Negroes ; Would not let them be mistreated By a cruel overseer ; Treated them the same as family, Sharing with them food and raiment, Giving everything they needed For protection 'gainst the weather And to satisfy their hunger. And the Negroes loved such masters, Did 'most everything to please them; And they left them with reluctance When the civil war was ended, When the slavery days were over. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Lincoln was a noble statesman, Good and great and full of wisdom. He it was that saved the Union, He it was that freed the Negro. And to him they should pay homage, Never cease to do him honor, Never criticise his actions, Never quarrel or feel offended, 'Cause he did not talk to suit them. Understand that he was cautious, Could not speak the feelings in him, Had to hide his real motives, Else he could not save the Union, Else he could not free the Negroes. Read his life and read his history, And you '11 learn the goodness in him, Learn his chief desires and wishes Toward this evil of the country; What he said in early childhood, How he 'd smite this institution, What an awful blow he 'd hit it, 109 110 SEEKING THE BEST. So the Negro gained his freedom, Through the goodness of Abe Lincoln Let us praise him, let us love him, For he richly doth deserve it. Let the world fall down and worship At the shrine of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln, that great statesman; Abraham Lincoln, that great martyr; Abraham Lincoln, herald of freedom, In the Southland of America 1 Essays VITAL FACTORS IN THE GROWTH OF CIVILIZATION. My Graduating Oration, delivered in June, 1897. We to-day, at the beginning of the twentieth century, can look back into ages that have passed, and in the far distance we can behold the rise and fall of nations ; we can see cities built up firm and compact to-day, but to-morrow crumbled to the very ground upon which they stood ; we can look upon dreadful battle-fields, and see the bodies of fallen braves bleeding and writhing in the throes of death; we can see masters scourging their slaves; we can hear the cry for mercy from the poor and oppressed of all nations ; we can see the Church struggling for existence and supremacy; we can see many forms of government spring up and try to predominate, but, like bubbles upon the mighty deep, they are soon blotted out of existence. Then, after having thus observed, we begin to philospohize, and try to seek out the causes and the nature of the causes that have brought about 113 114 SEEKING THE BEST. these direful results ; why nations have risen and fallen; why cities have collapsed; why war and tumult have shattered empires and kingdoms; why societies have been disorganized and govern ments have been broken up. To investigate the matter further, we take a second look adown the dim vista of time, and in the far distance we can see the outlines of a rug ged path winding its way through the distant ages. It continues in an onward course, widen ing here and narrowing there, until finally it reach es and spreads itself round about us. This path may be known as the path of Civilization. Just as the mighty rivers which flow through our conti nents have left their marks and traces upon the mountains and steep cliffs, the valleys and fertile plains, so has Civilization, in her onward march, indelibly stamped herself and character upon the remote ages and the beaten shores of time. And the disasters mentioned in the beginning are not disasters simply, but they represent the step^ trodden by Civilization in her onward march. Civilization is defined as a condition of human community characterized by political and social organization, advancement in knowledge, wealth, and refinement, the arts, literature, and science. In a more general idea, it is an improved condi- SEEKING THE BEST. 115 tion of man resulting from the establishment of social order in place of the individual indepen dence and lawlessness of savage or barbarous life. It consists of two principles, two charac teristics individual progress and social amelior ation. These two principles are vital factors in the growth and evolution of Civilization. With out them states and nations cannot exist, empires and kingdoms must fall, and disorder, violence, and barbarism will prevail. They are as essen tial to life and the growth of a nation as the organs of respiration are to the body. After four thousand years of strife and con flict, we find that Egypt had developed a civiliza tion, the first recorded upon the pages of history. In many things it surpassed ours. When it was at its height, art, literature and science flour ished, manufactories and industries were oper ated, and general enlightenment and intelligence characterized her time. But, unfortunately for this country, certain things which attend Civili zation in her onward march are things which drag nations down. Discontent, desire to rule, ambition, amalgamation, are things which de velop Civilization. And Egypt, like other na tions that have become a victim to an excess of these qualities, tottered, and, after a few declin- 116 SEEKING THE BEST. ing years, war and tumult, ambition of kings, non-unity, and amalgamation of people, discon tinued the empire, whose achievements and ac complishments furnish the first topics to go down upon the pages of history. Says one, "Her mis sion among nations was fulfilled. She had lit the torch of Civilization in ages inconceivably remote, and had passed it on to other people of the West." What is true of Egypt is none the less true of other countries. Greece and Rome had their day of prosperity and adversity. They experienced infancy, they experienced youth, and, like a thief in the night, old age came and found them torn and rent asunder on account of disobedience and disregard for the laws of Civilization. Then surely, if this be the case with other na tions, it devolves upon us as citizens to look after and study for the development of these two prin ciples individual progress and social ameliora tion. It devolves upon us as citizens to advance ourselves individually and to help others to ad vance ; for if we fail in this, then proud America, who now stands foremost in the rank of nations, and whose torch of progress, like the burning sun, sends its rays of gleaming light throughout the world, will fail, fail, and go down with other na tions to mingle with the wreckage that marks the SEEKING THE BEST. 117 footprints of the fleeting ages. Let us remember that our country is not invincible, neither are its people infallible. It was in the fifth century when Rome fell at the hands of the barbarians. Her pride, her splendor, her magnificence, and her all fell with her, only to be replaced by the rude, uncouth, and degenerate habits of the barbarians. The history of European civilization dates from this period. We may trace it from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present date, and we shall find that war, slavery, tyranny, and things which are characteristic of modern civilization were impelling forces in European civilization. They brought about revolution/ and revolution brought about reformation, and reformation made civilization what it is to-day. The first phase of European civilization that presents itself to us is that of the feudal system, a tyrannical form of government which sprang up under the existing circumstances. It was a form of government which oppressed the poor and made them serfs and slaves to nobles. They were held apart. They had no way by which they could exchange views and ideas, and as a result social and political organization was made impossible. This wretched state of affairs exist- 118 SEEKING THE BEST. ed for some centuries, when finally a second phase or condition presented itself. This phase was marked by general dissatisfaction. Uprisings and revolutions were of frequent occurrence. All Europe was in an uproar. All attempts to re establish an empire were void of result. War and tumult, disorder and violence, seemed to be the chief occupation of men. And not until the eve of the eleventh century, when the Crusade move ment was brought about and agitated by Peter the Hermit, did this unsettled state of affairs cease to exist. Yea, it ceased when all Europe became united, when all minds centered on one thought, and all hands worked in common for the accomplishment of a single purpose. Then, when unity was estab lished, when the minds of the people had become centralized, when the interest of one man became the interest of another, when selfishness and dis regard for the rights of other was laid aside, then civilization, like the American eagle, took an up ward flight, and began to soar higher and higher, penetrating farther and farther into the realms of infinity. In the language of another : "With want destroyed, with greed changed to noble pas sion, with fraternity that is born of equality taking the place of the jealousy and fear that ar- SEEKING THE BEST. 119 -ay men against each other, with mental powers loosed by conditions that give to the humblest comfort and leisure, and who shall measure the height to which our civilization may soar? "Words fail the thought. It is the golden age of which poets have sung and high-raised seers have told in metaphor; it is the glorious vision which has always haunted men with gleams of fitful splendor; it is what he saw at Patmos whose eyes were closed in a trance, it is the cul mination of Christianity, the city of God on earth, with its walls of jasper and its gates of pearl ; it is the reign of the Prince of Peace." THE PERPETUITY. OF THE RACE. I am glad to know that the Negroes of the United States are rapidly becoming educated. I am glad to know that they have commenced to write books, print papers, and make a literature and history for themselves that they have begun to look after such things as are essential to the culture and refinement of a country or a nation; that the leaders of the race have begun to study such things as will have a tendency to join the people together in social ties and social bonds, which are characteristic of a prosperous and growing people, and which have so sadly been neglected in the Negro race. I am indeed glad that a change is being wrought, such a change as will mark a new era in Negro civilization, and vouch for the perpetuity of the race. Too long have we, as a race, neglected those principles which are vital factors in the growth and evolution of civilization; too long have we neglected ourselves individually; too long ha^we we, as a race, neglected ourselves collectively. 120 SEEKING THE BEST. 121 And the day will soon come whose dawning Is already upon us like the red glare of the morning sun upon the eastern horizon, when we, as a race, must learn that all our growth, all our strength, and all our prosperity depends upon these two principles individual progress and social ameli oration. These two principles are vital factors in the growth and evolution of civilization. Without them states and nations cannot exist, empires and kingdoms must fall, and disorder, violence, and barbarism prevail. They are as essential to the life and growth of nations as are the organs of respiration to the body. And permit me to say that it devolves upon us, as a race whose growth, whose prosperity, whose very existence is at stake, to look after and study for the develop ment of these two principles. It devolves upon us, as a race, to advance our selves individually and to advance ourselves col lectively ; and if we fail in this, then the Negro race will be a failure ; then will our churches, our societies, and our institutions of learning be void of result. All our labors will have been in vain, and the so-called "Negro problem" must remain forever unsolved. 122 SEEKING THE BEST. I, for one, can truthfully say that I have the interest of the Negro race at heart. I desire to see a new and inverted order of things. I desire to see selfishness, superstition, envy, and mis trust entirely eliminated from the affairs of the Negro, and in their stead a broadness of mind, a loftiness of thought, a nobleness of character, backed up by more moral courage and strength, in order that we may be better able to do justice not only to ourselves, not only to our fellow-men, not only to the race with which we are connected, but to the Almighty One, "in whom we live and SELFISHNESS. Selfishness is a most detestable sin, and if there is any one thing above another that I desire to see crushed in the affairs of men, it is selfishness. It is an evil or curse that is as certain to ruin the conditions of a country or a people as the rot tenness of one apple is to destroy a barrel. It is as destructive to a nation as wood-worms to a vessel that rides the waves of the mighty deep. When the motto, "Everyone for himself and no one for his neighbor," is exercised, when per sonal interest or advantage is the chief aim to be desired, there can be no honesty in religion, politics, or trade. In the language of another : "When pictures are painted and books are writ ten for money alone, when laborers take no pleas ure in their work save for the wages it brings, when no enthusiasm is shown in anything ex cept the accumulation of wealth, and when all the finer sentiments and nobler instincts of man are made subject to self-worship, who is so blind or so mad as to think good can come of it?" 123 124 SEEKING THE BEST. slaves; we can hear th cry for me.ty irom the Nothing but evil upon evil can accrue from such a system. And to-day let us be warned against it. Let selfishness, above all things, be elim inated from the affairs of our race SUPERSTITION, ENVY, AND MISTRUST. These qualities are the enemies of progress wherever they are exercised freely, without shame or the consciousness of the harm there is in them, they are very undesirable. They are quali ties inherent to too great extent in the Negro race to-day. They can be only too plainly observed in e very-day life in every city, town, village, or hamlet; in our schools, churches, conventions in short, in every organization where leadership and confidence are necessary ; and if we ever hope to become a great people, if we ever hope to re ceive recognition from our superiors in culture and refinement, if we ever hope to increase in power, wealth, and worthily accumulated things, we must eliminate these unbecoming and ungod- like qualities from our minds and hearts. We must have for our motto, "Not for self alone, but for others, do I live." We must at all times as sist our brothers to rise, rather than pull tlieiri down. EDUCATION. Education develops enthusiasm and the ap preciation of lofty things. It has a refining ef fect upon the tastes of man, and not only gives him a better insight into the beauties of nature which surround him in his daily life, making him see "sermons in stones, books in running brooks, and good in everything," but it also makes him better able to grappel with the stern realities, the difficult problems, and the many responsibilities of life. It can answer a two- fold purpose against the enemy: it is both a sword and a shield; and it would be well for every American Negro, if possible, to thus arm himself. It can secure more .rights and privileges than the shotgun or the ballot-box. It is a passport into the good graces and confidence of all men. Say what you will, it is the salvation of the Negro in America. It is the one essential part necessary for the solution of the "race problem," and hence we should not hesitate to seize every opportunity for mental de velopment and self -culture, that we may be bet ter, broader, and more useful citizens and se cure the respect and confidence of those who too often misjudge us, 126 SEEKING THE BEST. 127 Trained and upright leadership is in great de mand. \Ve need men of culture and good char acter in every walk and community of life. Our schools and our pulpits should be filled with wise and intelligent women and men, in order that they may point out the way clearly and inspire their following with lofty thoughts and noble pur poses. We cannot have too many such leaders. Our leaders, as a rule, are lacking the qualities necessary for the culture and refinement of peo ple. Too many of them are unschooled in the habits of honesty and uprightness. They are too eager for self-praise and self-aggrandizement. So eager sometimes that they will overstep all law, both of God and man, to satisfy their greed and selfish natures. Down with such leaders! Let us establish a new set. Let us support men for leadership who have talent and preparation, who practice the virtues and not the vices of life, who are broad in mind, lofty in thought, and noble in character; men who have moral courage and moral strength ; men who are able and willing to do justice, not only to themselves, but to their fellow-men. Yes, men who respect their word as they do their bond high-classed, dignified men. Good and great leaders are much in demand. LET US STOP AND CONSIDER . It is only too true that we belong to a down trodden race; that we are permitted to possess but a few of this world's goods; that we are drawers of water and hewers of wood for our superiors, and all we get we must earn by the sweat of our own brows ; but, my dear friends, I am prepared to say that more money is made and handled by the Negro race than is suspected or actually known. There are among our race to-day young men who have made and spent small fortunes in the last decade; made and spent them lavishly and recklessly; made and spent them in gambling- hells and vicious dives of sin; made and spent them in trying to keep up with every foolish fad and fashion brought out. They, with no little credit, belong to the proudest race under the shining sun, and they have spent their money m wearing patent leather shoes, standing collars, silk cravats, and the costliest clothes made by hand of a tailor; and as a results-nothing is left them. 128 SEEKING THE BEST. 129 Young men, suppose we stop a moment and consider the .matter. Let us note the evil effects that such a standard of living is having upon us. We, as a race, are very poor, and living up to such a standard can only make us poorer. We must look more closely after our nickels and dimes and twenty-five-cent pieces, and if we have to spend them, let us do so in support of our lit tle brothers and sisters at home. Let us spend them on our old gray haired fathers and mothers, who have seen their best days, who have long reached and passed the zenith of their lives, and are now upon the descent toward a second child hood ; let us spend them in decorating our homes, in planting trees and beautiful flowers around about our doors ; let us spend them in buying good books to read in the education of ourselves ; let us invest them in savings-banks and loan asso ciations, that we may be prepared for the rainy days that are sure to come when we least expect them. And as we are proud, let us continue to be so ; but let us also remember that we are poor, and that we cannot be otherwise so long as we indulge in this high living. - Let us wean ourselves from the habits of extravagance, intemperance, dissi pation, and vice. A PRACTICAL SERMON. It has often been said that a Negro dwelling- house can be recognized as far as it can be seen. \Vhcther this be true or not I am unprepared to i^ay ; but I do know, and so do you, that some of us are not as neat and tidy around our homes as we might be. As a rule, the front yards of some of our homes are tolerably nice, but by no means beautiful, while the back yard is a most horrible sight to look upon. Oh, how awful, how repul sive, how full of ugly sights and things that have no earthly value, are some of our back yards ! Move that box of old shoes, that bunch of dirty rags, that old bucket of lime, that old kit of ashes, that bottomless chair, that rusty piece of stovepipe, that old iron hoop, that old greasy slop-barrel, that old rust-eaten wash-boiler, that old coal-scuttle, that broken hoe and shovel, that rat-trap, that sausage-grinder, that sawbuck, that stick of cordwood, that old broken washbowl, that old burnt-out stove, that old window-sash, that old door-screen with its rusty wire torn loose, that old ragged and dusty piece of carpet, that m SEEKING THE BEST 131 old chintz sofa, that old pile of boards full of dangerous rusty nails, that old rocking-chair, that old plow, that old mowing blade; move those wretched sights, I say, and life itself will be brighter for you. The speculator will see fifty percent more value in your property, you will pay a debt you owe to civilization, and you will alter, oh ! ever so much, the general opinion, that the characteristic of all "niggers" is to be be low and degraded. THINK, WATCH, AND ACT. We do not mean to speak disparagingly of our race, but there are many shortcomings and disagreeable traits that might be remedied if properly, or, in other words, in a not too critical or offensive manner pointed out. Our people as a race are by no means harm ful or vicious, as some papers and persons of the other race are continually setting forth; but, on the other hand, they are ever aspiring arrd have good intentions deeply rooted in their nature. But there is a class who in pleasures and pas times, social and business dealings, are thought less and short-sighted, but not always intention ally harmful. We know men who hold high places, both in the social and intellectual world, who stand out boldly and conspicuously in this class. They too often act or speak before they think, or, if they do think, it is only on the momentary good or pleasure that they hope to gain, They lose sight of future welfare and happiness, and 132 SEEKING THE BEST. 133 to think in the interest of the mass or of the other fellow is quite out of the question. It is to this class of persons principally that we address ourselves. Of course, dear reader, if you do not come under this head, there is no reason whatever for you to feel offended. And to those who may feel the force of our utterances, there should be no reason for offense, since it, is in the kindliest spirit and for the good of all that we speak. Now, with our desires and intentions thus set forth, we hope it is understood that we are not arrogant or assumptive. We know full well that we have not the power or authority to compel the right cr to censure the wrong, but we do feel it our duty, as a mouthpiece for the people, to kindly but firmly hint at some of the many things that are holding us down as a race and are caus ing us to be branded as an undesirable and in ferior people. Indeed, there are those of the Var- daman and Tillman type who accuse us of being a wholly unreliable, selfish, envious, ignorant, su perstitious people, void of moral principle or even common decency. Naturally this causes our blood to boil, and we resent it with all the pride and manhood of our natures. But it is "up to" us to study our- 134 SEEKING THE BEST. selves and see how much of this criticism is un just and untrue, if the other race has any grounds whatever for hurling these insults and bitter ti rades which strike to the very quick of our being. It is "up to" each individual to examine himself thoroughly and see if he has any one or a dozen of those undesirable traits which go to make up the sum total of these bitter accusations. A search of the person of an honest man will not hurt. Let us take a fair and honest inventory of our stock and store. Let us go into secret med itation and find out for ourselves if any of these unworthy and ungodlike qualities lurk in our na tures, and if we find them there, let us relieve our conscience by a secret resolve something like this : "I will ever be on my guard, and in my dealings with both my own and other races, in my con duct on the street, in public buildings and public conveyances, will never do or say anything to reflect discredit on myself or my people." "I fully realize that the eyes of the world are upon us, that we are on our good behavior as men and women, and that it is "up to" us to prove by our conduct that these vicious attacks upon our character as a people are false and an awful injustice to us." Then if, after we have done our best, they continue to malign and cen sure us, we can easily guess the reason why. WE MUST MAKE FRIENDS. It is often said by persons of the other race that there is nothing in the Negro; that he is full of bluff and pretension ; that he is buoyed up and carried along by the great tide of civilization in which he chances to exist, and if left upon his own resources, he could not stand, but would fall as swiftly and as surely as young birds hurled from their nests ere the growth of their wings is complete ; that, in other words, his seeming prog ress is not real, but imaginary, and no less so to him than to many of the other race, and that the day is close at hand when his strength is to be tested. Now the question arises, "Are we ready for the test?" We think that the following figures will prove much of the real progress made by the Negro in the past forty years ; that his growth is steady and sure; and that with a little care and caution along busmess lines, with an increase of moral strength and courage, and with a fuller knowledge and a greater heed to the old adage, 135 136 SEEKING THE BEST. "Honesty is the best policy," when the test comes, he will be equal to it. These figures, as gleaned from the repoits of the Presbyterian General Assembly that was held in our city, will show much of the real progress that the Negroes in this country have made : "'Nearly 4,000,000 Negroes are engaged in profitable occupations; nearly 45 per cent, as compared with 37 per cent in the white race. More than 7,000 operate farms; 25 per cent of these farms are owned by the Negroes working them. The records show that the country has 21,000 Negro carpenters, 20,000 barbers, 15,000 stone masons, 10,000 engineers and firemen, 10,000 blacksmiths, 2,000 lawyers, 2,000 dentists, and 2,000 preachers." This is a splendid showing. But we must not allow these figures or statistics to delude or mis lead us; we must remember that we are in the midst of a mighty people, shrewd, sagacious, fore- sighted, and observing, and, at our best, we will be at our wits' end to cope with them. We must learn to study them as they study us. We must make friends of them. How to do this should be the uppermost thought in the minds of all our leaders. Our first step along this line should be to eliminate all prejudice and ill-feeling from-- SEEKING THE BEST. 137 our own hearts. We must favor them wherver we can without sacrificing principles or manhood. We must learn to sympathize more and to rebuke less. We must remember that a vast change has been wrought in our lives in the last forty years. Much has been done for us, and our murmurings and seeming ingratitude tend only to exhaust even the patience of some of our best friends. We must study to please and sympathise with the other race. And when we have lifted ourselves to such a plane, they cannot oppress us, they can not resist us; for they are hunian and can but yield to the laws and promptings which govern in the human breast. THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE OF MANHOOD. Wherever I go, whatever I do, whatever I see, I am continually confronted with the question, What constitutes a true man ? What are the true principles of manhood? Were it not for the fact that we are dwelling in a serious time, and that great political truths are constantly being sought and are constantly in dmand A we might allow these questions to pass from our view fnto philosophical hands, where some dreamer might meditate over them for cen turies and centuries unmolested. This is impos sible; the age demands their solution at once. Something rrrust be done to check the advance of fraud, graft, and dishonest practices. We must choose the right kind of men to face the coming issues, to lead us through the coming storms ; men in whom we can put implicit confi dence, without fear of the monuments of justice, mercy, and truth being trodden under foot. Wherever such a man is found, in whatever vocation of life he may be, the world will fall and worship at his feet. In prder that he may be 138 SEEKING THE BEST. 139 found, he must show to the world that he pos sesses that properly developed manhood, those stern and true principles which serve as a becon- light to a beautiful world, a blessing to mankind. Where can we find manhood that will endure? Not in the man who has for his motto, "The ac cumulation jof wealth at any price;" not in the scholar who spends his days in constant research, and leaves nothing that will benefit the world in which he has lived; not in the patriot who loves his country better than his fellow-men, who loves his flag better than his neighbor, or who loves his nation better than he does his God. But where? In the lives and principles of a God-inspired Lincoln and the honest, noble, and true patriots, Lovejoy, Sumner, and Phillips, and many other sincere, noble, an & Christian patriots, whose names live in the history of this country and whose epitaph is written in the hearts of men. Let us go back to the early days of this Re public and study the lives and characters of such men as these. Let us study what they learned, let us uphold what they maintained, let us breathe the atmosphere in which they lived. Here we will be able to answer this question which con fronts us, and will be able to tell the world of a 140 SEEKING THE BEST, noble alliance or combination which goes to make up a properly developed manhood. With this question once answered and con stantly placed before the hosts of young men and women who hold up the highest bulwarks of state, then the solemn, mysterious old philosopher of past days need not, with lantern in hand, stroll the streets of his native city looking for an honest man. We need not then hesitate, we need not meditate, we need not then lament when asked, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Regardless of sect, creed, or race, we, as Ameri can citizens, should lift our faces toward the high heavens and be thankful to God for such noble thoughts, such noble principles, and such sublime manhood. Thankful to God that we live under the pro tection of. the flag of this country, where these men lived and died, let us for a moment forget the modern world with its complex problems and stern realities and study the martyrdom of our past history. "The future is not dead to the man who has studied the past ,and knows how the present came to be what it is," says Mr. Mac- aulay, and I believe that those same principles which caused Grecian civilization to live and Ro man liberty to flourish, which caused the Saxons SEEKING THE BEST. 141 to enter Britain and Luther to go to Rome, which accompanied the dying Swiss patriots at Margarten Pass and the Pilgrims landing at Ply mouth Rock, are as sacred bulwarks for the future as they have been for the past. Grecian sculpt ure now lies buried in the tongueless silence of the dreamless past, and only a few remnants of that glorious civilization remain. The explorers of the world now dig for marble down beneath the ruins of the old Reman Forum, Vast fields of golden grain now wave in the breeze over the land where brave Spartans fought and died. The pass of Thermopylae now 7 welcomes the curious travelers, who go their way mindful of the braves who sleep on either side ; Saxon and Roman blood has long since been washed from the fields of Hastings ; but the three principles intellect, industry, and patriotism which sur vived those crucial periods in the world's history, form the great alliance on which the destiny of the world hangs to-day. The men whose names are immortal in our own dear history are the men in whose earthly tenements these principles dwelt ,and at whose death they were left as a rich legacy for unborn generations, To know is not to conquer; to work is not to conquer; to be tri: is not to conquer, The young 142 SEEKING THE BEST. man who led his class in the university, who is graduated with the honors of his class, and who goes forth into the world confident of success merely because of his intellect, is doomed to dis appointment. The world owes him nothing for his scholarship; he is in debt to the world even more than his duller classmates. The young man who struggles day after day and night after night like the beast of burden as it plods its weary way, with no object in view, no lofty aims to attain, with nothing to do but work, is not only a fail ure, but he holds in check the civilization of the time in which he lives. The young man who goes forth to fight the battles of his country because he loves his country, right or wrong, because he wants to see his coun try gain dominion over all the world, is not the kind of man our country needs to-day; such a patriot is more of a menace to the commonwealth than the battleships of a foreign enemy. But the young man who carries with him this triple alli ance of intellect, the jewel of the soul; industry, the backbone of civilization; and a patriotism which embodies the cry, "My country right, to keep it right, and wrong to be made right/' is the individual who carries with him the properly de- velopel manhood for which the ages yearn. SEEKING THE BEST. 143 Wrapped in such an armour, he may be assailed with the storms of popular disapprobation on every hand; but, like the leader of the God- favored Isrealites, crying out in the wilderness, he will be borne up by these principles and as suredly he will triumph in the end. Wars may come, and he will stand unharmed in the front of battle. San Franciscos may tremble from center to circumference, they may be dragged in the mire of political corruption, and an angry God may sencl bubonic plagues upon disobedient citi zens ; but he will build up stronger and greater municipalities. The temples of art, science, and commerce may be destroyed, but in a few days he will build them up again. Like a star in the darkness* of night, he travels his journey through the thickest of the gloom, leaving the light of truth, the glory of industry, and the radiance of patriotism in his wake. These are the principles of manhood that will endure; these are the stepping-stones by which we may reach through up to manhood's God and learn "the divine love by the human," These are the principles which sooner or later witl c'arjse the former slave and his master to meet and clasp hands on one common level. This is the alliance which will do away with the North, South, and unbounded West, the white 144 SEEKING THE BEST. man and the black man. It admits of no sec tional hatred, no racial distinction, no previous condition of servitude. I may subject myself to severe criticism when I say that we, as a people, as we grow in intellect and industry, let us complete the alliance by growing in the love of country. I am aware of the fact that there are gray-haired mothers and fathers under the sound of my voice who are still brooding over, wrongs they suffered during the dark days of American bondage. There are in this intelligent audience this evening young men and young women smarting under the humil iation heaped upon our people. The modern prejudice imposed upon our people is far more threatening and foreboding than the dark and sorrowful bondage through which they emerged in the dark days of '61. But, my friends, throughout it all let us learn that the Constitution ,of our country is capable of a grander and nobler mission. Let us strive to make it what it should be. Let us see within it only three principles, this noble alliance in tellect, industry, and patriotism. Let, Us love this land of opportunity if it is in habited by people who do not love us. Let us reverence the Stars and Stripes if we are not re- SEEKING THE BEST. 145 spected under its folds. After all, is there not a just God who is watching the destines of His people? Did He not say to those who would suffer for the right, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" ! I am firm in my convictions, that if we are in dustrious, intelligent, and patriotic citizens, doing our duty toward God, home, and native land, true to one another and true to the principles which have lived in the past, there will come forth a modern Lincoln, ever mindful of our honest lives, our noble deeds, and our lofty ideals, crying out to our persecutors and to men who would for ever close the door of hope in our face, "Just so far shalt thou go, and no farther." Then foreign nations will cry out, "The true American is the black man still wandering from the dark continent of ignorance and oblivion,, ever loyal to his coun try's needs." They tell us, young people, we cannot win. They tell us God never intended it to be so. They tell us the curse of generations past and generations yet unborn is written on our fore heads. They go still farther and tell us that from beneath our dark-hued skins there often creep out in all their hideousness the instincts of the brute, If these accusations be false, let us an- 146 SEEKING THE BEST. swer not ; but if we possess true manhood, we will ask the thinking world to enter us in the race of life. Like Rhythmic, the blind steed who chal lenged the admiration of the world by winning the grand Chamber of Commerce stakes in the city of Detroit, we cannot see the course on which we are to race ; we cannot see the tape which we must cross to win. We are blind blind to our competitors, blind to our surroundings, blind to the future, blind to the past, blind to the present. We hear the hisses of the Vardamans and Till- rnans on every hand. We hear millions crying out that the odds are against us; we hear thou sands predicting our defeat. We cannot see the course. We feel that beneath our feet the track is firm, and we resolve to run with patience the race. The race is on. We hear the encourage ment of our Master, and we place confidence in His guidance. By intelligence we know the im portance of the occasion; industry, the main spring of success, compels us to strain every nerve to win ; and true American patriotism, true American citizenship, will bring home the victory in the kingdom of our God. E. A. SHACKELFORD, Poems. THE LINCOLN INSTITUTE FIRE. One summer eve, about half -past eight, News came to me which I loathe to relate ; For northing more appalling to my ears could resound Than that famous Old Lincoln had burned to the ground ; The famous Old Lincoln, where for years I had gone, The old-fashioned building that had stood there so long. I listened in silence, I felt very sad; I could form no expression, except "Tis too bad !" For ne'er did I think that such a rare i ate Our famous Old Lincoln should ever o'ertake; The famous Old Lincoln, with its majestic old walls, The old-fashioned building and its winding halls. 149 150 SEEKING THE BEST. Daily I've sat there for many terms past ; I remember my first day as well as my last ; But I can never sit there in another class, For proud Old Lincoln has seen her last; That famous Old Lincoln, that I loved so well, That old-fashioned building and its clear-ringing bell. I imagine I see her as I climb the high hill, I imagine I see the architect's skill; But when the truth dawns, as it always will, Old Lincoln lies there in her ashes still; The famous Old Lincoln on her beautiful ground, The old-fashioned building of ancient renown. I loved her, I loved her, but now she has gone, To number with buildings in a different form; For in ashes and cinders, a sight to alarm, Old Lincoln was left during a thunder-storm ; The famous Old Lincoln, the noblest in group, The old-fashioned building called Lincoln Institute. THE POETS. Oh, what fine and lofty feelings, Ever in the pool's mind, Like the dreams cf night are stealing! For in him a friend they find; For in him they know they're welcome Even as a thief they come. He delights to give expression, Love and cherish every one. Love and grief and desolation, Joy and pain and hope, despair, Find in him a consolation That cannot be found elsewhere. He's the chief, the king of nations, Doctor, lawyer, priest, and seer; Helps the high and low in stations, Gives to all a word in cheer. 151 152 SEEKING THE BEST. Let us praise our ancient Muses, Let us love our modern ones; Let the books the young one uses Come from God's inspiring sons. If you want to see God's glory, Want to sit around His throne, Want to hear that sad sweet story, Told by His beloved Son, Let us listen to our poets, As they sing redemption's song; For God's love they surely know it, And with angels they belong. OUR SOULS. Oh, restless souls of men, pent up In clayey shells on earth, Like prisoners there within have lived, And longed and pined since birth. Unhappy spirits, they, bound up In painful clayey moulds, Are subjects to the toils and snares, And ills and griefs untold. While in these wretched troubles hurled, They cry for their release; They're longing for sweet freedom's sphere, They want to dwell in peace. They love the homeland of the soul, They hate this dusty den, They want to join their wondrous whole, And quit the walks of men. 153 154 SEEKING THE BEST. They're roused by music's softest strain, By poet's sweetest lay, To try to break the cords in twain, Which keep them bound in clay. Oh, upward swift and sure they'd fly, Were't not for earthly weights. They're ever struggling toward the sky From things they loathe and hate. " Say not farewell, my angel Love, say not farewell to me; It breaks my heart to think of such, O, Love, we must agree." A LOVER'S PLEA. Say not farewell, my angel love, Say not farewell to me; Just wait a little moment, dear; Let's see ' we can't agree. I love you, Grace, my darling one, I love with all my heart; And oh, the bitter pain it gives To think that we must part ! We've been so much together, love, We've spent such happy hours; We've wandered 'mid the sylvan scenes. We've gathered fruits and flowers. We've sat upon the mossy banks Of silvery flowing streams, And told each other of our love Till lost in blissful dreams, 155 156 SEEKING THE BEST. Then must our vows be broken, dear, And must our hopes be dead? Are we to part forever In spite of all we've said? Say not farewell, my angel love, Say not farewell to me; It breaks my heart to think of such Oh, love, we must agree! THE WAIL OF THE WANDERER. Out on the deep sea of life we're cast, Far from out home and friends, alas! Far from our childhood's haunts and scenes, Far from our first life's happy dreams ; Far from a tender mother's care, Far from our brothers and sisters dear. Out in the world, so cold and cruel, Where crusts of bread are costly jewels; Where fallen leaves and earthly beds Are welcome places for our heads. Misery, why lurk'st thou on our way? Why hauntest both by night and day? Are we by fate to tortune doomed ? Are thus our lives to be consumed? Is this your mission, to destroy A father's pride, a mother's joy? We once were pure as the morning dew, We yet have hearts so sad but true. 157 158 SEEKING THE BEST. Beneath these rags, all tattered and torn, That cover the forms of wretches forlorn, Far from the things of earthly care, Far from the sins that flesh is heir, Way deep down in our humble hearts, Like smoldering ashes, are manly sparks. Think not we're void of heart or soul Our names may be on Heaven's roll; And when the angel Gabriel calls, A host of tramps may lead you all. "We once were pure as the morning dew." THE PASSING OF SPAIN. Let's sing of Dewey's wondrous feat, Let's sing of Sampson's glory, And Hobson's name we must repeat In telling this great story. Who leads in brave and noble deeds? Who is the greatest fighter? Which one our country doth most need In making Cuba brighter? It's hard for anyone to say; They've all been quite victorious, And by and by there'll come a day When ends their work laborious. By and by there'll come a day When Spain shall live no longer, When Spanish rule and Spanish sway Must yield to nations stronger. By and by there'll come a day When her old banner tattered Must fall and trail upon the clay, With dust and blood bespattered. The Stars and Stripes shall wave serene, O'er Cuba once benighted, And Spanish war and cruel scenes Can only be recited. 169 A TRIBUTE TO LINCOLN INSTITUTE. On lovely eves in sunny May Our rapturous souls are borne away To realms of bliss and joy untold, By Nature's scenes and workmen's mold. These lovely eves like lusty dreams, These lofty hills and flowing streams, These flowers and lilies 'round the brooks, These grassy plains and shady nooks, These towers and turrets high and bold, These dwellings new, these dwellings old, Like visions fall upon our gaze From "Lincoln's" lofty heights and ways. We love thee, "Lincoln," for thy site; We love thee for thy sweet delight; We love thee for thy gentle breeze; We love thee for thy spreading trees; We love thee ever aad anon, Because thou art Dame Nature's home, 160 SEEKING THE BEST. 161 And when we go away from thee, To fight upon life's rugged sea, When clouds of darkness 'round us roll, And hide from us our waiting goal, We'll think of thee, O lovely place, Where rapture meets us face to face. THE DEPLORABLE END OF A TEN CENT SHOW. Twas on a mild September day, When autumn times were coming, When men had finished raking hay, And bees were softly humming, That to our town there came a show- As some do still remember With faces bright and cheeks aglow With leaper, clown, and bender. When first they came upon the ground, Their plunder they unloaded; From carts and wagons strewn around, Their canvas they unfolded. Then men soon at their tasks were uent, With power and will undaunted; To drive the stakes and hoist a tent, No idle hands are wanted. 162 SEEKING THE BEST. 163 They drove their stakes into the ground With sledges large and heavy; Made fast their ropes and laid them down, Until a ring was ready. And when a ring was made complete, They to the center gathered And raised a pole full sixty feet In altitude it measured. The pole was called the center-pole, On 'count of its position ; Some other poles, called quarter-poles, Had yet to fill a mission. The canvas 'round the center-pole Was spread with unfurled edges ; The ropes were fastened in a hole, And stakes drove deep with sledges. Then up the pole the canvas flew, Until it reached its station ; The other poles were forced in too, And made an elevation. And now the work was almost done, Behold the great pavilion ; The curtains 'round the sides were hung Twould hold a half a million. 164 SEEKING THE BEST. It took about a half an hour To fix the high trapezes, The springing-board and turning-bar, And many a thing that pleases. And now the members of the band, Their part must be remembered; They took their drums and horns in hand And pretty music rendered. Then off they marched with steps so gay, And through the streets paraded, Some dressed in blue, some dressed in gray, Some in garments old and faded. And when they'd gone all over town And to the tent returned, There was a man with red tights on To walk the rope we learned. We waited but a little while, Upon the rope he hastened, And by a pleasant bow and smile A friendly feeling wakened. We marveled at his daring feat, We praised his exhibition; He* doing work so nice and neat, Deserved a good position. SEEKING THE BEST. 165 And now that things had turned out well, And all the folks were pleased, Reserved seat cards they had to sell, So some in soft chairs eased. Good acting seemed to be the aim Throughout the whole proceeding; They had achieved a goodly name, Nor were they now receding. The folks went home that afternoon With hearts all gay and lighter; They said they'd eat their supper soon, And come back looking brighter. They said they knew the show'd be good, They'd never see a better; And come that night they swore they would, In spite of wind or weather. That evening came and all were there; The tent was overflowing With young and old, with maidens fair, And little babes a-crowing. It was a grand and glorious sight To see the people seated And hear the titters of delight, "That ne'er might be repeated." 166 SEEKING THE BEST. The hour grew late; the band began To play some pretty dances; They opened up the night's program By twirling of the lances. Long ere the show had thus begun A storm had been a-brewin'; The clouds bedimmed the setting sun And threatened rain and ruin. So silently that no one knew Was it in concentration, And like the troops at Waterloo, Leaped forth with desperation. The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, The wind began a-blowing, The rain in mighty torrents poured, And streams began a-flowing. Twas evident to those inside, Disaster soon would follow; The women screamed, and children cried, And men began to hollow, SEEKING THE BEST. 167 The mighty tent tossed to and fro, Like waves upon the ocean; Began to yield and weaker grow, From wind and its commotion ; The center-pole began to lash, It seemed now almost falling; Then all at once a mighty crash What followed was appalling! For followed soon a muffled yell, Such cries were quite distressing; "The moans, the groans, the dreadful knell," Were to one's soul depressing. The tent at last had gone to ground ; It could withstand no longer The mighty winds which played around And ever waxed stronger. The people rushed towards the door, They trampled on each other; There was a great and loud uproar, And some were about to smother. And when the clouds had all rolled by And raining had abated, And when the wind had ceased to sigh, A wreck had been created. 168 SEEKING THE BEST. And when it all had cleared away, Ajnd when the cost was reckoned, They found that there was naught to pay, For angels no one beckoned. The folks, all wringing wet and sad, Were toward their homes a-groping; Some were thankful, and some were mad Because they got a soaking. The moon up in the skies serene, The stars with eyes a-twinkling, Looked down upon the wretched scene, A-winking and a-blinking. LIFE A DREAM. Life is but a fleeting dream, Full of ever-changing scenes; Full of phantoms and of frights, Some few pleasures and delights. Sudden changes, such as when Human creatures prove not men; Horrid visions 'fore us rise, Things unpleasant to the eyes. Change of place and change of scene Add caprice unto this dream; And we wander far and wide, Crossing ocean, stemming tide. Seeing sights so strange and new, Countries, places, people too; Seeing hills and mountains high, Streams and rivers rushing by. Tugs and steamers on the seas, Birds and flowers 'mid the breeze; Reeds and rushes on the sand, Houses built in foreign lands. 169 170 SEEKING THE BEST. Full of conflict and of strife, Clamoring, shouting, "Such is life!" Pushing, crowding, can be seen. Isn't it an awful dream? Will this tumult ever cease? Shall we ever dwell in peace? Will these visions ever end? Shall our waking hours descend? Yes, a change must come some day, And 'tis not so far away, When this lively dream shall pass, And our troubles cease at last. Yes, we'll wake up by and by In the land beyond the sky; In that country bright and fair, Free from sorrow, free from care. Life is but a fleeting dream, Full of ever-changing scenes; Full of conflict and of strife, Clamoring, shouting, "Such is life!" SEEKING THE BEST. 171 SPEAK. Who's who, pretty Miss? What's what? Tell me this: Who is ever in your eye? Who is it for whom you sigh? Tell me, tell me, Ere I die, Is it he, or is it I ? Why, why, pretty Miss? How, how? Tell me this: Can you keep us two in mind, And to each of us be kind? Tell me, tell me I'll resign Are you his, or are you mine? Where, where, pretty Miss? When, when ? Tell me this : Will you ever speak the word So it might by him be heard? Tell me, tell me, Ere we part, Love you me, have I your heart? THE OLD SOLDIERS LET THEM TALK. Let the old soldiers talk; Let them have their way; Let them tell their tales of strife, Of battle and array. Let them tell of victories won, What noble stands they made, How other soldiers fled their guns, But with what grit they stayed. Let them tell of Gettysburg And Missionary Ridge, Of Fredericktown or Chancellorsville, Of Grant or Breckenridge. Let them say whate'er they will, Of fight, of fort, of siege; Of charging up some rugged hill And forcing foe to leave. Let them have their annual meets, Let them rejoice and sing The songs of war and camp-fire, And do 'most anything. Fling open wide the public doors, Ope wide the private home, Give them a hearty welcome, When in your midst they SEEKING THE BEST. 173 For they have earned the right, The best that earth can give, The right to sing and laugh and joke, The right to look and live. Then let the old soldiers talk, Let them have their way, A few short years it won't be long Ere they have passed away. There's not a knee but's bending now ; There's not a head but's gray; There's not a one but totters As he plods his weary way; But they are gay and cheerful, Do not give up to sighs As they march in "double-quick" step To the "roll-call" in the skies. Then let the old soldiers talk; Let them have their way; Let them sing and laugh and joke Aind pass the time away. 'Tis ours to love and comfort them, These few short fleeting years; 'Tis theirs to boast of triumphs grand, Then ours to shed the tears, 174 SEEKING THE BEST. DANGER TO CHINA. China! China! What yer doin'? Fixin' for your 'mediate ruin? Foolin' with our Uncle Sam Is a mighty silly plan Uncle Sam's a dangerous man. Shut within your mighty wall, Secure, you think, from any fall, Don't deceive your little clan ; You will lose 'most every man, Monkeyin' with our Uncle Sam. 'Pears to me you'd better mind; There are other games to find, 'Stead of teasin' Uncle Sam Stop It, Stop it, yes you can. Uncle Sam's a dangerous man. SEEKING THE BEST. 175 TIME THE HEALER. There's a cure for lowness of spirit, A mover of many ills Which seem at first as mountains, But are really only hills. To the strong 'tis a great consolation To know of this healer divine, This curer of ills and shortcomings, This doctor your doctor and mine. His balm, if we'll only take it, Have patience and power to wait, Will smooth o'er all our troubles And cover all our mistakes. Have you ever thought about it This healer of wounds divine, This curer of ills and sorrows, This wonderful balm of time? No matter how chagrined the feeling, No matter how gross the misdeed, Time has a great cure for trouble, A balm which we all most need. 176 SEEKING THE BEST. DEEDS SUPERLATIVE. The sweetest song that e'er was sung, The sweetest tune that e'er was played, Thp sweetest word that e'er was said, The sweetest speech that e'er was made, Was sung, was played, Was said, was made, By Mother. The greatest wrath that e'er was 'peased The greatest pain that e'er was eased, The greatest sorrow that e'er was ceased, The deepest wound that e'er was healed, Was 'peased, was eased, Was ceased, was hea^d, By Mother. The happiest days that e'er wire spent, The sweetest hours that time e er lent, The brightest light that sun e ; er gave, Or moon or stars o'er mortals shed, Were spent, were lent, Were giv'n, were shed, Near Mother. SEEKING THE BEST. 177 CLASS POEM. O rock-ribb'd hill! O school sublime! What purpose is our own? Is it thy weary steeps to climb, In search of things unknown? In search of things, I say, To human mind or soul To unfold life's uncertain way, And view our unknown goal ? What purpose has this sacred hall, Wherein we now have met? Unless we heed our Master's call, To pay in praise and work our debt. O rock-ribb'd hill! O school sublime! This is our purpose grand, While long and weary we may climb : To meet the world's demand. L. M. SHACKELFORD. EDITORIAL COMMENT. "Seeking the Best," by Otis M. Shackelford, is a book written by a Missouri Negro that contains much sober reflection by a young writer who has the courage to look squarely and deeply into the Negro question. The appeal that goes up from the pages of the book is sound. Otis M. Shackelford believes in the Negro making an effort for the moral better ment of his people. He believes that this move ment should be from the inward instead of from the outword. He believes in the possibility of an intellectual and moral evolution. With Tennyson he can hope for his own race: "I hold this truth with him who sings, To one clear harp in divers tones, That men may rise on stepping stones, Of their dead selves to higher things." In many pages the book is marked by observa tion and shrewd common sense. The Kansas City Post. Every Negro in the West should have in his 1.78 SEEKING THE BEST. 179 home a copy of "Seeking the Best" and white men who want to know something of the race's literary ability should read his book. The Kan sas City Sun. "Seeking the Best," is the production of the brain of Otis M. Shackelford, a Negro, and is a literary work of merit. In it Mr. Shackelford seeks to inspire the youth of his own race that there is something in life for them to aspire to, and urges them by his own experience to strive to raise themselves above the conditions of the average man. He has an easy flow of language, and his book is interesting not only to his own people, but the reading public. His "verse" is above the average. Coffeyville Herald. In this book Shackelford has published the story of his life and travels, and also a number of his poems, for he has poetical aspirations also. Throughout the entire book the author deals with the uplifting of the members of his race, and his intention is to inspire them with higher ideals and loftier thoughts. He gives advice along lines which if followed would raise the race to higher education and knowledge The University Mis- sourian. 180 SEEKING THE BEST. Of special interest is the verse which forms the second section of the s book. An extended poem in the metre of "Hiawatha" is an ambi tious effort and is entitled "Bits of History in Verse." It contains lines of sincere poetic feel ing and the versification is very generally accur ate. Mere technical defects are to be found in most poems but the lofty and earnest purpose of the author of this volume, to encourage and inspire the people of his race, amply atones for any such to be found in his book. A number of miscellaneous poems, all bearing on some phase of the Negro problem or the history of the race, conclude the volume. Several helpful essays are scattered through the book, which is well worthy of careful persual by all members of the Negro race and by the general public as well." The Kansas City Journal. ' "Seeking the Best" is the title of a volume of autobiography, verse and essays recently pub lished by Otis M. Shackelford, a Kansas City Negro of unusual attainments* The spirit of the work is self-respecting and its purpose is to stim ulate the youth of the author's race into worthy endeavor. In the first part of the volume the experience of the writer in childhood and in gain ing an education and making a living are inter- SEEKING THE BEST. 181 estingly told. In the pages devoted to verse is an historical narrative poem of much real merit, reciting the progress of the Negro from slavery to citizenship. The verse form is that of Long fellow's "Hiawatha" and the language is simple, straightforward and unpretentious. Essays and shorter poems complete the book, which is sold by subscription by the author himself." The Kansas City Star. RETURN TO the circulation desk of any University of California Library or to the NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY Bldg. 400, Richmond Field Station University of California Richmond, CA 94804-4698 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 2-month loans may be renewed by calling (415)642-6233 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing books to NRLF Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date DUE AS STAMPED BELOW MOV 2S1989 _ URL! DUE SEP26 N9 542364 PS Shackelford, O.K. 3537 Seeking the best. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS