of colored Baptists of the New England and Middle States, though its enrollment shows among its constituents both churches and ministers from other sections. Its efforts have been to unite the colored Baptists of that part of the country for the promotion of home mission work, and to develop denominational strength. In foreign mission work it unites its forces with the Foreign Mission Convention of the United States, its territory becoming one of the Districts of that body. Its "Historical Table" shows that since its organization it has raised for "Convention work" $3,710. 20. The Treasurer's report for 1888 shows that $548.69 was raised in the last conventional year. It publishes The Baptist Monitor, which is issued from Philadelphia, Pa., with Rev. C. C. Stumm and Rev. R. L. Perry, D. D.. Ph.D., as editors. NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. In nothing is the educational progress of the race and its intellectual development more marked than in its journalistic enterprises and its literary ventures. The cultured mind becomes thoughtful, and thought conceived in the mind will create for itself avenues of issuance. The pulpit and the rostrum are rich fields for the employment of the cultivated talent of the colored race, but their growth of ideas upon all subjects that are engaging the thought and speculation of the age demands for the race a multiplication of ways and means for their proper dissemination. The following papers and periodicals, religious and secular, are edited and published by the colored Baptists in the United States: African Expositor, The-Editor, Rev. N. F. Roberts. Issued bi-monthly at Raleigh, N. C. African Missions-Editor, Prof. J. E. Jones. Issued monthly at Richmond, Va. American Baptist, The-Editors, Wm. J. Simmons, D.D., and Wm. H. Steward. Issued weekly at Louisville, Ky. Arkansas Baptist, The-Editor, Rev. Jos. A. Booker. Issued weekly at Little Rock, Ark. (This paper was issued daily by its enterprising managers during the week's sessions of the Baptist State Convention at Little Rock, August 22, 1888.) Arkansas Review, The-Editor, Rev. J. T. White. Issued weekly at Helena, Ark. Baptist Advocate, The-Editors, Revs. A. S. Jackson, S. T. Clanton, B. D. Issued weekly at New Orleans, La. Baptist Beacon, The-Editor, Rev. W. R. Boone, B. D. Issued weekly at Springfield, O. Anderson, M. W. Gilbert. Baptist Headlight, The-Editors, Revs. S. W. Issued weekly at Nashville, Tenn. Baptist Leader, The-Editor, Rev. A. N. McEwen. Issued weekly at Montgomery, Ala. Baptist Messenger, The-Editor, Hon. J. J. Spelman. Issued monthly at Jackson, Miss. Baptist Review, The-Editor, Rev. E. Carter. Issued monthly at Atlanta, Ga. Baptist Signal, The-Editor, Rev. G. W. Gayles. Issued weekly at Greenville, Miss. Baptist Standard, The-Editor, Rev. C. JohnIssued weekly at Raleigh, N. C. son. Busy Bee, The-Editor, F. J. Jones. Issued weekly at Greenville, Miss. Baptist Monitor, The-Editors, Revs. C. C. Stumm, R. L. Perry, D.D., Ph.D. Issued bimonthly at Philadelphia, Pa. Caret, The-Editor, C. D. Cooley. Issued weekly at Newport News, Va. Christian Weekly, The-Editor, Rev. H. J. White. Issued weekly at Augusta, Ga. at Men in the ranks of the colored Baptists of this country have written books that have commanded the attention and elicited the favorable criticism and commendation of the reading public. In the earlier periods of American history, when the literature of the country was less mature than now, and before American genius and culture had so clearly and broadly stamped its character on the literary productions of this land, English critics, with a sort of imperial literary air, would ask, "Who reads an American book ?" So now supercilious critics may turn their heads en hauteur and say, "Who reads a book written by a negro?" But the negro is being read. He is read not only in the books that are the productions of other races, in many of which he is only caricatured, but he is now being read in books of his own writing. Following are some of the books from the pens of colored Baptists in this country: Hon. George W. Williams, LL.D., whom some writers have not inappropriately denominated the "Historian of the Negro Race," has written a number of pamphlets and books of high character as historical works. His most noted productions are "History of the Negro Race," and "The Negro in the Late Rebellion." Rev. Wm. J. Simmons, D.D., who stands worthily in the very front rank of his race in this country as an eloquent preacher and a scholar, has recently given to the reading public a large-sized volume, "Men of MarkEminent, Progressive and Rising," which, as a biographical work of the race, deserves high praise. Negro talent and genius, both cultured and in their native uncultured state, have been dug out of an undeserving obscurity, and stand up before the world for review and inspection. A very learned thirty-eight page pamphlet, entitled "The Cushite," written by Rev. Rufus L. Perry, D.D., Ph.D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., is a scholarly compilation of historic data establishing the identity of the ancient Ethiopian with the negro of to-day. It shows wide reading and great ability in arranging materials and managing an argument. "Science, Art, and Methods of Teaching," by Prof. Daniel B. Williams, Professor of Ancient Languages and Instructor in the Science and Art of Education in the Normal and Collegiate Institute of Virginia. "Select Sermons," by Rev. Chas. B. W. Gordon, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., with an introductory sketch by Mrs. C. B. W. Gordon. A little pamphlet, "What We Believe," a hand-book for Baptist churches, by Rev. C. H. Parrish, A.B. "A Plea for Africa," pamphlet, by Rev. Thos. L. Johnson, of Chicago, Ill., returned missionary from Africa. "Africa in Brief," a book by Rev. J. J. Coles, of Virginia, a returned missionary. These books, though few in number, are representative of the denomination, and are destined to inspire our youth with confidence in the men who promulgate the principles of our fathers. That a negro should be able to write a book at all, not to say that he should be able to write one worth reading in so short a time since his chains were broken, is an evidence of marvelous progress and a vindication of the intellectual capacity of the race. But over all, and the most inspiring and hopeful omen of the future of the colored people in America, is the increase of intelligence in their religion and purity in their morals. STATISTICS BY STATES OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF THE U. S.-REPORTS OF 1887. Summary. 76.50 18,351.29 14,585.07 3,282.75 14.321.25 14,216.97 1,433.0 .06 1,724.12 656.03 18,030.18 347 7,225 10,805 51,171 1,274,337 4,18114,233 245,665 $4.279,243 00 $363,074 78 $28,418.83 $13,727 81 $62,640 24 $467,861 66 ADDENDA.-Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia have Sunday School Conventions; Arkansas, Kentucky and Louisiana have Women's Societies. 17,017 205,385.00 25,179-50 975-87 81.07 3,800.89 4,346 8,640 35,000.00 188,012.00 28.75 260.00 30,037-33 365.25 59,540.36 26,830 630 218,689.00 18,000.00 2,700.00 THE INCREASE OF THE COLORED PROF. D. B. WILLIAMS, PRINCIPAL NORMAL The remarkable progress of the colored people since 1865, has aroused frequent discussions from the people of this and other countries. Though a few individuals of some reputation for influence and learning have publicly denied reliable statements relating to the advancement of the Colored-American, yet the great mass of southern as well as northern white people readily | admit that their improvement has been rapid and marvelous. Their increase in numbers and their improvement in temporal affairs are notable features in their wonderful growth. When the roar of cannon and the rattle of musket ceased, about four millions of colored persons were in the United States. According to the census of 1870, there were 4,880,000 persons of color in our country. The year 1880 marked the close of the first full decade of freedom for the newly enfranchised. The census returns were awaited with great anxiety as many able scholars and thinkers declared that they would prove whether the Colored-American was an increasing or a decreasing race. The census of 1880 reveals the following facts:-The population of the colored people in 1870 was 4,880,000; in 1880, 6,580,000. This shows an increase of 35 per cent. for ten years or 31⁄2 per cent. per annum. About eight years have passed since the governmental officials announced to the world the actual and relative increase of the white and colored people of the country. As the colored population augmented from 1870 to 1880 at the rate of 3% per cent. per annum, it is reasonable to presume that they have grown in population at the same rate from 1880 to 1888, a period of eight years. According to this mode of reckoning, there are now in the United States 8,422,400 persons of color. A few remarks respecting their relative increase would not be inappropriate at this juncture. The white population of 1870 was in round numbers, 33,000,000; of 1880, 43,000,ooo. This shows an increase of about 30 per cent. in ten years or 3 per cent. per annum. Assuming that the white people have increased at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum for the last eight years, they number about 53,320,000. The following table will exhibit the actual and relative increase of the colored people from 1870 to 1888. Colored Population of 1870, 4,880,000 Population for 18 years, 3,542,400 or 72.6 White Population of 1870, 33,000,000 Population for 18 years, 20,320,000 or 61.6 Relative increase of Colored Population to White 17.4 ..... per cent. It may be well to note at this point a few of the unfavorable conditions which operate against the population of the colored people. (1) Their poverty, perhaps, constitutes the chief barrier to their greater increase. They are forced to live in close and uncomfortable houses and rooms, deprived of needed medical attention, nutritious food and comfortable clothing. (2) Their lack of knowledge in matters appertaining to the laws of health is another stumbling block. Many who possess the means are ignorant of the bodily injuries incident to the location and structure of their homes, their disregard of cleanliness and medical assistance. Their poverty and lack of knowledge often lead them to purchase food greatly injurious to their system. The belief, that there is an appointed time when every one must die irrespective of his regard or disregard for the laws of hygiene often induces some to neglect all medical and other needed attention. (3) Their ostracism, oppression, and sufferings, resulting from circumstances over which they had no control, have retarded, to some extent, the growth of their population. The progress of the colored American in temporal affairs since emancipation, has been highly creditable to his industry and thrift. When the Israelites were released from the tyranny of Pharoah, they were loaded with the spoils of the affrighted Egyptians. When the serfs of Russia were emancipated, each received three acres of land. When the four millions of Africans were liberated, they possessed neither homes nor money. Though the " forty acre and a mule " idea was never realized, the colored people own at least 6,000,000 acres of land in the Southern tried mechanics is becoming popular and States. general. It is impossible to state with exactitude the valuation of their property, real and personal. In most towns, cities, counties and states, the assessors do not make a separate assessment for the property of the colored people. According to the most reliable, matter-of-fact men of our race, the valuation of the property of the colored American is now about $250,000,000. We may obtain a clearer view of their material development by reflecting on their acquisition of homes, their entering into business and the trades, and the wages received by them. Since their freedom, they have exhibited a most laudable zeal to possess farm and city homes. In every town, city, and county of the South, they possess thousands of homes, ranging from the log cabin or frame house of one room to the commodious, comfortable brick structure. Hundreds of their homes are equipped with the best modern improvements and furnished in the most elegant style. Many of their churches are of great size and magnificent architecture, evincing marked energy and industry. The different industrial and technologic schools established for the benefit of the colored American youth have been potent agencies in developing their knowledge of the various trades. Several authorities state that there are about fifteen such schools among the Freedmen. It is within the limits of fact to say that not less than 1,200 colored youth attend these institutions where they are receiving an education in carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, wheelwrighting, blacksmithy, engineering, and other mechanical pursuits. Industrial schools are constantly rising in the esteem of the people, and their unquestioned utility is becoming better known. It is evident to the most casual observer that the colored people are fast progressing in a knowledge of the different trades. The testimony to this fact of Judge Albion W. Tourgee, given in Meridian Street M. E. Church, in Indianapolis, on February 14, 1887, is interesting and instructive. He said: “Two years ago I rode through the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, and in that whole distance I found only five white blacksmiths. The negro had taken up the hammer and the sledge, because he could work longer and cheaper and trust longer than the white man." Again he said: "In 1865 there was not a negro in the county of Guilford, North Carolina that held a paint brush. Now, there is not a white painter who can make a living out of it." A few years ago the barroom, grocery store and barbershop, were about their only branches of business. Now they own and successfully manage book, shoe, and clothing stores, coal and wood yards, wholesale establishments, manufactories of silk, and electric, telegraphic, and telephone instruments. Besides, they own and manage a street railway, manage with discretion book agencies, relief associations, real estate agencies, building associations, insurance companies, brokerage and banking institutions. In a few years they will be well represented in all the different business pur-hibit a greater docility and obedience. The suits. With reference to the wages of colored laborers, it may be truthfully said that they do not generally receive as much for similar work as white laborers. They are generally preferred as laborers, because they work for less, and ex following table furnishes reliable data concerning the pay of colored labor in most places of the South: OCCUPATIONS. In the days of slavery, many masters were careful to give their slaves a knowledge of different trades. Since emancipation, white mechanics have ceased to receive as apprentices colored boys. The colored youth, therefore, have not been trained in the trades since the war as they were before the war. The colored people, however, have for some time been aroused to the necessity of educating their youth in the various mechanical pursuits. A large number | Porters..... of boys in many localities have served their period of apprenticeship with skilled and experienced carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, blacksmiths, plumbers, stone-cutters, and other mechanics. The practice of putting boys under Street cleaners... |