"These banks are loaned to anyone free of charge who has or will deposit $1.50 with us (for which we give a pass-book); it being understood that if you lose the bank, or fail to return it in reasonably good condition when we call for it, we charge you $1.50 for the box, but you may return it at any time and get all the money you have on deposit. It is understood that in consideration of our loaning you a bank free of charge you will deposit your savings with us once in three months or oftener.
"Money deposited in this safe can be taken out only at the Nickel Savings Bank, as they keep the key. When brought to us the safe is opened and the amount is counted in your presence, and placed to your credit on your pass-book.
"This is one of the best plans ever devised for encouraging economy and frugality in children, as money once placed in the safe cannot be taken out except at our bank, and there it must be deposited. At the same time it gives a child valuable business experience, and the first lessons of economy are more easily learned if the savings are for some fixed or definite purpose.
"Laboring men and women who are able to lay aside a small amount daily or weekly will find these safes the most convenient and effectual means of accomplishing that end."
My object in reproducing a part of their circular is to furnish the matter that it may be the incentive or suggestion to people in other cities to start similar institutions for the benefit of the poor.
THE PLANET.
THE PLANET BUILDING.
The Planet, published by John Mitchell, Jr., has, without doubt, the largest circulation of any paper published by a colored man. Had the South a few more men who are as brave as John Mitchell has shown himself, the lynchings of the South would not have been so numerous. The Planet has not only the largest circulation, but The Planet office is the best-equipped printing establishment owned by a colored man in this country. Mr. Mitchell has recently purchased a dwelling-house at 311 North Fourth Street, Richmond, Va., and had the house entirely made over to suit his purpose.
John Mitchell, Jr., was born in Henrico County, Va., about three miles from Richmond, Va., at a place called Laburnum. His parents were slaves. He attended the public schools of Richmond, and graduated from the Richmond Normal School, June 14, 1881, with the highest honors. He received a gold medal for scholarship, and was awarded a special gold medal for excellence in map-drawing. He taught public school in Fredericksburgh, Va., two years, and also in those of Richmond one year. His editorial career began in 1884. He has made a specialty of lynchings and Southern outrages, etc. His efforts to prevent the hanging of Simon Walker, a fifteen-year-old colored boy, was crowned with success. He was threatened with hanging if he visited Charlotte County, Va. His bold reply in the columns of the Richmond Planet, supplemented by the arming of himself and going alone into the county and visiting the scene of the lynching of the unfortunate Richard Walker, caused the late Rev. Dr. J. W. Simmons to denominate him the "bravest Negro editor on the continent."