The first proposition is to the effect that business chances are now at high tide, where a few years ago there were no chances of any sort. We are speaking of the subject of business chances exclusively, but may venture to add such employments as miners, masons, dress makers, pavers, iron and steel workers, stationary engineers, engine stokers, etc. In these latter occupations there are more than one hundred thousand Colored Americans employed, a gain of over 85 per cent in ten years, or rather since 1890. The other trades have fallen off somewhat owing to the introduction of machinery.
To limit this question to commercial pursuits, it may be well to state that economic progress has reached a high water mark among Colored Americans. There are one hundred twenty-five and more Colored business men’s local Leagues in about every State in the Union, with eleven State Colored men’s business leagues in the Southern States.
These leagues are composed of bankers, merchants, and dealers generally in goods, wares and merchandise—dry goods and groceries, hardware, etc., and are all at the top notch.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
It is evident from the signs of the times, the business situation, our interstate commerce laws, and the domination of the trusts and combines by the Federal government, that there will soon come a great change in our business methods, and practices.
We are expecting that competition will be restored to the place it occupied before men were forced out of business by overpowering interests and vast aggregations of capital. It will certainly happen in the near future that any man will be able to open a modest store, or engage in a quiet and reasonable business without being driven into bankruptcy and poverty.
Our Colored Americans are not men of large capital, nor can they control large amounts of capital, consequently they have been unable to make any headway against great combinations, but here is an opportunity and if you wish to grasp it make ready. Prepare for this turning point, for it will be the turning point in the fortunes of many of our people who never had such a chance before, and will not again if they permit others with more sand and hustle to jump in and take up every valuable claim and chance.
THE PROGRESSIVE COLORED AMERICAN EARNS RESPECT FOR HIS RACE
What Other Races are Doing to Rise—Persistence and Determination Will Win
In a country like the United States where there are so many different peoples gathered together, it is difficult for all of them to live in perfect harmony.
In view of what is said in other parts of this book, it must come that all men will be united as one nation, with one set of rules and laws applicable to all alike and without discrimination against any branch of the human family, and without regard to his color.