out of the legislative
halls, leaving the white man clear sailing in enacting unjust laws
which discriminate against all Negroes alike, regardless of condition,
culture, refinement, wealth, position or station.

The law places the mark of Cain upon him. His aspirations and
ambitions must be curbed in spite of his fitness by character and
training. The worthlessness of the Negro does not cause the opposition
that the prosperity of the best of the race does. The legislator and
constitution maker aims his darts at the latter class.

This state of affairs obtains in every Southern State; and the fact
that the ballot, our only safeguard, has been taken from us, shows
that the criminal Negro need not expect to be dealt with justly.

The nearest approach to fair play is to be had in the larger towns and
cities of the South, and even here the chances are against the Negro.
But it will not always be thus. A change will come sooner or later.
Let us be courageous, do our best and trust in God.

FOURTH PAPER.

IS THE CRIMINAL NEGRO JUSTLY DEALT WITH IN THE COURTS OF THE SOUTH?

BY ATTORNEY J. THOMAS HEWIN.

[Illustration: J. Thomas Hewin.]

J. THOMAS HEWIN.

J. Thomas Hewin was born in Dinwiddie County, Va., December
24, 1871. His parents were slaves. He was left an orphan at
the age of thirteen, with no knowledge even of the alphabet.
At the age of seventeen he was seized with a desire for an
education. Finding no opportunity for mental improvement, he
went to Richmond, Va., in 1889, where he found employment in
a stone quarry. He took his books with him and studied at
meal-time. In the fall he became janitor of a business
college. Finding that he could do his janitor work mornings
and evenings, he entered the public school of Richmond and
afterward graduated from the Richmond Normal School as
valedictorian of his class.

So thrifty was Mr. Hewin, that when he graduated from
school, he had a bank account of $1,375 to his credit.

He also graduated from the Boston University Law School, and
after returning to his native state was admitted to the bar.
He was especially helpful to the unfortunate of his race.

He organized in Richmond the Anti-Deadly Weapon League among
the young colored men of the place, for which he received
the commendation of the press and people. He is a member of
th