most important factor in the political affairs of the nation. Like
begets like. Indifference toward the government on the part of the
whites, breeds the same in the Negroes.

Now, true patriotism is a positive power. A new generation of colored
people is growing up. Upon these rests the future of the race. These two
defects, lack of education and unpatriotic surroundings, will best be
remedied by the education of this new generation.

United States History should be a prominent study, even in the primary
departments of our schools. The vast majority of the colored children
can remain in school only long enough to get a knowledge of the
elements, and among these should be American history. What if children
cannot pronounce the names of all the cities in Siberia? Teach them to
speak intelligently of Lexington, Bunker Hill and Yorktown. Hang the
walls of the school-room with pictures of great Americans. Let incidents
from their lives be used as illustrations of moral lessons. Explain the
principles and form of our government. Dwell upon the extent of its
domain and its vast resources. Define simply the privileges conferred,
and the duties imposed, upon the citizens of our government. Four things
should be taught them: the three Rs and American history. What is needed
among all our citizens, is a great lifting up where a broad view of our
great land can be had. Make the children feel that they dwell in a great
and goodly land, that they enjoy great privileges under its government,
and they will learn to love it.

When Independence Day arrives, arrange for public gatherings of the
people, and in short addresses explain to them the meaning of the day.
Let it be a day of opportunity for instructing them in the history of
our country and in the duties of citizenship. These are some of the ways
in which the colored people may be aroused from their apathy and
indifference toward their country, and inspired with a patriotism, not
blind and spasmodic, but intelligent and permanent.

* * * * *

A NEGRO GIRL'S PROSE POEM.

In attendance at one of the ward schools of Indianapolis is a little
colored girl nine years old. She is miserable, indeed, for at home she
is ill treated, and the shoes she wears, and often the clothes, are
supplied by the teachers or some of her classmates. There is a tender,
poetic vein in her make-up, and it found vent in a composition. The
teacher took a little pansy pl