a young boy age of 23. The reason why I want to come north is why
that the people dont pay enough for the labor that a man can do
down here so please let me no what can you do for me just as
soon as you can I will pay you for the ticket and all so enything
on your money that you put in the ticket for me, and send any
kind of contrak that you send me.

HOUSTON, TEX., 4-29-17.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a constant reader of the "Chicago Defender" and
in your last issue I saw a want ad that appealed to me. I am a
Negro, age 37, and am an all round foundry man. I am a cone maker
by trade having had about 10 years experience at the buisness,
and hold good references from several shops, in which I have been
employed. I have worked at various shops and I have always been
able to make good. It is hard for a black man to hold a job here,
as prejudice is very strong. I have never been discharged on
account of dissatisfaction with my work, but I have been "let
out" on account of my color. I am a good brassmelter but i prefer
core making as it is my trade. I have a family and am anxious to
leave here, but have not the means, and as wages are not much
here, it is very hard to save enough to get away with. If you
know of any firms that are in need of a core maker and whom you
think would send me transportation, I would be pleased to be put
in touch with them and I assure you that effort would be
appreciated. I am a core maker but I am willing to do any honest
work. All I want is to get away from here. I am writing you and I
believe you can and will help me. If any one will send
transportation, I will arrange or agree to have it taken out of
my salary untill full amount of fare is paid. I also know of
several good fdry. men here who would leave in a minute, if there
only was a way arranged for them to leave, and they are men whom
I know personally to be experienced men. I hope that you will
give this your immediate attention as I am anxious to get busy
and be on my way. I am ready to start at any time, and would be
pleased to hear something favorable.

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 29, 1917.

_Kind Sir:_ Read your adv. in the Chicago Defender. I would like
very much to have you take me in consideration.