are uneducated, and, as a matter of course, they do not take to literary enterprises. We are permitted, however, to hope for more encouragement in the near and distant future.
Secondly: Some of the Press are a little to blame for this lack of support. A great many newspapers have been of the mushroom order; they spring up in a day and die equally as soon. Subscriptions are often paid, and one or two copies of the paper received, and then it is reported dead. On account of such experiences the confidence of the people and the Press is greatly shaken.
Thirdly: The Press has not always made itself attractive. Some papers contain a few locals, but real food for thought and instruction has not always been given the reader. I am glad to know there are notable exceptions. There are Afro-American editors who expect the people to take their journals, simply from the fact they are published by colored men, and not because they give an equivalent for value received, in the make-up of their paper.
As to the future course of the Press in promoting good among our people, I think it well first to inspire confidence as to its stability and devotion to the interests of the race; and at all times to take an uncompromising stand against those who outrage, oppress and malign the negro. I now, and always, hope to be the friend of the Press, and shall be glad to do all I can to advance its interests.
Opinion of Prof. George E. Stephens.
1st. The negro Press has been a success, relatively speaking. I do not understand the question to have an absolute sweep. There are many milestones between it and its goal to be reached yet. In my opinion, paradoxical as it may seem, its true success will have been reached when our Press ceases to depend entirely upon the negro for support,
