Talks for the times, p. 170

146

TALKS FOR THE TIMES.

native forests, can appreciate the remark and feeling

of that man. But I am digressing, for I was telling

you that the Negro has gotten him some clothing. I

may also add he has bought him a little land—692,-

335 acres in the State of Georgia alone—quite a little

farm. He is cultivating this land. On this land he

is establishing Christian homes—comfortable homes ;

not log cabins, not shanties, but real houses with

doors and windows to let in the air and the light, and

with chimneys built on the inside to let out the smoke.

You would be pleased as well as surprised to see the

number of comfortable homes the colored people now

own in some parts of the city of Atlanta—homes with

front yards and shrubbery and croquet wickets stick¬

ing up in the grass. Here and there, too, you will

find one who is tired of living on the first floor, and

so has built him a little two-story house. You see

we are getting up in the world. I am glad to say

this of Atlanta, although it is not my native home.

I feel a little bit interested in Atlanta. I have labored

hard there many years. I have studied there and

taught there. My little children were born there,

and I do hope that they will yet grow up to reflect