Hide Article Text (OCR)
A Man’s Chance Wanted.Some time ago we called attention to the brilliant work of a colored employe of the Rio Grande railroad in piloting a train through a dangerous flood. In our last issue we again mentioned him. this time in connection with his miraculous escape in the Adobe wreck and his subsequent heroism in saving the lives of seventeen persons who were imprisoned in the wreck. We refer to W. A. Watkins.The bar which is raised against the advancement of colored men has oper-a ed to prevent him receiving any sub-*■ antial benefit through promotion for his past services and probably will be in evidence at this time. Yet in the name of justice and fair play, we can not pass over the matter without pro- j testing. The man who would blot out the sun and plunge the world into perpetual darkness would be an angel of mercy beside him who deprives mankind of hope. The scholar at his problem, the artisan at his handiwork. the statesman in his law-making are alike inspired by prospect not only of the betterment of mankind, but of the improvement of their own position. For the white man who has saved company property and human lives as has Watkins, there is sure advancement with no limitation except his ability, but for him. there is an acknowledgment of his good service and the same old job as porter. Socrates once said that the man who is really good is lie who is not inspired by hope of reward, but who does good for its own sake. By this standard the Negro is certainly good. Such meritorious service as we perform is not done for what may come out of it. In twenty-four years the Rio Grande road has lost no property by the carelessness of our people, yet the door of opportunity swings no wider for us.In no sense is this meant as a criticism of this railroad above others, for we do believe that the present condition is rather the making of the trainmen’s unions than of the magnates, but we would be able to say with full heart that God still lives, ifin recognition of such service it would make on opening for men who protect its interests regardless of their color.
Newspaper Details
Denver Statesman
Denver, Colorado, US
Fri, Mar 30, 1906
Page 28
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 05 May 2022
Other Publications Near Denver, Colorado
Denver Jewish Outlook
Denver Jewish News
Denver Statesman
Denver Star
Denver Colorado Prospector
