When the Coleman Manufacturing Company demonstrates to the world, as it will, that colored girls can weave cloth, and that this enterprise is a paying one, there will be other men who will start similar institutions throughout the South. I am sure that my readers will read this article with more race pride than they have ever felt before when they realize that, while they read it, cloth is being woven by colored girls. This cotton mill, which is the result of Mr. Coleman's push and energy, will give the colored man a standing in the business world he has never had before, and will be, indeed, helpful. [Illustration: COLEMAN COTTON MILL.] Warren C. Coleman is a most remarkable man, starting as he did from slavery, without money or education; in fact, he only had one term of schooling in Howard University, Washington, D. C. Mr. Coleman has for years operated a successful grocery store. He has met with heavy losses, caused by fire, to the amount of several thousand dollars. Many a man would have given up with the idea that fate was against him. Mr. Coleman is one of the largest owners of real estate in Concord. He also operates several farms in that county. He has educated out of his resources a number of young colored men and women. Mr. Coleman is doubtless one of the richest colored men in the United States. The _Southern Age_, of Atlanta, Ga., on February 6, 1897, among other things, says of W. C. Coleman: "The greatness of the man appears particularly in the way he makes obstacles and difficulties helps and not hindrances. He will rank with Abraham Lincoln as their practical friend and benefactor. One gave them freedom--the other will give them an industrial position." CHAPTER XXXIV. RICHMOND, VA. This chapter is devoted to the business interests of the colored people in Richmond, and I am sure my readers will find it a valuable addition to my book. RICHMOND BENEFICIAL AND INSURANCE COMPANY, CAPITAL STOCK $5,000. In July, 1894, a company of twenty men was formed and began this work with $200. They started against many odds; their chief opposers were the agents of white insurance companies. [Illustration: REV. W. F. GRAHAM, PRESIDENT.] [Illustration: MR. JOHN T. TAYLOR, SECRETARY.] Three years have told the story. They now have a membership of 15,000, and employ seventy persons as managers, clerks, and agents. They own their own property, a handsome three-story building, valued at $6,000, and every cent of it paid for. The worth of the company is $13,000. They are beginning to branch out in all cities of Virginia, and are very cautious and careful with their money, their intention being the founding of an organization that shall "stay" permanently, and are doing a business now of $30,000 yearly.