"And this one also," said the other, with another paper unfolded and spread before him. "Of course." And for the next few seconds he showed him others. The other was still wondering, when Wyeth said: "Do you recall following this particular Wednesday, when you published this article in regard to the park for colored people, the number of teachers and preachers who presented themselves as the commissioner had suggested and requested?" "Well, yes. There were--" "Eight, to be exact. Three preachers and five teachers." "Yes." The other was still curious. "Have you any idea what number of preachers and teachers you have among the colored people of this city?" "Why, a great many, I am sure." "Three hundred or more, according to the directory. I don't think they got all that teach elsewhere, and make their homes here during vacation; and I know they have not all the preachers, but that is neither here nor there. "In regard to this article about securing a library for the colored people. How many visits, can you recall, were paid you by any of the teachers and preachers following the publication of it? And can you recall how many letters you received, or anything else connected with the instant?" "I can quite well, I regret to say," replied the editor; "for the simple reason I received no letters nor any visits." "You requested, in your paper of recent issue, and which is before you, that the leading colored people--and of course this includes the teachers--should call at your office to make arrangement for the coming lecture in regard to the need of Y.M.C.A.'s for the colored people of the south. I suppose you have been favored with many visits?" The other shook his head sadly, as he replied: "No one has called among your people." "Very well. Has it ever occurred to you, Mr. Byron, that an unusual amount of crime appears to be the order in this city?" "Who couldn't realize it, that lived here or knew of the place through the columns of the papers?" "And, unfortunately, eighty per cent of the murders are committed by a certain two-fifths of our population. That two-fifths represents my race." The editor nodded. "Then, in view of what I have just called to your attention, does it occur to you that the leaders--or the should-be-leaders of my people of this city, are indicating, by their actions, that they care a hang what becomes of the race?" The elements were beginning to clear now. The editor said: "It certainly doesn't appear so." "And yet how many of these people, in conversation, are ever ready, when there is a mob demonstration, to exploit--which in itself is much in order--the 'best' people. And what consideration should be shown them, regardless of the ignorance and crime of the masses? Does it not occur to the casual observer, that a great deal of negligence is the order when it comes to moral uplift, on the part of the leading Negroes themselves?" "I cannot help but agree with you."