another.

Investigation and inquiry shows that if a man should start a small vegetable garden anywhere, on rented land, and supply the corn barons with vegetables, eggs and butter, he would make a good profit and get a large trade.

The idea sought to be conveyed is, that by taking advantage of a demand where there is no supply, there is an opportunity to be seized without arguing about it. It is there.

The advent of the motor track, which runs into localities fifty or a hundred miles distant, carrying from five to ten tons of a load, and trailing as much more, offers an opportunity for several workers to club together and carry their products to market at small expense.

Our agricultural and mechanical colleges are turning their attention in that direction, and preparing to fill the field. But it is a large field and can not be fully occupied in a hundred years to come.

It is worth thinking about when a Colored American is in doubt what opportunity to seize.

43The main object in every man’s life, if he has any manhood and intelligence, is to produce something. He may use his hands or he may use his brain, but the result is that something is produced, and whatever is produced possesses some value.

43

THE FIELD OF OPPORTUNITY

Ten per cent of our population is made up of Colored Americans. This number creates a demand that it would be profitable to supply, but when it is considered that the other ninety per cent, or ninety millions of people are constantly demanding something, and take everything that comes along, there is an everlasting field of opportunity into which every Colored American can fit in some capacity if he makes the slightest effort.

44

THE COLORED AMERICAN IN THE EMPLOY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT The Army, Navy, Government Services, and Legislatures—Opportunities to Colored Americans to Distinguish Themselves—Heroes and Patriots Furnished by the Race—The Advantage of Discipline in the Formation of Character—Avenues to Honor and Renown.

The Army, Navy, Government Services, and Legislatures—Opportunities to Colored Americans to Distinguish Themselves—Heroes and Patriots Furnished by the Race—The Advantage of Discipline in the Formation of Character—Avenues to Honor and 

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