urged to preach to our people less of the dying
religion and more of the living religion. While they are encouraged to
build better schoolhouses and churches, they are also reminded of the
fact that these are not the ends, but only the means to an end; that
they are only of value in proportion as they can be used to build up a
hopeful and noble life in the communities where they are located.
However much the material side may be held up to them, they are told
that in the last analysis the spiritual is always the end. The reports
at our last Workers' Conference were most encouraging. Wherever the
intelligent teacher and preacher have gone, the condition of the people
has been improved. To my mind this demonstrates most clearly that the
great need of our people is intelligent leaders, and it is this that we
ask for; it is this for which Snow Hill is striving. While much good is
being accomplished through the Workers' Conference, the "Black Belt
Improvement Society," which I have organized, deals more directly with
the people in our immediate neighborhood. The aim of this society is
clearly set forth in its constitution, a part of which is as follows:

1. This society shall be known as the Black Belt Improvement
Society. Its object shall be the general uplift of the people of
the Black Belt of Alabama; to make them better morally, mentally,
spiritually, and financially.

2. It shall be the object of the Black Belt Improvement Society to,
as far as possible, eliminate the credit system from our social
fabric; to stimulate in all members the desire to raise, as far as
possible, all their food supplies at home, and pay cash for
whatever may be purchased at the stores.

3. To bring about a system of cooperation in the purchase of what
supplies can not be raised at home wherever it can be done to
advantage.

4. To discuss topics of interest to the communities in which the
various societies may be organized, and topics relating to the
general welfare of the race, and especially to farmers.

5. To teach the people to practise the strictest economy, and
especially to obtain and diffuse such information among farmers as
shall lead to the improvement and diversification of crops, in
order to create in farmers a desire for homes and better home
conditions, and to stimulate a love for labor in both old and
young. Each local organization may offe