Clinch Valley News

NEGRO POPULATION AND DEATH RATE. The increase of negro population in the United States in the past ten years, given by the census authorities as 6.5 per cent, is the smallest yet known. The figures have attracted wide attention especially in the south where both this small increase and the migration of the last few years emphasize and abnormally high death rate among negroes, and the need for more generous provision for their health and general welfare. Some state boards of health like those of Virginia, North Carolina, have for years been building up a humane and statesmanlike policy in this respect and public sentiment throughout the south is growing rapidly in regard to the need and obligation for such work. The Columbia, S. C., States in a recent editorial urges it upon the attention and the conscience of every southern governor, legislature, college and progressive association, and individually of "every good man and woman." Many other papers take the same attitude: and some add frankly that health and prosperity will never be secure for any part of the south until they are secure for all.