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Rh exerted by the efforts of George A. Mebane, and E. E. Smith and John H. Williamson, who were well known as editors. When a difference of opinion arose upon the matter of publication, Mr. Williamson sold his interest to George A. Mebane, and retired from the paper, leaving Mr. Mebane sole editor and proprietor, Mr Smith having also retired.

Mr. Williamson's journalistic career did not end here. In August, 1884, he commenced the publication of The North Carolina Gazette, a weekly paper, which was devoted, in accordance with his bent of mind, to education, industry and politics, among the Afro-Americans. As with his former papers, so with The Gazette, a large circulation was secured, it reaching two thousand or more. Many of the able lady writers of the old North State contributed to its columns, among whom were Misses L. T. Jackson, Annie C. Mitchell, and Jane E. Thomas. These made the paper very popular with their own sex, and it was eagerly sought for. The advertisements came largely from the white business men of Raleigh. The Gazette truly did much good, and we regret, with scores of Afro-Americans of the state, that the editor's other duties prevented his continuing the publication of his paper.

The New York World, in its issue of February 22, 1887, said: "One of the most daring and vigorous negro editors is John Mitchell, Jr., editor of The Richmond Planet. The fact that he is a negro, and lives in Richmond, does not prevent him from being courageous, almost to a fault."

Without one more word, these lines from the greatest daily of the nation set forth the character and aim of the man and paper who heads this sketch. He entered into life July 11, 1863, amid the roar of cannon and the smoke of