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262 The Vanguard is issued bi-weekly, first as a general religious journal, and then as a denominational organ; but, at the same time, it is a strong advocate of education, Christian, industrial, and general. Notwithstanding its religious character, it does not scruple to discuss such political issues as are likely to enhance the welfare of its race or the general progress of the country. It has a large circulation, there being no other paper of its kind in the state to compete with it. It gives special attention to inquiries made for lost kinsfolk, separated from their families in slavery days. It is the highest ambition of Rev. Joseph A. Booker to make The Vanguard one of the best papers in the South-west.

The Conservator, now published at Chicago, with Mr. Barnett as editor, began its existence the first of 1878. It changed hands about the latter part of that year, when Rev. R. De Baptiste assumed editorial control, being then pastor of the Mt. Olivet church. Rev. Mr. Boothe was associate editor. It was at that time one of the representative journals edited by the Afro-American, both for news and editorial ability.

Mr. De Baptiste is from Old Virginia stock, born and educated in the Old Dominion, and has proved a valuable acquisition to the paper in pushing it into the houses of the masses and in satisfying the thirsty intellects of the intelligent Afro-Americans.

When he assumed control of The Conservator, he said of the paper: "It will discuss in a fair and liberal spirit those questions that agitate and cause an honest difference of opinion among citizens, whose aims are alike patriotic; but will give special prominence to such matters as appertain