Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1896-11-28
DR.. OURRY's SURPRISING AssER
TIONS.

WE have always admired DIR ]. L. M
CURRY for his scholarly attachments
and his faithful observance of great
principles rather than q pandering OF
the dictates of prejudice or partisanry-
This is why we have wondered
whether or not he is correctly quoted
when he upon the occasion of an ad-
dress before the colored students of
Shaw University at Raleigh, North
Carolina Nov. 10, 1895 is made to say:
at don't believe much in the idea of
having the United States flag over our
schools. I'd like to know what the
United States Government has done
for our public schools in North CARROLL
ma TO demand that the flag should hang
over them. 1t never gave cent So
North Carolina schools except 10 the
A. and M. colleges 1t is deception
and fraud TO put the flag there. 1t is
the State that gives you education"
We we're not aware that the flag was
placed there with any idea that it was
a return for financial favors rendered.
We thought it was a mute lesson in pa
triotism and that the latter quality was
above price.
II the speakers views are Co be logi-
cally carried out, then personal flags of
the philanthropists, and for that mat
ter, individuals who have in anywise
donated reasonable amounts should be
hoisted alongside of those of the states
which may have in-any-wise contribu-
ted from their treasures
DR.. CURRY was equally as unfortu-
nate in the following:
Speaking of the Negro he said: 81
never could understand why the Ne
gro population remains so compact in
the South instead of becoming scatter
ed all over the Un on. The Northern
men freed the Negro: Why is it the
Negro does not GO North to be with his
friends instead of staying in the South
among his enemies p
If the learned Dr. had consulted the
people who have travelled extensively
over this country or asked of those who
are in authority, he would have ascer-
tanned that the colored people are al
ready scattered over the Union.
Go north, south, east or west and
you will meet the Image of GoD in
ebony" either as a sleeping-car porter,
a labcrer, professional man or as IN
Gle SANS servant.
The masses have not gone because,
first. they couldn't. Money was lack
ing and walking was not satisfactory.
Second, because the climate wss~not
adapted to their constitutions and hab.
its, and the rapid inroads upon theiI
health by the severe climatic condi.
lions made it necessary for them tc
have clothing which was expensive, and
TO contract doctors bills which were
beyond their ability to pay.
Third, because the northern men die
not contract to free us and take care O
US or take us upon themselves as
, burden.
If they were willing so to do, we wer'
too proud to accept such generous Of
fer. Their beneficent donations t.
our schools and colleges, noticeable il
the case Of Mr.. PEABODY and Mr. SLA
TER, Dea. HARTsHoRN and others, dit
for us more than the immigration O
2 all of Us to their cline would do.
Fourth. the diversion from US of tn
profit of our two hundred and fit
( years of toll made it essential that W
should remain where it had been in
= vested, and that the trouble of our in
duction into the practical and educs
z tional walks OF life should rest upo
3 those who had directly profited by on
! labor.
D Fifth, while our enemies are in tn
: Southland. our friends are here alst
y We cannot separate the one from tn
other because the Negotiating and tn
o justice-loving white men are often
! one family.
! Sixth, our possibilities for the futu1
should be realized fully among thos
: who have scoffed st the idea and pro,
ed skeptics relative to any u terial az
q vancement in US.
Q Seventh, to move away suddenl
from this section would prove as gres
! a calamity to the southern white ma
as our going might be to as. We hav
been the only labor he has known. Or
e on us his wealth is dependent, and {
leave would bring financial ruin to hiI
and his.
Eighth, our fathers and fore-father
sleep beneath southern soil and tn
ties of nature,-sentimenta thoug
they be are as strong in us as they ar