Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-01-01


ed Baptists apart from the Whites" by
Rev. HARVEY JOHNSON, d. D of Balti-
more, Md.
He is radical in his assertions, and |
does not hesitate to say all that he
presumes will be for the practical BEN
eft, and the material elevation OF his
people.
He says:
THAT the time has fully come when
we as Colored Baptists should estab-
lish and maintain our own denomina-
tional institutions, as Colored Baptists
is the true, deep and solemn convic-
ton of many of the brethren, and am
of the same conviction"
He then gives his reasons in the fol-
following language;
"lst. Because we are, organically,
q distinct separate denomination We
are the 'Colored Baptist denomina-
ton.
I'D. Because we, being separate
organization, have all the functions,
duties, responsibilities and obligations
attaching To the same TO fulfil
3D. Because it is q physical and
moral impOssibility for us, as denom-
inaiiOn, to fulfill with honor and cred
it to ourselves the obligations devolv-
ed upon us so long as we serve simply
as the means to an end for the white
mans greater and stronger organiER-
tions.
4th. Because the white mans race
pride and race prejudice SO entirely
and completely units him 20 accord
TO US in his organizations those offices
and positions that are so necessary to
our development into the best lead
ership, and because the facts prove
that we can get such opportunities no
where else, but in an organization of
our own.
9th. Because so long as we retain
any organic relationship with the
white man, in a cooperative sense, he
is sure TO take the honor TO himse + for
" hatever we do and are
9th That If we ara ever to do and
be anything to ourselves and among
ourselves, the logic of the facts teaches
that we must do it ourselves
7th. We owe proper racei and de-
nominatiOnal legacy TO the genera
tions that are to follow"
These are powerful reasons and will
appeal in clarion tones TO every citizen
of color who sees in racial segregation
and combination OF effort the final in
dustrial and mercantile emancipation
of his people.
We regret that the fight, however,
has been made upon the American
Baptist Home Mission Society. This
powerful organization has been of un-
told benefit to US as race, collecting
enormous amounts, and distributing
the same throughout the South.
The warfare upon it has been invit-
ed by the iIl-advised agents of that
Society. In their zeal they left be-
hind their judgement, and saw in the
establishment of Negro institution
of learning, manned and controlled by
Negroes an enemy to it's work of col
lection in the North.
This was only an effort on the part o
our people to crawl and finally wall
alone.
REv. DIR. JOHNSON is bitter in his at
tack upon the society, and is uncom
promising in dealing with REV. DIR
MORGAN.
These disputes can do much harm
and bat little good. We are compelled
to recognize the wisdom in the reason
set forth, however much we ma.
doubt the feasibility of making the at
tack at this stage of the proceedings
REV. DIR. JOHNSON is an able, force
; full writer and carries conviction wit
b. him in all that he is frank enough t
say.
To beIittls Negro institutions an
discount their influence is to invit
y the active opposition of every rae
i loving Negro in the United States.