Richmond planet., 1899-07-15
Mr.. EDIroR:

MR. EDITOR:
One would think think that in
Washington, d. c.. the capital OF this
great nation, which but year ago
wsged successful war against foreign
foe, in the interest of an oppressed
people-largely Negroes-every man re-
gardless of color or previous condition
OF servitude, would have theundisput-
ed privileges OF any other law abiding
American citizen. But such is not the
truth. In fact color prejudice shows
itself in some most unkind ways and
in some places where one would hardly
expect to find It. Too often respecta-
BILE Negroes are surprised and humili-
ated by the discovery of this live relic
of less progressive age. To show
how unreasonable color pref is, I
wish to state the facts in case in
which was personally concerned. AS
minister of the Gospel feel that /
ought to avail myself Of whatever
might help me intellectually and
strengthen me spiritually.
APPLIED FOR ADMISSION.
So with view of studying French
and German, applied for admission
into the Department of Modern Lam
guages in the Summer School OF Colum-
bian University, this city. When ]
spoke to the registrar about the mat
ter, he sent me to the Director Prof
M. M. Ramsey, stated to him my de-
| sire. The request seemed to perplex
him quite deal. H then meditative-
ly remarked that he had not had an
| application from "a gentleman of col.
or" before, and did not know the poli-
cy Of the University relative to the
matter. BE asked time to confer with
the President, Dr.. B. L. Whitman, and
promised reply the next day,
In the meantime ! called on Rev
DR.. Samuel 81. Greene, Pastor of Gal
vary Baptist Church who is one of the
trustees OF the University. I asked
him the policy of the University with
reference to the admission of colore6
| students. He stated that the matte,
had never come up in their meetings
that there we're some difficulties at
tending she mixing OF the races; tha
In the far north and the far south mat
ters adjusted themselves, but here or
the border line," the question resoIv
ed itself into practical business af
fair.
THAT DOCTRINE OF sELF-EFFAcEAdKNr.
He praised Booker T. Washinoton,
doctrine OF self-e effacement for the Ne
gro and when asked how the Catho
lies could take position so much more
christian than the Prctestants or
questions OF race affilistion, he replied
that there were few colored Catholics
and that the friction was caused
Dy large numbers of coIoref
people coming in contact with
the whites. He advised me to accepi
as f1nai the reply OF the Director of the
summer school.
called again the next day to zee
the Director, but he was not ready &c
answer. l knew the President was
away, and had IL from a trustee tina,
he had no Jurisdiction in the matter
but as the Director persisted that he
must refer the matter to thim, felt
That, on account Of his high Christian
reputation, so far as he was concerned
tne answer would be favorable to my
admission.
AGREED TO TELKGRAPH.
suggested telegraphing him. and
nnally the Director agreed to send q
telegram at my expense. The tele-
gram signed by the Director and sent
TO the President was as follows:
"Colored clergyman applies admis-
sion TO summer school. ANY reRula-
Jions contrary?"
After several days waiting, the Pres
IdeHps non-committel answer, sent in
letter and dated June "a, read thus :
Dear Prof. Ramsey:
Xop have doubtless determined