The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-02-08
no DISCUSS nAon pnoBLpns.

A conference for the discussion OF the
race problem and other matters of vital
interest to the South will be held in Mont
gomery Ala, May s. . and TO- This is
intended to be a great interstate meet
ing, and an official statement OF it's plans
and policies has Just been issued by a
committee OF twenty-five. selected from
the representative men OF Montgomery for
this purpose.
The gentlemen lnaugurstlng this move
ment feel that much of true progress In
connection with our racial difficulties has
been embarrassed by the fact that the
leadership OF Southern opinion has been
too largely attempted merely from the
North. They believe that the solution Of
our problems in the South must come
from tho Southern people themselves -
that the people Of the South arc best itted
by knowledge and experience 10 deal with
these difficulties intellisontly and help
fully. In this belief they are eminently
correct and it is also true that suggestions
from the North offered with the hest mo-
tiyes have frequently been based upon in
adequate acquaintance with our conditions.
Tho negro is m important factor in the
South, indusrialy as well as In other
ways and 1t is to Southern people that
he must look for proper handling Of the
difficulties connected with his existence
here.
AT the coming convention it Is hoped TO
secure frank aud thorough discussion
OF many questions of timely interest 20
the South, though it is quite likely that
most Of the debates will revolve about the
negro. The conference Will consist mainly
OF Southern delegates. but speakers from
the North VIII also be invited and It Is
believed that the meeting will advance
the education Of the public mind in both
sections. Two subjects OF especial inter
est in connection with the negro problem
Will be discussed as folowa;
The Frauehise.-Should the franchise b,
limited by law? II 80. how? II limitation 4
desirable, should such limitation be based OF
( educational or on property qualifications, o.
The Negro in Relation to Education. -shoul,
the education OF the negro be wholly or chief
/ ~ Industrial? What Is the relation OF IN,
nero VINO has had industrial training to tn
unframed white laborer OF tho SOUTH VIVA
Is tho oxtent Of the need for the industrial
training Of the white population? What ar
the advantages and disadvantages TO the SCOUT
OF the negro as lahoror?
The negro in relation TO religion will
also he matter for consideration. aut
how TO increase and better the religious
guidance Of this class will be one OF tn,
questions TO decide. But probably tn,
most interesting subject on the propose,
programme Is "The Negro in Relation Il
the Social order" This will requir
much thought and study and viii presen
many weishty questions for earnest de
bate.
1t viii he readily seen from this hast,
summary that the Montgomery convention
promises to be one Of great Importance
and is likely TO result in much good 10 tn
South. The difficulties OF existing condi
lions are apparent to all. and IL is equal,
clear that thesn difficulties can not b
! disslpatcd by a policy OF silence Their
, ure great questions demanding solution a
our hands and they should he met viii
fearless discussion and thoughtful action
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