The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-18
THE INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE.
Interesting Addresses on Labor and
the Race Problem.

| the Race Problem.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, May 1.-THE
Southern Industrial Conference finished Its
| second annual session in this city this
afternoon. and adjourned to meet in New
Orleans next year. The last day was the
most interesting one of the session, and
it is believed the matters discussed viii
bear good fruit. The election Of officers
was the first thing on the programme this
morning. F.. H. Hargrove, of New Or
leans. was unanimously elected president.
and the other officers were allowed to hold
over until the next meeting.
Compulsory arbitration" as the means
to avoid strikes in the South was the most
interesting matter discussed at the morn
ing session. The discussion was led by
John w. Faxon. Of this city. Mr.. Faxon
stated that all attempts at arbitration are
evidences of desire for conformity to the
rules Of right and justice, and 1t requires
the highest conception Of true manhood
even to consent to or to propose an arbi-
tration.
The legal authorization Of board OF
arbitration, in order that there may be u
way established, compulsory il necessary
TO adjust labor differences, would be not
only happy solution of the strike ques-
ticn. but a step toward placing the work.
ingman and his employer upon more ele-
waited plane.
The address Of Prof w. II. Council.
President of the Agricultural and Mechar-
ical College. colored. of Normal. Ala. upon
the race problem at the afternoon session,
was one of the most interesting Of the ses-
sion. He stated that the negros freedom
and citizenship are fixed facts. and that his
ability to take on higher forms Of civiliza-
ton and education is no longer doubted.
His capacity for every form of industrial
life, skilled and unskilled. is not an open
question but an accepted fact.
But both friend and foe agree that the
suffrage has suffered in his hands. and
that the time has come for its restriction
on some fair and equitable basis upon
which all men may stand. independent OF
race. Prof. Council denounced the atti-
tude Of organized labor against the negro.
who has refused at all times to take any
part in labor agitations and has been
faithful in everything.
In conclusion Prof. Council said: 1.-The
proper education Of the negro will over
come ell objections to him as a laborer.
Education. like righteousness. exalts ma
tion but ignorance, like sin, Is curse to
any people.
Common labor by the common. people
will work out new heaven and new
earth. The light OF industry and love will
drive out want. misery. injustice. riot. and
bloody strife. Then will peace and pros
perity spread their wings over our blessed
Southland forever
Col John J. Garnet, OF New York. who
discussed the project Of establishing an ex-
position in New York for the exhibit Of
Southern products, made an excellent i'm
preston upon the convention, and the Off
GERS and members will cooperate with lin ]
in the movement.
The convention appointed board of ed
ucation. consisting CT one man from each |
Southern State, to devise plans to further |
industrial education in the South. Resolu- !
tioEs were adopted endorsing compulsory |
arbitration as a means to avoid strikes, |
calling on Congress to spend more money |
in the improvement of Southern rivers and |
harbors. endorsing the proposed South Ex- |
position TO be held In New York, ard |
the Secretary CT Agriculture for |
attending the meeting. A resolution was |
also adopted providing for the appointment |
of committee to submit a plan at the |
next meeting for The organization OF the |
convention into a permanent society for |
Southern promotion.