Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-10-22
Booker 7. Washington al the White House.

1t is difficult for the people of the
North 70 understand the attitude OF
southern white people towards the
negro. Ii sometimes appears as II
time were only accentuating the IN
teusity of race prejudice and bigotry IN
that section OF the country. The
broad rule is there laid down
that the negro. however great his per
sonal merits. can never have any
social status that white men are bound
10 respect This is not limited t" peo-
ME ot black skin No matter how
white a mans face may be. or how
large the preponderance of white blood
that courses through is veins. if there
is anywhere in his past the suspicion
rf negro blood. the Southern white
man looks upun ii as social attainder-
He may never hope for any save in
duStriaI relations with people Of thu
caucasian race. Here and here only
n. is tolerated. His children are not
permitted to attend the public schools
where white children are instructed.
lie must not sit in the same house Of
Worship With people Of the white race.
and 40 southern white man would
think of sitting down To eat with him
al the same table. In the South h
must travel in cars specially provided
fal him and seek public entertainment
in tho places set apart for people Of hiS
race.
IN the North these distinctions are
rarely made The churches. the schools.
The trains. the hotels. are as open To
,oiored as /" white citizens. The fact
is recognized that il black skin does
not prevent any man from being Il
Gentlcman-and being one. there does
not appear to Northern men any good
reason why he should not be treated
as such.
II is necessary. however 10 a pro per
understanding of any question involv-
ing Southern intolerance and race
IL
with clear and definite understand
ing of the wide gulf between the
Southern and Northern points of view.
in considering the social political and
industrial status Of the colored race.
4 few days ago there came To
Washington. At the personal invita-
ton of President Roosevelt dis
,insuished citizen everywhere en-
coded to be the ablest colored leader in
our country at the present day. In
tact when we consider the practical
scope and character Of the monumental
work he has accomplished for the adj
vancement of his race. as we'll as his
high personal character and attain
ments, it is not too much to say. that
he is the strongest colored leader whn
has Yet come to the front in the his
tory of the Republic
The career of Booker r. Washington
reads like a romance. Born a slave
environed with all the barriers AMI
handicaps that Southern usage ana
prejudice has reared against the adj
Nancement of his race he has. bv the
sheer force Of his own character. ana
by the exercise Of his own Inherent
powers risen to place of con-
si'icu"us honor among the recognized
great educators Of the world.
Coming TO the White House as Presi
dent Roosevelt's invited guest. Prof.
Washington was Very properly enter
tanned there. He sat at the Presidents
table and was used precisely as any
other gentleman would have been un-
Ter similar circumstances
u was the Presidents own personal
affair. and while it was absolutely thu.
business Of no one else it is difficult 70,
iair- minded men all over the country
I" see how he could oOurteouslv have
done anything else
IT Is difficult. therefore, for people re-
siding outside the limits of III. old
""utn' with its inherited prejudices. to
see any occasion for the bitter.
Ntnomous and wholly uncalled for at
lacks. that have been made upon tn.
president, by "a certain section of III.
fahcorous Southern press. Just what
'hese publications hope 10 gain ~
epullitions of this character is Difficult,
!" understand. Certainly they cannot
expect that a man Of President coosa-
We" character and strength of pur-
pose VIII be swerred one iota from tho
even tenor of his way by sucb ir,a,,
iefate and il-advised denunciation
EVEN II they did not understand II ha-
lore. they have had ample opportunity
I" oiscover during the past few days
mat assaults Of this kind only sarva n
strengthen the Chief Executive in the
"'her states of the Union. which TO-
'@s' constitute an overwhelming nro-
'or'ioh oi its political strength.
AS fair sample of the calibre Of the
'''''''sms aimed at the President for