The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1901-11-21
SOCIAL EQUALITY.
Some Very High Authority.
DUTY OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE.

d lotter 10 num0or OF prominent men
in the South concerning the question
OF social equality. Below We print the
letter and two answers:
Dear Sir and Bro I'm view of the
general recognition on the part of
Christian people of the Christian obli-
cation to treat the colored people KID
ly and helpfully; and, on the other
hand, in view OF the profound aversion
to social equality, will you endeavor to
form brief statement for the Biblical
Recorder of what you conceive to be
the right and reasonable attitude for
Christian white people toward the
members OF the colored racer
This question is put to few of our
leading men with q view to finding a
clear statement of the attitude of the
Christian people OF the South.
An early answer will greatly oblige
me and think the symposium will
have good effect In every way.
FROM PRESIDENT CHARLES E. TAYLOR,
OF WAKE FOREST COLLEGE.
Your letter virtually contains two
questions. One of these is general
the other is particular.
The general question was answered
by our Lord when He said, call things
whatsoever ye would that mon should
do to you do ye even 80 to them; for
this is the law of the prophets" This
Golden Rule has no limitations arising
from race, color, or previous condition
of servitude.
The particular question practically
resolves itself, upon analysis, into this,
els miscegenation or race admixture
between blacks and whites to be in any
way, encouraged7" Reason, instinct,
history, and law all answer, No.
Where, then, can the barrier against
race admixture be most wisely and
safely placed? At the beginnings OF
social equality.
If, in our Southern environment,
one may Invite negro to his table, he
must invite others or show reason for
the discrimination. If the hospitality
is genuine, seat at the table Involves
seat in the parlor and social relations,
On an equality with the ladies OF the
family. Acquaintance might rlpen
into something more, as has some
times been the case. Then, in spite of
law and good public opinion, gradual
ly changing, marriages might possibly
become numerous. There will be bet
ter feeling, less friction, and less danger
in placing the barrier essential to the
purity of both races at the beginning
of social intercourse than at any other
point. Obsta principiis (resist begin
nlngs) has always been regarded wise
maxim.
Does this answer of the particular
conflict with Christ's answer to the
general question? Not at all. No In
terpretation of the Golden Rule can
justify q course which will naturally
lead to what is wrong. Can We con-
ceive of It's being right to encourage
system of social disorder whose natural
outcome, in the course of time, would
be families consisting of negro fathers,
white mothers and mulatto children?
We all know some negroes whom we
esteem and like more highly than We
do some white people. There is room
for genuine friendship and mutual
helpfulnees between the races. We
ought to help the colored people in
their upward struggle toward home
getting, wealth-making, and better
living. But We shall make mistake
if we think that we can help them by
encouraging them to hope for social
equality with the white race.
I think I am right about this.
want to be. The matter is one OF
most serious import for us and for our
children.
FROM BISHOP ". A. GAMBLER, OF THE
M. E. CHURCH SOUTH.
Apply the Golden Rule and use ccm-
mon sense. The gospel makes nothing
of mere social relations. As to these
relations the Word of God ls, "Let
every man abide in the same calling
wherein he was called" Social equal
itv would demoralize both races by SO
much as it would inevitably bring the
worst elements of both races into I'M
moral relations and bring to pass the
most debasing consequences. To thus
imperll both races for shadow called
"social equality" would not be keeping
The Golden Rule, but would be prac-
ticinq a vicious fanatlcism. The color
line ia a line drawn by nature, and ls
beneficent and ineffaceable line.
The negro race nor any other race
will ever be made self-respecting as
~An1- TOBACCO SPIT