The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-28
As Educator he Confers With
Roosevelt.
AND NOT AS POLITICIAN
On Questions Aft cling my Race so Far Reach
ing as to Transcend The Domain of
Politics Make my Position
Known.
,lBx the Associated Press.l

birmingham. Ala, Nov. 27.-The fol-
lowing letter ha been received by the
Age Herald, from Booker T. Washington:
ITO the Editor of the Age Herald;
81 notice that several newspapers have
recently~connected my name with politi-
cal matters in such manner as to show
that my position is not understood. L
desire therefore. to make the following
statement:
MY life work is the promotion of the
education Of my race. 1t is well known
that l always have advised my people
that it is of supreme Importance at this
Period of their development, that they
should concentrate their thought and
energy on the securing of homes. the
cultivation of habits of thrift, economy,
skill, intelligence high moral character
and the gaining of the respect and con-
fidence of their neighbors, white and
black, both in the South and North.
From such teaching and counsel. no in
fluence can ever divert me-
What conferences have had with the
President or with any public official
have grown out of my position, not as
politician, but as an educator. 1t
should be borne in mind that there are
about nine millions of negroes in the
United States who are liable under the
law for taxes and military service, and
who are punishable for infraction of the
law. These people, at present, have no
member of their race in the National
law making body, and it is right that
those charged with making and executing
seek information directly from the mem
bers of the negro race, when their in
terests and relations with the whites
among whom they live, are concerned.
Under no circumstances could l seek
TO promote political candidates. or vol
unteer information regarding men or
measures nor have l done so in the
past, but because of the Importance L
have always sought to place upon edu-
cation and industry among my people
as the bases for friendly relations be-
tween the races there may be occasions
in the future as there have been in the
past, when, if l am so requested, l can
give information about men and meas
ures which would tend to promote such
friendly relations between the races.
Such information it is my duty to give
when it is asked for.
"At every proper opportunity, l say to
the youth of our people that they will
| make mistake if they seek to succeed
| in life by mere political activity or the
| hope of holding political office. Now
! and then, however, public questions af-
! fecting our interests arise which are so
| fundamental and far-reaching that they
! transcend the domain of politics. When
such questions present themselves in JUS
| tice to my race, 1 make my position
known and stand for what l see to be
the right.
| 1--WE cannot elevate and make useful
race of people until there is held out
to them the hope of reward for right
| living Every revised constitution
throughout the Southern States has put
premium on intelligence, ownership of
property, thrift, and character.
Gas an educator, end not as a poll
: tician. | strive in every honorable and
rational way to encourage the wise and
enduring progress of any people; for if
Lall inspiration and hope of reward is to
be denied them, they will be deprived of
| one of the greatest incentives to in
| telligence, industry, and righteousness.
On the other hand, if they are encouraged
| in sensible and conservative directions
they will grow year by year into con-
| tentedness and added usefulness.
| fSigned)
| BOOKER T. WASHINGTON"