Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-08-11
THE NEGRO AND HIS FUTURE.

The congress OF negroes which began It's
sessions in Atlanta today is a thing OF in
terest not only TO the negro race. but to
the white race as we'll; especially those.
OF US in the south to whom this so-called
negro problem is an ever present and
vital one. II must be q matter of gratifi-
cation, therefore. 10 all, white and black,
that the leaders OF the negro race have
taken this advanced step toward the work
ing out OF their own destiny along intel
ligent lines.
What the results OF this congress will
be cannot now be foreseen. but they can
only be for the betterment OF both races
II its deliberations are characterized by
common sense and sconservatism-as It
would seem. from the nature Of the call
and the character Of the men who have
responded to II. they will.
Leading negroes, like leading white
men. do not entirely agree as to what is
best for their race, but there are certain
fundamental facts which must appeal to
the observant and conservative ones, such
as are capable OF applying conditions as
they are and who are not controlled by
passion OF prejudice, as being the basis
for whatever is done.
First-The absolute abandonment OF the
social equality idea, at least. so far as
that section where nine-tenths of their
race now live and viii probably continue
to live, is concerned. There is a racial
law-the same as would control the status
OF the Indian or Chinanan in white COM
munities-which always has and always
viii regulate this.
Second-Hatred and animostity toward
their white neighbors must be exterminat-
ed IL the negro is to meet with that degree
OF success for which the best OF the race,
at least, are striving. II Is manifestly
true that such feelings can only work to
the injury OF the weaker and inferior race.
The negro, as nearly all individual records
OF success prove. must cultivate the
friendship and good Will OF his white
neighbors if he is to reap the full advant-
age Of the opportunities that are before
him.
Third-Respect for law ana self-respect
must be taught and practiced II the negro
is TO attain that degree OF citizenship to
which he should aspire. There is no bet
ter place to begin this moral training than
in the schools of which members OF their
own race are themselves the teachers.
But better still. though the progress in
this respect must obviously be slow for
a generation at least, is in the home. II is
a matter Of record that the negroes furn-
ish probably three-fourths of the material
for our courts and penitentiaries. And ii
cannot be said. in explanation of this cir
cumstance, that IL is due to oppression
on the part OF the whites; for selfish rea-
sons alone would prompt the whites. who
pay nearly all of the taxes to wish 1t 9TH
erwise. Lack OF self-respect. OF course,
brings about disregard for law and order,
10 which the average negro's love of idle
ness and the baser passions with which
nature has handicapped the majority OF
his. race have. OF course. added their
share.
Here then, are three lines along which
the negro congress now in session here
may work at the outset to the great ben
eft OF their race. Coupled with this, Of
/ course, may come plans for the training
| and education OF the negro in those pur-
suits for which. for the present al least,
he seems best fitted and which promise
for him the greatest amount OF indepen-
| dence and happiness-mainly industrial
and agricultural SO much has already
been accomplished in this direction as to
make II no longer an experiment, and it
would seem that the plan Of Industrial ed