Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-12-03
priest. "What terrible thing has been
done in Tivoloffsky tonight?"
Nothing much" said Vladimir calm
". T have killed two wolves"
TO BE CONTINUED.
#listellanen,ls 8eading.
NOT IN POLITICS.
TO BE CONTINUED


Has Volunteered No suEgestions.
The following letter has been re-
ceived by the Birmingham Age-Herald
from Booker T. Washington:
"To the Editor Of The Age-Herald:
II notice that several newspapers
have recently connected my name with
political matters in such a manner as
to show that my position is not under
stood. I desire, therefore, to make
the following statement:
my life work is the promotion Of
the education Of my race. 1t Is we'll
known that I have always advised my
people that it is of supreme import
ance, at this period Of their develop
ment, that they should concentrate
their thought and energy on the secur-
ing Of homes, the cultivation of habits
Of thrift, economy. skill, intelligence,
high moral character and the gaining
of the respect and confidence of their
neiehbors, white and black, both in the
south and north. From such teaching
and counsel, no influence can ever d.
vert me.
What conferences I have had with
the president, or any public official,
have grown out of my position. not as
a politician, but as an educator. 1t
should be borne in mind that there are
about 100000 of Negroes in the United
States who are liable under the law for
the 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
lawmaking body and it Is right that
those charged with making and execut-
ing the laws of the land should at times
seek information directly from the
members of the Negro race when their
interests and relations with the whites
among whom they live are concerned.
Under no circumstances could 1
seek to promote political candidates., or
volunteer information regarding men
or measures, nor have I done so in the
past; but always sought to place upon
education and industry among my peo-
ple the basis for friendly relations
between the races. There may be oc-
casions in the future as there have been
in the past, when, II so requested,
can give information about men and
measures which would tend to promote
such friendly relations between the
races. Such information it Is my duty
to give when it iss sseked for.
"At every proper opportunity say to
the youth of our people that they will
make a mistake If they seek to succeed
in life by mere political activity. or the
hope of holding political offices. Now
and then, however, public questions
affecting our interests arise which are
so fundamental and far-reaching that
they transcend the domain Of politics.
When such questions present them
selves, in justice to my race, I make
my position known and stand for what
I see to be the right.
eve cannot elevate and make useful
a race of peol . unless there Is held
out to them the hope Of reward for
right living. Every revised constitu-
tion throughout these southern states
has put a premium on intelligence,
ownership of property, thrift and char
acter.
"As an educator, and not as politi-
clan, I 1lrive in every honorable and
rational way to encourage the wise
and enduring progress Of my people;
for if all inspiration and hope of reward
is to be denied them, they will be de-
prived of one Of the greatest incentives
to intelligence. industry, and righteous
ness. On the other hand, If they are
encouraged in sensible and conservative
directions, they will grow year by year
into contentedness and added useful
ness. (Signed)
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON