The colored American., 1902-11-01
BISHOP WALTERS HAD AUTHOR
ITY.

we are OI the opinion Undt MT.
Fortune has erred in publicly con-
demning the visit of Bishops Walters
and Clinton to the White House, and
| repudiating their claims as represent
atives of the National Afro-American
Council. 1t looks as if the race is
at loggerheads with itself, and such
things destroy our influence as
people.
These gentlemen, as loyal, earnest
and interested friends of the Negro,
felt that it was expedient and timely
for the President 20 announce his
attitude upon the white republican
party issue. for the race was at the
point OF revolt in the North. An
election was approaching, and the
leaders were besieged on every hand
for counsel AS the official head of
the party, it was Mr.. Roosevelt's duty
to speak out, and make his position
clear, after which the Negroes could
choose their course intelligently. The
foremost colored men of the country
were anxious to know where the Presi-
dent stood, and while believing in his
deep sense of justice and fair play.
they felt that he owed it to them and
to the nation to give out an unequiv-
ocal expression. Gen. James S. Clark
son shared with them this view of the
situation. A few knew Mr.. RoOsevelt's
personal opinions. but not one of them
had authority to speak for the Chief
Executive. An interview was arrang-
ed. Bishop Walters and his party
came specifically in the name Of the
Afro-AmerIcan Council, as the races
most prominent protective body, and
in which he and Bishop Clinton held
responsible offices. The President came
out squarely against 'lily-whitism,
and the country knows the rest.
In a public letter Mr.. Fortune
questions Blsnop Walters right to
appear as the agent of the Afro
American Council, because no formal
committee meeting of the executive.
committee had delegated such author
ity to him. We do not know how
much ''red-tape'' is required by the
Councils constitution to permit its
officers to act in it's name, but surely
it is straining at a gnat and splitting
hairs TO expect the chairman Of the
executive committee, (BishOp Wal
ters), and the National Organizer,
(Bishop Clinton), to call into confer
ence a widely-scattered committee be-
fore venturing to ask the President of
LILO u D., q QuCSl1Oh "n1CA TIC IIU1lI-
blest citizen has a perfect warrant to
propound. AS the ex-president of the
Council and present head of the execu-
tive branch, Bishop Walters acted
clearly within his rights in approach
ing the president as he did. and it
is surprising that any member Of the
race, in the Council or out of it, should
offer criticism thereof. On the con-
trary. lions great prelate deserves
credit for having the courage to go
forward. and secure from the highest
authority, the information we were
all burning to know. Bishop Walters
to our knowledge, called upon Presi-
lent Roosevelt, upon the advice and
1t the suggestion of the leading men
of the Council located in Washington.
md they are well pleased with the
political and moral effect of the fam
Ods interview.
The Afro-American Council has
magnificent opportunity. and we want
70 see it live and grow to be 2 vast
power for the races good: but it will
Eall OF Its purpose. If its pilots quarrel
lver trifies while the vessel is between
he awful rocks of Seylla and Charyb-
dis.