The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-11-28
NOT IN POLITICS.
Booker T. Washington Issues state-
 ment-PHrposs of Ills Work

ment-PHrpOss of His Work.
 Birmingham. Ala. Nov. 27.-The fol- lowing letter has been received by the Age Herald from Booker T. Washing ton:
 TO the Editor of the Age Hera' al notice that several newspapers have re- gently connected my name with politi- cal matters in such 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. Ii is well known that have always advised my people | that it is of supreme importance, at 1 this period of their development, that they should concentrate their thought and energy on the securing of homes, the cultivation of habits If thrift, econ omy, skill, intelligence, high moral character and the gaining of the re- spect and confidence of their neighbors. white and black, both ip the south and in the north. From such teaching and counsel no influence can ever divert me.
 What conferences I have had with i the president or with any pubic off, cial have grown out of my position, not as a politician, but as an educator It should be borne in mind that there are about 9,0000O0 of negrots in the United States wh) are liable under the law for taxes and military service, and who are punishable for infract.on of the law. These people at present have no mem- Der of their race in the national law making bCdy, and it is right that those charged with making and executing 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 I seek to promote political candidates or vol unteer information regarding men or measures, nor have I done so in the past; but because of the importance 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 am so requested, 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 say to the youth Of our people that they will make a mistake if they seek to suc- ceed in life by mere political activity or the hope of holding political office Now and then, however, public ques- tions affecting our interests arise which are so fundamental and far reaching that they transcend the domain of polit- ics. When such questions present them selves, in justice to my race, I make my position known and stand for what see to be the rght.
 We cannot elevate and make useful a 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 a premium upon intelligence, owner ship of property, thrift and character,
 "As an educator, and not as a politi- clan, I strive 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.