The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-08-24
BOOKER GIVES RACE
GOOD ADVICE,
He Says Negroes Will Win Their
Way Just in Proportion as They
Show Themselves Valuable
to the Community in
Which They Live.

Nashville, Tenn. August 19.-SOme 1,o0O
negroes, representing almost every sec
ton Of the country, assembled In the
house Of representatives at the state
capitol this morning the occasion being
the opening Of the fourth annual con-
vention of the National Negro Business
Mems League. The sessions will con-
tinue until tomorrow evening. Booker
T. Washington, the Alabama educator
and president OF tho league, was the
central figure OF the convention, and his
address tonight attracted a large au-
dicnce. Professor Washingtons speech
was the feature Of the night session and
was received with evidences OF warm
approval.
Booker T. Washington's Address.
Booker Washington made an interest
Ing and timely address, of which the fol-
lowing Is abstract:
THE National Negro Business League
assembled here constitutes, / think l am
safe In saying. the largest and perhaps
the most representative secular OrganiZd-
ton among our people in this country.
Its growth during the five years since its
first organization, at Boston, has been at
a very rapid rate.
More and more. I am glad to see. the
black man Is beginning to appreciate and
take advantage of the opportunities for
commercial and business development In
this country. 1T Is much wiser for us to
emphasize opportunities than grievances.
The world soon gets tired of the man
the race with a grievance. We must
learn to be bigger than those who would
insult us. We must learn to hold up our
heads. and march bravely forward. in
spite of obstacles and discouragements.
The mere fact that there can assemble
hpr in he 10 a. DitOl
ing in southern state hundreds of col
ored men and women, from all parts OF
the country. representing. as we 40
nearly every line of business in which
the white man is engaged is an 1ndlca-
ton of growth which IS more potent and
helpful than much abstract argument.
The race that can produce such as as
sembly of men and women after only
forty years OF freedom is one to be
proud of.
1--WE shall succeed In winning our way
into the confidence and esteem Of the
American people just In proportion as
we show ourselves valuable to the COM
munity in which we live. in all the com
mon industries, in commerce, in the we'll
fare of the state and in the manifesto
ton of the highest character. The com
munity does not fear as rule the vote or
the man. no matter what his color, who
is a large tax payer. 1t Is not the negro
who owns a successful business or works
at trade who Is charged with crime.
while we are in many eases surround
ed with disadvantages. when we compare
our condition and opportunities with
those of the Jews IN many part of Eu-
rope, it ir easy to see that almost every
opportunity denied the Jews IS open to US
THE greater the difficulties to be over
come the more strength We shall gain by
succeeding.
Every house owned, every farm well
cultivated and every bank account. every
store every tax receipt we possess Is one
influence which will operate tremendous
~ in favor.
The negro is not ungrateful for all
the benefits he has received at the hands
OF the white people of this country, and
should on every proper occasion never
fail to express this gratitude in unc"r-
tain language but the mere fact that
we are not easily satisfied and seek adj
vancement In still other fields Is an In
dication of the value Of the race Peo-
ple who are easily satisfied are people
Of few wants Wherever YOU find race
that is easily satisfied. and one that has
few wants. there you will find a race
that is OF little value to its country. in
dustrially, commercially or In any difec-
ton.
'rrhe man who proves himself useful
no matter what his color, is the one who
is going to succeed Any man who Is in
dustrious and trustworthy Will find OPP
nortunities for growth in nearly every
line of business right here in the south.
and We should not fail to take advantage
of the openings offered us"
propress &c Race in Mechanic Arts