The San Francisco call., 1903-01-12
GREAT THRONG
HEARS EDUCATOR
Booker T. Washington
Arouses Enthusiasm
Of Listeners.
Applause Greets Story of
Work in Black Belt
Of Alabama.

As early as $3.50 yesterday morning peo-
pie began 70 arrive at the side entrance of
lhe First Congregational Church on Ma
son street, anxious 10 secure the best
seats from which TO hear Booker T.
Washington make address on the
Black Belt OF Alabama. BY 1890 every
seat in the church was occupied and the
side aisles were filed with people standing
Up and several hundred people were
turned away.
In introducing Mr.. Washington. the Rev.
George c Adams, pastor OF the church.
said:
For a long time I have had a great desire
10 meet the man who has risen in his might
and answered The call that he feels has 10
come 70 him 70 elevate his race and to teach
oustrious, God-feaTing men. NJ wish has
now been Eratihed. and ] am glad that you,
with me, Will to-day have the pleasure Of
listening 70 Booker T. Washington
Mr. Washington was greeted with gen
erous applause, and he said in part:
In all matters bearing upon the presence
and influence OF the negro race IN this coun-
srS I should be borne IN mind that The negro
brought here not only against his will but In
The face OF his most earnest protest. Since
being here, however, he has tried, as best he
could, 10 make himself OF service 1t IS my
opinion that II he Is properly educated IN
hand, head and heart he viii prove OF still
higher value.
The Industrial education Of our people will
nor only help them upon their feet materially
but II VIII strengthen their moral and relig
ious life have noticed that when a black
man becomes the owner OF a home and tax
payer he becomes a conservative, law
abiding and safe citzen-5ust in proportion
as ne feels the dignity Of labor and the curse
OF idleness viii he become the owner OF prop
erty and possess bank account The race Is
making progress just IN proportion as we are
able 70 send out from these large institutions
Oi the South proper leaders. 1t Is true that
there are fewer members Of our race in Con-
ing farms and living in decent houses than
was ever known in the history OF the race.
There are fewer in State Legislatures, but
there are more who are depositins money in
nalks ana learning trades We are not hold
ing so many political conventions as formerly,
but there was never time in the history OF
the race when 50 many agricultural fairs and
educational and religious conventions are being
held.
I don't believe from my observation that
the relations between the tive races in the
South are drawing further apart. We must
remember that forty years ago there was but one
rela tion-thar OF master and slave. owner and
servant Within the last forty years have
been trying 70 adjust ways 10 new conditions
and new relations, and while doing this each
must exercise all the patience and forbearance
possible We teach the graduates who go out
from ruskceee that they must cultivate love,
and not hatred. but since the two races are
10 live side by side for all time that il will
be a mistake 70 Go anything that will stir up
and perDetuate strife.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Washington's
address the plates were handed round and
the congregation donated literally TO as
sist in the good work he has undertaken.