The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-10-31

guilty Of establishing peorage, system
under which members OF my race have
been the sufferers. l refer. also to the
action of the Georgia Legislature, now IN
session, IN refusing the unwise and unjust
division of the public school fund Few
people are wise enough to understand the
economic value of Justice, even when con-
sidered from no higher point of view.
1.-The negro constitutes in this coun-
try one of the most compact. reliable,
and peaceful elements of labor; che when
is almost the sole dependence for pro-
duction in certain directions; and be-
lieve that, if for no higher reason than
the economic one, the people will see that
it is worth while to keep so large an
element of labor happy, contented, ana
prosperous by surrounding and guarding
il with every protection and encourage
mcnt of the laws. In the long run, notn-
ing is more costly and unsatisfactory thar
Disconnected unhappy and restless la
Dor.
Few policies will prove more injurious
to the prosperity of either race, than
the agitation OF the question of deprivins
the negro of the benefit of the schooi
fund. Destroy the schools in the corii-
your farm lands, and come to the ciSS&.
where he is sure of finding a school III 4
session eight or nine months in the year.
There is no surer way of reducing the
value of agricultural lapds in the South
than by taking away negro schools On
the other hand. there is no surer way of
enhancing the value of these lands than
by having IL first class school at ever,
no
to feel at all times that in his education,
his life. and property. he is to have the
lasting friendship and protection of TIE
white man. and there is no class of people
on earth who will repay such kin.nes-
with higher degree of loyalty or with
harder, more patient work. The great
problem with many of the civilized cour
tries today, is to find sufficient and ac-
ceptablc labor The South has at it,
very door that which others are seek
ing. and will always have it, if it is wise
III its treatment of this class of its pep
pie
''In conclusion. as l have said, whites
and blacks are to reside together in tins
country permanently, and we should lose
no opportunity to cultivate in every manly
way the greatest harmony between the
white stirs up strife needlessly, by wore
o: deed. is an enemy to botn races. and
to his country While making our appeals
for help and sympathy, we should not
forget that in the last analysis the most
effective appeal will consist in laying our
eases before the community and State il.
which we reside: and that usefulness at
cur own homes will constitute our most
potent and lasting protection.
Il appreciate from the bottom OF M
heart the tremendous and trying strain
that is now upon us, and how difficult
it is for us to make progress under such
circumstances, but | believe that the
momentous period through which we arc
now passing will draw to our support the
good will, the sympathy. and helpful CO.
operation Of larger numbers OF white nell
in the South as well as in the North,
if we only exercise due patience, self-con
troll and courage"
The benediction was pronounced by Rev.
]. e. King of this city.