New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-20
ADVICE TO NEGROES.
Booker T. Washington Speaks to
ColOred Business Mems League.

Nashville Tenn. Aug. 19.-There were three
hundred delegates and nearly thousand
visitors assembled in the House Of Representa-
tives at the opening session of the fourth annual
convention of the National Negro Business
Mems League this morning. In the absence OF
the Mayor the address of welcome behalf Of
the city was delivered by Albert S. williams the
Democratic nominee for Mayor. and a member
of the city council
vote Of thanks was extended to Mr.. Will
Jams on motion of George L. Knox of Indian
apolis, who said that if he had been blindfolded
and heard Mr.. Williams. he would have thought
it was Booker 7. Washington himself.
Mr.. Washington spoke at the evening session.
He said, in part:
The National Negro Business League assembled
mere constitutes, think am safe in saying. the
secular organization among our people in this
country It's growth during the five years since It's
hrst organlza tlon at Boston has been at very
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 de-
us to emphasize opportunities than grievances
me world soon gets tired OF the man or the race
those who would insult We must learn to hold
up our head5 and march brayely forward in spite
OF oosIacles ana dlscouragements- The mere fact
mat there can assemble IN this beautiful State
coIored men and women. from all parts of the
country, representing as you do. nearly line
an indication of growth which is more potent and
helpful than much abstract argument. The race
that can produce such assembly of men and
women after only forty years OF freedom is
to he proud Of
We shall succeed in winning way into the
confidence and esteem Of the American people just
in proportion as we show ourselves valuable to
the community in which live, in all the COM
mon industries in commerce. in the welfare Of the
State, and in the manifestation of the highest
character. The community does not fear a
rule. the vote of the man, matter what his
color. who is large taxpayer 1t is not the negro
who owns successful business, works at a.
trade, who is charged with crime.
While we are. in many cases. surrounded with
disadvantages, when we compare condition
and opportunities with those Of the Jew in many
parts Of Europe it is easy that almost every
opportunity denied the Jew is open TO The
greater the difficulties to be overcome, the more
strength We shall gain by succeeding. Every house
owned. every farm well cultivated. every bank ac-
count, every store operated, every tax receipt is
one inf1uer &c which will operate tremendously 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 every proper oc-
casIon never fail TO express this gratitude in no
uncertain language. But the mere fact that we
are not easily satisfied. and seek still further op-
poTtunities Of Arrangement is an indication OF the
value OF the race People who easily satisfied
are people Of few wants. Whenever you find a
that is easily satisfied, and that has few
wants. there you will find race that is Of little
value to Its country tndustrally, commercially or
in any other direction.