The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1905-03-15
A BOOK REVIEW. ;

We are pleased to publish below re-
view of Mr.. Dubois now famous book
THE Souls of Black FOLK. The writer
of the review is Mr.. Frank Pfarr of this
city. Mr.. Pfarr is one of those who
never reads anything lightly. He is. per-
haps in his quiet way, one of the best in
formed men and most systematic readers
in Denison. The review was net written
for publication but coming to our notice it
appeared so thoughtful and conservative
that while we could not agree with all the
conclusions we requested Mr.. Pfarr to
allow us to print it in our columns
After reading this review of the work
we would suggest to our readers that they
call at the library, get the book in ques-
ton and give it the same serious consider
alton that the reviewer has accorded it.
Mr.. Pfarr's review is as follows:
Any biased reader certainly owes Mr..
Dubois some generosity. As his book is
quite free from radicalism and prejudice,
and puts it in a fair light, agree with
him when he says that it was some ones
duty to guide them and help them to help
themselves after emancipation instead of
leaving them homeless, penniless, without
skill, without self reliance, or self organi-
cation, without protection of law or order
left in the midst of their bitterest enc
mics 10 be thrown Immediately into re-
lentless competition with the best of
modern skill in all lines where everyone of
US is fighting for himself and too often
forgetful of the rights and welfare of even
our own people.
That however is not the question viz.
what Fought to have been done" but
"what shall we do?" 1t is a deplorable
fact that there exists such an unrelenting
color predjudlce among the whites, es-
pecially socially. and l can see no time
in the future when they will mingle
harmoniously.
l think it is:the duty of every person to
tone down this feeling, show more good
breeding, dismiss the sneers and snubs
and treat them as human beings-with
black skin On the other hand the
blacks must do their part land the
largest part is theirs believe). They
shout have to be satisfied with their
status at least until something better turns
up. They too often press this social
equality" much better if they were patient
about this matter. Reforms don't come
over night 1t is slow process.
differ with Mr.. Dubois on his criti-
cism on Booker T. Washingtons policy
viz. in all things purely social we can
be as separate as the five fingers and yet
be one hand in all things essential to
mutual progress" / think Mr.. Washing
ton is on the right track. The author
thinks it compromises their position
Grant it if it does. The negro under the
presen. conditions must be satisfied with
compromises. He cannot expect social
Equality. college education-all of q
sudden. In all controversies there mus
be concessions on both sides and ultimate
ly great reforms are the result with all Of
Gods people, white, yellow, brown and
black. Some one of them will be at the
top at some time. 1t is needless to say,
at this age, the whites reign supreme. and
the blacks may as we'll concede that fact
and keep their place. I would be the last
man to not show them due courtesy to
help not to get their just rights. as far as
it was in my power, but socially-not
yet and so it is with 90 per cent believe
1t is, after all a puzzle to say what to dc
to help their condition. We fain would
tell the South what to do, but as soon as
we are up against it we push it aside
If he is capable (if he has brains
enough) of advancement sincerely be-
lieve Mr.. Washington's training system
land others will follow no doubt will be a
wonderful help towards assimilation by
self.assertion in time.
This should be read largely by thinking
people on this national problem. 1t
shows some of the other side of the veil.
-1O