The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1905-11-02
citizenship throughout the Union.

heartily appreciate what you have
done at Tuskeegce; and l ann SIRE YOU
will not grudge my saying that it
could not possibly have been done
save for the loyal support you have
received from the white people round
about; for during the 25 years Of eff
fort to educate the black man here in
the midst Of n white community of in
te!ligence and culture, there has never
been all outbreak between The races or
any difficulty of any kind. Ali honor
is due to the white men Of Alabama,
to the white men Of Tuskeegee for
what they have done. And right here,
let me say that if III any community
misunderstanding between the races
arises, over any matter, infinitely the
best way out is to have a prompt,
frank and full conference and con-
sultation between representatives of
the wise, decent, cool-headed men
among the whites and the wise, decent,
cool-headed colored men. Such con-
ference will always tend to bring
about better understanding, and will
be a great help all around.
Hitherto I have spoken chiefly of
the obligation existing on the part of
the white man. Now let you remem-
Der on the other hand that no help
can permanently avail you save rs You
yourselves develop capacity for self
help. You young colored men and
women educated at Tuskeegec must
by precept and example lead your fel-
lows toward sober. Industrious, law
abiding lives.
You are in honor bound to join
hands in favor of law and order and
to war against all crime, especially
against all crime Of men Of your own
race; for the heaviest wrong done by
the criminal is the wrong to his own
race. You must teach the people of
your race that they must scrupulously
observe any contract into which they
in good faith enter, no matter whcth-
er it is hard to keep or not. If you
save money, secure homes, become tax
payers and lead clean decent modest
lives, you will wi nthe respect of your
nc;ghbors Of both races. Let each man
strive to excel his fellows only by
rendering substantial service to the
in which he lives. The col
ored people have many difficulties to
pass through, but these difficulties will
be surmounted if only the policy of
reason and common sense is pursued.
You have made real and great pro-
eress. According to the census the
colored people Of this country own
and pay taxes upon something like
three hundred million dollars worth
of property, and have blotted out over
fifty per cent of their illitcracy. When
you have done in the past IS an indica-
ton Of what you will he able to do
in the future under wise leadership
Moral and industrial education Is
what is most needed, in order that
this progress many continue. The
race cannot expect to get everything
at once. 1t must learn to wait and
bide its time; to prove itself worthy
by showing its possession OF perse-
verance, Of thrift. of self control. The
destiny Of the race is chiefly IN its
pwn hands, and must be worked out
and persistently along these
lines. Remember also that the white
man who can be of most use to the
eolored man is that colored mans
neighbor. 1t is the Southern people
themselves who must and can solve
the difficulties that exist in the South;
Of course what man in the South lies
in his steady hope Of advancement
for the colored comnonsense effort
to improve his moral and material
and to work in harmony
with the white man in upbnilding the
commonwealth. The future Of the
South now depends upon the people |
IF both races living up to the spirit
and letter Of the laws Of their sew
,ral States and working out the des-
.inies Of both races, not as races, but !
as law abiding, American citizens.