Richmond planet., 1906-08-11

Washington. ID. c.. Aug. 6, 'o6
AS the last oficial act Of the Ne
gro Young Peoples Christian and
Educational Congress, assembled
here since last Tuesday afternoon.
there was read last night before the
largest assemblage OF the conven-
ton. 5000 strong, an Address TO
the American Public"
It's reading TO the gathering,
which occupied every available seat
in the vast auditorium. evoked ap-
plause that could be heard blocks
away. Again and again the crowd
wildly shouted approval of the doc
ument. which Is most comprehensive
and touches on every phase OF the
social and economic welfare Of the
race. IL was adopted with a storm
of approval that seemed TO shake
the Convention Hall TO its founda-
tions. after which 6OOO voices were
lifted in the final hymn OF the big
congress. God BE with You Till
We Meet Again" The paper fol
lows Ia fua.
''The Negro Young PeopIe's no
ucational and Christian Congress.
assembled IN its second quadrennial
session. presents TO the American
public the following appeal and de-
claration Of principles:
1--WE wish TO acknowledge the
guidance OF an all wise Providence.
which for the second time brings
together the various religious de
nomintions among us in the spirit
of Christian fellowship 60 deliberate
for the common good of the race
and for the spread OF the cause OF
Righteousness.
I'VE glory in che prosperity OF
our common country and In the lead
ing part IL has taken 20 bring about
peace and Christian amity among
the nations of the earth.
I'VE rejoice in the higher stan
dard OF civic righteousness which IS
being brought 10 bear upon some Of
our domestic problems, as seen in
the crusade against municipal cor
ruption and the just restrictions
placed upon corporate greed and
rapacity.
AMERICAS GREAT PROBLEM.
eve express the hope that this
aroused public conscience may be
directed TO Americas most trouble
some and complex problem-the
harmonious adjustment OF the ra-
ces.
I'VE wish TO direct the energies
of our people TO the Christian train
ing and nurture OF the young, and
TO greater evangelical effort toward
spiritual awakening. believing. as
we do. that the Christian religion
is a solvent for all human problems.
The negro is heavily handicapped
in his upward struggle. We appeal
TO the friends OF humanity every
where 20 aid and encourage him in
the development OF character and
the acquisition OF intelligence, thrift
and frugality, as means TO reach a
higher level OF life.
''The progress already attained is
but an earnest and a hopeful indica-
tion of the larger development ne
cessary to meet the requirements of
our civilization.
"It is often claimed that the
means and effort devoted to the ed
ucation OF the negro race have been
wasted. On the contrary, we affirm
that no like sum of money during
the same period, expended in any
other direction, has produced such
moral and material advantage to
any other class of citizens or to the
general welfare. We invite a can
did and dispassiOnate investigation
of the basis of this affirmation.
1--WE are greatful to Northern phi
lanthropy for means and service
contributed in our behalf. We also
appreciate the fact that the South
ern States have devoted a consider
able part of their general fund to
the education of the negro youth.
we wish to commend the fair-mind
ed attitude of those Southern white
men who stand for equal education
al advantages for all the children OF
their respective States.
I'VE wish, however, to state, in the
most positive terms. that the prevail
ing dogma to the effect that the white
race voluntarily imposes taxes upon
itself for the education of the negro
contains a mischievous fallacy. On
Anal analysis labor pays every tax
in the world. The laborer more
than any other class. bears the
weight of the public burden. and is
Justly entitled to share in all public
benefits.
NEGRO HELPS BEAR BURDEN.
The apportionment Of such ben