Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-14
ADVICE TO HIS RACE
Booker T. Washington's Ad-
dress at Convention Hall.
MAKES CRITICISM OF ERRORS
Advises the Creation of a Theological
School in South.
NOTES OF NEGROES PROGRESS
Some of His Utterances Provoke Dis
sent, But Are Applauded by Ma
jority Of Auditors.
MAKES CRITICISM OF ERRORS
NOTES OF NEGROES PROGRESS

Serious criticism of the shortcomings Of
the thoughtless members of his own race
was uttered by Booker T. WASHINGTON,
president Of the Tuskegee Normal and In
dustrial Institute last night in an address
delivered, on invitation, before the conven-
ton of the colored Baptist churchmen and
other auditors in Convention Hail. who
formed audience of at least 5000
But 1t was in a spirit of love that Dr.
Washington chastened the colored people
in the prosecution of his great work for the
uplifting of his race. Scathng words of
scorn against the vain pretence of achieve
ment. compared to the treasure of accom-
plishment. fell from his lips.
Talk less and do more!" was the speak
er's theme, and with a lash of scorpions he
smote the unworthy among the preachers
Of the denomination to which he belongs
and whose delegates crowded the hall.
These men. he said. did nothing but harm
to their religion and their race.
But the speaker expressed unbounded
confidence in the future of the negro and
In his capacity for development He as
serted his pride of race and said If he
were to be born again and We're given the
choice of white skin or black he would
pray to God, Make me again an American
negro
large central theological school for
ministers somewhere in the heart Of the
south" formed the keynote of the address,
He said it was too easy for persons with
out the proper mental, moral or spiritual
equipment to enter the ministry. and it
was likewise too easy for improper min
listers to remain in the church. He thought
there were too many floating ministers"
Central Training School
Mr.. Washington suggested as a way by
which the church can be supplied with a
better class of ministers the establishment
of a central training school He laid
stress upon the Importance of industrial
and economic growth among the people of
his race. declaring that poverty stricken
church makes a weak minister.
After urging that the names of the friends
of the race be made prominent, rather than
the names of its enemies. Mr.. Washington
said the race must not be commended with
being tolerated in communities but must
make itself needed, which could only be
done by putting as much brains and skill
and conscience into every line of employ
ment as are employed blythe members of
any other race.
Point after point the speaker drove home
with unerring eXactnesS, using homely il
Illustrations and simple words, that his
meaning might not possibly be mistaken.
His clear voice lillsd the hall, and not a
syllable lost, except when the SYM
pathetic audience occasionally anticipated
the point which he was evidently about to
make. and drowned the speakers words
with applause.
Murmurs Of Dissent.
Agreement with the orator evident on
most of the faces of the vast audience, but
mIrmurs of dissent We're not infrequent,
and after the adjournment bitterly hostile
opinions were expressed by loiterers out
side Convention Hall. mingled with de
runCIations of man who would speak
50 against his own people" 1t was. there
| iOte. apparent that some of the speaker S
Nis.Um had fallen upon barren ground
But from the rush to the rostruIn after
| D-. " ashington had concluded his speech,
| when hundreds Were reaching forward to
| greet him. and the leader of his race was
| lcaniub over the railing with both hands
| extended. giving and receiving hearty
| C,asps, there could be no mistake about
| the temper of the majority of the audience.
| When DR. Washington was driving IN an
/ open carriage from the hall another crowd
| surged around him, and it some time
| before his carriage could be extricated from
| the enthusiasts thronging about it.
| After singing by the choir of the Metro
politan Baptist Church. Dr. f. c. Morris,
| president of the convention. introduced DIR.
| Washington as fellow Baptist and the
! true and tried friend of his race.
Substance of the Address.
| Dr. Washington's address, in part. fol-
| lows:
1t is difficult for the average citizen OF
| America to realize to what an extent the
| negro race has increased In this country
| within few centuries. said DR.. Washing