The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1907-03-07
Swanson
Continued from Page Onc)

civilization OF the separate states
ana local communities, and the SO,
luton OF which, under the constitu-
ton, was given to the states. ] shall
continue to insist ON this, undeterred
by threats and unseduced by prom.
ises. But, instead Of this commits
sion tending to prevent a congress-
ioual investigation, itGwil furnish a
precedent and an excuse for congress
to appoint It's own commission. 1t
! will be taken as an indication, that
conditions in the south are so deplpr-
able that a commission was neces-
sary to investigate and aid In their
Improvement. When the necessity
Tor commission Is admitted YOU
may rest assured that. congress will
create and respect its own commits
sions. and none other, however APP
pointed or recommended.
1T seems to ME that the best
|'course for the south to pursue is for
the local authorities In each state to
| meet this problem with just!5H, fair
ness and frmncss, and settle it in a
way that tends to the progress and
prosperity of each stateN and to the
advancement Qf its civilization. .
The settlement cannot be accom-
piished all at once. but only through
years OF patient, persistent and pat
riotic endeavor. Frequently great
mistakes are made by endeavofing
to anticipate for years the march OF
events.
II am deeply concerned in every
thing that appertainS to the prosper
lty and progress Of the south, and
as governor Of Virginia, will gladly
cooperate In any measure or under
taking that will be promotive of the
best interests .of the south as
whole. This proposition does not
come TO me as a request from the
people of other southern states for
Virginia to aid in the discussion and
settlement of this matter, but for
Virginia to aid in the initiation Of
such a. commission. AS there is no
necessity for such. a commission in
Virginia, l cannot take action in the
matter until | have received re-
quest from the authorities of other
states to do so, and, if such a request
is presented by the other southern
states. 1t shall be given full and fair
consideration, and you may rest as
sured that In the future, as in the
past, Virginia will be found gladly
and tremendously cooperating with
her sister southern states.
II conceive it to be may duty to
write you. my convictions and con-
clusiopS in this matter with the ut
most frankneSs and CandOr. With
KIM regards, l am, very truly yours,
"CLAUDE A SWANSON.
Governor Of Virginia..
"Fcbruary 20, 1907"
So the conference or commission
will have to proceed without the CO.
operation of Virginia. Howbeit, the
commission will not lag, so says DR..
White, because OF Swanson's refusal.
Asked as to what he thought of
SWansonS letter, DR.. White said he
"Onld enter into no controversy with
the governor of Virginia. He did
say that the conference would be
held and the commission established.
In aRlition he gave out the four
propositions underlying the move
ment:
"Fir~t-The white people of the
south must get together better than
at present.
'Second-The white men Of the
south. should seek a holder, more
constructive front toward cur stu
alton.
phasis Of our thought and contention
from the Negro to the white man.
'Fourth-Therefore, we should
! originate and set forth through a.
| representative commission a south
ern program, expressive Of our high
est conscience and our resolute An
| glc-Saxonfsm in accordance with the
principles Of Christian civilization. "
| Inc commission has behind it
| such men as Governor Terrell, Of
georgia; Or. e. A. Alderman, presi-
dent Of Virginia university; ]. w.
Bailey, the North Carolina editor;