Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-05-23
CHURCH VIEWS THE
E::QUESTION
SANE INSTRUCTION AND CON
sTRucTIoN LONG OVERDUE.
NEGRO DOMINATION MYTH
coIored Man Wants. and White Labor
System Demands That He Have a
Place to Work Under the Protec-
ton Of the Law-For Separate
Schools and Congregations.

Columbus, Ohio, May 17.-Before
the general assembly of the Presby-
terrain church Rev. Ira Landrith spoke
vigorously upon the subjects Of edu-
$ cational and religious work In the
south, dwelling particularly upon the
delicate race question, with which he
said every church entering the south
must reckon. In part he said:
Forgetting the things that are be-
hind, 80 far as these things were bet
ter unrecalled, let the American
Presbyterian church come brayely
and generously up to the support OF
the intelligent Caucasian christianity
Of the south In behalf of what politics,
ignorance. demagoguery and religious
prejudice have conspired to render SO
delicate and difficult, the spiritual sal
walton and practical education OF the
southern Afro-American. The fact
will be quickly discovered, and the err
ror promptly corrected, II l misinter-
pref the wishes of the vast majority
Of the thoughtful in all churches OF
the south, in saying that they are as
sincerely and unselfishly concerned
for the religious, intellectual and in
dustrial well being OF the negro race
as the most philanthropic northern
benefactors OF the colored people ever
were"
He was sure that political and &C.
clesiastical iconoclasm has demon
btrated its utter futility, and that
sane instruction and construction are
long overdue, and phariasaical de-
struction Is not needed at all.
Continuing he said. What you may
have seen and heard of recent mob
murders, and their prolific cause, APP
peals to race prejudice, whether in
behalf of churches, or OF politics,
should not be understood as represent
ing the sober judgment either of the
former Cumberland Presbyterian
church, or OF any other Of the better
elements OF southern white people,
any more than anarchistic lawless-
ness represents the christian senti-
ment OF the northern half of the Unit
ed States OF America. The slogan OF
negro domination is myth. valuable
only for ignoble political ends, and
among few anti-unionists. for eccle-
siastical uses. The strongest leaders
and most upright members OF the ne
gro race are not ambitious for so
cial equality. but are content to be
and to help their people to become
the best examples OF what God made
of them. negroes. not white people in
white homes and schools and
churches.
THE negro wants. and the white
labor system of the south demands
that the negro shall have place &c
work where he shall be protected by
the laws and where he shall receive
the just recognition of his labors. and
the negro must be fitted and willing
to do good work. whether among his
own people. or for his white FELLOW
countrymen. The certain remedy
therefore for all racial Ills lies in the
direction of good schools and church
es- good, but racially separate
schools. in which the CHI ldren are
taught the dignity and as far as pos
sible. the arts OF honest toll. and
good. but for the best interests of al
concerned. racially separate congrega
tons in which the broad and deep
truths CT chr stianity. and not the
murderous premdices of racial and
sectional hatred. are heartily preached
and sincerely accepted
In concluding the sermon. DIR. Land.
rith said, among other things; IF
have been too much in earnest in urg'
ing better understanding of the
needs and problems OF my glorious
Southland; and II there has seemed
to be In my appeal for cooperation in
the christian conquest OF the south
and southwest somewhat OF fayorit-
ism for locality. forgive me. So long
have some OF us Witnessed. even
though We have not duly shared. the
unequal struggles OF consecrated and
heroic self-denial to overtake limit
less religious opportunities so long
have we seen the thrilling spectacle
OF that mad race between the ma
teriai and the poorly endowed educa-
tional and spiritual interests OF a
section that is.r because of its home
geneity, the most favorable in Amer
lea for the upbuilding OF the church
and the prosperity OF the school-so
long. say. have Observed these
discouraging conditions and medi-
-ated upon the greatness OF the ripen-
Sng harvest that could be gathered
for CHRIS and the Church IL only
there were enough men, and money,
wise planning and unselfish co-opera-
tion--that l. could not have kept ST..
lent today when this one greatest OF
a lifetime's opportunities came 10 me
TO voice hope in tones to which the
world might be induced 10 listen,
mayhap with needing heart"