The Washington bee., 1908-02-01


there is no such thing as the color line
in good work"
GOgnnOr'5 PieG for Negro.
The audience was on its feet before
the Governor himself arose, applauding
and cheering for several minutes When
the demonstration was over the Cover
nor said
We are here .onight to emphasize
Our interest in the work that Is being
done for the benefit Of our fellow citi-
zens of the black race. From a proper
point Of view it is a work for our own
benefit as well. It is essential to the
Interests OF the people as a whole.
We can never afford to lose sight Of
the fundamental objects alike of en-
lightered self-interest, of philanthropy
and OF aptriotism. These are, first to
give opportunity and stimulus so that
each man may make the most Of him
SEW. further to stimulate that whole
sonic interest in the welfare of our fel-
lows which will make usefulness and
service the standards of our activities,
ard without. which talent and trained
skill are prostiuted to ignoble and cor
rupt purposes; and, still further, TO see
tia; our laws and cur administration of
laws shall secure equality OF civil
rights, shall protect the gains of honest
effort and shal make the field of our
labors a fair one, in which talent and
industry shall have chance on their
merits, free from all preventable op-
preston
hcsc aims are not sectional, nor do
they concern exclusively any race or
any portion of our population. They
are tic aims Of free people, and they
must be constantly emphasized with re-
gard to all, white and black, whatever
their occupation or antecedents. He i,
a bold man who would attempt to fore
cast lie destiny Of any people a few
centuries ago the ancestors Of most Of
us were living a savage life in the for
ests "j Northern Europe We have been
fortunate in opportunities for free and
independent effort, and have attained a
high degree Of civilization, which at
time not long remote if we consider the
period OF recorded human historv,would|
have been beyond the bounds Of proph-
eCy- We have reason for pride in what
has been accomplished. But We take
lttle account OF the past if we do not
constantly strive to widen the area of
and to do all in our power
to promote the development, raise the
standards and to increase the efficiency
Of those who have been denied our
own advantages.
No Coior Line in Good ITork.
The black man is enitled to his
chance He Is entitled to the advan-
tagcs Of training and education. He
Is entitled, under the stimulus OF free
inst tuuons, to an opportunity to prove
by his works what IS in him to make
his contribution, according to his talent
and aptitude, to the slim OF our pro-
luctiye labors and Of our national life !
and he is entitled 10 the rewards which /
MS character and industry may deserve /
! here is no color line in good work. |
!. neither of hand or brain. Good work. |
rained skill and sterling integrity are |
he same, irrespective of race, color or /
previous condition Of s,ryitude The |
fort should he likewise irrespective of |
ace to increasc the efficiency, to pro-
luce the skill and to develop the char
Cter For this purpose there Is guar
nteed the equality of civil rights and
lothIHg should be LETT undone to make
PROVISION for education and for train
ng Of mind and character. 1t has we'll
ccn said that whatever problem the
rogress Of thc Negro may present, IT
$ not comparable with that which will
E presented by stag1auon or retrogrcs-
ion. In this land the door OF oppor-
unity must he wide open 10 our citi-
ems. We want neither slaves nor serfs.
or any body Of citizens permanently
elow the standards which must be
for the preservation of the
epublic. We cannot maintain our dem
cratic ideals as to one set Of our peo,
lie and ignore them as to others.
One Of the most characteristic feat
res Of recent progress is that prepara-
on for active life becomes more def
lite and less haphazard. On every hand
ew opportunities are being provided to
ct men for some useful work. These
re made necessary by the conditions OF
lodern life and the necessity Of special
with regard to a constantly
Increasing number Of tasks The best
imuIus to industry is the ability to do