Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-07-04
DIR. WASHINGTON AND THE
PRESIDENCY.

PRESIDENCY.
The rather remarkable telegram
OF CONCENTRATION. sent by DR.. Booker
T. Washington Of Tuskegee Institute
to Hon. William H. Taft. congratu-
latiug him upon his nomination and
virtually pledging 70 him not only
his own assistance. but that of the
race will prove interesting reading
and will be regarded as significant
ia showing the position OF the dis
tinguished educator upon political
Questions.
We regard it as indicating that Dr.
Washington is Cup 20 his ears" in
politics and that he viii prove an
important factor in wheeling into
line the rebellious battalion of Negro
voters, now quarreling I'm the doubt
ful states. But here is the telegram:
Most hearty and sincere cOngrat-
ulations You more than deserve it
an I feel quite sure YOU will be
triumphautly elected 20 the Presi-
dency. and that my race viii assist
/ in bringing about the result"
DIT. Washington declares that Sec
rotary Taft is the right man for the
right place for ne more than deserves
&c an. Does ne know some of the
characteristics of the genial states
man, with which the public at large
is not acquainted? Has ne received
assurances for the welfare of his peo~
I pie. that viii not bear the light of
day or stand repeating before an
audience of critics2 TO would seem
so for Dr. Washington says that Mr..
Taft more than deserves 1T an.
We are guiding over this state
ment for Dr. Washington carefully
weighs his words and De carefully
plans his actions. He rarely makes
mistake and ne knows how TO look
out for himself and for those amliated
with him. He is evidently the re-
ieree for the present administration
in its dealing with the citizens Of
color and from the telegram. fl seems
to- indicate that he has the Job nail
ed down with the future admins
tration as we'll
But what kind Of a telegram will
Or. Washington b able 20 send Hon.
William Jennings Bryan. when ne is
nominated and how can ne enter the
White House. IN the distinguished o.
MOAN is defeated and the man from
Nebraska occupies the divans M tho
White House? But then DIR. Wash
inston has no doubt seen FAR enough
ahead TO realize that no embarrass-
mont VIII follow as n result of his
attitude upon these an important
questions.
We should like TO know II Presi-
dent Taft viii Insist upon ooIored
men proving their innocence instead
.oi the government establishing tboir
guiltf We should like 10 know a.
any provisions viii De made for tho
reinstatement OF the members OIL
COMPANIES b. and ID OF the Twen-
ty-dfth Infantry?
DIT Washington says that Mr.. Taft
VIII be triumphantly elected and A.
his opinion is worth anything and
\" usually is not az fault. then tho
reason for his hearty attitude To-
wards the able candidate is apparent
WeIl' we are wondering over the ran
Id shaping of events, the changed
attitude OF President Roosevelt the
admission TO the Republican National.
Convention of the 'lily-white" dee
gates and the "steam-rouer" process
es IN dealing with the colored ones
Dr. Washington is a great leader
and he has motive in all Of his ac-
tons We confess though that We
are unable TO understand these coEe1
promising positions now being g
Sumed by some of our great men.j
The Republican Party should sta "a
true to its principles The compA-
missing attitude now being adopte,
VIII hardly be tolerated by NegroeA
OF ability, education and money. Men
must be recognized according to
worth and not on account Of color
IL may be that Dr.. Washington has
assurances that the Party will live
up 10 the plank in the platform. with
reference TO the Negro. II it will do
this and insure justice in the army
and navy as well as in civil life. this
distinguished educators attitude is
explained and peace and plenty will
be found in all of this land.