The Washington herald., 1908-03-19

Before we attempt to solve the race
problem. each individual should see TO II
that he solves his own problem. He must
not yield TO the temptation OF trying TO
take caAe OF difficulties that are thou
sand miles away and fail 10 master the
difficulties in our own community, 90 not
be one Of those who try to tell how the
government debt can be paid until you
learn to- pay the grocery bill at the cor
ner store Z"
Thus spoke Booker T. Washington,
founder and principal OF the Tuskegee In
stitute. the negro industrial schoo, to a
large audience Of members OF his race at
the Metropolitan African Methodist Epls-
c0pal Church. last night.
The large auditorium was filed 70 It's
capacity with prominent citizens OF both
races.
The meeting was called 10 order by
Chairman Lassiter. and after prayer by
Rev. J. II. Welch. Representative Martin
B. Madden, Of Illinois. was presented as
presiding officer Of the evening
Representative Madden was given an
ovation as he came forward TO Introduce
DR.. Washington. In presenting the great
negro leader. Mr.. Madden referred to him
IN glowing terms, cordially Endorsed she
splendid work Of racial regeneration at
Tuskegee. and termed him as the fore
most negro in the country.
Mr.. washinGtOn's Address.
Mr.. Washington said in part:
Permit me 10 thank you Of both races
for the cordial welcome extended, and TO
express my sense OF gratitude to the
many distinguished individuals who have
come TO this meeting
ITO all races and groups Of individuals
there come times when the atmosphere
about is charged with discussion, excite
ment. and uncertainty. During all such
seasons We should learn. ard are learn
ing. 10 practice self-eontrol. and deport
ourselves with dignity and calmness. Po-
lItical issues come and go.
There are certain elements In race
building that abide forever. The race that
clings 10 the essentials-the fundamentals
OF life. that does not permit itself TO be
deceived into graspIng the shadow OF the
substance. will succeed. The race that
keeps steadily in view in the midst Of
excitement and temptation the main thing
in life. the laying OF a foundation for
high and useful citizenship by securing
property. learning useful habits. the culti-
vatiOn OF high moral and Christian
habits. will win its way IN the world in
spite OF all predictions TO the contrary.
with all their disadvantages. the black
youths of this country have a chance 10
obtain wealth. 10 lead useful lives that
IS far beyond that Of the youths OF the
olden countries in Europe. We must learn
10 emphasize our advantages more and
our disadvantages less. We must learn to
call attention more TO our success and
less 70 our troubles. The world wants 70
hear OF triumph. but soon tires OF hearing
OF calamity.
IN the case OF the negro, our life and
our interests may be divided into two
parts-the help we can render ourselves
and the help which those outside OF our
race can extend TO US. Tonight for the
most part. I want 20 emphasize what we
can do for ourselves.
Human nature is so constituted that
the weak indiviGuals and races yield 10
the temptation Of placing all the blame
for their failures in life upon some one
aside from themselves. Weakness invites
dependence upon others. Strength invites
self-reliance. There are certain things
which our friends can do for us. There
are certain other things which no one
except ourselves can do.
Before we attempt TO solve the race
problem, each individual should see to
II that he solves his own proolem- We
must not yield to the temptation OF try
ing 10 take care Of difficulties that are
thousand miles away from US. and fail
to master the difficulties that are right in
our own community.
Do Not Argue with Him,
IF man says that the negro viii not
buy farm. do not argue with him; show
him farm that the negro has bought.
II man says the negro Will not build
a decent house, do not argue with him
show him a decent house that the negro
has built If man says that the negro
will not use his education in sensible
directions do not argue with him. show
him a negro that Is using his education
TO benefit the whole community. II a
man says the negro viii not lead a
moral life, do not argue with him. show
him a negro in every community that is
leading a moral and useful life.
We can help ourselves. again. by see
ing TO II that our education. whether II
is called high or low, industrial or
academic, is adapted TO the needs and
condition OF the community and country
In which We live.
I'VE can help ourselves. again. by not
permitting the young men and women OF
the race to become embittered by reason
OF present conditions. No misfortune
which can overtake US would be so hurt
tuI as for us 20 yield 20 the temptation
of letting our lives become soured. or per-
mitting ourselves TO become embittered
against other races. The embittered man
soon becomes a narrow and debased man.
and when one becomes embittered he