New-York tribune., 1909-01-17
MR.. TAFT TO NEGROES
"UNIVERS4L EDUC4TION.
Prophesies High attainment for
Them in atlanta Speech.

Atlanta, Jan. 16.-Universal education for the
leaders Of the negro race. their physicians and
professional men. and Industrial and primary edu-
cation for the body of workers composing the rest
of the race was the struck ny Presdent-eect
TAFT in addressing the big meeting of negroes at
Bethel Church to-day.
With your efforts" said Mr. Taft, ito uplift
yourselves have the deepest sympathy. I say
as the coming President that must stand as the
representative of all the American people The
President of the United States can
sacred function than to speak words of encourage
ment ana nope 10 assist your efforts. Fate in
the past has not been kind to you. and the whole
American people has the highest obligation of trus
teeship and guardianship for your uplift
Z say 70 the colored men and women of this
country thai bard lot has been and hard
as the road is likely be. it viii he a road onward
If you abide by your consciences and by ideals of
self-restraint. and that you will attain a condition
you hardly dream of to-day.
Look back of you. Forty years ago not per
cent Of your race could read and write. while to-
day the figure is nearly % per cent
After summar rIzing the heavy burdens placed on
the South by ne war. Mr.. Taft said
1t Is this country to which your fortunes
always he attached. Consider how il reduced
to condition making almost Impossible for the
white property holders there to make living. and
then consider tie progress your has made.
The country Is dotted with little farmh"uses Of
negroes. this shows what be done
MI Taft said he would discuss race feeling
or race prejudice. Then he continued.
Every Of you know that able and sympa-
thetiC men and women i'm the South have been of
the greatest aid Your development and that you
viii develop faster and faster through efforts
made by the white aid in your uplifting.
Then followed Il terse outline Of what Mr. Taft
considered the best educa tional scheme for
Beginning to-day with a reception to the board
Of governors OF the Chamber Of Commerce. Mr.
TAFT made to know in certain that his
remarks last night particularly about the rule
that should govern him federal appointments
In the 'SoGth-to select men of standing in their
"omuunities--was valued promise
which could have been made. The statement met
universal applause.
The days round Of speeches and receptions began
al the Georgia archaeological school. To the stu
dents President made a characteristic
speech Of encoura cement and Congratuatton, point
ing out the period Of training and character form
ing a the which the dearest friendships of
life formed and associations Of great after
Importance entered into
Interesting among the things Mr. Taft said in
the days speeches his eXhortation to tn"
young o! the chronological schools not to let
their desires for big jobs overbaIance their abso-
lutte honesty. The greatest liars that have ever
met were unprincipled experts his comment.
In his four years Secretary Of War. Mr. Taft
said. he had come in direct contact with the best
engineers Of the world He gave high praise 10
the United States army corps of engineers. Having
undoubtedly in mind the Panama Canal. he added:
1t is Of the greatest aid to men responsible for
work although involves the expenditure of mill
and millions Of dollars. he able to turn II
over 10 a corps like that with absolute confidence
that everything Will be managed with absolute hon
esty and on the highest scale OF engineering skill
After n pleasant speech at the state university.
which oldest state university I'm the country,
Mr.. Taft said. with the greatest feeling;
Il love Yale s I loved my mother He believed
that the student who stands first in mis-
classes and at the same time goes away without
profound love for the institution, its surroundings
and atmosphere had missed one Of the most hene-
fetal elements Of university life
Lexington. Ky. Jan. Is-Jscob 3. Perkins, a
Cleveland millionaire bought twenty-four matched
black horses to-day which will be shipped 70
..RIack Horse Troop" which act the per
sonal guard and escort Of President Taft IN the
inaugural parade March 1. The troop Will have
seventy-six IN line II acted in the 81 me ca