The Colorado statesman. [volume] (Denver, Colo.) 1895-1961, 1909-03-20
ADDRESS DELIVERED BE-
FORE AFRICAN COLON|-
zATION SOCIETY
SOME POSSIBILITIES OF AFRICAN
EMIGRATION.
By DR.. w. A. Jones.


to reason and refuses to see anything
in connection with the subject EXCEPT
through its prejudice. But in this au-
dience tonight, l am sure we have
those who are above the average. You
are willing to lay aside preconceived
notions and take common-sense view
of this important subject. You. as
myself, may not be an ardent emigra-
ZIONIST but will be willing with me to
consider this subject in a dispassion-
ate and sane manner. With this brief
preparation, let us note some of the
possibilities of African emigration.
In the first place let me say that
for the Negro to have his own coun-
try is the logical sequence of the
Negro having his own home, his own
church and preachers, his own doc
tors, his own lawyers, and his own
teachers and business men. At first
glance this may not seem true. But
when we examine the conditions that
have made it necessary for us to have
the one we will see the truth of this
assertion, the need of the other. 1t
is evident to every observant mind
that we are distinct race, peculiar
people. The badge of our distinction
is emphasized and plain in our counte-
nance so that no one need err (and
who of us can say that this is not
part of Gods unfathomed plan to pro
tect and preserve us for distinct and
special work in his creation). And
so | say the line of demarkation be
tween the Negro and other races of
question whether two races so dis
similar can coeXist on the same ter,
ritory on a basis of equality. History,
so far as | now recall, does not furnish
us with a precedent. And if it comes
to disruption, who in all probability
will have to CO. the weaker or stronger
faction? And what side do we repre-
sent in this country? These simple
but blunt qeustions should cause us to
think, and forestall the outcome if pos
| sible.
Since | have given the subject of
african emigration any thought what
ever, | have never denied it as a pos
sible solution to Americas vexed
question. But my personal conclu
sion is, that any premature movement
of this kind before our training and
schooling in advanced civilization is
completed, would work havoc to the
| plan and to those who attempted to
carry out its operation. | am one who
believes in a central moving spirit in
the affairs of earth, an over-ruling
| providence. And if African emigra-
ton is a part of Gods great scheme
day, just as slavery was overthrowr
it will come. A resistance on the part
| of a few men will simply bring about
more complete fulfillment of the
plan.
Viewed from a practical point, the
establishment of national center by
the Negro for himself would secure for
him world recognition. What is it
that gives the Japanese prestage and
respects, and makes even the so-called
"dago" and the hated Chinaman free
from the indignities that the Negro is
subjected to?
One potent reason is that they have
a government that can be appealed to-
and in proportion to their govern
mental strength their grievances are
considered and amended. A few days
since l saw sign ON one of Denver's
capitol hill homes, closer inspection
showed it to indicate the abode of the
Italian consul. That means that Italy
has representative in this city that
will see that every Italian gets fair
play and justice in accordance with
international law and usuage. This
and inspires more respect than a hun
dred mass meetings following outrages
and mob violence. Instances of both
the mass meeting type of redness and
the governmental type are perhaps
fresh in the minds of each of you, and
the results in each case. And so i
submit without further argument, the
contention that a government of the
Negro and by the Negro would obtain
for him world recognition. ~
And we now consider Africa as a
possible field of individual and race de.
velopment. Taking up the question of
individual development, we claim that
attainment in colony would only be
limited by ability and not by arbitrary