Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-01-19
NEGROES BEST HOPE
FOUND IN THE SOUTH

Deep sympathy. sincere commentator
and earnest encouragement marked the
two addresses delivered to the colored
people of Atlanta Saturday morning by
President-elect William H. Taft, and
many of these who have heard all OF
Judge Taft's Atlanta speeches declared
that his remarks made at Big Bethel
church Saturday morning were the most
noteworthy, Certain it is that the presi-
dent-elect manifested an intense interest
in the colored race and the problems
which they, as citizens, are being called
upon to solve. His words showed that he
had given this portion Of the American
people. their history, their trials, their
achievements and their destiny, most
careful and conscientious study.
Not a WORT was uttered which would
In the least fan the fires Of race prejudice
or create unrest In the breasts of the COT
ored people. Several times during the
course of his speeches Judge Taft stress
ed the fact that his hearers must work
out their own destiny, Sin the man him
self must be found the seeds Of progress
Good character, ne said, was essential to
good citizenship.
Every one of you knows In your
vour greatest hope and greatest sympathy
Is in the white men who are your neigh
bors / thank God that the white men
M the south are working to uplift you.
They feel the responsibility of southern
civilization" H,
1000 Brave Rain
Atlanta's colored citizenry, to the num-
her of about four thousand, braved the
nrA
RetheI church, corner Auburn avenue and
Butler street. The doors were thrown
omen at 1918 and the building was filled
within a quarter of an hour. Nothing
daunted those who failed to gain admis-
sion congregated in the streets and wait
ed for an opportunity to see the presi-
dent-elect when he went from an auto
mobile into the church. So great was the
desire of the crowd to hear Mr.. Taft
that arrangements were made to have
him address the overflow Immediately
after he concluded his speech on the In
side OF the church.
After finishing his speech to the crown
within the church, Judge Tart proceeded
to the front of the church. where he no.
ticed two photographers in position OF
the stoop below. Voluntarily he took his
stand until the photographers finished
their work, remarking pleasantly as they
concluded. You got your pictures, all
right, did yOu?"
. On the stoop, smiling jovially, he faced
the large crowd assembled in front, which
took up every inch of available space
in the street and made brief speech.
Bishop Gaines asked me as left the
church to stand here for a few minutes
to let you get a look at me, so YOU
may know me the next time you see
me-
1--WE just finished a speech inside Of
the church. and II is a little hard to
serve warmedIover dish, because the
turkey won't taste like 1t did at first
nor 'possum, either" he added as some
one suggested BILLY 'possum."
"I enjoyed that possum last night, too,
and 1 haven't had any trouble from eat
ing IL, though haven't had any this
morning.
AS Judge Taft made HIS way down
the steps and through the crowd to where
his car waited in front, so many throng-
ed about him to shake his hand that
the secret service officers were compell-
ed to motion them. away. So
He was soon in the automobile how
ever, and. escorted by mounted police
officers. the car quickly moved away
through the crowd.