The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1911-07-07

We regret to learn, through the
Nashville Globe, that the color line
has been drawn at Fisk University,
one of the leading schools in the
country for colored students. Fisk
was the last place n would have
thought the color line would be
drawn, yet it seems to be a fact that
PRESIDENT Gates, of that institution,
did draw the color line during the
commencement exercises. According
to the account in the Globe the presi-
dent of that institution has drawn the
color line and is somewhat affected
with color-phobia. IL seems that one
Dr. Stowe, son Of the noble character
of American letters, Harriet Beecher
Stowe, had been invited 70 address
the graduates of Fisk, and in fact
did. President Gates seemed quite
anxious to have the white citizens
of Nashville hear this distinguished
gentleman, as he was going to dis
cuss, to some extent, the Civfl War
and the great book written by Harriet
Beecher Stowe promised them sepa-
rate seats. 1t was rather singular
that he should be SO anxious to have
the people hear this particular adj
dress, as he had never before mani
tested such anxiety. Yet one need
not be surprised at his anxiety after
they have read the address of DR..
Stowe. 1t can be characterized as
a defense Of secession and an apology
for the book written by Harriet
Beecher Stowe.
In speaking of the wa he said:
$50, is it not perfectly evident that
there was a great rebellion, but that
that rebels were the northerners,
and that those who defended the con-
stitution as it was were the south
erners, for they defended states
rights and slavery, which we're dis
tinctly entrenched within the consti-
tuition Quite a remarkable state
ment to be made at this late date.
Was it the defense or secession in a
colored school that President Gates
wanted the people of Nashville to
hear that made him draw the color
line at this Negro university? Is it
possible that the colored people at
their own exercises and in their
own schools must be Disseminated
against? While every one is pleased
to have members of the other race
come among us, yet the day has long
since passed when the color line can
he drawn in colored assemblies for
the benefit of those who wish to visit
us. If those who wish to ONE into
the gatherings Of the colored people
ere so prejudiced that they have to
have special arrangements made for
them, then the gathering would be
better honored by their absence than
with their presence.
President Gates, as we'll as all
who think as he does, well recognize
the fact that the day has long since
passed when he or any other man
will be allowed to remain at the head
of a colored institution who is color
blind. There are too many good men
in this country who can recognize
worth even though it be beneath a
black skin, to have such as his kind
at the head of a colored institution.
He will have to be taught the same
lesson that was taught DR.. Gordon,
who at one time presided over the
destiny of Howard University.
Whenever men at the head OF
colored institutions fail to recognize
the Negro as a man ana an American
citizen. who is not to be judged by
his color, but by his worth, it Is time
for them to step down and out, and II
thcv will not step down of their own
accord they should be made do so.
The Globe also states at the close
Of the last school term there were
hut twelve colored teachers In that
institution and that six Of them nave
been dismissed without any real