Franklin's paper the statesman., 1912-06-01


chitect and Mechanics-AII Fighting
Under One Flag, Says Stimson.
By r. w. THOMPSON.
Washington.-An immense concourse
of people, which extended a block in
each direction from the structure
witnessed the recent formal dedica-
ton of the new 100000 home of the
colored mems branch of the Young
Mems Christian association, located at
1916 Twelfth street northwest, in the
heart of the most populous section in
habiing our people in this city. 1t had
been planned to hold the exercises in
the gymnasium; but, the crowd swell
ing to unexpected proportions, it was
decided to conduct them on the front
portico Of the building.
On account of the unavoidable alb
sence of President Taft in Ohio the
place which he was to have filled as
principal speaker fell to the lot of the
Hon. Henry L. Stimson, secretary OF
war. Mr.. Sdmson dwelt at length upon
the necessity for moral training, sup
plemented by intellectual and physical
culture and supported by practical
knowledge of the professional, indus
trial and gainful callings that give
ability to ones duty as part of the
civic compact. Everything that went
to make the well rounded man of af-
fairs could be given an impetus by ac-
tive Identification with the broad
gauged work of the Young Mems Chris
tian association, and he urged colored
young men to take advantage Of the
golden opportunity that was here pre-
sented to them.
A highly significant portion of his re-
marks was that in which he referred
to the fact that 1t was through the in
tervention of President Taft that Mr..
julius Rosenwald was persuaded to
donate $25 1000 toward the cost Of this
magnificent structure. Said Secretary
Stimson in part:
"You know how President Taft show
ed his interest in developing the col
ored branch of the Y. NJ. G. A. in the
District by contributing generously to
the building fund. He was instru-
mental in having Mr.. Rosenwald in
clude the colored branch Of this city
in his sphere of $25,OOO benefacttons.
which went far to hasten the compile
ton of your beautiful and admirably
appointed Christian home. Mr.. Taft
has shown time and again his deep
interest in the colored race and in the
Y. NJ. G. A. and other uplifting move
ments.
president Taft is more free from
class feeling than any man have ever
known of despite any reports to the
contrary. He believes in equal oppor-
tunity for all, and especially for those
who have not had the same advantages
as others. Were it possible he would
be here to tell you this himself, and he
much regrets his inability to be pres
ent.
Proud Achievement For tho Negro Race
1.-THE erection Of this building Is
something for the colored race to be
proud off, continued Secretary Stim-
son, designed as it was by colored
man, built largely by colored hands
and with money contributed by colored
people. 1t shows that the race is ca
pable of accomplishing much If given
the opportunity. 1t is also significant
that gifts of white men and of people
not connected with the Christian re-
ugion helped in a large way to make
the completion of this building posi-
BILE.
Julius Rosenwald, a Hebrew, of Chi
cago gave evidence of the broadest hu
man charity in contributing $25,00O to
the building fund. 1t is encouraging
to note the widespread tendency to
give the colored people chance to
show what they can do and to lend as
sistance in the way that will yield the
most lasting results
"It is being recognized more and
more that the problem Of the colored
race is a great national one" declared
the secretary with emphasis. 'It be-
longs to no section and to no particu-
lar class of people. 1t can never be
solved except by the cooperation of
peoples of all religions and all races.
We must face it as Americans, all fight
ing together under one flag for COM
mon end"
Mr.. Shmson's speech was frequent
y interrupted by hearty applause and
CALCULATIONS of "Amen"
Other speakers were DR.. George Otis
Smith, president Of the Washington Y.
M. G. A.; w. Knowles Cooper, secre-
tary of the Washington Y. N. G. A,
and Mr.. r. c. Morse. References were
made by each to former President
Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone of
the structure on Thanksgiving day
Nov. 26, 1907. Mr.. e. ]. Morton, presi-
dent Of the colored branch, conducted
the exercises and happily introduced
the speakers.
Too much credit cannot be given to.
those indefatigable workers, Interna-
tIonal Secretary ]. e. Moorland and
Local Secretary Lewis e. Johnson.
who created the movement and whose