The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1912-08-08
(EdttOrial Contribution to the South
ern Life MdgdSine.)

oAoihi. IL 10 AoI NY AMY means neCeS-
sary that each Individual in this world
should read. Blackstone's Commen.
taries in order to get clear idea OF
a persons individual rights and privi-
leges-those he is entitled to demand
for no reason other than that his is a
sane human being.
1t ought to be necessary only to call
the attention of any warped, biased
intellect to the necessity, for his own
future good, Of thinking and meditat-
ing Ca the solemn truths proving that
every person, ignorant or intelligent
is due hearing when he is concerned
ahd desires 1T, and that according to
the teaching Of Christianity and of CIV
ilization generally, every persons
opinions ought to be considered and at
least be respected as his right to
them even though they cannot be ac-
cepted.
The infidel, sceptic or agnostic has
4 right to expresS the conclusions of
his reasonings; SO has the anarchist
1T seems to us that we need be seri-
ously concerned in our treatment Of
any one only in so far as that person
allows his opinions to influence his ac-
lions toward us or toward his fellow
man generally.
We feel safe in concluding that there
is never an excuse for contemptuously
disregarding, discounting or vilhfymg
any individual because CT his thoughts
or opinions merely. 1t must be ad-
mitted that it Is every ones unhinder-
ed right to think and to express his
thoughts should he see fit so to do.
We fear that the Negro can lay a
far smaller claim to a share of this
full realization Of individual lights
than can any other race or people. Jm-
posed upon most unneasonably when
a slave, legislated against as a free
man and treated as though he landed
upon this earth accidentally from
some other planet, the average black
man today finds himself falling out
repeatedly with his neighbors who
may chance to entertain opinions at
variance to his own. 1t seems to be
natural result following past les
sons taught him when he was power
less to decide what he wished to
learn.
On coming into possession of a lit
TIE authority we find the average Ne
gro overbearing; not wearing his hon
ors with becoming grace and humility.
We find him often discounting the
wishes, desires or demands of his sub
ordinates, and falling out entirely with
any who might entertain thoughts and
opinions that cannot coincide with his
own. Unreasonableness often holds
sway in his decisions and actions.
The young Negro who is gradually
gaining place in the world Is here
by warned that If he wishes perma-
nently to retain influence with his fell
lows and enjoy their highest respect
and esteem, he must ever be watchful
to. retain his poise and equilibrium :;
not to become naughty, domineering
and tyrannical, but to remember that
the possession of power gives him no
further right to treat people as peo-
pie treat cattle, than he had when
first he was born.
Every aspirant for place and posi-
ton should hold in mind that however
strong are his convictions in any di-
recticn, there exist diametrically op-
posite convictions, just as strong as
his, and the persons possessing them
have a perfect right to them, and not
only can but should expect decent
treatment from him in spite of these
d1herences. Any one who cannot see
the wisdom of these observations is
narrow indeed. And he who will moi
be influenced by the advice here given
must be q hopeless case and a comina
tyrant
We feel that the young Negro espe.
cially needs to learn these lessons. HI
ought never forget that whatever 9th.
er way his feelings dictate, he is un.
reasonable when he falls out with q
fellow because ne beats him in an ar
gument.