The broad ax., 1915-06-12
CALIFORNIA INVITES THE
WORLD.
By Prof. Charles Alexander.
Special to The Broad Az.

On the western edge of the North
American Continent dashed by the
restless waves of the great Pacific
Ocean on one side AID an immense is
land dotted bay almost surrounding it
on the other, in a remarkably con-
genial climate, veritable garden-spot
of enchanting loneliness, is located San
Francisco, the city of hills. In the
most favored section of this city has
been planted the Panama-Paciie In
ternational Exposition. A visit to this
Exposition is calculated to broaden the
minds of visitors, creating greater So
cial sympathies among them, harmon
izing geographical and international
view points and rendering it easy to
realize the brotherhood of man
among men.
1t would be a serious misfortune to
the Colored people of the United States
if they should for any reason be de-
TERED from visiting this magnificent
Exposition; and especially on account
of the misleading and erroneous report
circulated recently that the attitude
of the citizens of San Francisco and
the Exposition is unfriendly, hostile
and antagnostie toward him.
Knowing a sensitive nature of our
people and realizing how easy it is
to create the timorous spirit among
them on questions of discrimination
and prejudice, I have thought it wise
to send forth this frank statement
concerning the situation here in San
Francisco. Nearly everywhere in this
country questions Of segregation dis
elimination and prejudice are engross-
ing the attention of leaders, and I
would save our people embarrassment
and humiliation wherever it is pos
sible. To those who have decided to
visit the Exposition and to those who
have not yet fully contemplated that
pleasure, be it understood: That San
Francisco is q big cosmopolitan city.
A city made up of all sorts and condi-
tons Of men. It is more liberal in
sentiment, and less provincial in racial
matters than either Chicago or New
York. Representatives Of q great
number Of races are seen daily on the
streets. Little racial antipathy or ami
mostly is observable in the conduct of
the people in public places, nOtwith-
standing the ineongruous, dissimilaI
and heterogeneous character Of the
population. Indeed, San Francisco, Is
singulsrly free from racial friction as
compared with other cities. On the
Exposition grounds the most generous
and cordial spirit prevails among the
visitors and natives; and here one sees
for himself the gathering together Of
many strange people, arTayed in pie
turesque garbs, speaking unfamiliar
languages and betraying peculiar traits
Of character. This wonderful sight In
spires the belief that the time is not
remote when universal peace win be
realized, notwithstanding the terrible
conflict now raging in Europe.
The races, in order 70 reach some
common ground, IN order TO arrive al
some mutual understanding. must come
together IN this fashion. confer and
get acquainted with each other. and
this Exposition is performing the bene-
aesnt mission Of introducing the rep
ressntatives Of various races 70 each
other on q larger scale than has even
been done before.
Nov Is 70 aeeommodations fcr Col
o1sd people IN San Francisco. Il i
not the that or people are discrimi'