Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1917-07-07
EDITOR SMITHS DECLARATIONS.

We hope that Hon. H. g. Smith,
editor OF The Cleveland Ohio, Gazette
Is not correct In his conclusions with
reference to the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored Peo-
pie. He declares that 1t looks like tho
organizati>. Is being promoted by
white citizens OF wealth and promi-
hence in New York City for the pur-
pose Of controlling In as large a meas
ure as possible the Colored people of
the country. We do not believe that
any one will care to take issue with
him upon that question. Is
The point Is as to whether this
control or purported control is to the
detriment or benefit of the people so
controlled. He has argued the case
to an extent from this angle. but we
do not see that he has fully made out
his case, although he has made a
sledge-hammer attack against the
compromising attitude Of the organi-
cation upon some vital questions-the
condoning of evil that good may come.
On vital racial questions, Hon. II. G.
Smith Is now and always has been as
true "as the needle to the pole"
He Is right now. This segregation
business, this separate organization,
this treating of the American citizen
OF color as 20 thing apart" Is in di-
rect opposition TO the fundamental
principles Ct the republic No Ameri.
can, regardless Of his color, who has
read and studied the truths of history
and who Is educated enough and man
ly enough 10 understand them, will
question the attitude of Mr.. Smith
upon this question. When we yield
to this kind Of subscrviency, we sacri-
flee manhood and give up vital Amcri
can rights of citizenship.
We should accept such discrimina-
lions only under protest and like a
metal spring, when the pressure Is
removed, return to our former Dosi-
tion and attitude. We have q high
opinion though of the motives and
purposes Of the organization under
discussion and If Editor H. G. Smiths
suspicion are well founded. we ara
one or the most surprised individuals
IN the country.-Ricbmon fWo :
Planet. - wa
In closing the editorial ON "The NJ
a. a. q. ~" to which reference is
matte IN the foregoing, The Gazette
used the following lines:
a. oie maVteT from any angle,
inns wholesale asking Of our people
just at this time to continue making
sacrltlce or rights and privileges in
the face of "old and new insults and
wrongs" and by the white officers of
an organization supposed to be for
inc advancement Of colored people."
forces one to do q lot of thinking
tll"t IS no. all favorable to the N.
mat is all the conclusion The On.
Zette reached and we still feel sura
that 1T is a reasonable and tenoble
one anu that here was nothing in the
uul.oriai IN question to Justify the
grandstand" position, and bid for
sympathy, taken By the alleged
turkish. cigaret-smoking $4,000 n
year, $500 a month, SIS a week, s12.5O
DAY" editor Of the Crisis. We stil,
contend that conditions referred m
.l'? by white officers Of the n A. A.
'S&s y should at least be carefully in.
vestigated 10y our loyal race pub,ica.
lions and clear understanding also
mad as to how DR.. J. u. Spingarn and
Editor Alphabetical" Dubois could
SO quickly and easily change to the
support OF racial segregation after
more than years activity against
that very pernicious and harmful
thlng. Whether the organizations
control OF at least part OF our neo.
PIE IS detrimental or beneficial viii,
no doubt be determined in a largo
uegfee by the national white officers
ana dubois support Of segregated
milltary training camps for our mon
we were pleased with the view Of
ehe matter taken by our longtime
Iriond and cnnf:cSa Editor Johr Mi.
cheli' Jr. Of the Richmond Planet
tCieVeland Ohio Gazette.O