The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-08
Face to Face With a Situation
Rx DR. B. F. RILEY

Without reference to the discussion which arose from certain utterance, made at the late session of the sociolog- ical congress held in this city, I wish to emphasize a situation which confronts us, and one which the south must not only meet, but manage by the simple jaws and principles of humanity
 It would seem timely just now to give some sane and plain expression concern ing the attitude of the white race to that of the black. Any undue agitation of the question springing from mere passion or from opinions derived from ones environ ment, where only the worst side of the negro race is seen, and on which opinion is founded tend to the dismemberment of society and the destruction of peace and order There is sort of squeamish- ness in discussing the matter except from the hostile side, which supposed to be also the popular side, so that most that is said about the negro is not only detri- mental to the interest of the colored race in a most general way, but is productive of spirit of hostility which breaks out here and there in brutal violence. One in official station who vents expressions
 
 taken by those violently disposed as an incentive to the worst forms of lawless- ness, and thus the disturbance is con- tiued
 While one class of whites is wild and excited in its outcry many who are fa- yorably disposed toward the negro gen. eTally abstain from expression, their ac quiescenee being taken to mean acquies- cence by the enemies of the negro and a tacit sanction of their cruel procedure.
 The attitudes thus assumed by these two distinct camps of public sentiment have all along been a difficulty in the way of a proper discussion of this grave question. Nor can it be doubted that there is a lurking apprehension in the minds of not a few that to give full eX pression to the sentiment of humanity which they cherish would not only be un- popular, but would tend to the undue en- eouragement of negro assertiveness. All of this places the negro at great disad- vantage and disqualifies him by discour- agement awe, fear, a sense of isolation, and one often of despair. To confine ones self to answering sporadic expressions of aversion to the negro is not so much needed as is the establishment of strong public sentiment reposing on a proper conception of humanity, kindness, suasion rather than force, encourage nlent, and a spirit of general helpful ness. Then, too, comes the most lar fetched apprehension of all-that of social equality, which is born largely in the eager imagination of the cheap politician who cares not a thrip' for social order and the conservation of peace, so he climbs into office
 Meanwhile what about the position of the negro? He realizes the unfairness and injustice done him, he sees the con- sequences of it all, but he dare not open his lips He must submit to the penal ties of the court. no matter what they be, is compelled often to suffer in con sequence of a prejudiced jury, must yield often the exactionss and impositions in business transactions, must accept small wages for his labor endure the privations of scrimped life, live in quarters that breed vice and disease, and he again turns up in court, and thus the tread miss continues. In the outset he is estopped, for any expression of protest is taken as impotence, the voice of the vio- lent is again raised, the sentiment of hu- ananity is suppressed. and nothing is heard but the outcry of the hater of the race If a disturbance is produced, no matter by whcm and the negro is killed, the invariable plea is that of self-de- fence.
 Every candid and fair-minded man knows that this is the general condition