Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1917-07-07
EDITcR 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 it looks like tho
organizati> =, is being promoted by
white citizens Of wealth and promi-
hence In Now York City for the pur-
pose of controlling in as large meas
ure as possible the Colored people of
tho country. We do not believe that
any one will care to take issue with
him upon that question.
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 anglo, but we
d 'ot see that he has fully made out
his case, although he has made @
sledge-hannner 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
or color as 80 thing apart" is in di-
rect opposition to the fundamental
principles Of the republic. No Ameri-
can, regardless Of his color, who has
read and studied the truths of history
anu who is educated enough and man
ly enough 20 understand them, will
question the attitude of Mr.. Smith
upon this question. When we yield
10 this Kind OF subscrvicncy, we sacri-
lice 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 posi-
ton and attitude. We have a high
opinion though Of the motives and
purposes Of the organization under
discussion and if Editor H. C. Smiths
suspicion are well founded, we are
one of the most surprised individuals
IN the country.-Richmond (VaD
Planet. \''
In closing the editorial on 1.-THE N
n. A. q. Pn' to which reference is
MADE In the foregoing, The Gazette
used the following lines:
LOOK at the matter from any angle
Ills wholesale asking Of our Deople
just at this time to continue making
Sacrlllce or rights and privileges in
the race OF "old and new insults and
wrongs" and by the white officers Of
an organization supposed to be for
the advancement Of colored reople"
iorces one to do lot of thinking
tii't IS hot all favorable to the N.
A. A. G. p. '
That is all the conclusion The On.
Zette reached and we still feel snre
tnat IL is reasonable and tenable
one anu that here was nothing In the
eoltorlai in question to justify the
srandstand" position, and bid for
sympathy, taken by the alleged
lurkisa.cigaret-smoking $4,000 a
year. $3o0 month, $7e a week. S12.50
'day' editor Of the Crisis. We still
contend that conditions referred to
n'''de by white officers OF the ~ A A.
> should at least be carefully In.
Vest1e&scd 10y our loyal race pnblica-
Sions and a clear understanding also
nad as to how DR.. J. %. 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 orr neo.
pie IS detrimental or beneficial viii,
no doubt be determined In q largo
oeSfee by the national white officers,
ana dubois support of segregated
mllltary training camps for our men
we were pleased with the view NJ
the matter taken by our longtime
I n,,e', ana confrere Editor Johr Nit
''eii' ~ OF the Richmond Planet.
cleveland Ohio Gazettel