The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-27
A MORNING PRAYER
PRESIDENT HARDING GAVE THE
 SOUTH SENSIBLE ADVICE

PRESIDENT HARDING GAVE THE
 SOUTH SENSIBLE ADVICE
 President Harding offered practical, com- nonsense solution of the race problem in his address yesterday to the people of Birmingham and the south. His views coincide with the best thought in this part of the country and will be cordially approved. He spoke on the broad grounds of humanity and an equality of oppor- tunity, but he drew sharp distinction be- tween economic and social recognition, when he said,, T would accept that black man can not be white man, and that he does not need and should not aspire to be as much like white man possible in order to accomplish the best that is possible for him. He should seek to be, and he should be encouraged to be the best pos sible black man, and not the best possible im- tation of white man.
 Tbere is the whole question in nutshell. Southern leaders, white and black, have already accepted the doctrine laid down by President Harding. If there is ever to be any solution of the race problem a sweeping away of prejudice and ill wilfAShich hurts whites as we'll as blacks it must be accomplished along these lines. Hu- nanity, fairness and economic necessity plead for better understanding between the races, a more helpful attitude on the part of white people and greater desire among the negroes to exalt their race through their own efforts and to win and to keep the respect of their neighbors.
 l. -;<. kHak Af~ u,~I,x. snI the wish that the negro might cease to be pawn in the game of national politics, that just as he would like to see the south cease to be entirely of one party, he also does not want the colored people to be solidly republican. It can not be denied that politics has had much to do with aggravating the race question in the south. The cry of "black domination" has served demagogues ever since the Civil war, and continues to do so That is due largely to the fact that negroes have been closeyy identi- fled with, the attempts of the republican party to gain foothold in the south and have been used time and again by politicians for their own selfish ends.
 MT. Harding was speaking, not for the north or WeSLt where the race QueStlOu HAS HOW pe- come an issue, but for the entire country and his remarks regarding the industrial situation which makes it imperative that the negro be treated in such way that the south will not lose his services in fields, factories and other forms of industry, were pertinent and timely.
 The newspapers of the south have long urged a square deal for the negro. He deserves and is entitled to the opportunities granted to every other American citizen, regardless of his place of birth. Wise leadership among the colored people, which is making itself felt more strongly and beneficially every ady, will banish the idea of social equality, which is an insuperable bar rier. The sooner it is abandoned and forgotten, the sooner will racial antagonsm die.
 There are fundamental differences between the races which have always existed and will continue to exist, but better education, eco homie and political equality and friendly CO., operation between the white people and the col ored people will enable them to live side by side peacefully and work for the common advance ment of the nation.
 M