Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1922-01-28

EmAncipatOr which Southern states-
men recite with approval. 1t Is indeed
disappointing to find President OF
the United States at tho end Of tho
World War for democracy reverting t.
the undemocratic doctrine which has
always been relied on to justify mans
inhumanity to man.
This Is a sledgo-hammer blow. He
continues: .."
In the present inilamed state of pub.
lie feeling the question Of social equal.
ity can be asserted only to be assented
to. Opinion on u given question ia Of
value only when tho one who enter.
tains it is equally free to espouse the
opposite conclusion. Even the Presl-
dent OF the United States could not dis
cuss the question Of social equality il
Alabama, unless it was understood be-
forchand that his conclusion was in
conSonance with ideal sentiment Ra.
tional discussion on this issue serves
only to inflame the mind OF its propon
onts. ...
"You may as well go reason with tho
wolf
Why he lns made the eve bleat for
the lamb.
The Negro does not wish to ngltats
this issue, but. only asks that 1t be de-
fined 50 that he may understand the
range and scope OF its operation. II the
two races, from instinct or from calcu-
lated reasons, prefer to group them
selves separately in all matters Of per-
sdnal and pleasurable intercourse,
neither would have the right or reason
to complain Of the mutual exclusive
ness. 1t Is only because the plea Of so.
cial equality limits citizens In their
public and civil rights that the Negro
utters tho voice Of protest. The two
races at present occupy separate social
spheres. Social prejudice, whether 1t be
based on color, race or religion, may
be deep-seated and long abiding albeit
not eternal. All peoples at times have
recognized and acted upon set schemes
Of social distinction by acceptance nc
quiscence and silence or by prudent
complaisance or compulsion. But one
can hardly expect tho debased party to
Justify The grounds OF his debasemGnt.
The Negro finds himself in q segrega:-
cd social world. He Is making the best
! ho can Of this situation. He Is not clam
oring for .so-called social equality, AMI
would DO wholly unable to assert his
claim even IL he we're clamorous. But
surely 1t cannot be expected that the
race will meet in solemn conclave and
affirm it's belief in and acceptance OF
fundamental. unacceptable and eternal
differences. This would Justify the
propaganda OF the .Ku Klux Khan
, whose avowed purpose is to help the Al
: mighty carry out his plan Of everlast-
ing white supremacy. Complainant nc
Quiescencc on his part could not miti.
gate tho mnlignity OF race prejudice.
hut would serve to intensity It. If 1t be
natural. and to Justify it II It be acquir
cd.
We do not know Just how the other
great race leaders in this country will
accept DR.. Kelly Miller's epical declara
ton upon this subject, but for us it can
be emblazoned upon the walls Of fame
for all time us the utterances and the
belief Of the colored people Of the
world He has made platform SO
broad that white man can accept II
and 4 black man mny not he ashame ed
OF 1t, while affording q common ground
whore the neutrals Of both races may
find an abiding place.
. We feol like permitting this declara
ton upon this subject remain in thess
columns from now OH until every read
or has thoroughly digested it's meaning
and realize in every respect what mear
ing this distinguished author, write,
and man Of letters intends to convey
He says:
I You mention with approval Mr.. Stot
dard's book on "The Rising Tide o
Color" This book was under review b.
Mr.. Lugard when he proposed his pla
form Of race adjustment based on race
distinction. Mr.. Stokldard Ia the apost,
of the dominance Of tile white race b.
sheer right Of its color. His DOCTRINE
sounds the death kncll Of democracy
Christianity and the brotherhood .
man. Idolatry OF race Is more Viciou
than idolatry Of craven images. M
6toddard and all those Of his persuas
ion would do we'll to ponder the funds
mental purpose Of the Second Com
mandment, "Thou shalt not make unit
thee any craven image or likeness
Thou shalt not bow down myself t.
them nor serve them" According t.
Mr.. Stoddard 1t is more importan
that the world should be white thai
that It should be right. wonder ho>
this doctrine is received by the Japa
nose, Chinese and Hindu Representa-
tives who are now sitting in the wori
conclave at Washington. There Is n
|, attribute Of the Almighty which is III
derstandable by the darker races G
mankind which dooms two-thir1s c
the human race to the everlasting >doa
: ination Of the other third by virtue o
the fermentation of the skin.
The above requires no comment.
. sDeake for ftealY Tie continued.