Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1952-02-23
RAIGHT
AHEAD"


was observed in most of the States
of the Union. Thoughts of Lincoln,
however, bring to mind his life,
his philosophy and in them, les
son for the entire Country, and
particularly at this time for the
Republican Party.
Thinking of Lincoln also sug-
gests that this would be a good
time to emphasize the Importance
of bringing some semblance of
unity to our Country in fulfilment
of the work begun 80 years ago
by President Lincoln.
In his second Inaugural Address,
Mr.. Lincoln said, with malice to-
ward none; with charity to all;
with firmness in the right as God
gives US to see the right; let us
strive on to finish the work we are
in; to bind the nations wounds, to
care for him who shall have borne
the battle, and for his widow and
his orphan to do all which
may achieve and cherish a Just
and lasting peace among ourselves
and with nations"
By creating Just and lasting
peace, we must first bring peace to
our own shores. In order to achieve
this, we must consider Americas
race prejudice, discrimination and
segregation and what our pattern
at home has meant and is mean
ing to our prestige abroad. 1t is
readily Understandable that as a
nation we desire to have the good
will and respect of our neighbors,
but America needs to cleanse it
self not alone because of what the
outside world thinks of us, but Am
erica must cleanse itself for its
own sake because it is right and
just.
And, as America struggles with
itself to clean house, there is a
job to be done by members of
both races. 1t must be realistic and
at times it might be painful.
We live in a community in which
we believe in rule by the majority,
but we know now that the right
to rule does not carry with it the
right to oppress, for we realize
that morality and justice must
nurture our national roots if we
are to maintain and preserve our
cherished way of life.
Slowly we are coming to realize
that we must take the leadership
in showing the way to real pro-
gress in human relationship and
brotherhood. We do not seek to
stifle competition, for competition
has made us great nation, but
we must not restrict opportunity.
The nation must take steps, and
the Republican Party must spear
head the program, to reassure the
American Negro, who, despite the
progress he has made, still finds
the shedding most difficult as he
strives to gain a place on the main
highway of life in America.
In the world today, the power
full nations are busy securing the
globe for allies. Essential in this
effort is the strengthening of the
forces at home. | need not say
how important this is.
In the United States, the Negro
has been described as being more
American than the oldest Back Bay
settler of merry New England. In
all times of stress the Negro has
rallied quickly and unafraid to the
cause of his country. He has been
one group upon which the nation
could rely for loyalty and support.
He has not been found in the
enemy camp-his devotion has al
ways been to his native land, the
land he loved and the land for
which he has always been willing
to fight and die.
AS America searches its soul for
the moral strength to carry for
word the battle, it might look to
the Negro, for the infusion of the
truly democratic spirit which the
Negro has exemplified may prove
to be exactly what is needed to
generate the spark that will bring
light into the lives of millions
everywhere, and with that, ulti-
mate peace to the world.