So radical were some of the results of the conflict, such as the overthrow of despotism in Russia, and a swinging completely to the other extreme of the pendulum; similar happenings in Germany and Austria transpiring, that subject peoples in general, finding themselves in possession of a liberty which they did not expect and were not prepared for, are in a sense bewildered; put to it, as to just what steps to take; the wisest course to pursue.

At home we have a nearer view and can begin to see emerging a new America.  The men who fought abroad will be the dominant factor in national affairs for many years.  These men have returned, and will return with a broadened vision and with new and enlarged ideas regarding themselves and, quite to be expected, of progress and human rights.

With the leaven of thought which has been working at home, added to the new and illuminating; more liberal viewpoint regarding the Negro attained by the American whites who served with him in France, will come; is already born, a new national judgment and charity of opinion and treatment, that will not abate; will grow and flourish through the coming years, a belated sense of justice and restitution due the Negro; a most wholesome sign of shame and repentance upon the part of the nation.  The old order based on slavery and environment; the handicap of “previous condition” has passed.  Will never return!  That, or the “Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man” is, and always was, an iridescent dream; a barren ideality!

The new America owes much of its life to the Negro; guaranteed through centuries of a devotion, than which, there has been nothing like it; you seek in vain for a counterpart; a patriotism and suffering and shed blood; the splendor and unselfishness of which will germinate and flower through the ages; as long as history shall be read; to the last moment of recorded time.

In days to come, now on the way, men will say, one to another:  “How could it have been that those faithful Blacks; those loyal citizens; whose toil enriched; whose blood guaranteed the perpetuity of our institutions; were discriminated against—­wronged?”

In a country based and governed on the principle that all men are free and equal, discrimination or special privilege will eat at the heart of national life.  Capital must not have special advantages over labor; neither labor over capital.  Jew and Gentile, protestant and catholic, Negro and White men, must be equal; not alone in the spirit of the law but in the application of it.  Not alone in the spirit of industrialism, commerce and ordinary affairs of life, but in their interpretation and application as well.

Social discriminations and distinctions may prevail with no great danger to the body politic, so long as people do not take them too seriously—­do not mistake the shadow for the substance, and regard them the paramount things of life.

Obviously the Negro no less than the Caucasian, has a right, and no government may challenge it, to say who his associates shall be, who he shall invite into his house, but such rights are misconstrued and exceeded when carried to the point of proscribing, oppressing or hampering the development of other men, regardless of the nationality of their competitors.