The logical growth of achievement for the Negro is first within the lines of his own race, but, all things being equal; genius being the handmaiden of no particular race or clime, he is not to be hindered by the law of the land, the prejudice of sections or individuals, from seeking to climb to any height.

The bugbear and slander, raised and kept alive by that section of the land south of the imaginary line, to wit:  that the Negro was ambitious for “racial equality,” only is entitled to reference in these pages for the purpose of according it the contempt due it.  That the whites of the country have not a complete monopoly of those unpleasing creatures known as “tuft hunters” and “social climbers,” is no doubt true, but that the Negro, as represented by intelligence and race pride, ever worries over it; cares a rap for it, is not true.

Humanity’s great benefit coming from the war, which cannot be changed or abridged, will consist of a newer, broader sense of manhood; a demand for the inherent opportunities and rights belonging to it; for all men of all colors, of all climes; and beyond that; of more significance; as marking the dawn indeed of a new and better day, will be a larger, juster sense; springing up in the nation’s heart; watered by her tears, of repentance of past wrongs inflicted on the Negro.  The Negro will become the architect of his own growth and development.  The South will not be permitted; through the force of national opinion, to continue to oppress him.

The talk of the revival of KuKlux societies to intimidate the Negro; “to keep him in his place,” is the graveyard yawp of a dying monster.  Are the thousands of Negroes who faced bullets in the most disastrous war of history, and several hundred thousand more who were ready and willing to undergo the same perils, likely to be frightened by such a threat, such an antiquated, silly, short-sighted piece of injustice and terrorism?

Men’s necessities force a resort to common sense.  Racial prejudice and ignorant, contemptible intolerance, must disappear under, and before the presence of the renewal of business activity in the South, and the necessity for Negro labor.  Each soldier returning from Europe is a more enlightened man than when he went away.  He has had the broadening effect of travel, the chance to mingle with other races and acquire the views born of a greater degree of equality and more generous treatment.

These men desire to remain in their southern homes.  Climatically they are suited and the country offers them employment to which they are accustomed; but more than all, it is home, and they are bound to it by ties of association and affection.

With a mutual desire of whites and blacks to achieve an end, common sense will find a basis of agreement.  The Negro will get better pay and better treatment.  His status accordingly will be improved.  His employer will get better service, he also will be broadened and improved by a new spirit of tolerance and charity.