Page images
PDF
EPUB

"Then I should like to see the formation of a national commission for an inquiry into the subject and to ascertain the best means for adjusting the relationship between these two bodies of our citizens. There are also three measures which I have always thought would help a great deal: first, text-books in the public schools, teaching in a simple manner the latest scientific findings in this matter, without making any special reference to the situation here in America; second, the establishment of federal schools in those parts of the South where the Negroes abound; and third, a non-political provision for a certain number of Negro congressmen. I consider the matter sufficiently serious to be taken in hand by the federal government, and the stoppage of the evil now might-indeed I am sure it would save future generations a great deal of trouble. Just imagine what would have been saved to the country-600,000 lives and fifteen billions of dollars-if the slaves had been freed at the founding of the Republic. I do not see why we in the United States and Canada, with our superior education, should be behind countries like Brazil in this matter. This country is big enough and rich enough-and broadminded enough, too, if it only will-to admit of every citizen having a square deal, and yet leave a mighty surplus. A little more assertion of our better selves when dealing with others will go a far way toward making us and them happier. In this respect I have found Hamlet's injunction to Polonius, regarding the treatment of the players, a most excellent one. When Hamlet, as you might recall, sir, enjoined Polonius to take good care of the players, the latter said: 'My lord, I will use them according to their deserts.' But Hamlet exclaimed: "God's bodykins, man, much better; use every man after his deserts, and who shall 'scape whipping? Use them after your own honor and dignity; the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty.'"

FOURTH DAY.

"The strongest is never strong enough to be always master unless he transforms his strength into right and obedience to duty."J. J. ROUSSEAU.

The next day, before arriving at his destination, the passenger, calling Dixon to his seat, invited him to sit down, and with an air of frankness and earnestness that greatly gratified him, said: "I want to thank you for enabling me to see the other side of the story. I never did realize before the vast injustice that is being done to certain American citizens, and also the vast amount of ignorance we, Caucasians, have to combat in our own people. Hitherto I have prided myself on my broad humanity, but I now see how narrow it has been. I think every true American should do his best to end this great wrong, and I am going to do mine. As a legislator, I promise you to see that the truth is more fully disseminated. And more, yesterday you spoke of Ira Aldridge, the famous Shakespearean actor. Now, I have been thinking that since a Negro could win such high dramatic honors, it would be quite possible to find Negro talent for our best dramas. The connection is this: I have interests in a large motion picture concern (here he handed Dixon a card) and I have been thinking that in order to create a better understanding of the Negro, and as an offset to the caricatures so often made of him, that I would get Negro actors for such plays as call forth the best expressions of the soul. I will begin with a few and hope to popularize the venture. In the meantime, you shall hear from me. Call to see me any time within the next two months, and I will show you how motion pictures are made. Glad indeed to have met you." And the two men shook hands cordially.

"Thank you, sir," said Dixon, in a voice vibrant with gratitude. "And I must say that I note many signs pointing to an amicable solution of this vexing question

of race. Among them are these: The salt of the i lectual world, as represented by Abdul-Baha, Liebkn Shaw and others, seems determined to disseminate in spite of the barriers of nation, race or creed; a g ing desire on the part of all peoples to probe for t despite emotional influences; and so far as we of Am are concerned, the earnest and untiring effort of a large number of our citizens to make of our be country a real Republic."

[graphic]
[graphic]
« PreviousContinue »