For 65 years now our negro Population has been under the peculiar care and
solicitude of the National Government. The progress which they have made in
education and the professions, in wealth and in the arts of civilization,
affords one of the most remarkable incidents in this period of world
history. They have demonstrated their ability to partake of the advantages
of our institutions and to benefit by a free and more and more independent
existence. Whatever doubt there may have been of their capacity to assume,
the status granted to them by the Constitution of this Union is being
rapidly dissipated. Their cooperation in the life of the Nation is
constantly enlarging.
Exploiting the Negro problem for political ends is being abandoned and
their protection is being increased by those States in which their
percentage of population is largest. Every encouragement should be extended
for t le development of the race. The colored people have been the victims
of the crime of lynching, which has in late years somewhat decreased. Some
parts of the South already have wholesome laws for its restraint and
punishment. Their example might well be followed by other States, and by
such immediate remedial legislation as the Federal Government can extend
under the Constitution.