The way to deal with race preju
dice in such matters is not to enhance
it by yielding, but resolutely to con
front it with a refusal to give in. it
is surprising how often prejudice fades
away in a given situation when it finds
itself wholly blocked. It is even more
surprising how frequently it is merely
a state of wind. Often there is no
objection whatever to the presence
of colored people on the most familiar
terms, provided their position is clear
ly stamped as menial let them sud
denly aspire to equal privileges, and
those same people become at once too
offensive to be permitted to breathe
the same atmosphere. The situation
in Washington would be restored in a
twinkling to the old and absolutely
satisfactory status if the highest
authority were simply to lay down the
law that there was going to be a
square deal for everybody in the de
partments without the slightest dis
crimination that there can be only
one class of public servantsall to be
treated with courtesy, consideration,
and absolute justice.
THE PRESIDENT AND SEGREGA-
TION.
(From The Indianapolis News.)
The government, which makes laws
for all, collects taxes from all, and
summons all alike to its defense in
time of war, cannot rightfuly make
such distinctions. When men and
women enter the public service they
ought to be ready to conform to that
principle. No one is compelled to
enter it, but having made his choice
he should comply with the conditions
of his employment.
