I have heard it stated more than once, both in the North and in
the South, that coloured people would not obey and respect each
other when one member of the race is placed in a position of
authority over others. In regard to this general belief and these
statements, I can say that during the nineteen years of my
experience at Tuskegee I never, either by word or act, have been
treated with disrespect by any student or officer connected with
the institution. On the other hand, I am constantly embarrassed
by the many acts of thoughtful kindness. The students do not seem
to want to see me carry a large book or a satchel or any kind of
a burden through the grounds. In such cases more than one always
offers to relieve me. I almost never go out of my office when the
rain is falling that some student does not come to my side with
an umbrella and ask to be allowed to hold it over me.
While writing upon this subject, it is a pleasure for me to add
that in all my contact with the white people of the South I have
never received a single personal insult. The white people in and
near Tuskegee, to an especial degree, seem to count it as a
privilege to show me all the respect within their power, and
often go out of their way to do this.
Not very long ago I was making a journey between Dallas (Texas)
and Houston.
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