Such a building as we need could be erected for about $20,000.
All of the work for the building, such as brickmaking,
brick-masonry, carpentry, blacksmithing, etc., would be done by
the students. The money which you would give would not only
supply the building, but the erection of the building would give
a large
number of students an opportunity to learn the building trades,
and the students would use the money paid to them to keep
themselves in school. I do not believe that a similar amount of
money often could be made go so far in uplifting a whole race.
If you wish further information, I shall be glad to furnish it.
Yours truly,
Booker T. Washington, Principal.
The next mail brought back the following reply: "I will be very
glad to pay the bills for the library building as they are
incurred, to the extent of twenty thousand dollars, and I am glad
of this opportunity to show the interest I have in your noble
work."
I have found that strict business methods go a long way in
securing the interest of rich people. It has been my constant aim
at Tuskegee to carry out, in our financial and other operations,
such business methods as would be approved of by any New York
banking house.
I have spoken of several large gifts to the school; but by far
the greater proportion of the money that has built up the
institution has come in the form of small donations from persons
of moderate means.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210