Booker T. Washington, Builder o - African American History

Booker T. Washington, Builder of a Civilization. 68
member of his race for a Federal office in Vicksburg, Miss., President Roosevelt
said: "The question of the political importance of the colored man is really of no
consequence. I do not care to consider it, and you must not consider it. Give me
the very best colored man that you know of for the place, upon whose integrity
and capacity we can surely rely."
The man, T. V. McAlister, whom Mr. Washington "gave" the President for this
office was of such character and reputation that the white citizens of Vicksburg
actually welcomed his appointment. Certainly neither Vicksburg nor any other
portion of Mississippi can be accused of over-enthusiasm for conferring civil
and political privileges upon Negroes.
Booker Washington's habit of never losing an opportunity to advance
constructively the interests of his people is well illustrated by the following
letter to President Roosevelt:
Personal]
March 20, 1904.
MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: It has occurred to me that there are a number of
ways in which the colored people of the United States could be of service in
digging the
Page 85
Panama Canal, and personally I should be glad to do anything in my power in
getting them interested if deemed practicable.
First: I think they can stand the climate better or as well as any other people
from the United States.
Second: I have thought that a reasonably satisfactory number of them might be
useful as common, or skilled, laborers.
Third: That in the Health Department our well-trained nurses and physicians
might be found helpful.
Fourth: If the United States should assume any responsibility as to education,
that many efficient colored teachers from our industrial schools, and colleges,
might prove of great benefit. And, then, besides the presence of these educated
24.03.2006