The Rise and Progress of The Negro
Performed by William H. Taft
Recorded August 5, 1908
The Republican platform refers
to the amendments to the Constitution that were passed
by the Republican party for the protection of the
Negro. The Negro in the forty years since he was freed
from slavery has made remarkable progress. He is becoming
a more and more valuable member of the communities
in which he lives. The education of the Negro is being
expanded and improved in every way. The best men of
both races at the North, as well as at the South,
ought to rejoice to see growing up among the southern
people an influential element disposed to encourage
the Negro in his hard struggle for industrial independence
and assured political status. The Republican platform
adopted at Chicago explicitly demands justice for
all men without regard to race or color. And just
as explicitly declares for the enforcement and without
reservation in letter and spirit of the 13th, 14th
and 15th amendments to the Constitution. It is needless
to say that I stand with my party squarely on that
plank in the platform and believe that equal justice
to all men and the fair and impartial enforcement
of these amendments is in keeping with the real American
spirit of fair play.