The "Times" Statement

John Mitchell sarcastically applauds the Times, a white newspaper in Richmond, for their “most uncalled for blunder” in one of their articles concerning black advancement.

The editorial management of the “Times” made a most fitting excuse and explanation for the most uncalled for blunder of its reportorial department relative to the inauguration entertainment. It makes all colored people feel as though we are living in a community where correct dealings and upright living counts for something with the better class of white citizens. In its issue of the 24th, it says:
“The Times that the article would appear the committee saw fit to make their grievances known through another paper we suppose that they do not care to have it reproduced in the Times but we can still add that we sincerely regret that our colored friends have taken so seriously the article to which they refer, which was indeed written only in a spirit of humor. We see however upon reviewing the article that contained the objectionable expressions, although the omission of a few unimportant words would have removed the cause of offense, and we wish they had been omitted. We would not on any account put a stumbling block in the way, or discourage those who are struggling upward. We would rather a smooth their course and shed light, not cast shadow on their path. We must say, however, that our […] the article has given spirit in which they made their feelings known. While the spirit of sensitive self respect exists and grows among the colored race, we have strong assurance that our colored people in Virginia are what we have often claimed for them—the best of their race in the world.”
Well said, sir well said. The white Virginian has always been noted for his chivalry, and justice. A wrong done whether to white or black, rich or humble merited his condemnation and enlisted his sympathy. We have insisted that if colored people of character and worth would appeal directly to the better class of white people, they will secure their influence and enlist their support in all matters which offer their material welfare. This explanation will tend to increase the kindly feeling between the better classes and serve as a warning to the vicious of both races that the better classes know when to come together in an effort to build up this community and to advance the interests of the grand old commonwealth.

“The "Times" Statement,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed October 9, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/180.