Dr. Washington and the Presidency

Dr. Booker T. Washington sends a “telegram of congratulation” to Secretary Taft for his presidential nomination and offers his assistance.

The rather remarkable telegram of congratulation, sent by Dr. Booker T. Washington of Tuskegee Institute to Hon. William H. Taft, congratulating him upon his nomination and virtually pledging to him not only his own assistance, but that of the race will prove interesting reading and will be regarded as significant in showing the position of the distinguished educator upon political questions. We regard it as indicating that Dr. Washington is “up to his ears” in politics and that he will prove an important factor in wheeling into line the rebellious battalion of Negro voters, now quarreling in the doubtful states. But here is the telegram: “Most hearty and sincere congratulations. You more than deserve it all. I feel quite sure you will be triumphantly elected to the Presidency, and that my race will assist in bringing about the result.” Dr. Washington declares that Secretary Taft is the right man for the right place for he more than deserves it all. Does he know some of the characteristics of the genial statesman, with which the public at large is not acquainted? Has he received assurances for the welfare of his people, that will not bear the light of day or stand repeating before an audience of critics? It would seem so for Dr. Washington says that Mr. Taft more than deserves it all. WE are puzzling over this statement for Dr. Washington carefully weighs his words and he carefully plans his actions. He rarely makes a mistake and he knows how to look out for himself and for those affiliated with him. He is evidently the referee for the present administration in its dealing with the citizens of color and for the telegram, it seems to indicate that he has the job “nailed down” with the future administration as well. But what kind of telegram will Dr. Washington be able to send Hon. William Jennings Bryan, when he is nominated and how can he enter the White House, if the distinguished Ohioan is defeated and the man from Nebraska occupies the divans at the White House? But then Dr. Washington has no doubt seen far enough ahead to realize that no embarrassment will follow as a result of his attitude upon these all important questions. We should like to know if President Taft will insist upon colored men proving their innocence instead of the government establishing their guilt> We should like to know if any provisions will be made for the reinstatement of the member of Companies B, C and D of the Twenty-fifth Infantry? Dr. Washington says that Mr. Taft will be triumphantly elected and if his opinion is worth anything, and it usually is not at fault, then the reason for his hearty attitude towards the able candidate is apparent. Well, we are wondering over the rapid shaping of events, the changed attitude of President Roosevelt, the admission to the Republican National Convention of the “lily-white” delegates and the “steamroller” processes in dealing with the colored ones. Dr. Washington is a great leader and he has a motive in all of his actions. We confess though that we are unable to understand these compromising positions now being assumed by some of our great men. The Republican Party should stand true to its principles. The compromising attitude now being adopted will hardly be tolerate by Negroes of ability, education, and money. Men must be recognized according to worth and not on account of color. It may be that Dr. Washington has assurances that the Party will live up to the plank in the platform, with reference to the Negro. If it will do this and insure justice in the army and navy as well as in civil life, this distinguished educator’s attitude is explained and peace and plenty will be found in all of this land.

“Dr. Washington and the Presidency,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 14, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/648.