they recognized that the negro problem had been solved, and other subjects occupied their minds. When free trade vs. protection, honest money vs. free silver, became the chief topics of discussion, it was an assurance to the negro of the end of a long drawn out discussion, which had served to keep him upon the surface of a troubled sea. The hour has come when he may sit somewhat complacently in his own secure place in the nation and discuss the desirability of admitting other races to the full enjoyment of American citizenship, and it is to be hoped that his own experience will tend to clarify the atmosphere surrounding him and enable him to deal justly by and be merciful to others, situated in many respects in a position which was once his own.

“The question now before us is how best to serve the nation’s interests in the disposition of or employment of the negro? I believe I can best illustrate the question by instituting a comparison between the negro and the races of men that the fortune of war has placed under our care.

Chinese Versus Negroes.

“Under the above caption, in 1891, for some reason which I at this moment do not recall, the Boston Herald was giving in its editorial columns considerable attention to the discussion, ‘Chinese vs. Negroes.’ Several articles appeared in it, justifying its opinions, when occasionally they were disputed by other journals, foremost among which I noted the Boston Journal.

“I recall the matter now because the negro is the recipient of much attention, as before referred to, and because circumstances confronting our government at this time render the subject of extreme importance. Since then the United States has acquired territory very largely inhabited by Chinese and other Asiatic races, and the question becomes important immediately to the American people as to what policy shall be pursued in the future with reference to these races.

“Shall the attempt be made to assimilate and ingraft these upon our tree, or shall they be replaced by negroes?

“Were the fears which moved the American people in the past to exclude Asiatic races justified, or have we seen a new light? Is Christian civilization endangered by the presence of these people? All are potent questions at this time, requiring sound judgment and unerring decision; for we are not building for a day a temporary house, but one which it is hoped shall endure forever.

“What may have been the questions which occupied the attention of the American people in the past in regard 

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