EDUCATION IN THE SOUTH 407
Within the colored race itself these two forces the one standing for industrial training exclusively; the other, while recognizing the value of manual education, still contending that the negro youth should have an equal opportunity for higher edu- cation are represented respectively by Mr. B. T. Washington and Professor W. E. B. DuBois.
The position of the best white element of the South seems to be : " The negro is a man to be educated for work, independence, and citizenship like other men." 87
" DR. CHARLES DABNEY, president of the University of Tennessee. VI. SOUTHERN EDUCATION BOARD.
No treatment of southern education would be complete with- out a reference to the scope and work of the Southern Education Board. This was organized in 1901. It is in a sense the execu- tive authority of the popular gathering known as the Conference for Education in the South.
The purpose of this board is to " stimulate sentiment in favor of more liberal provision for universal education in the public schools, to reach the public mind and quicken the public con- science." Its method is to go before the people with its own publications, and to reach them through the public press and by public speech. It is in favor of negro education, and stands for the best and amplest training for both races. Its policy is co-operation with existing educational agencies, not interference. It is free from all alliances, either political or ecclesiastical. The chief interest of the board is in the development of the public schools, especially of rural communities. In fact, it is a central agency to conduct a campaign for free education in the South.
MAY WOOD SIMONS.
MELROSE PARK, ILL.
