Note 35 — PART I SOUTHWARD HO! (continued 2)
Reading edition
This is so in Atlanta, according to Mr. Stannard Baker. I cannot resist quoting from Mr. Baker’s book a letter written by “a well-to-do white citizen” to a South Carolina newspaper, apologizing for an act of courtesy to a negro school—
“I had left my place of business here on a business trip a few miles below; on returning I came by the above-mentioned school (the Prince Institute, coloured), and was held up by the teacher and begged to make a few remarks to the children. Very reluctantly I did so, not thinking that publicity would be given to it, or that I was doing anything that would offend any one. I wish to say here and now that I am heartily sorry for what I did, and I hope after this humble confession and expression of regret that all whom I have offended will forgive me.”
Was there ever a more abject document?