A boys' life of Booker T. WashingtonJackson, Walter Clinton
History
A boys' life of Booker T. Washington
Jackson, Walter Clinton
African American educators -- Biography -- Juvenile literature; Washington, Booker T., 1856-1915 -- Juvenile literature
JOHN A. ANDREW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE
]
The most liberal giver was Andrew Carnegie. As soon as Carnegie heard of
the work that Washington was doing, he sent for him to come to New York
City. The result was that Carnegie gave him fifteen thousand dollars
with which to build a library. Washington and his coworkers spent a
great deal of time working out the plans for this building. All the work
was done by the students of Tuskegee. When it was completed, Carnegie
was amazed that such a beautiful and useful building had been built for
that sum of money. It convinced him that these people could be trusted
to spend money wisely. He therefore determined to give a large sum to
the school. Thus it happened, in 1903, that the President of the Board
of Trustees of Tuskegee received the following letter:
NEW YORK, _April 17, 1903_.
My dear Mr. Baldwin:
I have instructed Mr. Franks, Secretary, to deliver to you as Trustee
of Tuskegee $600,000 of 5 per cent U. S. Steel Co. bonds to complete
the Endowment Fund as per circular.
One condition only—the revenue of one hundred and fifty thousand of
these bonds is to be subject to Booker Washington’s order to be used
by him first for his wants, and those of his family during his life or
the life of his widow. If any surplus is left he can use it for
Tuskegee. I wish that great and good man to be free from pecuniary
cares that he may devote himself wholly to his great mission.
To me he seems one of the foremost of living men, because his work is
unique,—the Modern Moses, who leads his race and lifts it through
Education to ever better and higher things than a land overflowing
with milk and honey. History is to know two Washingtons,—one white,
the other black, both fathers of their people. I am satisfied that the
serious race question of the South is to be solved wisely only by
following Booker Washington’s policy, which he seems to have been
especially born—a slave among slaves—to establish, and, even in his
own day, greatly to advance.
So glad to be able to assist this good work in which you and others
are engaged.
Yours truly,
(Signed) Andrew Carnegie.
To Mr. William H. Baldwin, Jr.,
New York City, N. Y.[17]
One other name must be mentioned, and that is Julius Rosenwald of
Chicago. Mr. Rosenwald not only gave large sums himself—and is still
giving enormous amounts not only to Tuskegee but to the cause of negro
education throughout the South—but frequently left his own business and
helped to raise money among his friends for Tuskegee.
[Illustration:
CLASS IN PHOTOGRAPHY, TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE
]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account