And the Southern whites not only so recognize it, but they are imitating it in the teaching of the neglected masses of their own race.

It has thus come about that the school is taking a more direct and helpful hold on life in the South than anywhere else in the country.

Education is not a thing apart from life--not a "system," nor a philosophy; it is direct teaching how to live and how to work.
To say that Mr.Washington has won the gratitude of all thoughtful Southern white men, is to say that he has worked with the highest practical wisdom at a large constructive task; for no plan for the up-building of the freedman could succeed that ran counter to Southern opinion.

To win the support of Southern opinion and to shape it was a necessary part of the task; and in this he has so well succeeded that the South has a sincere and high regard for him.

He once said to me that he recalled the day, and remembered it thankfully, when he grew large enough to regard a Southern white man as he regarded a Northern one.