The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol.2, page 86, Oct. 1880, U. of Illinois Press

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The BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Papers among two hundred and fifty colored students was an experiment to be carefully watched. The Negro has shown the same generous spirit toward the Indian as he has toward all races. I think the true test of civilization in any race, is shown by the desire of that race to assist those whose position is more unfortunate than theirs. ~ do not mean to say that the Negro is thoroughly civilized, but ~ do mean to say that it reflects much credit on his civilization to see him, while he himself is yet struggling for a place among civilized races, reaching out his hand to assist a less fortunate race. It shows that though he himself was oppressed, he has become enough enlightened to rise above mere race prejudices in doing his duty toward other men. I think that the treatment the Indians have received at this Institution at the hands of the colored students is quite a rebuke to many white Institutions both North and South, especially such veneered institutions as West Point, where the sons of the so called civilized parents refuse to associate with a colored boy.2 It is not difficult to imagine the result had fifty or sixty Indian or colored students been ushered all at once into one of the average white institutions of this country. Many instances could be given to show that the general feeling toward the Indian is of the best kind. It was gratifying when visiting one of the debating clubs last winter to see that the colored students had elected an Indian as secretary. Many of the colored students have volunteered to take them as room mates that they might in that way teach them English. When an Indian girl leaves this school she receives as many warm hand shakes as any other student, and her departure is as much regretted by the colored girls as if she was one of their own color. It seems a little strange, yet it is a fact, that it was only a few Sundays ago that an Indian and a colored student went calling together on lady friends in Hampton. The colored student told me that his manners were excellent and that he liked to call with him. The introduction of the Indian here will at least show that the co]ored man has learned enough to know that it is his duty to help the unfortunate wherever he finds them, whether clothed in black, white, or red skins. GENERAL IMPROVEMENT As the Indians are watched from month to month a general im86