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STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the postoffice at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
TERMS: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Two copies to same name and address, $5.00 per year.
Make Money Orders Payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 12 | CONTENTS | No. 6 |
| PAGE | |
Colored and White attending Bahai gathering in Kenosha, Wis. | 114 |
Convention for Amity Between the Colored and White Races | 115 |
| By LOUIS G. GREGORY | |
"Now is the time for the Americans to unite both the white and colored races" | 120 |
| Words of ABDUL-BAHA to Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi. | |
The Removal of Race Prejudice—Continued | 121 |
| Compilation of the Words of ABDUL-BAHA. | |
PERSIAN SECTION—Written by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi | 128-125 |
| 1. Talk by ABDUL-BAHA: "Universal Language." 2. ABDUL-BAHA'S voice on phonograph record. 3. Prayer. 4. Visit to ABDUL-BAHA (Continued): The hypocrites. In wealth, man becomes arrogant. Attack on BAHA'O'LLAH in Persia. Kurrat-Ul-Ain. The Hague Conference. The clash of stars. Haifa and Acca. |
--PHOTO--
COLORED AND WHITE ATTENDING BAHAI GATHERING IN KENOSHA, WIS.
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened, that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
| Vol. 12 | Rahmat 1, 77 (June 24, 1921) | No. 6 |
and White Races
By LOUIS G. GREGORYTHE convention for amity between the white and colored races was held in Washington, D. C., May 19th, 20th and 21st. Instructions for this great event were given by Abdul-Baha to Mrs. A. S. Parsons during her pilgrimage of last year to the Holy City. Their consummation, faithfully managed, adds a brilliant and wonderful volume of deeds and sentiments to human welfare. Generous press notices and other reports created general interest, resulting in fine audiences at every session.
The First Congregational Church, historically famous for its opposition to race prejudice, was opened for these meetings. The speakers, without exception, struck the highest note of duty, justice, freedom, love, understanding, broad sympathy, universal brotherhood, the abandonment of prejudices, surrender of selfish and limited thoughts in obedience to the Will of God. A majority of the speakers were those known as Bahais; but there were others, one in the same spirit, great souls who represented high stations in political, social, business or religious life, and true servants of God and the realm of humanity. There were signs of great happiness in the faces of the speakers which were reflected by those in attendance. Considering the various elements brought together and the harmonious blending of all, there was the visible sign of the inner. Pentecostal Fire to which so many of the friends bore testimony.
Naught but the Confirmations from the Abha Kingdom which descend upon those who are firm in the Covenant can produce such a sacrificial effort with such astonishing results. The full significance of this convention can perhaps be realized only in years to come, when the great waves of spirituality which it set in motion will be traced by all to the great Ocean of Reality, whose depths are soundless. There is wonderful meaning in a message from Abdul-Baha, transmitted to the convention by Mr. Mountfort Mills. It stated:
"Say to this convention that never since the beginning of time has a convention of more importance been held. This convention stands for the oneness of humanity. It will become the cause of the removal of hostilities between the races. It will become the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will, if wisely managed and continued, check the deadly struggle between these races, which otherwise will inevitably break out."
Mrs. Parsons, upon whom full responsibility rested, was ably assisted by a number of ladies, prominent among whom were Mrs. Mariam Haney, Mrs. Coralie F. Cook, Mrs. Louise D. Boyle, Mrs. Gabriellc Pelham and Miss Martha Root. Eighteen other ladies, prominent in social life or welfare work, gave the prestige of their names as patrons. The Washington House of Spirituality acted in an advisory way for many months. Miss Mary Little, in a quiet way, rendered valuable aid. The entire assembly
realized the extreme importance of the event and co-operated in a fine spirit of harmony. Ex-Senator Moses E. Clapp proved a valued friend.
Dr. Jason Noble Pierce, pastor of the Church, opened the first session with a beautiful prayer, invoking God, who created out of one blood all the nations of the earth, to help us realize that we are all one, each our brother’s keeper, all the beloved children for whom Jesus
"A New Commandment I give unto you that ye love one another."
—Jesus Christ.
Convention for Amity
Between the Colored and White Races
Based on Heavenly Teachings
May 19, 20 and 21
Congregational Church
10th and 6 (?) Streets N. W. Washington, D. C.
| Morning Sessions 10:30 o'clock | Evening Sessions 8:30 o'clock |
Half a century ago in America slavery was abolished.
Now there has arisen need for another great effort in order that prejudice may be overcome.
Correction of the present wrong requires no army, for the field of action is the hearts of our citizens. The instrument to be used is kindness, the ammunition—understanding. The actors in this engagement for right are all the inhabitants of these United States.
The great work we have to do and for which this convention is called is the establishment of amity between the while and colored people of our land.
When we have put our own house in order, then we may be trusted to carry the message of universal peace to all mankind.
"Union and harmony are the cause of the order of the world and the life of nations."
Page one of Program
Christ died. We meet in a time of great difficulty. Help us, by increasing Thy power of love, to make us realize our duty toward each other.
Mr. William H. Randall, presiding, said. "This splendid gathering is a tribute to the cause for which this convention is called. We feel the spirit of the age which calls us to remodel society so that the human family can live in peace and happiness. Pride of race and prejudices destroy. May we put these aside, see the noble qualities in each race, and advance toward love and fellowship. It is the spiritual power alone that can create the bond."
Senator Samuel M. Shortridge of California, the first speaker, made an eloquent address, dwelling upon the principles of peace and good will among all men. He expressed admiration for the colored race, saying he could never forget that colored men marched gladly
"Exercise your rights in such a manner as not to injure another man's rights."
—Terrence.
Program
Thursday Evening, May 19th
Chairman, Mr. WILLIAM H. RANDALL of Boston
Invocation | Rev. Dr. JASON NOBLE PIERCE |
Music—"Great Day of God."
Address—"The Relation of the Times to World-Wide Peace"
Ex-Senator MOSES B. CLAPP.
Address—"The Radiant Century of the Passing of Prejudice"
Mr. ALBERT VAIL of Chicago
Heart Songs of a People | Dunbar Community Singers |
Mr. W. SCOTT MAYO, Director
Story of the Songs | Mrs. GABRIELLE PELHAM |
The Songs:
"Steal Away."
"See Fo' and Twenty Elders."
"I Didn't Hear Nobody Pray."
"Go Down, Moses."
"Standing in the Need of Prayer."
"Deep River."
"Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?"
Solo—"Nobody Knows"; "Bye and Bye" | Burleigh |
Mrs. HENRY GRANT
Solo—"Mammy" | Will Marion Cook |
Master LENORE COOK
Friday Morning, May 20th
Chairman, Mr. ALBERT VAIL of Chicago
Address—"The New Co-operation" | Honorable THEODORE BURTON |
Address—"Racial Understanding" | Mr. C. LEE COOK of Louisville |
Violin Solo—"The Gypsy Song" | S. Coleridge Taylor |
| Mr. JOSEPH DOUGLASS | |
Address—"The New Springtime" | Mr. LOUIS G. GREGORY |
"Requite injury with kindness."
—Lao-tze.
Page two of Program
to death that America might be free. He promised in every proper, prudent and possible way to be their champion. He voiced love for all men, especially for those who bore our country's burdens and exhorted all to that beautiful service which binds men to the Kingdom of God.
Mrs. Henry Grant and Master Lenore Cook very sweetly sang vocal selections. The latter was accompanied by his uncle, Mr. Will M. Cook.
Mr. Albert R. Vail delivered a most appealing address on "The Radiant Century of the Passing of Prejudice." "Nobody knows," he said, "the trouble prejudice has brought to the world except the loving heart of God, who is today leading His children to unity and obedience." He told interesting stories to prove the absurdity of prejudice, which he compared to a thick veil, covering the eyes. His persuasive arguments
This world of ours is one city." —Epictetus.
Friday Evening, May 20th
Chairman, Dr. A. L. LOCKE of Howard Univcrsity
Address—"Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship"
Honorable MARTIN B. MADDEN
Music—Miss LULU VERE CHILDERS, Dean Howard University Conservatory of Music, will present the Howard University Chorus in excerpts from "Hiawatha Trilogy" by the Anglo-African Composer, S. Coleridge Taylor
Address—"The New Internationalism and Its Spiritual Factors"
Mr. ALFRED MARTIN of New York
Chairman, Mr. MOUNTFORT MILLS of New York
Prayer | ORA GIBSON |
Address—"A New Pathway to Universal Peace"
Mr. WILLIAM H. RANDALL of Boston
Vocal solos—
{{tdd|(b) "The Warrior"(a) "Thou art Risen" | S. Coleridge Taylor |
| Burleigh | |
| Dr. C. SUMNER WORMLEY |
Address—"Bible Prophecies of Universal Brotherhood"
Mr. AHMAD SOHRAB of California
Saturday Evening, May 21st
Chairman, Mr. HOWARD MACNUTT of Brooklyn
Address—"Colored Poets and Their Poetry"
MRS. CORALIE FRANKLIN COOK
Music | HOWARD UNIVERSITY GLEE CLUB |
Mr. W. ROY TIBBS, Director
"Just You" "Deep River," "Go Down, Moses" | Burleigh |
Address—"The Solution of the Race Problem in the Orient"
JENABE FAZEL MAZANDARANI of Persia
"Do as you would be done by."
—Zoroaster.
Page three of Program:
aroused his hearers to a high degree of enthusiasm.
Beginning and ending each session, the audience united in singing verses from the Bahai hymn, "Great Day of God."
Friday morning Mr. Vail presided and read one of the prayers for America, revealed by Abdul-Baha.
We stand, he declared, at the door of universal brotherhood. Looking at the truth of God's teaching, we find that all men are brothers. At most, some are strong, and they should help the weak; some have vision, and they ought to open the eyes of the blind; some have loving hearts, and they ought, through kindness, to inspire others to be kind.
Hon. Theodore Burton of Ohio referred to his speaking from the same platform, sixteen years ago, with Theodore Roosevelt, then president of the United States. He related how that
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
—Moses.
Great Day of God
- Great Day of God, long looked for,
- Thy dawn we do proclaim.
- Great day when ev'ry nation
- Shall praise His Holy Name.
- Great Day of resurrection,
- Of unity and love,
- Soon bright in all its splendor
- Thy Sun shall shine above.
- Great day of Might and Power,
- Of Knowledge and of Light,
- No clouds of superstition
- Can now bedim our sight.
- Great Day, when God, the Father,
- Is known o'er all the earth,
- And to His whole creation
- Hath given a new birth.
- Great Day of the unveiling
- Of Truth's deep mysteries,
- When every hidden secret
- Of earth and sky and seas,
- In all their wondrous beauty,
- To man shall be revealed;
- Nor can an act or motive
- By man now be concealed.
- Great Day of God, All glorious;
- Great Day of Peace, so blest
- The thought of Thee brings gladness,
- And dilates every breast
- Great Day of one religion,
- When all are understood;
- One faith in Life Eternal,
- One God, one Brotherhood.
| Mrs. Ernest Bicknell | Miss Caroline L. Hunt |
| Mrs. Theodore Vernon Boynton | Miss Julia Lathrop |
| Mrs. William E. Chamberlin | Miss Gertrude MacArthur |
| Mrs. Louis Cohen | Mrs. Henry Cleveland Perkins |
| Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook | Judge Kathryn Sellers |
| Mrs. Edward Costigan | Miss Ethel M. Smith |
| Mrs. Stephen B. Elkins | Mrs. Walter Ufford |
| Miss Mary Gwynn | Mrs. M. C. VanWinkle |
| Mrs. William Hitz | Miss Joy Webster |
| Mrs. Laura Williams | |
| Mrs. Eldridge Roger Boyle | Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham |
| Mrs. Charles F. Haney | Mrs. Arthur Jeffrey Parsons |
| Miss Martha Root | |
"If men could only learn the lesson of mutual tolerance, understanding and brotherly love, the unity of the world would soon be an established fact."
—Abdul Baha.
No collection will be taken at any session.
Page Four of Program
great executive had said that it was wrong to close the door of hope and opportunity upon any race. He deplored the increase of prejudices stirred up among all races by the war, making a beautiful plea for tolerance and freedom. Those who persevere to the end will surely succeed. He denounced mob violence and expressed the hope that effective laws against it might be enacted.
Mr. C. Lee Cook of Louisville, Ky.,
was introduced as a visible proof of the reality and supremacy of the spirit and mind: a scholar, artist, philanthropist, organizer, and promoter of interracial understanding. Mr. Cook, in his person, is a victor over many obstacles, having been a cripple from his early childhood. He regards adversity as a spur to success. Mr. Cook voiced cordial greetings to the convention. He dwelt upon the efficacy of spiritual citizenship, by which human problems can be solved. The spirit of patience and service must be dedicated to this end. Racial amity cannot be secured by pretense, but only by righteous conviction. We must advance through the holy orders of Providence. Business life is a valuable medium for conveying altruism to the world of humanity, but to this end greed must be subdued. If we are found fit to die for an ideal we shall live. Virtues are demanded to direct the moral forces of the world. How can we look with disparagement upon each other when the glorious opportunity to serve is before us? There are great possibilities for America to teach and enlighten the world.
In conclusion he paid a tribute to Abdul-Baha.
Mr. Joseph H. Douglass, grandson of Frederick Douglass, charmed the audience with a violin solo and responded to an encore.
The last speaker of the morning was Louis G. Gregory, on "The New Springtime."
Friday evening Dr. Alain L. Locke, presiding, expressed the great effort of the convention to be the unity of heart and mind in human succor, exemplifying the power of a new spirit in a new day.
Hon. Martin B. Madden of Illinois urged equal opportunity for white and colored citizens. "In a democracy such as this," he said, "all citizens must be treated on a basis of exact equality. Laws must be made impartially and executed without discrimination for any reason. Since their liberation the colored people have made wonderful progress, reducing their illiteracy to only 20 per cent and accumulating a vast amount of property. Peonage and lynching must not be permitted. The government should uphold its own dignity by enforcing justice."
Mr. Alfred H. Martin, President of the Ethical Culture Society of New York, delivered a polished address on "The New Internationalism and Its Spiritual Factors." In the course of his remarks, speaking especially to the race question he said. "This problem can be solved only by rising to the spiritual conception of democracy. According to this conception the more efficient should help the less efficient. It is for the whites of the North and the South to open the door of opportunity to the backward blacks, with no presuppositions of unfitness or inability to gain the prizes of citizenship for those who prove themselves capable; and the blacks in turn must serve as missionaries to those whites who are so victimized by prejudice that they cannot see the potentialities behind the dark skin."
Saturday morning, Ora Gibson read the prayer: "O God! O God! Unite the hearts of Thy Servants and reveal to them Thy Great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! leave them not to themselves; but guide their steps by the light of knowledge and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily Thou art their Helper and their Lord."
Mr. Mountfort Mills presided and said, "We are forwarding a more far-reaching purpose than is indicated by the program alone. We seek that mighty Force to develop a new civilization. Amity between the races is a by product of this. This civilization requires intelligence of the heart." He then read the message of Abdul-Baha to the convention, as given above.
Mr. William H. Randall was the first speaker. He said: "If we let these ideals so beautifully expressed come down into the heart they will be a glorious reality. The door of the heart of humanity has been opened and we find love and love. My note is the power of God. We live too much in the past. This is a new age. Let us live according to its ideals. Severance, service and selflessness are the three Graces of the new day. God gives us these as a banner of peace to the world of humanity. God is looking down upon this convention. His spirit sees in you the universal reality. The real king is the law of God. However much we love democracy, let us not forget the sovereignty of God. Our true freedom is allegiance to this sovereignty. As we give ourselves to it we enter the age of spiritual citizenship for the whole world. This is what Christ meant when He told men to pray that the Kingdom of Heaven might become visible upon earth."
Miss Martha Root read letters from Lieut. Gen. Nelson A. Miles and the Rev. Dr. MacComb of Baltimore each expressing hearty approval of the convention's work and regretting their enforced absence.
Dr. C. Sumner Wormley, with his wonderful voice, sang two solos and responded to an encore.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, presenting the subject, "Bible Prophecies of Universal Brotherhood," said, "I will not discuss prophecies in detail, but try to convey their spirit. The Bible is the book of brotherhood and universality. Take the opening teaching, 'Let there be light!' This does not refer to the light of the physical sun, but rather, let there be the light of intelligence, understanding, sympathy. These will bring into one's life regeneration and the uplift for which humanity strives. All the prophets taught the law of brotherhood. They were heralds of the Message of God. They were the Light of God. The points of difference among men are far less than the points upon which they agree. If we give proper emphasis to the points of contact, it will be the means of ushering in the Kingdom of God upon earth."
By the chairman: "These wonderful teachings are not the exclusive property of the scholarly and wise. But the humble and weak who live and share them with others attain a station of exaltation."
Saturday evening, the closing session of the convention, the chairman, Mr. Howard MacNutt, read:
"O Children of Men! Do ye know why We have created ye from one clay? That no one should glorify himself over the other. Be ye ever mindful of how ye were created. Since We created ye all from the same substance, ye must be as one soul, walking with the same feet, eating with one mouth and living in one land, that ye may manifest with your being and by your deeds and actions, the signs of unity and the spirit of oneness. This is My counsel to ye, O people of Lights! Therefore follow it that ye may attain the fruits of holiness from the Tree of Might and Power."
The chairman said, "This, we may say at the end, has been a Pentecostal convention. For only the power of the Holy Spirit can blend these two races together. On the program you will find the words of Christ, and also those of Abdul-Baha, teaching love and unity. Race with race and man with man, we must abandon prejudices to reach unity. We must form a real brotherhood, and for this the divine fabric is love."
Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook, a Bahai and a member of the Washington Board of Education, made a fine address on "Negro Poets." Beginning with Phyllis Wheatley, an African slave girl who was in the 18th century found in a Boston slave market and bought by a kindhearted lady who educated her, and who
(Continued on page 123.)
O thou STAR OF THE WEST!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shall become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shall become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness firmness, firmness!
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed with the most important events.
| Vol. 12 | Rahmat 1, 77 (June 24, 1921) | No. 6 |
the white and colored races"
Words of ABDUL-BAHA to Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi| Mr. Alfred Lunt, | Chicago, June 10, 1921. |
Secretary of the Bahai Temple Unity.
From what I hear the great Bahai Inter-racial Convention and Congress, held last month at Washington, D. C., for the amity and solidarity of mankind, was a real success. Although I was not present in body yet in spirit I was there. I am sure that the far-reaching results of this first Convention will be manifest. I hope that all the Bahais in America will attach great importance to the racial problem in order that everyone shall realize the seriousness of this matter. I will state to you in brief, an interview I had with the beloved Master, Abdul-Baha, on April 6th, 1920, at Haifa, Palestine, in which he referred to this matter.
After inquiring after my health with his usual charming and inspiring words of love and affection and giving me a cup of tea, he handed me a clipping from a newspaper, saying, "Read this." After glancing at the contents, I said, "My Lord, this is an article written by Miss Martha Root which appeared in a Cleveland newspaper; it contains a Tablet from Abdul-Baha, the contents of which are to the effect that unless the white and colored races become united, there will be bloodshed; that through the Bahai teachings only can racial, political and religious prejudices pass away; that the Bahai teachings are the only means that shall bring about love and unity."
Abdul-Baha said: "Yes, this is the truth. If the races do not come to an agreement, there can be no question or doubt of bloodshed. When I was in America, I told the white and colored people that it was incumbent upon them to be united or else there would be the shedding of blood. I did not say more than this so that they might not be saddened. But, indeed, there is a greater danger than only the shedding of blood. It is the destruction of America.
Because aside from the racial prejudice there is another agitating factor. It is that of America's enemies. These enemies are agitating both sides, that is, they are stirring up the white race against the colored race and the colored race against the white race. But of this the Americans are submerged in the sea of ignorance: They will regret it. But of what use will their regret be after the destruction of America? Will it be of any use then?"
I told him of a letter which I had received from Chicago during the week, stating that two houses belonging to colored Bahais had been bombed with dynamite. Abdul-Baha said: "I foretell things before they happen and I write about them before they occur. The destruction of two or three houses is of no importance, but the importance lies in what is coming, which is the destruction of America. The Arabs have many proverbs. For instance, 'Heavy rains begin with drops before it pours,' and 'The dancer starts with shaking the shoulder, then the whole body.' Now is the time for the Americans to take up this matter and unite both the white and the colored races. Otherwise, hasten ye towards destruction! Hasten ye toward devastation!"
On other occasions the Master said he hoped that the race problem would be solved by the American government.
May I request you to include this letter in your Convention report and accept my sincere thanks?
Faithfully yours,
Zia M. Bagdadi.
A Compilation of the Words of ABDUL-BAHA
(Continued from page 108)(From a Tablet to Mrs. Antoinette Crump Cone, Chicago):
O thou well-wisher of humanity!
Thy letter was received. Utmost sorrow and sadness was produced, owing to the prejudices and enmity which exist between the white and colored races. If this matter remains without change, enmity will be increased day by day and the final result will be hardship and may end in bloodshed.
The most important teaching of His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, is to leave behind racial, political, religious, and patriotic prejudices. Until these prejudices are entirely removed from the people of the world, the realm of humanity will not find rest. Nay, rather, discord and bloodshed will be increased day by day, and the foundation of the prosperity of the world of man will be destroyed.
It is impossible to strike at the root of these racial, political, religious and patriotic prejudices unless the inhabitants of the world come under the shadow of BAHA'O'LLAH. This fact is demonstrated and has become evident in the Orient; for we can see that through the effect of this Word—Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians, Brahmins, and Buddhists, are associated with each other with the utmost love and affinity, to such an extent that they are considered one race. Their different names are forgotten; for instance, one often sees sitting at the same table the Musselman, the Jew, the Christian, the Turk, the European, the Kurd, the Persian—associating and living with each other with utmost concord and harmony. This wonderful spirit is realized to such an extent that it seems as though all of them are both Occidental and Oriental.
Therefore, if thou seekest a remedy
for solving all of these problems—there is no remedy except faith and assurance. Faith is the cause of harmony; faith is the cause of love; faith is the cause of unity and concord.
It is my hope that this race question may be considered like unto the colors of the doves and other birds. They do not allow differences of color to be the cause of hatred and animosity among them. One flock of birds is white, another gray, another yellow, another red, another black. They soar in the air with each other with the utmost love and do not fight with each other on account of their difference of color. Man must, likewise, attain to this degree of harmony, so that there may be no differences or inharmony among the children of men on account of color, for all of them are human beings.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Washington, D. C., Feb. 24, 1912.)
(Words of Abdul-Baha—copied from London Talks):
Those who help on the cause of unity are doing God's work. Unity is the divine bounty for this luminous century. Enmity is not so much the cause of separation as it used to be; the cause of disunion now is mostly prejudice.
These meetings teach us that unity is good, and that suppression (slavery under the yoke of tradition and prejudice) is the cause of disunion. To know this is not enough. All knowledge is good, but it can bear no fruit except by action. We hope the people realize and know that unity is good; and we also hope that they will not be content to stand still in that knowledge. Do not only say that unity, love and brotherhood are good; you must work for their realization.
Compare the present time and the feeling towards the colored people now, with the state of feeling two or three hundred years ago, and see how much better it is at present. In a short time the relationship between the colored and white people will still further improve, and by and by, no difference will be felt between them. White doves and purple doves exist; but both kinds are doves.
BAHA'O'LLAH once compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil you see the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shines forth.
In the sight of God color makes no difference at all. He looks at the hearts of men.
Fighting, and the employment of force, even for the right cause, will not bring about good results. The oppressed, who have right on their side, must not take that right by force; the evil would continue. Hearts must be changed.
We cannot believe the call to be spiritual when there is no result.
People get together and talk, but it is God's Word alone that is powerful in its result.
First acquire knowledge, and when conviction is reached, put it into practice.
In conversation with a learned man once, Abdul-Baha said: . . . "You should follow the teachings. Now you merely read them."
(Copied from the Paris Talks of Abdul-Baha):
All peoples and nations are of one family, the children of one Father, and should be to one another as brothers and sisters. I hope that you will endeavor in your lives to show forth and to spread this teaching.
(Excerpt from an Address of Abdul-Baha—copied from STAR OF THE WEST, January 19, 1913, page 7):
In order that the darkness of strife and sedition might be entirely banished
from the human world, His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH, established and taught certain declarations or principles. The first principle which He proclaimed was the principle of the oneness of the human family. He said, "Humanity constitutes the sheep of God's flock. The real Shepherd is God." The real Shepherd is compassionate and kind towards all the members of His flock. Humanity was created by God; He provides for all, protects all; He is kind to all. Why should we treat each other harshly? He has made a plea for love, not for difference, or hatred, or animosity. God created humanity! . . . . .
(Words of Abdul-Baha—copied from Address published on page 7, STAR OF THE WEST, May 17, 1912):
The divine policies shall rule, for the divine policy is the oneness of the human world. God is kind to all. He considers all as His servants. He does not exclude anybody, and the policy of God is the correct and just policy. No matter how complete human policy and foresight be, it is imperfect. If we do not emulate the policy of God; or, if we refuse to follow His dictates, that will be a presumptive evidence of our saying, as it were, that we know better than God; that we are knowing and wise, whereas God is ignorant; that we are sagacious, and God is not. God forbid! We seek shelter in God's mercy therefore. No matter how far the human intelligence shall advance, it is still as a drop, whereas the divine Omniscience is the very ocean. And now is it just for us to say that a drop is imbued or endowed with qualities wherewith the ocean itself is minus or not endowed? To say that the policy of the atom or the drop is greater and superior to that of the ocean! There is no greater ignorance than this!
attained to an astonishing mastery of English poesy; she reviewed the works of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Win. Stanley Braithwaite, Jessie Fauset and others, showing their attraction to the muse and fine literary expression. Greatly to the entertainment of the audience she read several selections, one of them humorous.
The Howard University Glee Club entertained with several selections.
Mr. C. Lee Cook, by request, spoke a second time. If I possessed eloquence of the great masters of oratory I should be silent in this court, for all knowledge drops before the love of God. I am going to have a heart to heart talk, casting aside all proprieties and telling you that happy experiences and blessed memories brought me to this city and platform to lend a hand to the master stroke of Divine justice and equal opportunities for all races. This the speaker did in a most winsome way, illustrating the great law of sacrifice by incidents in the life of Michael Angelo, and illustrating the relationship of faith, helpfulness and confidence which should exist between the races by a most interesting account of the life of a young colored man whom he had trained and placed upon the highway to success. Let us live by the blessed Sermon on the Mount! Follow the Golden Rule! God speed these noble souls who have come here to lay the cornerstone of a great reality! Praise to those noble women whose pains, faith, devotion and silent fortitude have made this possible. In conclusion, he gave eloquent expression to the message of universal peace.
Janabi Fazel was the last speaker. He said, "It is a great happiness for me to be here in this great convention for amity between the white and colored races and to speak for a few minutes, as the hour is late. During the past year I have spoken in many colored churches among others and have found much of
hospitality and loving kindness. Many seeds of love have been sown. The glances of the Almighty are turned toward such a gathering as this, whose objects are love and reconciliation. The aims of all the Prophets of God, while they underwent persecution, was the establishment of peace among the people of the world. It is evident that racial prejudice has long been a disease attacking the body of humanity. There are many blots on the pages of history due to prejudices and misunderstandings. However, there has always been a ray of light through the gloom of tyranny and injustice. The law of progress is due to this. Now again it is in our midst.
"In my country, Persia, racial misunderstandings were very strong, much more so than in the United States. Although racial prejudice played a great part, there were other prejudices, such as religious and sectarian, each one playing havoc. Each of the races had its own language and religion; and so they fought, causing much spoliation, destruction and carnage. Moslems persecuted Jews, withholding from them the just administration of the laws.
"There are not many colored people in Persia, yet they appear in the records of the poets and scientists. One of them was known as Lokman the Wise. His sayings are on the lips of thousands. When dying he told his son, if ever unhappy, to find the shirt of a man who has never been sad, put it on, and his own sadness would vanish. When difficulties came in the life of the son he searched in vain for such a man, and thus realized that sorrows were the common lot. One of the kings of Persia had a colored son. In his youth he proved himself so clever and capable that he was chosen by his father over another son as his successor. He became one of the wisest and most sagacious kings of Persia, gathering around him many scholars. He had the Greek books translated into Persian and his court became famous for wisdom and learning.
"Racial and religious prejudice lately became much intensified in Persia until a great spiritual movement appeared. The doors of the Kingdom were opened. The Divine Bounty rained down and thousands of people were filled with the power of God. The Divine love brought a community of interest. All antagonistic elements gathered around the standard of unity and agreement. Liberal ideas were introduced among the children in the schools. The children being simple and coming from God without prejudices, grew up knowing God and His laws. In reality, children enter the world without bigotry and fanaticism, but are taught these things by their elders. My only race is the human race. My only religion is that of God. My country is the whole world. We must put aside narrow and limited notions, for we see the harm they have done others. It is now the age of Divine justice and universal service. All tears must be wiped away!
"Leaders of humanity, teachers, editors, preachers, must take the lead in developing these ideals. The Sun of Reality has dawned from the horizon of the world. The Breeze of Generosity is wafting and the Call of the Kingdom has reached the ends of the earth! Ere long there will be great waves of love. The banner of Universal Peace will be hoisted! Gloom will be dispelled. We shall all be as the leaves of one tree and the flowers of one rose-garden, and all the friends of God will embrace each other."
So ended this glorious convention, the chairman telling the great audience that suggestions from each and all would be welcome, with a view to crystallizing into workable shape for permanent organizations the noble ideals expressed during the interesting sessions. All the people as they departed at a late hour to their homes, seemed possessed of a wonderful hope and happiness.
To Him be praise!
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