" Economic opportunity was far more
important than either social equality or political rights. He
closed the speech by praising the Exposition for the effect it
would have in bringing fresh material prosperity to the South,
and added:
". . . yet far above and beyond material benefits will be that
higher good, that, let us pray God, will come, in a blotting out
of sectional differences and racial animosities and
suspicions, in a determination to administer absolute justice,
in a willing obedience among all classes to the mandates of law.
This, coupled with our material prosperity, will bring into our
beloved South a new heaven and a new earth."
When he finished, the audience applauded wildly. Governor Bullock
rushed across the platform and shook his hand. The next day he was
greeted and praised enthusiastically on the Atlanta streets.
President Cleveland, after having read the speech, wrote
Washington and thanked him for what he had said. The following
year Harvard University granted him an honorary Master's degree.
The press both North and South quoted all or parts of the speech,
and most of the newspapers carried appreciative editorials.
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