The Detroit Tribune

Radio Debate On Disregard Of Race Disparity

Two University Professors On National Hookup

Dr. Montague, of the University of Pennsylvania, took the affirmative and Dr. Houghten, of Harvard university, the negative, in a radio debate recently broadcasting over the NBC nation-wide hook-up, on the subject, "Should Democracy Disregard Racial Differences?" The argument of the two speakers were as follows:

Dr. Montague: Democracy is for the individual. The disregard of racial differences is the essence of democracy. There are no inferior and superior races. There are no known differences between races. There are only differences of background, geographical conditions and opportunities. Democracy should disregard racial differences and give to each equal social opportunities.

Dr. Houghten: There does appear to be some justification for the belief in the special endowment of races. If satisfactory proof of any such special potentialities of particular races can be established, I think there ought to be a special department of the government for the encouragement and development of their special gifts. For instance the Negro is said to be endowed with the gift of music. The Irish are said to be specially endowed as administrators of the public business and as policemen. I am for a policy of government that would make greatest use of the known and established endowments of races.

Dr. Montague: Science has discovered no fundamental differences between the individuals of the various races. The Creator has not discriminated against any race in the natural abilities with which it is endowed. In fact there is no such thing as a pure race. All are to some degree mixed. These individuals of mixed race are in no way inferior to the forbears from which they came and many are superior.

Dr. Houghten: We are in agreement that there are no known differences in the capacity of races. All have their God-given potentialities limited by the various conditions in which they live. In regard to the Negro and The Indian, I am for a new deal on part of the government to these racial groups. Our board of Indian affairs has dealt unfairly with the Indian for years and it is my belief that the government owes to both these groups a special duty to lift the burdensome inequalities imposed upon them by neglect, prejudice, indifference and restrictive legislation.

Dr. Montague: Equality of opportunity for all without regard to race, creed or color is the attainable goal for which we should all work in this democracy. Progress toward this end is very slow because of the deeply rooted prejudices of the great masses of the people. But scientific knowledge backs the proposition that democracy should disregard racial differences. Therefore, we should work for full opportunities for the individuals of all races that all might make their full contribution to American life and progress.

Dr. Houghten: Education is making some headway in exposing and dethroning the fallacies of race which prejudice shelters and perpetuates. I believe in the obligation of democracy to provide opportunities for all and I believe that something should be done to make this more of an actuality rather than a pious platitude.