"NIGGER"
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—On behalf of many African friends, both in Jamaica and in Africa, I desire to point out that, in the first of a series of articles on "America Revisited," which Mr. Huxley has written for the Spectator, occur these words : " a hot lazy life with niggers," and you promise us an article by him on the Negro Problem. Is your contributor ignorant of the fact that to-day the word " nigger " is considered by Africans to be the most offensive of all epithets ? Is he not aware that it is a word that deeply wounds their feelings and prompts in many the bitterest resentment ? A word unutterable.
In courteous speech and script a man is White : a White- man, a European ; or he is Black, a Black-man, an African. If he be born in Jamaica he is a " Jamaican," irrespective of racial blood, and, by special Act of Parliament, is possessed of all the rights of a British subject. Long and intimate association with Africans, both in Africa, in the West.Indies and at sea, enables me to assure you that I do not overstate the case. Only those behind the scenes have the opportunity of appreciating the harm done by even the thoughtless or innocent use of this insolent and cruel word " nigger."
I therefore ask you, Sir, to print this letter that your readers may not offend from lack of warning.—I am, Sir, &c., SCORESBY ROUTLEDGE.
4 Hyde Park Gardens, W. 2.
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