Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-08-05

DEMONSTRATION BY THE CoLoRED PEOPLE
YEsTEBDAY.-On the 2lst OF July Mr. J. r..
Pierre, superintendent of the 3D. colored Bap-
fist sabbath school, addressed letter to Pres
ident Lincoln, requesting the use OF the
grounds between the Executive Mansion and
the War Department for demonstration OF
the sabbath schools, on August ith-the day
appointed for national humiliation and prayer.
The object, stated, was that the cclored
people might show their appreciation OF the
benefits they have received by reason or the
prom Jul CATION of the emancipation proclar1a-
ton. and the freeing of the slaves in the dis
trict. Mr.. Pierre, in his communication, fur
Their stated that the object was TO purch ase for
the school a banner. to be called 1.-THE Banner
Of Freedom and which was to contain life
size picture of President Lincoln, together with
q design representing the fleeing of slaves
from bondage TO freedom.
This communication was referred 10 Hon.
b. Il. French, Commissioner OF Public Build
ipgs, who replied on the Odd ult, and granted
permission provided the President approved
it. The approval was given And conseq uently
the celebration was held yesterday. 1t was
intended TO have the Sunday School Union
(colored) fully present by schools, but by some
misunder staEding this was not the case. All
Of the schools were however, represented to
greater or less extent. The Third Baptist (col-
ored) school assem- Died III a body at 10 O'Clock,
and az II The exercises OF the cay commence
With religious exercises, Rev. Albert Bouldin,
colored, preaching a very god sermon from
the 11th verse OF the I'd chapter of Habakkuk.
After these exercises were concluded the as.
) 81 mby gave themselves up TO social enjoy ment.
Waterme Ions, can teleups, smaller fruits, cakes,
lemonades ard other refreshments were spread
ut in abundance. Swings were suspended
from the branches Of the trees, and promena-
ding parties continually moved about. All
seemed TO enjoy themselves hugely. Outside
the grounds the scene was equally animated.
Numerous tables. for the sale OF refreshments
occupied every available space and trade was
brisk. A large number Of colored people re-
manned outside OF the enclosure, some not feel
ing able, and others not willing TO pay the
price of admission.
At three O'Clock, when the exercises again
commenced, there were between 400 and 500
people on the grounds, and the speaking com
menced. The platform was erected about mid
way the grounds, but near to the Presidents
garden, and over it was hung large and
beautiful American flag Religious services
were conducted by Reys. Bouidin and Ham,
mond, and after that Edward T. Thuriean,
(colored,) of Philadelphia, was introduced,
and delivered a lengthy address, wherein he
expressed much tbankfulness to President
Lincoln and his administra for all that had
been done for the colored race. He also urged
those present TO enlist and aid by all their
power in crushing the rebellion, now that the
colored people mad been allowed TO exercise
arms. The speaker had formerly been
slave, and gave some interesting descriptions
of the horrors Of slavery-scenes which had
passed under his own observation.
- DIR. Thomas Brown, (colored) OF PhIladel.
Sphia, and others also deli yered addresses. Mr..
,, X. Pierre, who had the charge and superin-
ktepdence Of the affair, also made few remarks,
vHherein ne thanked the Presidentfor granting
> the use OF the grounds and dong so much for
the colorea people. He said he knew there
were many among those who ha We robbed God
Trying to break up this Government who
thought the bodies Of the colored people ought
now to be on q traitors plantation. To. day
many held they should yet be slaves to those
who were helping JEFF Davis and his cop.
: perhead crew.
The celebration broke up about dark, and
the participants, in a quiet and orderly man
per, retired to their homes. A handsome sum
was realized for the banner.