New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-02
A Negro school Celebration i'm Richmond
From the Richmond Repnblic, NJ

John Brown. body lie. mold-rins in the ground
John Browns BODY lies moidcring In the erouud.
John Browns body lies molderins Ia the ground,
But his sPut il marching Oh.
Hang JEFF Dsvi. on the apple tree
Hang JET Davis "a the apple tree
Hang Jeh DAVIS on The .ouI apple tee,
For We are marching home, &c
At the conclusion OF this song which sung with
much spirit the scholars went through various eyoln
tious. such crossing hands putting the hands upon
the head. raising The right hand &c.
The Superintendent. Mr. Coan row requested all
who wanted 10 hear good story 20 raise their hands
large majority gave evidence that they were IN a
story hearing humor; but there being confusion
he requested ~ who did not intend 10 be quiet 10 raise
their hands shereupon an opposition element dis
PLAYED itself principally giils Laughter
Mr. C. remarked that be knew that they fcf so happy
that they could not Keep in hence he did not Intend
blame them but be knew they would keep quiet during
the abort prayer which the Rev Mr. RaiDcs would offer
up During the PRAYER. the children repeated IL -en-
tence by sentence after the manner VI tho Catholic and
Episcopal churches.
The Superintendent asked
Are you glad are frccf
Scholars In a body-Yes. indeed,
Who gave you ifeedomt
Scholars-t'oa.
Through whOmi
Standardization Lincoln.
L. Mr. Lincoln dehdt
Scholars-Ies
WHO Is your Prcsidentt
Scholars-JohnsOn.
Are you glad you have schools and teacheri
DO You want Ties. friend. who arc here to-day to go
North and send you moro tehCheIsi
Scholars-Yes indeed.
The Superintendent stated that on the 18th OF April.
Il DAYS after the evacuation Of Richmond the plan for
the establishment OF these schools was iuaugurnted.
On the 18th they commenced operations with l.1D
scholars and occupied biz churches, owned by the
colofed people ofihis city The average attendance up
10 the present time has been liOO The children have
shown disposition 10 learn. and nothing deserving
the name Of punishment has yet been found necessary
The Rev Mr. Stockwel connected WIN the schools
cave his experience and cOrroboraied what had been
said by the Superintendent He said he spoke OF them
not coored children, but as children Just a. god
aud better than whites and who under equal iec'
ties Of educational improvement would not prove them.
selves a whit inferior 10 white children.
The Rev. Mr.. Eaines next addressed the assemblaee
for few minutes lie stated thar no was connected
with school in Massachusetts and incucsted the idea
that obedience Was tie hr.t duty oil scholar. Inc
s!Ye, Jesus loves nie-,hi. know"
Mr. Battaile OF the Christian Commission followed
in amusing 'talk." which was loudly appaudcd by the
scboais Tho Superintendent here stated that In seven
DAYS tho third div son Of the schools had contributed
ESQ toward paying for hooks This they had earned by
holding officers horses. shining boots. &c. Ia the
hile though whites had applied for Them not
white man woman child had contributed cent.
| The scholars sang:
| " Rally round the flag boys,
Shooting the b,ale.cry offreedom.
| Rally from the hilsidrs,
Rally from the plains,
| Shouting the batte-cTy Of freedom.
Union forever, hurrah boys hurfab;
! Down with the traitors and up with the stars &c.
| Samuel Mason principal Of the Elliott School. Bos
ton introduced and the scholars some whole
some advice lie Informed them that In Boston II chill
dIen stayed from school they were confined In lock
up and added that you boys who are aggards AT school
will drive donkeys tho streets OF Richmond while
those that industrious, studlous and oDedient Will
own the mansions and stores on Mainsf.
After brief address by Mr.. Bent, the scholars sang
| "I want to be nigel,
| And " It'll the angel stand
| crown upon my forehead
| And harp within my hand"
Mr. Van vliet a reporter next spoke. He said you
must wash your faces and hands every morning before
coming 10 school, so that you may look as clean and
pretty as possible and neat as the neatest white DO,
or girl in Richmond.
The Mavor Of Chelsea, Mass. venerable-lookine
gentleman followed Mr.. Van Nict. At the concu.oI
Of lis remarks. .
| Mr. Crane Of Baltimore. formerly OF Richmond, took
the stand, and said lie participated in the meeting OF
an African missionary meeting in that very room nifty
years ago. lie spoke OF Lot Cary. negro preacher
who went 70 Africa missionary IN ls2l, ana Other
| wellknown negro members Of the African Church
former days.
The scholars again sang John Browns body liei
numbering in the ground" The school then at the
suggestion VI the visiting teacher, give three heart,
f., cheers for the Superintendent.
We could catch the OF several OF the other
speakers.
Il Capt. Fisher. trustee Of female school in Boston,
endcavored to impress upon them the Importance Of
being good children and studous scholars.
After saying. Yes. Jesus loves me-" the scholars
were dismissed, and young Africa departed In high
Cee. So ended the first celebration" OF the negro
scbool children In Richmond.