Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-09-26
September ealld.
CELEBRATION OF THE EMANCIPATION BY THE
ColoRED PEOPLE OF WEST CHESTER.
WEsr (,,tEsrrp Santpmhnr % 1867

CELEBRATION OF THE EMANCIPATION by THE
CoLoRED PEOPLE OF WEST CHESTER.
WEST CHESTER, September 90, 1867.
This has been gala day in this quiet quaint
old borough, from early morn until the sun had
hid himself behind Western horizon, aglow
with all the glory of an autumn sunset. The oc-
casion of this rejoicing was the recurrence of the
fourth anniversary Of the Emancipation Proctor
nation, which struck the iron shackes from the
limbs of four millions of the human race.
EARLY this morning the colored people began to
pour into the town from every section of the
county. They came singly, in pairs, in delega-
tons some walking, most Of them riding either
on horseback or in omnibuses or carriages; not
in carts or on old worn out horses of an antcdu-
Wan aye, Qhey don't have those things in Chester
county, but on fat sleek animals and the best
family carriages They come glad people. The
train from Philadelphia brought large delcga-
ton from the city Of Brothcrly Love, with two
brass bands.
A procession was formed between len and
eleven o'clock which marched through the prin-
cipal streets Of tAc town. and from thence to the
Agricultural Fair Grounds. Many Of the honses
on the line of the parade were beautifully dec
GRATED and irstooncd with eyctgrccrs md flags.
The procession was under the charge of Thomas
Hazard, Of this town, as Chief Marshal, assisted
by several aids. A noticeable feature was the
appearance of several companies of military,
composed OF dusky veterans carrying the old
trusty rifle that had done good service in the
days of the shareholders rebellion. These men
had been present at Petersburg, had rushed in
| through the gap made by the explosion of the
mine; had marched in triumph through the
streets of Richmond, had seen the proud Lee
surrender to the victorious Union army; had
proved their courage at Fort Hudson. But why
enumorates their hcroisn bravery and devotion
to the sold Flag has passed into the pages OF
| their country's history. They were here to-day
carrying rcgimental ilag, tattered and torn by
| the destructive missiles Of war. They were here
| some of them minus an arm, or II leg, or an eye,
many Of them bearing the sears of mortal strilcin
defense of free government, pleading for equal
rights to all men.
Next came delegations from the different
Union Lcagucs,al wearing badges and rosettes Of
red, white and blue Every badge had on it Tho
likeness of Lincoln, the true Noses" who led
them from slavery to freedom. The Masonic Or
der Of Colorcd Masons was u prominent feature
of the parade The Lincoln B. b. c., of Will
mngton, and the Active B. b. c., of this town
occupied prominent place in the line. Many
carriages containing the speakers and other emf
ncnt persons gaily decorated, brought up til,
rear Of the procession. On arriving ut the Fail
Ground the parade was dismissed and u meeting
was organized with Lewis p. Hood, Esq, Presi
dent, with the usual number Of Secretaries ant
Vice Presidents. The meeting was then addressed
by ]. j. Creigh young and talented lawyer o
this place. Frederick Douglas, the main orato
of the day, was then introduced, and held til,
vast audience Of thousands spell bound for III
hour and n half, in his usual convincing style o
oratory. Frances Ellen Watkins succeeded Mr.
Douglas in an hours speech of great force.
Hon. John Hickman was loudly cheered in hi
remarks In advocacy of Equal Rights.
The meeting was still farther addressed by Prof
: A. NJ. Green and j. c. Bowers, of Philadelphia
regret very much that my time and space i
SO limited that cannot even give you a synopsi
] Of the remarks of the eloquent speakers.
9 The military, during the afternoon, met AM
t went through the manual of arms, which showe
t that they had not forgotten the stern lessons O
+ martial life. haD rowdyism or dissipation marre
+ the cnjoyments of the day, but good order and
r decorus behavior SHOWED that they knew how Il
t enjoy and appreciate their exalted privileges in
d becoming manner. RAMBLER.