Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-04-14
and the Fifteenth
Amendment.
THE CELEBRATION YEsTERD

SoloHrner Truth, and otAe-s.
As the procession to celebrate the emancipa-
ton of the colored race, and the ratification of
the fifteenth amendment, was passing through
the First Ward yesterday afternoon, on its way
10 Georgetown, the Stevens school-house was
observed to be decorated with banners and
flags as was also the residence of Mr.. Alfred
Jones' on X street. Bridge street, in George
town, was in fine order, ii having been sprinkied
by the water carts, and the dust-covered pro
cession experienced considerable relief there
The sidewalks were lined with persons congre-
gated to see the display, and, altogether the
procession presented q fine appearance at this
point. Several residences on the line of march
were decorated with flags and banners. The
up High to Dunbarton, and along Dunbarton to
Washington street, down Washington 10 Bridge
street, and along that street to the old bridge
over Rock creek, which 1t crossed on the return
Dr. Crsigen, on Dunbarton street, Georgetown,
the Doctor appeared at the door, and was
eheered by the clubs as they passed. On pass
ing Vinegar Hill, on the Washington side of the
bridge, q boys fight occurred, which was Of
short duration, however, the crowd dispensing
In hot haste as the mounted police came in
sylvania avenue and X street, the fire brigade
'ook short halt to rest their horses, the long
un making both horses and men weary.
After resting, the line Of march was up
street, by the Western MArket-house. The en-
gine-house Of the Union company, on X street,
near 18th, was Handsomely draPed with large
banner, hung in festoons over the doorway; and
over the windows were placed rows Of small
flags; and large handsome banner hOated from
a line over the street Other houses on this
street were decorated tastefully with banners.
near X street. was decorated; also, the 18th
street PRESBYTERIAN church (colOred), and the
residence Of Mr.. r. H. Booker, on 18th street.
On passing the truck,house Of the Hook and
Ladder company, on Massachusetts, avenue, the
bell was rung and cheers were given By the fire
men in return. On leaving Massachusetts, ave-
nue. the procession headed down 4th street to
the City Hall, where they arrived about o. clock
y. m. The speakers stand was found to be all
in readiness, with chairs, benches and tables.
Here the crowd was quite dense, covering the
entire space in front Of the City Hall. The car
riages, after discharging their loads of passen-
gers, left the open space, making standing room
for the assemblage. Kings band. and SImon's
COmmandery Knights Templar took seats on the
stand in rear Of the speakers, the band discours-
ing music between the speeches.
The Committee OF Arrangements were pres
ent, and all their plans were carried out in ex-
cellent order. After all were seated, Rev. John
Brooks offered up prayer.
MI. Charles H. Peters presided, and made an
speech, saying that the ratification
of the 18th amendment 10 the Consultation was
second to no other event save the emancipation
proclamation in the minds Of the colored pe0-
pie. 1t guaranteed to the cOlored race the rights
enjoyed BY all other races of men. To-day they
under . Constitntion that acinowledSess .o The
rights of all. In this their day Of joyful tri-
umph, after long years Of oppression, they
should remember with gratitude the faithful
champions who had espoused their cause when
they were groping helpless in the dark days of
oppression. These aniinching heroes would
never be forgotten by the coIored race-they
great party Of freedom, which has brought about
these great results-many Of them had passed
away to reap the rewards in store for the great
and good, and IT became them to-day to make
they an honored. GApplause.l Wendell Phil
lips, Henry Ward Beecher, Horace Greeley,
Charles sumner, and many others, were with
by the race emancipxted, through their efforts.
TO them, in great degree, do they owe graft
tude for the state of things they now enjoy. To-
Grant Il our President; Charles Sumner, who
battled in the cause of liberty 80 long in the
Senate Of the United States, Is our Senator, and
the beautiful banner which now floats over us is
He would not extend his remarks further, but
would introduce Mr.. Dockery, Of North Caro-
lima, native born son Of the south.
no longer any reason for contention between
the races, and the South will again become the
garden spot of the Union.
After music by Kings band, of Georgetown,
Mr.. y. Sella Martin was introduced, saying that
he, too, was q native OF North Carolina and
loved the Old North State. The present occa-
sion was one Of JOY over the ratification of the
fifteenth amendment, which was now secure,
and no Democrat could overthrow 1t. 1t was
also an occasion or thanks. The colored people
had still to guard against what was before
in Congress they would discover that the West
was looking to its interests against the East
The West desired free trade and a low tariff.
They were tired OF the negro, and were ready
TO unite with the South IN opposition to the
East, and were doing injury to the Republican
party.
spoke. He regretted that his voice was not
strong enough TO be heard all over the South to
cheer the millions OF colored people on the
events they were celebrating to-day. 1t was the
glory OF a series OF logical events fol-
lowing ono up-on enc oetsor. 10 wss eso maturity
Of American liberty: For ninety years prinei-
the past has been dark the future is bright and
the spirits Of departed black men can look down
and smile upon the present scene
DIR. T.. b. Purvis was then introduced by Mr..
Peters. He said ii was near a hundred years
since American citizens had rejoiced on an
occasion like the present. The fifteenth amend
Of the Declaration OF American Independence
The colored race were no longer the victims Of
oppression. Revelations never 20 backward.
The nfteenth amendment will have tremen-
dOus influence on American politics and future
historians would turn over the leaves of history
to see the names Of those who stood up for
humanity. The name Of Charles Summer viii
stand foremost. Gen. o. D. Howard and a host
of Others viii also be prominent. He concluded
by predicting that @ sixteenth amendment
would soon follow, which would secure the rights
VI W WOmdus 4uls Will DC uOue In less
than Eve years.
Hon. Henry Wilson was next introduced. He
the assemblage on the events
which had brought them together. 1t was a
day Of universal JOY and the Tag Of universal
liberty had been firmly planted. Nine years
ago intelligence flashed over the wires that civil
war had commence-that Fort Sumpter had
been fired upon. Nine years of q desperate
struggle had followed, in the camp and in the
forum, and the result u that over four millions
Of men, formerly chattels, are now in possession
Of their rights, and are to day American citi-
zens. The long fight of over q half centnary
has eliminated in universal liberty.
Senator Warner, Of Alabama, was next intro
duced and said he took great pleasure in joining
in these congratulations over the adoption Of the
fifteenth amendment, giving all the right to vote
and share In the destinies OF the Republic Ii
seemed that Abraham Lincoln stood in the
midst OF his audience, pointing his finger toward
bis children present, in honor of the sonsumma-
ton OF the great event which was now being
celebrated. He remembered with pleasure
when Abraham Lincoln issued his proclamation
OF emancipation, when he exclaimed "Amon"
He advocated the passage Of the fifteenth
but he would have preferred to
have IL broader, 30 that Ii would give the cleo
tive franchise to all people; but that would come
shortly through the votes Of the people enfran-
chised by the fifteenth amendment. -.
rLof. A. N. Green followed with few re-
Senator Howell, Of Iowa, said he was not an