New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-09-11
From Michigan.


=
To t'e Et'io.s Of Hs N~0 Na'i,am Er, ant c.i',,".
While in the city of Detroit, in the "Wol-
VERNE State, many things combine to make
ones stay interesting. Not only is this city
beautiful by reason of its incompatible river.
whose waters, clear and blue, gladden. the
heart to look upon, but it is a model city in
other respects. Its houses of business com
pare most favorably with the superlative
structures of New York or Philadelphia and
its residences are so many grand pictures.
1t is busy and active, and the inhabitants are
singularly industrious. Few beggars appear
on the street, but instead, during business
hours, there is constant activity among the
people engaged in their respective avoca-
tons. And more cheeringly still is the fact
that all faces, black or white, glow with
pleasantness and harmony.
1t is strange, but no less true, that although
we have heard little Of the politics of Michi.
gan, and what recognition she has given her
loyal colored citizens, yet it doth appear that
she has more substantially recognized them
as men and citizens Of equality than many
of our boastful and knowing neighbOrs. Many
respectable colored gentlemen fill some OF
the most responsible offices in the gift Of the
State. John d. Richards, Esq, one Of the
most prominent colored citizens Of the United
States, and the most prominent of his own
State, is an officer of the custOm-house, and
holds the confidence of the entire State. lie
is the friend Of rich and poor, and upon him
looks the highest official for that foresight il
Mr.. Richards is an orator of no mean charac
ter. He combines the elOqucncc of Fred
| Douglass with the logic Of John NJ. Langs
| ton.
| Mr. Walter Clark, another very eminent
| cOlOrcd gentleman, remarked for his pleas
| autncss Of character, is deputy county clerk
! He is young man Of excellent reputation
and, in our opinion, fills his position Will
great efficiency.
| DR.. J. Ferguson, a colOred gentleman 0
| confidence OF his fellow-ctizens, and enjoy.
every recognition from his brothers in Tho
profession. No niggardly prescription OBJ
structs his association in all affairs with white
! doctors, and his present Office is regarded a,
one Of great trust. His son, John Ferguson
while pursuing the study Of medicine il
! Detroit Medical College, holds a position il
| the post office. He is most promising stu
| dent
! We might, if space permitted, enumerate
| large number Of other gentlemen Of darl
/ skin and loyal hearts whose recognition a
/ the hands Of their noble State is, as compared
with Others, Iaudable. There is q magma
nimity and unity which mark the intercourse
| Of white and black, which cannot be bette
! illustrated than in the following On Thurs
day afternoon, 9Th instant, number Of thu
/ friends Of Mr.. George De Baptiste, an emf
nent citizen Of Detroit, wealthy, and OF ex
/ tensive influence, presented him with an ele
/ CANT pair Of gold eyeglasses and a pair o
solid gold sleeve buttons. Those were giver
| in token Of their great esteem for him az
/ citizen Of irreproaChable conduct. Dr.. J. ID
Richards made the presentation speech in
/ such pathos and elOquence as to move the
stoutest heart. Mr.. DE Baptist responded
with feelings Of great emotion, and assured
his donors that he should endeayor 10 merit
their confidence and esteem in the presen,
and future as IN the past. At this juncture
refreshments appeared, and social enjoy
ment OF white and colored gentlemen took
place which cannot be adequately described
to the absent. Several toasts were proposed
and responded to. Walter Clark responded
to Wayne county and officers and deputies;'
DIR. Ferguson, THE sanitary condition Of
the city :" George 7. Goodail, The Press"
Frederick Behr, "Our German citizens" d.
A. straker, Esq, Howard University."
This last gentleman spoke in earnest and
enthusiastic terms Of the prosperity Of How
ard University past and present, its integrity
and honor. IL had solved the problem d
negro equality in intellect, and had given "a
the world graduates Of whom no one need
be ashamed. It's founder was the philan.