New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-10-23
E'roHs &scOcSta.
SAVANNAH, GA, Oct. IT, 1873.

SAVANNAu, GA, Oct. IT., 1873.
To the EiitorS efhhc N,o National Era art C,,t.en.
Sectional and entirely local affairs are gen
orally of but little interest or Importance to
the country at large. Articles or letters, in
my humble opinion, intended for publication
in a paper of the character and standing Of
the NEW NATIONAL ERA AND CITIZEN,
should be of interest aud of concern to the
whole country as far as possible. As the
New NATIONAL ERA AND CITIZEN IS the
national organ of the colorcd people, and the
defender and exponent of .Republicanism,
have always thought that questions involyin.
great principles i'll politics, and tuthcrn. the
advancement of education, mechanism, a.ri-
culture, and, in fact, all the industrial pur-
suits of the country, are the most appropriate
and more generally and attentvcly read than
any other.
1t can be of no earthly use to the whole
American people to know that John Smith
was not selected delegate to a county CON
yentiOn last night because TOM Brown, his
neighbor, voted for William Jones. But it
might be Of interest to know that Smith,
Brown, and Jones wers inventors, writer's,
r lecturers, because their !abors would then
be felt directly and Indirectly in their com
niunity, aud, consequently be ofsome assist
ance in the moral aud physical development
of mankind.
However, | think that letter from Sa-
vannah would not prove entirely unintercst-
IN, !, Al,
partmcnt at Atlanta, is considered "a the
very hot-bed Of pro-slayery and rebellious
sentiments. At some future time, perhaps,
l will give you a letter bearing directly Oh
the dangerous and alarmn. condition Of
affairs in Georgia.
But to the object Of this communication.
Monday, the 18th instant, was a day that
will long be remembered in Savannah The
morning papers had announced that the cor
nerstone Of the First Bryan Baptist church,
situated on Bryan street, near Fam, would
be laid at hali-past three dat day By the
Grand Lodge fof Georgia, over which NJ. W.
l.. b. ToOmcr presides.
At , O'Clock precisely the Grand Lodge
moved from their hall, together with Eureka
and Hilton Lodges, aud headed by the Wash
ingtOn COrnet Band, the first brass band in
the city or State, and which i composed
entirely Of colored mcn. The procession vas
lengthy and made very fine appearance,
aud elected the admiration OF the entire com
nunty. The Grand Lode bad just recriI cd
a very handsome set Of new jewels, and a.
this was their first appearance ia i.ubliG III
this State, they were anxiou.iy looked for
by the white brethren. and the event will
become Il part Of the history OF the colored
people and OF the State.
The site selected for the new edidcc il that
recently occupied by the old wooden Building
erected nearly one hundred years ago, but
which was torn down TO give place to the
brick structure now commenced, Which Is
about ninety feet BY sixty five feet, and will
cost about sl7 900.
Long before the time arrived for the cere-
monies OF laying the corner-stone, the street
was densely packed With people Of all ages,
sexes, and conditions house tops, trees, and
fences were in active demand. The hour
having arrived, the ceremonies were opened