New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-04-02
From Tennessee.
New Era ina the History OF Memphis
Madam Parque.-Charlcs Sumner.

| From tennessee.
New Era im the History of Memphis
Madam Parque.-Charlcs Sumner.
| 10 he Editor Of G!e Neao National Era:
Friday, March 18th, marked a new era il
the history of the colored people of Mem
phis. On that day was dedicated the firs
colored public school in the city or State
Very interesting ceremonies were held al
the Bcal-street Baptist church, at O'Clock
In the afternoon. The church was crowded
with children and their parents. Prominent
among the persons present were Mayor
Logue; President Kostrccht, of the School
Board, and many other gentlemen who hold
positions in the School Board, City Council,
SC.
just before the exercises began a very
eloquent and impressive prayer was offered
by Rev. E. c. Asbury, (colored.)
This was followed by an address from Mr..
kostrecht. | shall not attempt to repeat
his speech, as it would occupy too much time
ana space. 1t is sufficient to say it was
replete will. sound, argument, and good in
struction, and have no doubt will prove
highly beneficial to man. After this, short
addresses were matte by Judge James O.
Pierce, Esq; James A. Thompson, (colored;
Judge Ii. G.. Smith, Councilman Turner
Hunt, (colored;) Major Logue, Rev. W. G.
Phillips, (colorcd y all of whom were highly
pleased, and expressed themselves as beng
gratlied at being able to be present upon
such an important occasion. They felt to
rejoice over the completion and formal ac-
ccptancc of the new building. AT the con-
clusion of Rey. W. II. Phillips remarks, the
Pole Bears Band played the "Star Spanglcd
Banner"
After few brief remarks by Superintend-
ent Pickett, line Of march was formed for
the purpose of inspecting the new building.
The procession consisted of over two thous-
and persons. Arriving at the edilice, the
children belonging to the school, about five
hundred in number, filed into their rooms.
1Ac yard and halls of the building were
crowded with spectators, all eager to get q
sight.
THE SCHOOlI-HOCSE
is two-story brick, situated on the corner
of Clay and De Soto streets. Its dimensions
are sixty-four by eighty feet. 1t was begun
in May, 1878, and but for the cpidcmics
which afflicted orr city, would have been
finished August 18th succeeding. The cost
Of the ediice, ground, and furniture is esti
mated at thirty thousand dollars. The building
presents handsome appearance, and is ad.
mirably adapted for light, air, and comfort
In the first-story are rooms 1, ,, 3, and 4
a wide hall dividing the first two from the
last. Each Of these rooms have four windows
arc we'll ventilated, and heated by a stove
The seats for the school are of the "Excel.
sior" style, double. Communicating will
each is 4 narrow closet in which there is
ample room for hats, claaks, umbrellas, sc.
not forgetting a washstand and towel rack
In the second story are rooms 5, G, 7, g
and another room for the Principal. No.
is the highest room in the building. In al
the rooms accommodations have been made
for five hundred children, and by the half
day system, which will be adopted, two hun
drcd more can be taught.
After the building had been admired, they
moved out, and, at the suggestion Of Judge
Smith, gave three rousing cheers for our new
| school-hOusc.
MADAM PARQUE,
the IIayticn lccturcss, was in our city some
two weeks since. She lcctured in severa
churches of the city, and L believe was yer.
successful. l attended her lectures twice
and was highly pleased. / was very sorr.
to see that our people were so backward il
turning out to hear her. 1t is lamentabl,
fact that the colored people in this city d.
not encourage lecturers as they should. Blu
let the Georgia Minstrels, Dan Rice Circus
or any other show come in town, where the.
| have to pay for prescription, and they vii
turn out in great numbers, even if it woul'
taket heir last dollar.
| CHARLES SUMNER.
The news of the death of this great an,
good man was received in this city Thursday
March l2th. The grief Of the colorcd peopl
is very profound. Though many of then
never saw him, yet they knew him to b.
their friend, and have heard of the many Ion!
years in which he has been battling for tn
rights Of the weak, the trodden down, ant
oppressed. And even when about to pas
through the dark valley and shadow of death
he remembered us still. Every colore,
mother in this country should tea ch her littl
ones to love and revere the name of Charlie
Sumner. His memory should ever remain
green in our hearts.
A great change has been wrought in tn
sentiments and expressions Of the Southern
press. They all, with few exceptions, spea1
in very respectful tones of Mr.. Sumner. TIL
louisville Comier-Jownal says: Fifteen year
ago the news that Senator Charles Sumne
was dead would have been received wit
something like rejoicing by the people of tn
South ten years ago they would have halle
it as message from heaven, telling ther
that an enemy was removed from the face G
the earth; to-day they will read it respect
fully, and their comment will be: He wa
an honest man; he was great man. A
he forgavc us, so have we long ago forgive
him. America may feel proud of her Wash
ington, her Webster, her jefferson, an
others but, in my humble opinion, the nam
of Charles Sumner, written in letters of gold
which can never be effaccd, stands pre-
eminently above them.
| m