New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-09-17
From Kentucky.

BOWLING GREEN, KY, Sept. 6, 1874.
To he Editor Of The NetO National Era:
Having finished up to Bowling Green, KY,
1 write again. found Bowling Green
very pretty little growing place. Most of
the colored people there are doing pretty
well and own considerable property. have
already mentioned some of the celebrities.
l attended the great Kentucky Baptist Asso-
citation (colored). Elder Geo. NJ. Draper was
elected president and Elder Allen Aliens
worth secretary. There was a very large
assemblage. Much was said that ought not
to have been said, and much done that ought
to have been left undone. They talked and
talked. They have not yet learned the great
secret of doing business, which does not con-
sist in talking. Upon the whole, they did
quite as we'll as could be expected under the
circumstances. Elder Dupee is quite re-
spectacle man, and, for his opportunities, he
is hard to beat. He has considerable ability
and corce of character, and will make himself
felt and respected wherever known. The
secretary is quite a smart young man, and if
he lives will make his mark. There were
some others of intelligence and character, but
the masses were no 90. One noteworthy
event occurred. The white Baptist church
rendered them their church to worship in and
Elder Goddy, of Louisville, was appointed
to preach. | accompanied him by request.
He preached and prayed. He was criti-
cized by the editor of the Bowling Green
Democrat, who was present, and pronounced
it creditable, only. He also inquired my
name, with the deacons. The result was seen
at night a large number of whites were
present, and on Monday night, by unani-
nous vote of the church, | was respectfully
invited to remain over and preach for the
whites themselves ON Tuesday night. l re-
NAMED and preached and created quite a
sensation. But this is an anomaly, and is
evidence of progress, notwithstanding the
recent disturbances.
Thence l went to Nashville, Tenn. Elder
G. N. May, pastor in charge of the First Col
ored Baptist Church, is man of great in
huence. He is building fine church, which
will reflect credit on the cOlored citizens
of Nashville and the State, especially The
Baptist denomination. also met DR.. Rev
els and Rev. Early, of the A. M. f. Church
Revels is old acquaintance of twenty years
standing in Indianapolis, Ind, and Early o
thirty years. standing in st. Louis, Mo
They are very popular, and Revels is build
ing very large church. Both of them ar
either peculiarly sectarlan or selfish, or hav
lost all knowledge of ministerial courtesy an
propriety. 1 remained ten days and preache
nearly every day. There are a number G
Baptist churches there, all doing well.
need not write as to the Ku-klux band
and their operations. Nashville is but
short distance from the scene of their opera
tons. The press generally has furnished tn
, news. The colored people are excited an
alarmed for their safety.
saw in Paducah to-day four families
responsibility en- route to Illinois. Some
, them had means. They (the whites) clair
that it is on account of the passage OF tn
civil rights bill in the Senate. 1t is scar
e cro,c Iheard man say in the cars the othe
Y day, in conversation, that he and hundred
Y of others were ready to take up arms to e1
: terminate the niggers if it come to tina
r They would have to do that or else leave tn
h country themselves. When the negro he
e to have more rights than white man, who
that bill gives, that is the last resort.
Yours, for the right,
VIM. E. WALKER.