The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-23
SOUTHERN TOUR.
Richmond and Washington.


Editor R,ttland Globe Richmond, with
other cities of the south, has more of a
dilapldated appearance than those of the
north, yet as whole ia quite attractive
The social clement of its citizens is capti-
waiting, and the reputation Of Virginian
hospitality Is here well sustained. Last
Sabbath the pulpits of Richmond and Vi
cinity were occupied by the delegates and
ministerial visitors of the convention and
your correspondent enjoyed the rare priv
| ilege Of addressing a thousand colored peo-
pie, who listened, apparently, with much
| interest. In Richmond 1862 blacks be-
| long to Baptist churches-numerically
more than ali the Baptist membership of
| Vermont. The secession spirit of the
| south occasionally shows itself in no un-
mistakable forms, which indicates that the
humane and political mission of the north
to perpetuate the unity and freedom of our
nation has not been fully completed. Firm
ness, yet kindness should characterize all
| political action in requiring that the good
| results of our late war shall remain intact
| About $50 p. H., May 10th, left
Richmond for Washington where | arrived
about $3.50 in the evening. Strolling about
he nations capital, the continued improve
ments Of streets and grounds, and the
erection of new residences is quite notice
| able The grounds on tho east side of the
capitol are being very much changed. New
architectural designs are being executed,
new streets are laid out, and the park has
been readjusted. Two illuminated foun-
tains are in process of construction, and
these with the ample facilities for lighting
will give a striking effect to the scene of
beauty. Ethan Aliens new marble statue
by Mead, stands firm on its base, and as
We gaze on the sculptured torn we almost
hear him demand the surrender of the
enemy Sin the name of the Great
Jehovah and the continental congress.
The size Of the figure is too large
for tic l,laco yet doubtless fairly
represents the hero of Ticonderopa and
tends TO awaken and keep alive the spirit
of patriotism in the Green Mountain boys
whose historic record is so creditable. The
new Lincoln bronze statue erected this
spring in honor Of Emancipation" by the
voluntary subscriptions of the blacks, is a
splendid specimen Of art, representing the
late worthy president with one hand upon
the scroll and the other extended over q
slave who is kneeling at his feet with the
ends of chain about his wrists but broken
in twain. Two live negroes were gazing
at it and in reply to suggestion one re-
marked, awe ought to look upon it and
appreciate it"-amen, go let it be forever.
On the 18Th of May visited Howard uni
versity and Wayland seminary located on
Meridian hill. Thee institutions are doing
a noble work for the education Of the Afri-
can race. Howard university has about 200
students taught by a faculty of 20 teachers.
Prof. Cyrus S. Richards Ill. D., Yer
mont man, is the principal of the prepare
and Greek. | was invited to the chapel
services and recitation room, and listened
with interest to the colored boys in Greek.
At Wayland received kind attentions
from Prof. King, and was highly enter
tanned while listening to the elementary
class in arithmetic; not SO much, however,
because Of perfect recitation, for it was
fur from this, but because of the insight 1t
gave me of the normal state OF the negro
mind and the difficult task of the teachers.
The former long-oppressed condition
of the race being unfavorabe to in
tellectual culture. there seems to be an
hereditary inerlia of the brain to be over
come by persistent work with patience.
Others have hitherto reasoned for them,
but now they must learn to think out prob
lens themselves and DO self-reliant and
further, there appear also to be limta-
tons in some instances, TO their power of i'm
provement. In answer to an inquiry about
the relative meutal powers and progress
of the blacks, Prof Richards observed,
"There are no means of comparison with
the whites" and Prof. King SAYS, "They
never should be compared" The removal
of these difficulties, however, is only a
question of time, and the loyal citizens of
America should thank God for the efforts
made to elevate the race by imparting a
higher degree of mental culture.
To-day have enjoyed an interview with
Mr.. Denison and Col. Joyce, members of
the house from Vermont. They appear to
be faithfully attending 10 their duties and
are certainly courteous in the reception of
their constituents and friends. While TAX
ing walk with Mr.. Denison through the
halls of the capitol, l was interested in a
number of elegantly furnished rooms, saw
many valuable works of art in the form Of
new statuary and paintings and visited the
congressional library, which now numbers
3O5,0 900 volumes. Improvements and con-
tributions of art and literature are constant
ly adjoining the departments of our munic-
ipal capital. Washington is the nations
city, and as such must ever be considered
with special regard. !. r. F.
Washington, ID. c., May 10, 1876.
a. 80