Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-23
For THE EVENING STAR
n Notable TYiuulph Over Rrefudice.


a Notable Triumph Over Prejudice.
After the close OF the war Of the rebellion In
1886. 1867 and 1853, when the southern states
was an army officer stationed at GordonsviIle,
Va, and charged with the reconstruction az
fairs OF Orange and Louisa counties In estab-
fishing schools for the newly liberated blacks
and attending to public business at the county
Seats became quite well acquainted with the
people. One Of their pecularities was that once
month in each county on s'court day" large
part of the population assembled at the court
house, some for business but many for sort Of
holiday or social exchange in which the infiu-
ence Of intoxicating liquor was too frequently
manifest. On one OF these occasions it was
given out that John NJ. Langston, the colored
orator. now United States minister to Hayti,
would speak at Louisa Courthouse. The result
was an unusually large attendance of the
colored people, so that the town was full.
Langston was born slave in Louisa county,
and his father an estimable Virginia gentle
man, provided In his viii that he should be lib
Grated and educated, and given share of his
estate. Although long while free. and hon.
0raby distinguished. there had never been a
time before when Langston could safely visit
his native home. Now he was to come back
leading man of his race to speak in public and
to revisit the scenes and recall the memories of
his Childhood. 1t was, therefore. great Occa-
sion for him, and for the freedmen of Louisa
county. The white people. however took little
note of it or interest in it; although had tried
among the lawyers and some of the merchants,
and other principal citizens. TO convey the i'm
preston that Langston man they should
recognize and respect. | remember par
ticularly trying to convince General Cor
don, then county attorney and an excellent
man. that he might be pleased with LangstOn,
and would be interested IT he came over to hear
him talk. The feeling that the negro was in all
cases necessarily Inferior and totally uninterest-
Ing was. however too strong. and the general
and several others manifested Impotence. if not
q little Indignation, at my commendatOry obser-
vatiOns about Langston. They would not have
1t that any ''ngger could talk law, politics,
reconstruction. or anything else, with degree
of ability and intelligence to merit their atten-
tiOn; and they could not imagine that they
themselves were soon 10 attest in remarkable
manner the folly of settled enmity or contempt
for an entire race class of men. OF course
Langston would not be received at any hotel in
the village. but / managed to get over that
difficulty by engaging room for myself at
the American, inviting him into it and quietly
ordering private luncheon for two of the best
the house afforded. With some difficulty
pleasant green where were some shade trees
and speakers platform. was secured for Lang
ston's address. and after luncheon, when q
crowd of cOiOred people had assembled. l walked
with him and a few white republicans Collects
peOple) to the platform. / noticed Gen. Gordon
and few of the prominent citizens around the
outskirts of the crowd within hearing of the
speaker but none seemed to be really attending
the meeting. Langston began by referring to
old Virginia and Louisa county as the place of
his birth. and spoke in the happest vein. and
with all the elegance and oratorical art that
distinguish him. OF the genuine affection he felt
for his native state and town. and of the pleas
ure it gave him to come back again to the home
of his bOyh0Od. In few minutes he had the
mastery of every man within reach of his
voice. He pictured the greatness of the
state in its early days. referred to its
distinguished men, and its history and
national influence, spoke touchngly of its
present temporary depression and distress, and
most hopefully and Clowingly of its future
promise and possibilities as free state Then
with admirable taste and tact he fell naturally
into discussion of the living questions of the
day. avoiding all irritating points and express
siOns- In a little while looked about me and
saw the platform and all available space near 1t
and around 1t packed with white people The
blacks, accustomed to yielding precedence, had
given up all the best places and white man
was wedged into every one. More eager inter-
est i never saw in the faces of any audience
There was Gen. Gordon crowding near Lang
stOn with irrepressible confession of homage
springing from his eyes and pouring down his
honor to old Virginia, fell from the
orators lips. The address continued
Tor about two hours with unfagging
interest on the part of the audience and closed
with an admirable perOration. Then followed a
scene of spontaneous enthusiasm that is seldom
witnessed 1t was my purpose to introduce
several white citizens to LangstOn at the close
Of his speech, but the excitement among them
was too great They crowded upon him. as
many could get near and fairly overwhelmed
him with the warmth and energy of their uncOn-
strained greetings and compliments. He was
borne by the pressure into the dining room of
the hotel. and grand dinner was forthwith Or
dered in his honor, at which Gen. Gordon pre-
sided and many of the best citizens sat at the
board, He was at once guest of the town,
and no attention or honor seemed too great
Tor its good people to bestow upon him. All
prejudice against color was totally extinguished
After dinner the white ladies sent a committee
20 wait on him and invite him to address
them at the principal church in the evening. He
accepted the invitation. and the auditorium
was more than crowded with the best people of
the place Even the windows and doorways
were packed. Gen Gordon escorted him to the
pulpit, and introduced him to the audience. and
he delivered pleasing address, which was well
received. The best room at the hotel was now
open to him. and the next morning carriages
were provided, and. In company with numer-
Gus escort OF gentlemen. he was taken out to
visit the homestead and tomb of his father: and
he did not forget the humble grave of
his darker hued mother, who Is said to
nave been woman of uncommon beauty
and good qualities. more perfect and
0ehghtfui victory over prejudice than
Langston gained was never won by an orator.
and a spontaneous ovation. honorable alike to
Its recipient and to those who gave it. was never
more freely bestowed tribute of manhood
TO talent. 1t ACKNOWLEDGEMENT when we
remember the period of its commemorative
the colOred men of the south may rely upon
with encouragement. that American contempt
Tor the negro will pass away as fast as he him
self In freedom fairly achieves a clear title to
intelligent respect in the honorable battle of
LIE. MARCUS s. HOPKINS
Taxes ON Church Property.
To the Editor Of The EVENING STAR.
SIR: notice that the Church Of the Assem-