Huntsville gazette., 1883-09-08
MOBILE.
Three COlored Militia Companies. In
teresting Church and Educational
Items. The Convict Barbarity.
MOBILE, Sept, 5th, 1883.


Editor Gazette
hope you enjoyed your trip to Mobile.
You are acquainted with the fact that at
this season of the year people of means
leave the cities in search of a mora invig-
Grating climate. Hence the dull appear
ance OF things during your visit. Nothing
of interest has occurred since your depart
ure. The people seem to be bent upon
picnicing.
The Gilmer Rifles, new Colored Mill
tary Company has been organized and
commission issued. The Company is nam
ed in honor of Genl. Gilmer of the Alabama
State troops. Mr.. w. F. Foster who is
we'll versed in Military tactics has been
elected Captain and the Company promi-
ses to be brilliant addition to Military
attractions The Sumner Rifles makes the
second Company we have here-that is ac
tive Companies, there is another with Capt
Samuel Wilson, as commissioned officer,
but his Company, / learn, is in disore an
lied state. The Rifles are fast swelling their
ranks, and from Appearances it seems that
the young men are thoroughly interested
in becoming acquainted with Military sci
ence; see no reason why they should not
be; it is one of the grand prerogatives OF
freedom and good citizenship.
The educational interests seem TO have
taken boom in this county. The first
teachers Institute to my knowledge, ever
held in Mobile County on the part of the
colored people, will be held in State street
church on the 7th prox. Questions per-
tanning to the mental moral development
of the people presume will be discussed.
The churches here seem to be prosper
ing. The clergy as whole is of very
aspiring and progressive disposition de-
spite the infamous assertions Of DR.. Tuck
er and coadjntors. Rev. A. r. Ovens,
young aud gifted theologian, IS conducting
a series of revival meetings | learn with
great success.
Zion Connection has suffered loss in
the death of one of its members. Mr.. ID.
R. Baldwin, late pastor of Hope Chapel
From what can learn he was possessed of
all the essential virtues necessary for such
high calling.
Rev S. S. Wales, modest and unassum-
ing christian gentleman, Pastor of State
Street Church is laboring zealcusly to
raise funds tor the improvement of the
church. State Street Church is famous
for it's excellent church music. the choir
beiug composed of high order Of musical
talent. Miss Theresa Page, the organist,
is an accomplished young lady and renders
inspiring music to the delight of the con-
gregation and to strangers who visit the
church.
cannot fail to pass by what appeared in
the dispatches from Birmingham this
morning in reference to the killing Of con-
victs at Pratt Mines and the unchristian
conduct on the part Of the managers. The
idea of keeping concealed the death Of
men who happen to be within the confines
of prison and no notice being given and
only by the slightest circumstance. the
fact is brought to public notice, is foul
stain on the State. Has not the last report
Of the States health officer if not the for
mer report of Dr. Castor been sufficient to
arouse all fairminded men in Alabama to
4 sense of the shocking abuse OF boasted
christian civilization.
Let the good people Of the State speak
out irrespective of all party or political af-
citations in denunciation Of policy which
admits Of this unmerciful destruction OF
human life.
Tha National Convention of Colored
non tn assemble in Louisville would no
donbt be productive of much good if not
artirelv handled by professional politi-
clans. Let it be a Convention Of represen-
tatiye men in fact, and for the purpose OF
intelligently presenting their grievances to
the people Of the country. the urgent ne
cessity M for educational aid. and to urge
the necessity Of their becoming acquainted
with the diversified industries Of the coun
Yours DC,
wy ONus.