The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-29
THE HOWE InsrrrurE.
Laying the Cornsr-Stons--Mr MADDEN
at His Best.

THE HOWE INSTITUTE.
Laying the Cornsr-stons--M Hadden
at His Best.
Tho cornerstone Of the Memphis Bap-
list Bible and Normal Institute was laid
yesterday with appropriate ceremonies in
the presence Of 800 or 400 colored people
Of both sexes. The site Of the building ID
the corner Of Frayser and Wellington
streets, and the dimensions OF the lot Sc
lected for it are 50x75 feet. II was pur-
chased at cost of 5000, and $4,000
more will be necessary to erect building
suitable for the purposes Of the institute.
Ten thousand dollars Of this amount has
been donated by Peter Home, a
benevolent gentleman OF Winona, ILL.,,
who has promised to contribute
ii 900 more to a fund for the payment
Of teachers At o'clock precisely
the ceremonies began with the singing Of q
hymn by a choir composed OF the follow
ing vocalists: Misses Carrie Mitchell,
Cornelia Lewis, Abbie Owens, Jennie
Harrington, Katie Jacobs, Emma b. King,
Leslie b. Countee, Mary Paul, Mrs. Allen,
MB. Gerly, Mrs. Hooks, Mrs. Gordon,
Messrs. NJ. Jones, L. Larry, ii. Nickenson
and j. w. Green. Mr.. J. A. Gordon pre-
sided ut the melodeon, which occupied
prominent position OH the platform. Copies
OF tho daily papers and Of two religious
wceklies were then deposited i'm the corner
stone, together with Roman, Dutch,
American, African, French, Chinese, Ii
berian coins OF various dates. A parch-
ment was also deposited containing the
names OF the officers OF the Taxing Dis
tries government, of Peter Howe, the
founder Of the institute, and of the board
OF trustees.
Prof. Vann, Of Dyersburg, made brief
address, congratulating the colored people
upon the fact that the erection OF this
building marked new era in the history
OF their progress The speaker then intro
duced the
HON. DAVID PARK MADDEN,
who made long, earnest and telling adj
dress, bristling with good things. He
agreed with the last speaker that the erec-
ton OF this building marked new era in
the history OF the colored race OF Mem
phis, and assured them that the Legisla-
tive Council would assist them as
far rs lay in this power with facul-
ties Of approach, such rs paving, curling
and with all needfui advantages in the way
OF sewerage and water. He reminded his
hearers that while education elevated men
IL did not relieve them from the necessity
OF earning their bread by the sweat OF
their brows, and he urged his colored fell
low citizens present to drive that lesson
home TO their children in order. that they
might grow up pride 10 their parents
and the community in which they lived.
He eulogized in glowing terms the gen.
erosity OF Peter Howe, who gave OF his
abundance 10 people who lived far from
his home, that their children might not
grow up ia Ignorance and In crime, and
that IL would be his pride TO shake Mr..
Peter Howe by the hand and thank him
at the first opportunity.
Industrial schools said Mr.. IIadden,
was what we need. The Judge raised a
laugh by saying 'Tcach your children
needlework and cooking. No yeast
powder business, but old FASH
Toned saleraius and buttermilk." 81
know you colored people," continued
the speaker, las well as / do myself. /
was born and raised among you, and
understand you. Brother Countee SAYS
the negro is an enigma, but give him edu-
cation and he will solve the problem him
self. agree with him. Be industrious,
saving. Economy beats speculation all
hollow. don't know hfty men who have
laid up $500 year for ten years. Econ
omy is the only road TO wealth and pros
perity."
There were more words Of wisdom In
the same strain, but = pressure OF other
matter prevents their publication. II was
interesting throughout, and full OF wise,
practical and kindly suggestions, and the
colored people were profoundly moved
by II.
After he had concluded Mrs. James 7.
Carnes presented him with tine bouquet.
The Rev. X n. Countee followed in an
eloquent speech urging his hearers to drop
whisky and tobacco and the degrading in
fluences Of all night picnics.
Corn, oil and water were then poured
into the stone, and after n hymn by the
choir and bcncdiction by the Rev. ii.
Smith, Of Carolina, Tenn, the proceedings
were nj an end.
The following gentlemen assisted In the
ceremonies Members OF the board Of pub
lie works, Sam Hirscb, J. y. Randle and
Lymus Wallace. Also the following color
ed clcrgymen: The Rev. II. Smith, Caro-
lima, Tenn; 7. l. Searcy, Brownsville; II.
q. Oven, Stanton, Tenn; Joseph Robin
son, Marion, Ark; IA. lines, Congrega-
tional church, Memphis; ID. +. Stone,
Union City, Tenn, and Prof. Vann, by
ersburg, Tenn.