Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-02-19
EMANCIPATION DAY.
How the Coiored People Here VIII Gel
citrate II Next Month.

eDr0te IL Next Month.
THI MEETING AT yoHNsoS's HALL LAST NIaHr-
AyrER DISCUSSION II Is RESOLVED TO HAVE A
PARADE OK THE SIXTEENTH OF APRn-DB.
sUNBT ELECTED CHIEF MARSHAL.
Peace and harmony prevailed at the emanci-
patton meeting held last evening in Johnson's
hall on Il street. The good order was so pro-
nounced that the temporary chairman, Rev.
Robert johnson. felt called upon several times
to suspend his functions presiding officer to
commend the delegates upon their excellent
behavior. At the same time he reminded the
delegates that he was in the habit Of having
good order at the meetings where he presided
and this statement was Endorsed by expressive
CALCULATIONS from all parts OF the room. Under
Brother Johnsons firm hand the delegates pro-
ceeded to elect permanent officers. While the
committee on credentials were absent from the
hall short speeches were made. by George Bos-
ton, j. ID. Baltimore and Ralph Wormley
These speakers touched upon the only cues
ton about whi,h there seemed to be diff
erence of opinion and that was whether eman-
cipation day should be celebrated by street
parade or by public meetings in the churches
The first.two speakers
FAVORED ABANDONING THE PROCESSION
feature Of the day. Mr.. Baltimore graphically
painted the character of the crowd that ac-
compsned the procession and said that it was
composed of the worst class of the colored
people. The public were apt to Judge the EN-
tire colored population from the crowd that
thronged the streets. He was of the opinion
that such spectacles were an injury rather than
a help to the coored race. Instead of taxing
themselves and their friends for the means to
get up street display he thought that it would
be wiser to have public meetings. and by tax
ing small admission fee at the door fund
would be accumulated which could be used in
establishing home for aged people or a re-
formatOry for girls.
On the other hand Mr.. Ralph wormley spoke
as the advocate of the present method of cele-
brating the day. He said that il would be
impossible to get the people into the churches
and If there was no parade there would be no
celebration of the day.
Further speech-msking was interrupted by
the arrival OF the committee on credentials.
ELECTION OF PERMANENT OFFICERS
After their report had been accepted Geo.
Boston, W. Calvin Chase and W. H. Booker
were nominated for permanent chairmen. 1t
was necessary to take two yea and nay votes
before the election Of W. CALVIN Chase was an
nounced. >. 4. Jones was elected secretary
and u. A. Mcdonald assistant secretary
Then the question arose as to whether a
marshal should be elected and William Brown
moved. in order to get the sense of the conyen-
ton, that there should be o street parade. A
long debate followed.
FOR AND AGAINST PARADE.
Objection was made to a parade on the
ground of expense and that it would be neces-
sary to ask the aid of white people Reference
was made to the scenes on such occasions
and to the dlsagreements among the coored
people arising from the choice of leaders and
the collection of money.
1t was urged on the other side that this was
tangible mode Of celebration, which re-
minded the young of the past and enabled
them to appreciate the blessings of freedom.
1t was claimed that those who had taken part
IN former years now opposed the celebration
and 1t was suggested that they had better step
aside and let the young element come to the
front. John Marshall, W. c. Cox. Rev. Mr..
johnson and W. III. jackson favored public
meetings, while William Brown. York Smith,
Ralph Wormley and others favored a parade.
TO PARADE APRIL 16.
When the vote was taken it was found that
those who wanted parade were in the ma
jority. When this conclusion was reached DIR.
>. A Sumby and ". II. Booker were nominated
for the position of chief marshal and the
former was elected. The convention then ad-
iourned to meet at the call of the chair
The celebration will be held on the 10th of
April.