Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-09-23


Jones. l heartily agrei with him in con-
graduating the citizens d Wheeling upon
the kind relations exising between the
white and cOlored citizens as exemplified in
that matchleSS parade. is also crafty
ing 10 me TO meet so mlny distinguished
personages from your citt The mere men,
tlOning Of these names isa guarantee that
the proprieties Of this occasion are not
to be violated by parts IN discussion. We
are fond of political speeches., but we have
1854 days to make and listen to them,
and viii take this S65th lay to discuss the
question Of Emancipatiol.
IL has been questionedby some persons
whether any good resultsare accomplished
to continuing the annual celebration OF the
day which marked the liberation Of the
colored race. IL has BEN intimated that
such demonstrations hare tendency to
perpetuate race preiudic,s, and practically
separate US from the great body OF the
American people. The suggestion has
been made that we commemorate the es-
tablishment of our free Institutions simply
by celebrating the Fouth of July. | am
not prepared to admit tn, wisdom Of these
suggestions. Notable events in the history
of people are always leemed worthy of
commemoration, and nOday will ever &C.
cur in our history so significant Of Joy, and
our advent TO freedom and so long as we
enjoy the blessings brought upon US so long
Will feelings of patriotism inspire US to
make il a commemorative occasion.
This is good day upoi which to make
sort of inventory Of our rights and privi-
leges; to make summary of the work we
have accomplished, and to note the moral
and Industrial progress we have made.
The 4th Of July and the 22d of September
both commemorate triuhphs of liberty
one the birth of a nation, the other the
birth Of a race; one an ara when nation
gained its independence, the other the day
a people won their personal freedom.
Phese two days mark kindred events, and
their commemoratlon should continue in
the hearts Of grateful people. This is our
natal day, marking the birthday Of our
race, and the most remarkable epoch in our
history.
The bestowment of great privileges be-
slows correspondingly great obligations
Personal liberty, with equal civil and po-
litical rights, constitutes heritage which
involves great responsibilities upon u.s.
Personal liberty embraces the idea Of own
ership in individuals. The possessor
Of personal liberty owDs his
own brain and MIND; his own body
and its energies; his own time and its
all their facilities and opportunities. Per
sOnal liberty does not mean license; 1t
does not mean that man may follow his
passions and inclinatiouS wherever they
may lead; but it means free right or &C
ton. and free use Of his powers and OF
circumstances, subject 10 the restraints
and limitations Of the laws in the several
communities. A prerogative Of personal
liberty is the right to acquire property and
the obligation to do so. A man or SUD-
stance is in position TO equip himself FULLY
for the duties of life, and there is no deslra-
BILE thing that judicious use Of wealth can
not supply. a propertyless class possesses
neither the elements of strength, comfort
or safety. Apply yourselves then to mate
rial ACQUISITION. Among all your gettlngs,
get not only wisdom, but get homes. The
integrity of the family must be preserved
as well as theintegrity Of the individual,
but personal and family integrity cannot
exist In a homeless community. Take an
individual. free him from domestic re-
straint. and his tendencyis TO vagrancy In
the same manner families tend TO dlSlnte-
grafton.
The homestead must be a matter OF prl-
mary Importance II we are to achieve the
highest progress. Though you may con-
temptuously cast aside the advice which
NU.
one point In regard 10 homes. The pos
session Of home makes man truer nus
band. a kinder father, better citizen, and
gives him standing in the community,
which nothing else can give. The strength
of our Republic rests not upon us navy or
army forces, but upon its homes. No
country under the sun gives equal facilities
with ours for acquiring home. Right
here in West Virginia you have a chance
to secure homes very cheap. II you feel
that YOU are too old TO purchase house
proper regard for posterity should compel
you to do IT, -.
gence. foresight, and eConomy-by work.
The negro race has always been known as
a diligent one, not only while in servltude,
but since il has secured its freedom. Will
ingness to work is characteristic OF the col
ored man. The great mass of black men are
upskiUed laborers, and the values which
they produce are merely by the expenditure
of physical labor. The earnestness with
which we work is largely measure OF our
success. The difference is not so much In
the character of the work we perform, as
i'm the manner of doing the work. In the
second place, would impress upon you tne
necessity of practicing economy. A man 5
wealth is not measured by what he earns,
but bv what ne saves-the excess Of what
ne makes over what he consumes. It's not
sufficient that we work, but IN
order TO succeed in life, we must save,
very difficult lesson for some people 10
learn. IL has been said that more money
passes into the pockets OF the colored peo-
pIe than any other laboring class In this
country. but there is a big hole down there,
and it goes right on through. The pru-
dent man ascertains the exigencies which
which may arise, and provides Tor tnem'
How are we to savel There are variety
of ways offered. We are never TOO ola 10
save something.
Let menow call your attention to pre-
valent error, which / am afraid sometimes
impedes our progress. Some people De
ieve that worldly prosperity, ana hlgn
condition of religious development are IN
conpatible. We cannot have too much re-
Iie,ion or Law up too many treasures in
Heaven. but we may be indiscreet in our
management of worldly affairs: What l
want to impress upon you is that whlIe
vo,, have due regard for the affairs OF the
NEXT world. YOU should have some regard
for the affairs Of this world"
The speaker then dwelt at consider
able length upon the duties OF every
colored man in religious matters, ana
created considerable amusement by MS
references to certain classes Of Christ
ians whom he did not expect to see in
Heaven. Continuing, he said:
s.Now there is another popular deluslon
IN which / want to call your attention; IL
is the reliance upon luck or chance, rather
tban direct effort, TO attain success. DO
rot wait for something to turn up; turn IL
mn YOURSELF Providence helps them that
helps themselves. Success IS not an ac-
cident. Look TO common ana not 10 uh-
co-,mon agencies for victory; look to nat
1raI and practical, and not supernatural
seencies for your reward. Work-con-
stants patient. hard work will surely win.