Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-10
THOUSANDS AT THE cOLORep FAIR
Parade of Military Followed by n Drill, a,
the Grcunds-tsahy Shoty To-pnx


The attendance at the Industrial Far of
the colored people now being held at the
ENposiuon-'rrounds, WAS even larger yes
terday than on the opening day. and at 5
O'Clock III the afternoon fully 1900 people
were present
me man building was crowded, while
hundreds were upon the grounds. TO saw
nothing OF countless numbers who hung
around the gates but did no: 60 in. At a
iate hour last night there was but little di-
minution III the throng and west Broad
street was damned with vehicles gong
back and forth carving the crowds.
The colored brother is by nature OF a
happy disposition, but the music and the
soc!abllltv that pervaded everything YES
terday caused HIM 10 be unusually felici-
tOus. and what with eating, drinking. and
coSslping he was In his glory. But what
pleased the "fairer and weaker sex most
was the presence of the military, who rem
dered themselves exceedingly agreeable
and decidedly ubiquitous.
PARADE or MILITARY.
The colored warriors commenced the
day by a very excellent street parade at
noon aud marched ont 70 the Exposition
Grounds. About three hundred men.
under command of Major J. Il. johnson.
OF Manchester, were in line. and they GER
talnly showed up IN good form, both as
regards marching and general appearance.
The First and Second battaliOns of Vlr-
gina and the District OF Columbia bat.
talon all took part IN the parade.
In the afternoon the popular infantry
men had "A competitive drill. which at
tracted thousands around them. Colonel
Henry {. Jones, Colonel 10. Lane Stern.
and Captain /. X. LassIter acted as Judges.
| he following was the record won by the
four best companies Company A, FIRST
battalion District of Columbia. GA out of a
posS ble 10. Company A, First battalion
Virginia volunteers. 3.9; Company c. Sc
cond battalion Virginia volunteers, 3s7
Company G. First battalion Virginia vol
uutecrs. 90.
The company which carried of the first
honOrs Will receive plize of 800. while
those standing second and third will be
awarded $50 and S25 respectively. Com
pany {. of the Second battalion, which
came out third III the contest, Is composed
OF Petersburg men.
INCREAsE IN EXHIBITS.
The number OF exhibits have evidently
been increased to some extent, especially
IN to agricultural and poultry depart
ments. uut those n attendance OuDtless
failed the not this, for all seemed bent en-
iirely on pleasure. ana the hobOy-horses
and fakirs have far more charms for them
tnan the most beautiful works OF art.
W. Il. Davis. the black star tragedian. 4"
who has been PLAYING Richard ILL.,, has on
exhibition two tabieS--One for parlor and
the other Tor office use. the models of
which W re conceived by him. The former
- built somewhat like IA pyramid and Is a
real wonder III the way of convenience
and economy of space. Every corner has
some little drawer or shelf, while in addl-
ton h this there are sliding chess and
checker boards and other arrangements
which render it decidedly unique and use
ful. The Office table Is likewise a clever
piece OF work aud both pieces Of furni-
ture show considerable mechanical skill.
Davis has invented several little con-
trlyances. but he says he has 10 practical
knowledge of carpentering or cabinet
making. These productions were all ere
ated as past ne.
SAW TEE MINsIEELs.
The Dixie Minstrels gave an entertain
mout at o'clock IN the afternoon. but
somehow the cro~dsa a. these performances
lave not been large. II had been expected
that the chOirs of all tie colOred churches
would JON together about B o'clock AMI
sing for several prizes which were offered,
but some hitch occurred and when the
representative of the DISPATCH left the
grounds this programme had not been car
RED ont. No one knows exactly whose
fault 1t was. but al any rate the musicians
weren't at all pleased at being put aside.
tverg class of co.ored people have at
tended the fair, and all. regardless Of
their positions III life, have enjoyed 1t ex-
travarantlv. The conduct of those III at
tendance has been exceptionally good. aud
10 drunkenness whatever has occurred.
THE BABY SHOW TO-DAY.
The fair VIII close to-day. and the occa-
sion will b. designed especially for the
pleasure # the cLillren. In the after
noon there will be baby show. and
"plckanilnies" OF all sizes, tlnts, and
weights. regardless Of any abnormal leg
curyatures which sometimes appear III the
juveniles VI this race, will be exhibited.