The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1894-06-22
nI1ahItL aAiII blbIohqlp.


OEIII|' = ittN&AiAcN tcPirnpht"Nfc ~ca
ored people, aud the occasion was
made expressive by those present Of
the respect and esteem in which they
hold Mr.. Ruben Mitchell, leader OF his
race Ia Ocala, aud the pride bis fellows
.1k III commanding his good'and ex-
4mplary citizenship and congratulate
liz him on his material success and
||. Enterprise shown in erecting the
fa1 brick block owned by colored
man |n this city, and ia connection
'|E This Tie dedication Of a neat and
e0mm0uIous hall, part of the building,
which will comfortably seat 200 per-
suns, well lighted and ventilated.
The exercises began by the literary
Birthday Society Of the Mount Mo-
rlah church, presided over by Miss
Bryant, a teacher in the Howard acad-
envy, with pleasing program, con-
slsling OF vocal aud Instrumental mu-
sic and debate, the subject of which
wae that music had created greater
influence ia the world than oratory.
Miss More contended for the affirma-
tive and Mrs. Chandler for the mega
tive. While the affirmative side was
well and vigorously argued II was de-
cided the negative speaker made am
address that the judges could not re-
sist.
The speakers are to be commended
for the excellence of The papers pre-
pared. II was credit TO those who
spoke them. The second part Of the
program consisted Of short speeches.
Professor Joseph presided as master
Of ceremonies, and in a happy vein
introduced the speakers, saying the
race problem could only be solved by
the nesro race becoming thoroughly
plentiful with the material interests Of
"a country, becoming property owners
and laA payers and with that self-re-
epeet and appreciation of character
that would compel the white race to
respect them.
Rev. Mr.. Hampton, pastor of the
Baptist church, was the first speaker,
aud his impressive and eloquent words
were along the line outlined by Prof.
Joseph. He laid great stress on the
building up and possession of charac-
Ter In the full meaning of that word.
DIR. I. p. Lloyd, Ocala's competent
and successful colored physician
made stirring speech. in which he
showed the necessity Of his people go-
ing slow and sure and coming up grad
uaIly IN all the best characteristics of
humanity. His closing sentences took
the audience by STORM when he said I:
You must have grit, posses grace
aud get greenbacks.s
Frank r. Gadson, the popular and
we'll known manager of the Ocala
Commercial and Bazaar CO., was called
on. but modestIy declined 10 say any :
thing.
Hon.lH. w. Chandler was called on
aud as he Is one Of the most eloquent
men in Marion county and an orator
Of nnqnestioned ability, his stirring
words wrought up the audience to a
high pitch Of enthusiasm. He spoke
% the point and well, urging patience,
economy aud thrift, with the strength
eping Of their moral and intellectual
naiufes
The Banner editors had 3 special i'm
vllatIon to be present and Mr.. Frank
=. Harris was asked to speak in be-
half II the white people of Ocala, but
owing 20 his indisposition the local
responded ior him, assuring the audi
ence that The interests of the races
were identical, and what benefited
one must result Ia good for the other.
That the principles underlying all
good government and progressive and
prosperous communities were identi-
cal.
That the representative element OF
ihe white race respected, admired aud
honored everything In the colored
race that promoted their material
status, stimulated their moral and
mental development and promoted
their Christian graees.
That character was everything-fo
that alone was passport the world
over, and with 1t would come the &C.
cumulation Of property and that in
terest IN the affairs OF the community
that would make the interests OF both
races mutual.
Mr. Ruben Mitchell was then called
on, aud after thanking the audience
for the interest shown in his material
prosperity and the reasons he had Il
be thankful and grateful for the good
iorlune that had attended his course
'n life, even to feeling proud, that he
did not attribute II all to his self-deni.
~ perseverance, and determination "a
succeed Ia. life. lie had always had
aspirations since boy to be some
body IN the world, and in following VI
this line he had never forgotten the
prayers OF his poor old mother and Tx
kind words aud encouragement he
had received at the hands Of Mr.. f. f.
Harris, editor and proprietor Of ths
oeaA Hammer. He recorded the Incl.
dents Of his life when twenty -sever
years ago, a dirty, ragged unkempt ne
gro lad, he was thrown on his own
resources to earn living aud secured
work in In the Banner office as role
hoy.
RE said he tried to please his EN-
ployeF, peFceiving which, he was givel
every opportunity 10 improve himself
and n The seven years he was in til,
employ 81 The Banner Office he be
came = very fair printer, receivin.
such advice and admonition that h,
had a. ..|..rr .l.nnf.It.,I = "a f.lt :, -