Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-04
FOR COLORED YOUTH
Dedication of the Manassas Industrial
School
Importance of the Movement-Sym-
Interests of the Race mt Heart.
Special Correspondence ofsThe Evening Star.

today to take part in the nag raising and
dedication Of the Manassas Industrial
School for Colored Youths. Among those
who came were Frederick Douglass, George
O. Round. Congressman e. E. Meredith,
H. NJ. Clarkson, MD, Rev. NJ A. Credit,
Prof John r. Clifford, Prof. H. p. Mont
gomery, James H. Bradford, H. E. Baker,
Miss Jane E. Thompson, Miss Jennie Dean,
Prof w. 8. Montgomery. Rev. NJ. d. Will
Jams. Capt. r. H. Tyler. Mrs. Ora Lang
horne. Mrs. Gen. Mussey and daughter,
Thos. E. Taylor, mayor Of Manassas; John
r. Tillett, E. E. Blossom, A. H. Roseberry,
Rev. U. 8. A. Heavener, Rev. j. s. West
cott J. w. Leedy. Prof. i. Bauder.
The party proceeded to the grounds, stu
ated about a mile from the town. compris-
ing 100 acres Of excellent and well-situated
land On this substantial building has
been erected. and the school will be opened
on the I'd of october. with Prof. John n.
Clifford Of Martinsburg, w. Va, as princi-
pal.
This enterprise has received substantial
help from the benevolent of the north, and
Is destined to do an important work in the
elevation Of the colored youth of this sec
ton. 1t is managed by q competent board
Of trustees Of both races and sexes, who
In their efforts for the school, There Is
still great need Of contributions Of tools,
furnishings, money, &C.
The Exercises.
Inc Introductory ADDRESS was made by
Representative E. E. Meredith, who well
coined the visitors on the part of Mayor
Taylor and citizens. As the speaker was
just recovering from severe throat trou-
bic he made a short but ringing address.
Then followed a beautiful ceremony of rails
ing the national flag on q pole in front of
the building. 1t was conducted by Chap
lain James H. Bradford Of Washington,
He said that God meant 1t for good that
the colored people were brought to this
country. He exhorted allegiance to the flag
and then introduced Capt. r. H. Tyler. who
presented the flag on behalf Of Miss Jane Z.
Thompson of Fauquier. Capt. Tyler gave a
happy address. In which he said: I'VE meet
here today irrespective Of creed or color to
give our announcement and Endorsement to
an enterprise that enlists every sympathy,
for until we utterly ignore and repudiate
the FatherhoOd Of God we must accept as
its inseparable concomitant, the brother
hood of man."
The flag was received by Rev. Marshall
Williams. one of the active promoters of the
enterprise, and it was raised by Miss Jennie
Dean. the originator Of the school.
AS the beautiful emblem assembled to its
mooring the audience cheered and the select
quartet choir from Berean Baptist Church
Of Washington rendered Columbia, the
Gem Of the Ocean,"
Educating the Negroes.
The raster Of ceremonies. Prof. H. P.
Montgomery of Washington. introduced Dr.
H. NJ. Clarkson, superintendent of schools
Of Prince William county, who delivered
elcome address. in which he reviewed the
past conditions in the south as touching
negro education He indorsed Industrial
education as the great need of the negro.
He said the best informed southern white
men were agreed that the negro must be
educated. and the friends of the colored men
saw the necessity of providing Industrial
training for them.
1T takes not the eye Of a prophet to see
In the coming centuries thrifty, industri-
Gus race Of people. who were once in bond
age, living in quiet and In peace with their
labor in the busy hum of factories, and the
machinery of mills, with schools and
churches of their own dotting the landscape
with neat cottages, surrounded by inviting
gardens, and bordered with orchards Of
hanging fruit without; whilst within may be
seen that greatest of prizes to the poor man,
the industrially educated wife, trained In
those arts which will enable her to be a
helpmeet in all things to her husband,
which will teach her how to select good food
and to cook 1t wholesomely, how to clothe
her husband, her children and herself, to
teach her sons and her daughters to be wise,
useful and virtous, and to receive help from
them In return--in short, to Danish the evil
and the gloom Of the ignorant and the
vicious household. and to let in the sun
light Of an educated home circle
He was followed by Prof. Montgomery,
who gave the history Of the enterprise, and
introduced Mrs. Jennie Dean, a colored
worker, and Miss Jane z. Thompson of
Washington, a white lady, whose interest
and help have crowned the enterprise with
success.
Mr.. Frederick Douglass was introduced
as the idol Of his race. who had come up
to celebrate the anniversary of his escape
from bondage, flfty-siN years ago today,
September 3. by speaking on this occasion.
he gave an account of his experiences in
that momentous epoch In his life, dwelling
facetiously thereon. Then followed a DOW
erful plea for the fullest educational civil
and political freedom Of the American
negro Mr. Douglass was very happy In
the delivery Of his address, and his au-
dlence frequently appiauded him.
Letters Of CONNIE N dalton.
The following letters were received by
Mr.. Geo. O. Rounds, the chairman of the
local committees:
DR.. Curry, general agent Of the Peabody
and Slater funds, writes;
Il am glad you are encouraged to do
more permanent and nobler things. Every
day adds to my conviction Of the import
anca of combining practical industries or
manual training with our school work."
Senator Hunton thanks The committee for
their polite invitation, and expresses his
fear that his wife's health may prevent his
attendance.
Superintendent Sampson of the Glen AL
|
graduates the committee on the splendid
progress the institution has made.
President Smith Of Randolph Macon says,
The work you propose to inaugurate is
recognized by all thoughtful citizens as Of
great value. and l hope you may be able
to carry 1t through to a success, even be-
yond your expectation
Chas. E. Nicol, circuit judge-elect writes:
The objects OF the Industrial School, as
understand them. have my sympathy, and
l wish 1t success and prosperity in its eff
forts to bestow on the colored people the
blessings Of an education
Mr. John E. Massey, superintendent OF
public instruction, writes.
Please express to those who assemble
my regret that previous engagement pre-
vents me from being there. Industrial
education will do more for colored youth
than any other education they can receive.
l am Al xious to Introduce industrial teach
ing In all our schools, both white and col
ored. Hundreds Of yo6thsDleave school but
little better Gualitied for the practical
duties Of life than they were before enter
ing It. You ara on The right line and
wish you abundant success"
MISS. Cara Bartonb president Of the
writes: 81 ,.F
Il am greatly interested In your move
ment Tor colored youths, which cannot fail
TO bear Its fruits where most needed. You