The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-19

stration, and Mr. Herbert. OF Gil
more > Band catching the enthusiasm Of
the moment waved "A signal 70 his play
ers. who gave great outburst OF musical
applause.
Mrs. Thompson was listened to with
marked attention, and received long APP
plause al the end OF her speech.
The next speaker was Booker T. Wash
ington, representative Of the negro race.
lie was introduced in very complimentary
terms by Governor By< <1ck and when he
arose. was received win cheers by the
great audience. He delivered his ad-
dress I'm n clear and incisive voice. which
was heard by every one IN the han. Al
most every sentence was applauded, and
his peech was a great hit all the way
through. His opening assertion that the
recognition OF the negro race by this
EXPOSITION would do more TO secure the
friendship OF the two races than any
thing which has happened since the negro
was cmancipated was received with a
demonstration OF profound approval by
both white and col0rel.
Some ultra conservative people who
have doubted the propriety OF inviting a
negro 10 take n prominent part In the
programme were enthusiastic in their
praise OF his speech. and IL is generally
conceded that its effect Will be a happy
one.
sPIfcH OF BOOKER T. wAsHfNGToS RErEP-
SEEMING THE COLORRD AACE IL THE oPEN-
ING fXERCIsUs.
"Mr. President. Gentleman Of the
Board of Directors and Citizens: one
thnd OF the Iopula ton OF ne South is
Of the negro race. No ents.' prise Sock
ing the material. civil or moral welfare
OF this section can disregard this ele-
Wcnt OF our population and reach the
highest success. / but convey 10 you. Mr.
President and Directors. the sentiment
of the Masses Of my face, -Yncn / say
that in 10 way have the value and
manhood Of the American negro been
more htingiy ard generously recogn,z-
ga than by the managers Of This mag
nificcnt exposition at every stage OF it's
progress. Il is q recognition which Will
do more TO cement the friendship Of the
two races than any occurrence since
the dawn Of our freedom.
Not only this. but the opportunity here
afforded will awaken among us new
era OF industrial progress. Ignorant and
inexperienced II is not strange that in
the first years OF our new life We began
at the top instead OF the bottom: that
a seat in Congress or the state Leg
islature was more sought than real es-
tate or industrial skill: that the political
convention or stump speaking had more
attractions than starting dairy farm or
truck garden
"a ship lOst az sea for many days sud
denly sighted a friendly vessel. From tho
mast OF the unfortunate vessel was seen
the signal Water, water. we die OF
thrstr The answer from the friendly
vessel at once came back, Cast down
your bucket where you are \ second
time the signal, Water water send us
water ran up from the distressed yes
sci and was answered, Cast down your
bucket where YOU are The captain Of
the distressed vessel at last needing the
Injunction. east down his bucket and
it came up full OF fresh, sparkling water
fem tho mouth OF the Amazon river. To
those Of my race who depend on ret
tering their condition IN a -oreign land,
or who underestimate the Importance OF
cultivating friendly relations with the
Southern white man who IS their next
door neighbor. | would say cast down
your bucket where YOU are. east IL down
I'm making friends in every manly way
of the people of all races by whom we
ere surrounded. Cast II down IL aSTI-
culture. in mechanics, In commerce, I'm
domestic service. and in the professions.
And in this connection IL Is wen TO bear
In mind that whatever other sins the
South may be called upon TO bear. when
Ii comes 10 business pure and simple,
it Is in the South that the negro Is given
4 mans chance in the commercial world.
and In nothing Is this exposition more
eloquent thar in emphasizing this chance.
our greatest danger IL. that IN the great
leap from slavery 10 freedom We may
overlook the fact that the masses OF us
are 10 live by the productions OF our
hands. and fail TO keep In mind that We
shall prosper in proportion as we learn TO
dignity and giorify common labor and
put brains and skill into the common oc-
cupations OF life; shall prosper In pro-
portion as we learn 10 draw the line
between the superficial and the sub
stantial, the ornamental gewgaws OF life
ard the useful. No race can prosper un-
iii IL learns that there Is as much Dig
nifty in tiiIing a field as In writing
poem. IL Is at the bottom OF life we must
begin and not at the top. Nor should
we permit our grievances TO oyershadow
our opportunities.
aUo thoss Of the white Eaees who look