Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-19


 Tt is right, therefore that this occasion should wear the splendors of a jubilee. It is worthy of the flags and music and the generaljoy by which it is frightened and graced. There is good reason for the gathering of this happy host. We rejoice at once over a victory and Those upon whom has lain the burden of preparation for this event may look back with pardonable pride to the day when little band of patriotic c.tt- zens resolved that Atlanta should nave the greatest exposition, save one, tniS has seen.
 GovernorBullock in words of rare cour- tesy introduced Mrs. Joseph Thompson, president of the woman's board of mana gers. As Mrs. Thompson arose to de- liver her address the ladies of the Wom- ans board arose and waived their hand- kerchiefs. This was signal for general ton, and MT. Herbert of Gill more'S band waived a signal to his play CTS, who gave great outburst of musi- cal applause. Mrs. Thompson was lis- tened to with marked attention and re- ceived long applause at the end Of her speech.
 The next speaker was Booker T. Wash ington, representative of the negro race. He was introduced in very complimenta- ny terms by Governor Bullock, and when he a, lse was cheered by the great audi ence.. He delivered his address in clear tones. which were heard by every one in the hall Almost every sentence was applauded and his speech was great hit all the way through. His opening as- sertion that the recognition of the negro race by this exposition would do more to secure the friendship of the two races than anything which has happened since the negro was emancipated was received with demonstration of profound approval by both white and colored.
 Booker T. Washington.
 Extracts from the speech of Booker T. Washington, representing the colored race, in the opening exercises:
 Gentlemen of the Exposition: As we present to you our humble effort at an exhibition of our progress you must not expect overmuch; starting thirty years ago with the ownership here and there in few quilts and pumpkins and chick ems (gathered from miscellaneous sources) remember that the path that has led us from these to the invention md production of agricultural imple- ments, buggies, steam engines, newspa- pers, books, statuary, carving, paintings, the management of drug stores and banks has not been trodden without con- tact with thorns and thistles. While we take just pride in what we exhibit as a result of our independent efforts, We do not for a moment forget that our part in this exhibition would fall far short or our expectations but for the constant help that has come to our educational life not only from the southern states. but especially from the northern philan- thropists, who have made their gifts stream of blessing and encour- agement.
 "The wisest among my race understand that the agitation of questions Of social equality is the extremest folly. and that progress in the enjoyment of all the priv ileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle. rather than of artificial forcing No race that has anything to contribute to the markets of the world is long In any de- gree ostracised. It is right and impor- tant that all privileges of the law De ours but it is vastly more important that we be prepared for the exercise Of these privileges. The opportunity 10 earn a dollar in a factory just now IS wort h infinitely more than the 'opportu- nifty to spend a dollar in an opera house.
 "In conclusion may I repeat that noth- ing in thirty years has given us more hope and encouragement, ana notnins has drawn us so near to you or the wnl.e race, as the opportunity offered py thls exposition; and here bending. as 1t were, over inc altar that represents the results of the struggles of your race ana rnihe, both starting practically empty handed three decades ago, pledge that III youI effort to work out the great and intricate problem which God has laid at the dools of the south you shall have at all times inc natient. sympathetic help of my race: only let this be constantly Tn minu- that while from representations Tn these buildings of the product Of heid, or lo, est. of mine, of factory, letters ana art, much good will come, yet far apoVe anu hevond material benefits will he that ,igher good that, let us pray God, will come in a plotting out of sectional dlfter- ances and racial animosties and suspi- cions. and in a determinatlon' III even the remotest corner. to administer apsor lute justice in a willing obedience among all classes to the mandates or the law and Q spirit that will tolerate nothing but the highest equity in the enforcement or inc law This. coupled with our material nrosperity, will bring into our beloved south a new heaven and a new earth.
 Some ultra conservative people, Wno have doubted the propriety of inviting n neoro fo take a prominent part in the were enthusiastic Tn their nraise of this speech, and 1t IS generalis conceded that it's effect will be q happy one. C.eoroe
 The next speaker was Georse Brown. who represented GovelnoI t,,, haa, ;II and was too weak to deliver an an- dress and had requested MT. Brown. Wno ;s a leading lawyer in north Georgia, 10 fake his place. MT. Brown dellVereo a' twenty-minute speech, uedHhS "itn s of the south, especially IT cotton manufactures, and receiVeo mucii applause at the close. - .,
 Naxt came Hon. Emory Speer, the ora tor of inc day, who delivered an elapo rate oration. which was applauded all the way through. Following is Juage Speer's speech. ,,,.,.sez
 speech of Hon. Emory Speer, Orator o1 the
 Day.
 This is indeed a happy day for our Cold and dull must be the na- lure of that man who is insenslbie tp these convincing proofs gathered that inc world may see the advancement or our people on all the paths trendfng to- ward a more perfect civilization. The spectacle is indeed auspiciuos. The as- founding manifestations of the energy of modern nations exat while they amaze the understanding. They elevate and enrich the imagination and yet 1t IS impossible for that lively faculty to con reiye the complete reality of the wsn- irous and imperial display. Such is the annob1ing panorama this exhibition of the possibilities of the young and potent nation will place before the sentient and observant mind inconceivably significant ,f mightful national life and weighty
 faf