davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

more important subjects so imperative
Iy demand its intelligent consideration.
The United States has progressed with
marvellous rapidity in every field OF
enterprise and endeavor until we have
become foremost in nearly all the great
lines OF inland trade, commerce and
industry. Yet, while this is true, our
American merchant marine has been
steadily declining. until IT is now lower
both in the percentage of tonnage and
the number OF vessels employed. than
Il was prior to the civil war. Com
mendable progress has been made OF
late years in the upbuilding Of the
American navy, but we must supple
ment these efforts by providing as
proper consort for 1t a merchant ma
rine amply sufficient for our own car
rying trade to foreign countries. The
question lie one that appeals both to our
business necessities and the patriotic
aspirations OF great people.
1t has been the policy OF the United
States since the foundation OF the gov
eminent to cultivate relations Of peace
and amity with all the nations OF the
world. and this accords with my con-
ception Of our duty now. We have
cherished the policy OF non-interfer-
enco with the affairs OF foreign gov
ernments wisely inaugurated by Wash
lngton. keeping ourselves free from en-
tangiement either as allies or foes, con-
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

of the lawful rights OF American citi-
Gems everywhere. Our diplomacy should
seek nothing more, and accept nothing
less than is due us. We want no wars
OF conQuests; we must avoid the temp
tation of territorial aggression. War
should never be entered upon until
every agency of peace has failed; peace
is preferable to war in almost every
contingency. Arbitration is the true
method of settlement of international
as well as local or Individual differ
ence. 1t was recognized as the best
means of adjustment of differences be-
tween employers and employees by the
Forty-ninth congress in 1886, and its
application was extended to our dip
lomatic relations by the unanimous
concurrence OF the senate and house
of the Fifty-first congress in 1890. The
latter resolution was accepted as the
basis OF negotiations with us by the
British house OF commons in 1893, and
upon our invitation a treaty OF arbitra-
ton between the United States and
Great Britain was signed at Washing
ton and transmitted to the senate for
it's ratification in January last. Since
this treaty is clearly the result of our
own initiative; since IL has been recog-
nized as the leading feature OF our for
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

ana moral influence OF TIA ratification
OF such treaty can hardly b. over
estimated In the cause OF advancing
civilization Il may well engage the
best thought ~ the statesmen and
people CT every country. and cannot
but consider n fortunate that II was
reserved 20 the United States 20 have
the leadership m so grand a work.
IL has been the uniform practice OF
each president 10 avoid as far as possi-
BILE the converting OF congress I'm extra
ordinary session. 1t is an example
which. under ordinary circumstances.
and I'm the absence OF public neces-
sity Is to be commended: but a fail
ure TO convene the representatives Of
the people in congress In extra ses-
sion when II involves the neglect OF a
public duty, places the responsibility
OF such neglect upon the executive
himself. The condition OF the public
| treasury. as has beer Indicated. de-
mands the immediate consideration Of
congress. II alone has the power TO
/ provide revenues for the government.
Not 10 convene 1t under such circum-
| stances. can view IL in no other sense
( than the neglect OF a plain duty.
do not sympathize with the sentiment
TO our business interests. Its members
are the agents OF the people. and theil
presence at the seat OF government
in the execution OF the sovereign vii
should not operate as an injury,
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06
Baptist Young People Union.

The programme of the Baptist
Young People Union Of the Fifth st.
Baptist Church was excellent and well
rendered on Tuesday night, Feb.
23rd. Hymn 165, Trusting Jesus"
was sung; scripture reading, John XIX,
L 16 prayer by brother Charles Le-
mus sang hymn, 1853 minutes of last
meeting were read.
Subject for discussion, "Christ be-
fore Plate" This subject was excel
lently and intelligently opened 10y
brother V L Hawkins, who read .
fine paper indeed on the subject, il
showed that he had well studied the
subject and all his hearers were well
benefited by the production. Hymn
"Stand up for Jesus" was sung. Rev
w. +. Graham, our beloved pastor
close the subject with his usual en-
couraging remarks.
All that were present heartily tool
part in discussing the subject and
WAS we'll pleased that they had turned
out to hear the word of God explained
Prayer was offered by Brother Rich.
ardson. Hymn, when Jesus comes
to reward his servant" was sung.
We were proud TO see SO many pres
emit. We are always glad to welcom,
strangers in our midst Come anC
join US in discussing our next sub
ject, Triumph of the Gospel" Ps III
Conquest meeting.
Miss ANNIE b. HAsKINs Pres,
Lucy WALKER, Secretary
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

Editor PLANET:

Editor PLANET:
Please allow me space in
your valuable journal to cali the at
tention Of the public to what pre-
sumo has been an oversight
In my perambulations lately / found
myself out at the cemetery at the
north end of St. James street. The
colored people of this city have been
burying their lead in this cemetary
Cor perhaps / ought to say these GEM
eteries, for their are several OF them
from time almost immemorial
saw much in these cities of the
dead to solemnize and interest me.
There may be seen the tombs of such
of our former citizens as the late Rev
Scott Gwathmey, CRpts Josiah Crump
and Emmett Scott, Richard Forrester.
Esq W. II Wells, DIR j. G. Furguson,
Joseph + Farrar, ESQ P Ii. Wool
folk, Mrs. Cora A. Gray and Others
But what most attracted and interest
ed me was the grave Of the late Rich.
ard Henry johnson, who was the first
captain of the Carney Guards, known
as Company b Of the First Virginia
Battalion, and now commanded by
Captain g. B. Nicholas. He was also
the first Major of the Battalion ard
the first colored man ever appointed
to that rank in this State. His ap-
pointment was an hoDor conferred
upon the colored citizens of Virginia.
The grave of Major Johnson is in
Sycamore cemetery, near the front
gate to the left of the main avenue as
you enter from st. James street. 1t Is
marked only by a small wooden monu-
ment, made of boards in the shape of
pyramid, which is now dilapidated
1 a
! Now, Mr.. Editor, believe that the
public never intended that the last
resting place of our first colored Ma
jor should be thus neglected. We
claim to be men with as noble aspira-
tiops as any men living. We should
therefore look upon it as a lowering of
the standard of our manhood for a
man of our race who represented us in
so important sphere as did Major
Richard Henry Johnson, to remain
unhOnored as he has been. AS I said
in the outset, l presume it ia merely
an outset. / call upon our leading and
representative men in all parts of the
state and especially of Richmon city
to see to it that this matter be neg
lected no longer.
Let US hear from those of our color
ed citizens who usually take the ini-
tiative in these things which make for
the honor and good of our race. Let
US hear from our military men.
am sure. Mr., Editor, that you will
with your characteristic liberality and
public spirit, do what you can to get
up an interest in this matter.
'Breathes there a man with soul SC
dead,
Who never to himself has said
This is my cwn, my native land j"
Major Johnson's mother and chill.
dren are still with us. He served us
to the best of his ability, and now, let
us honor him.
Hoping that spirit will be aroused
that will not rest again until a suita-
BILE monument is placed over the
grave of the late Major Richard Henry
Johnson.
l am respectfully,
o. M. STEWARD.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

Our naturalization and immigration
laws should be further improved, to the
constant promotion OF a safer, q better
and higher citizenship. A grave peril
TO the republic would be a citizenship too
ignorant to understand or too vicious
to appreciate the great value and ben
eIicenca OF our institutions and laws
and against all who come here to make
war upon them our gates must be
promptly and tightly closed. Nor must
we be unmindful OF the need OF i'm
provement among our own citizens, but
with the zeal OF our forefathers encour-
age the spread of knowledge and free
education. lliteracy must be banished
from the land, IL we shall attain that
high destiny as the foremost OF the
enlightened nations OF the world, which
under Providence we ought to achieve
Reforms in the civil service must go
on But the changes should be real and
genuine, not perfunctory or prompted
by zeal In behalf OF any party. sim
ply because it happens to be In power
AS member OF congress I voted and
spoke in favor Of the present law, and
/ shall attempt its enforcement in the
spirit In which IT was enacted. The
purpose In view was to secure the
most efficient service Of the best men
who would accept appointment under
the government, retaining faithful and
devoted public servants in office, but
shielding none under the authority of
any rule or custom who are inefficient
incompetent OF unworthy. The best In
terests OF the country demand this. and
the people heartily approve the law
wherever and whenever 1t has been
thus administered.
Congress should give prompt atten-
ton to the restoration OF our American
merchant marine. once the pride OF
the seas In all the great ocean high
ways OF commerce. To my mind few
HEzS
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06
MKTNLEYS
INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Fellow Cltizensl In obedience to the
viii OF the people and IN their presence
by the authority vested in me by this
cath. assume the ardious and respon-
sibie duties OF president of the United
States, relying on the support OF my
oountrym0n and invoking the guidance
OF Almighty God Our faith teaches
that there is no safer reliance than
upon the God OF our fathers, who has
30 singularly favored the American
people In every national trial, and who
viii not forsalSe US so long as we obey
his commandments and walk humbly
In his footsteps.
The responsibilities OF the high trust
to which / have been called-always
Of grave importance-are augmented
By the prevailing business conditions.
entailing idleness upon willing labor
and loss to useful enterprises. The
country IL suffering from industrial
disturbances from which speedy relief
must be had. Our financial system
needs some revision; our money is all
good now, but it's value must not fur
ther be threatened. 1t should all be
put upon an enduring basis. not subject
to easy attack, nor it's stability to doubt
or dispute. Our currency should con-
tinue under the supervision OF the gov
eminent The several forms OF our
paper money offer, in my judgment. a
constant embarrassment TO the gov
eminent and a safe balance in the
treasury. Therefore. I believe II nee
essary to devise a system which, with
out diminishing the circulating me-
dunn or Offering a premium for its
contraction, Will put a remedy for the
arrangements, which. temporary in
their nature. might well in the years
of our prosperity have been displaced
by wiser provisions. With adequate
revenue secured. but not until then.
we can enter upon such changes I'm our
fiscal laws as WILL while insurinP
safety and volume TO our money. nc
longer impose upon the government
the necessity of maintaining SC large
a gold reserve. with it's attendant and
inevitable temptations to speculation
Most of our financial laws are the out
growth OF experience and trial. and
should not be amended without investi-
cation. and demonstration of the wis
dom OF the proposed changes. We must
be both sure we are right and make
haste slowly" II. therefore. congress.
in itE wisdom shall deem IL expedieni
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06
A Brilliant Anniversary.

Rev. j. Anderson Taylor, pastor of
Shiloh Baptist Church, and wife cele-
brated their silver anniversary on
Friday evening, February 18th. Re-
CARELESS of the inclemency of the
weather a very large number of
friends called to pay their respects.
The presents we're profuse, repre-
senting every kind of household silver.
The presents Of the Baptist Ministers
Conference of the District of Column
bia, the Ladies Independent Social
the Wayland Social and the Triplett
Clubs of Shiloh Baptist Church were
superb: Tokens of respect were re-
ceived from number of cities. DIR.
Robert johnson performed the cere-
mony in grand syle. followed by pre-
sensations of presents of the Baptist
Ministers Conference of the District
OF Columbia, by Rev. ]. I. Loving in a
neat speech
Mrs. Taylor wore the white satin
and orange blossoms of TWENTY-FIVE
years ago, with slight alterations,
After the ceremony, the guests repair
ed to the dining-room where refresh
ments had been prepared in abund-
ance.
After a most enjoyable time spent
in congratulations and other amase-
ments, the guests retired wishing the
Reverend and his wife prosperity and
happiness, and expressed their desire
to be honored with the privilege of
being present at their golden we'd
ding.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

benefit. There could be no better
time to put the government upon a
sound financial and economic basis
than now. The people have only re-
Gently voted that this should be done.
and nothing IS more binding upon the
agents of their will than the obligation
of immediate action. 1t has always
seemed to me that the postponement
Of the meetings Of congress until more
than a year after IL has been chosen
deprived congress too often of the in
SEPARATION OF the popular viii, and the
country of the corresponding benefits.
1t is evident, therefore. that to post
pone action in the presence OF so great
a necessity would be unwise on the
part Of the executive because unjust to
the interests Of the people. Our actions
now will be freer from mere partisan
consideration than IL the question of
tarim revision was postponed until the
regular session Of congress. We are
nearly two years from a congressional
election. and politics cannot so greatly
distract us as II such a contest was i'm
mediately pending. We can approach
the problem calmly and periodically
without fearing it's effect upon an early
election Our fellow citizens who may
disagree with us upon the character
question settled now, even against
their preconceived views, and perhaps
settled so reasonably, as trust and
! believe 1t viii be as to insure great per-
manence. than to have further uncer-
tainty menacing the vast and varied
business interests OF the United States.
Again, whatever action congress may
take will be given a fair opportunity
for trial before the people are called to
pass judgment upon ii. and this, con-
slider, a great essential to the rightful
and lasting settlement OF the question.
| In view Of these considerations I shall
deem it my duty as president to con-
vene congress in extraordinary session
on Monday. the 18th day OF March. 1897.
In conclusion 1 congratulate the
country upon the fraternal spirit OF
/ the people and the manifestations OF
| good will everywhere so apparent. The
recent election not only most fortunate
Iy demonstrated the obliteration of sec
tional or geographical lines, but to some
! extent the prejudices which for years
have distracted our councils and mar
/ red our true greatness as nation.
| The triumph Of the president, whose
verdict is carried into effect today
Is not the triumph OF one section, nor
| wholly of one party, but OF all sections
and all the people. The north and
south no longer divide on the old lines
| but upon principles and policies; and
In this fact surely every lover of the
country can find cause for true felicita-
! ton. Let us rejoice In and cultivate
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06
Died in the Bloom of Life.

Maggie Bunter departed this life
February p, 1897 IN Louisa County,
Va. She was person of a sweet Quiat
disposition in all of her ways Maggie
lived a christian and died in the tri-
umpb Of the christian faith She was
of a cheerful character and had a pleas
ant smile for all with whom she met
She was n member of Bright Hope
Church, Louisa County, Va Her par
ents have our deepest sympathy in the
loss of their dear daughter. She leaves
a mother, father, FIVE sisters. five
brothers and a host of friends to
mourn their loss. But we know cur
loss is her eternal gain.
ASLEEP in Jesus, blessed sleep.
From which none ever wakes to weep
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes -
From her devoted friend,
KATE DAEDRIDGE.
Richmond, Va.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06
Y. NJ. O. A. NOTES.

To The Planet.
You are invited to join the Bible
class which meets at our Rooms Sat-
urday P. NJ.
Gen. Sec. S. @. Burrell addressed 81
boys at our rooms last Sunday. Sub
ject "The Ragged Boy from the Farm
Yard to the Kings Throne" Follow
ed with a solo by Mr.. W. H. White.
Remarks by DR.. P. B Ramsey were
very encouraging. Director G c..
Williams who loves the boys, favored
them with one of his choice solos.
Last Sunday at the True Reformersi
Hall gathered LAT men to hear Rev. ].
h. Brice who gave them a straight
talk. All agreed that it was very
straight and believed that much good
will be accomplished. The duet by
Messrs Andrew Voolfolk and Nathan
Sales, was very touching, Drifting
Director G. Q. Williams followed the
address with a special solo. Benedic-
ton bysRev carpenter.
Sunday School Lesson Free to all to-
day 5 p. M.
Devotional meeting for boys Sunday
4 p. M at our rooms.
Lawyer Geo. w Lewis will deliver a
special address to the men of the city.
Sunday $50 P. M. at the True Reform
ers' Hall. Subject, Joseph the young
men,"
Special music. Duet by Messrs.
Thomas Hopkins and Garland Hatters.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

promptnsss not only our current needs.
and the principal and interest of the
public debt. but to make proper and
liberal provision for that most deserv-
ing body OF public creditors. the sol
diers and sailors. and the widows and
orphans who are the pensioners OF the
United States. The government should
not be permitted to run behind. or In
crease it's debt. in times like the pres
ent.
Suitably to provide against this is
the mandate of duty; the certain and
easy remedy for most of our financial
dif1culties. A deficiency is inevitable
SO long as the expenditures OF the gov
eminent exceed its receipts.
1t can only be met by loans, or an in
creased revenue.
While a large annual surplus OF reve-
nue. may invite waste and extrava-
gance. inadequate revenue creates dis
trust and undermines public and pri-
Vate credit
Neither should be encouraged. Be
tween more loans and more revenue
there ought to be but one opinion. We
should have more revenue. and that
without delay. hindrance or postpone
ment. A surplus In the treasury Gre
ated by loans Is not a permanent or
safe reliance. II will suffice while II
lasts. but II cannot last long while the
OUTLAWS OF the government are greater
than it's receipts, as has been the case
during the past two years. Nor must
IL be forgotten that however much such
loans may temporarily relieve the sit
uation the government Is still indebted
for the amount OF the surplus thus &C
crued. which IL must ultimately pay.
while it's ability TO pay is not strength
ened. but weakened by a continued de-
hcit. Loans are imperative in great
emergencies to preserve the govern
ment or its credit. but a failure to sup
ply needed revenue in time OF peace FOL
the maintenance Of either has no justi-
fcation.
The best way for the government e
maintain It's credit Is TO pay as II goei
not by resorting to loans. but by
keeping out OF debt-through an ade
Quate income secured by q system o.
taxation. external or internal, or both
1t Is the settled policy OF the govern
ment. pursued from the beginning ans
practiced by all parties and admins
trations. to raise the bulk of our reve
nue. from taxes upon foreign produc
lions entering the United States 10
sale and consumption. and avoiding 10
the most pax every form OF direct tax
alton, except i'm time OF war. The coun
try is clearly opposed to any needles
additions TO the subjects of interna
taxation, and is committed by it's lates
popular utterance to the system OF tar
In taxation There can be no Tnisunder
standing. either. about the principl
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-03-06

uation may appear. congress will not.
i am surS. be found lacking In DISPOSE
tion. or ability 20 relieve A.. as far as
legislation can do 30. The restoration OF
confidence and the revival OF business
which men OF al parties 50 much de-
sire depend more largely upon the
prompt. energetic and intelligent &C
ton OF congress than upon any other
single agency Affecting the situation
1t IL inspiring. too. TO remember that
no great emergency in the one hundred
and eight years OF our eventful ma
tional lie has ever arisen that has not
been met with wisdom and courage by
the American people. with fidelity to
their best interests and highest destiny
and TO the honor OF the American
name. These years OF glorious history
have exalted mankind and advanced
the cause OF freedom throughout the
world. and innmeasurably strengthen
| ed the precious free institutions which
We enjoy. The people love and viii
sustain these Institutions. The great
] essential 70 our happiness and pros
perity is that we adhere TO the prin-
ciples upon which the government was
established and insist upon their faith
| full observance. Equality OF rights must
prevail, and our laws be always and
everywhere respected and obeyed. We
may have failed in the discharge OF ouT
full duty as citizens of the great repub-
TO- but II Is consoling and encouraging
to realize that free speech. Il free press
free thought. free schools. the free and
unmolested right OF religious liberty
and worship and free and fair cleo
lions are dearer and more universally
enjoyed today than ever before. These
guarantees must be sacredly preserved
and wisely strengthened. The consti
tuted authorities must be cheerful,
and vigorously upheld. Lynchings mus
not be tolerated in a great and civil
lied country like the United States
courts-not mobs-must execute TIT
penalties OF the law. The preservation
OF public order. the right of discussion
the integrity OF courts. and the orderl,
administration Of justice must continu
forever the rock OF safety upon whicl
our government securely rests.
One OF the lessons taught by the lat
election which all can rejoice In is tina
, the citizens of the United States ar
both law respecting and law abidin
| people, not easily swerved from tn
path Of patriotism and honor. This 1
in entire accord with the genius OF on
institutions. and but emphasizes tn
advantages of intoxicating even
greater love for law and order in tn
future. Immunity should be granite
to none who violates the laws. whethe