The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-15
ron THE MICRO RACE.
Rev. l.. a. Cutler Tells of the Good Work
ofRey. j. j. Smallwood.

of Rey.J j. Smallwood.
Editor Of The Times:
Sr.-By special invitation I attended
the first Negro County Agricultural and
Mechanical Industrial Fair ever held in
Virginia.
This fair was held az Claremont. Surry
county Considering the fact that It'd
county had suffered from a protracted
drought OF many weeks. the exhibitions
in the Agricultural Department were
very good. Corn potatoes. pumpkins,
beets and all sorts Of vegetables demon
strated that labor and skill had been en-
ployed in their production.
The Mechanical Department exhibited
specimens of genius and talent in the way
Of machinery. very credtable TO tho in
ventors. Two noticeable results OF the
negro's inventive mind were seen in a
miniature steam engine, and a machine
for the application Of hand-power 10
wheat-threshers and corn-shelers. In
deed the power can be used for saving
wood, and driving machinery OF various
kinds. Major Mann Page. a farmer and
q gentleman OF prominence in that sec
ton OF the State. after seeing il in use.
was delighted with II and stated that Il
would supply long felt want.
The Women's Department displayed
specimens Of rare skill and handiwork.
Handkerchiefs. quilts. counterpanes.
laces. embroidery. shawls, etc, etc. show
cd the talent and toll and painstaking
care OF the women. a most elegant
shawl deliberately worked. and which
took the prize OF $500 at the Worlds Fair
In Chicago. was on exhibition.
The chairman OF the State Prohibition
Committee was requested TO send the
candidates for Governor 10 speak Tho
letter OF invitation contained these sem
fences: THE negro has never heard an
Intelligent prohibition speech made nv any
white man. The white man I'm Virginia
as a political leader. should do all IN his
power 20 put before the negro. the very
best political thought and life. We are
all negroes here. born slaves. and are al
work for the best political intelligence
and honesty possible. l beg that you will
come and speak for US. or send some one
! prefer that the Prohibition candidate
shall come and speak 10 the 5000 people
that will be here October 9th.
DO not let the false and shameful cry
or Social equality prevent your candidate
from coming"
AS the continuously rainy weather caus
ed postponement OF the fair. did not
go till the following week-the week az
ter the election. | spoke on this subject:
The liquor traffic in relation TO the
nome, the church and the government"
Major Mann Page followed me I'm n
plain, practical. excellent speech on edu-
cation and right living. congratulated the
negroes on the creditable exhibition they
had made on their first county fair. and
closed with IN expression OF his best
wishes and earnest prayer for their USE
fulness and excellence and happiness.
They applauded him frequently during his
address, and when he finished, they cheer
ed him heartily
But what / wish 10 write about parti-
cularly, is the Temperance, Industrial and
Collegiate Institute OF Claremont. Va.
Rev. John j. Smallwood Is the founder
and president OF this institution. which is
destined 20 do n grand work for the ne
gro race in that section OF the State. and
20 project it's influence for good into other
sections. and into other States
1t was founded October ~. 1892. It's
name indicates Its character, and the
work II proposes 10 accomplish. l
quote from one Of the circulars given me
by the president THE object Of the in
stituiion is 10 give the negro youth an
education that shall be OF the greatest
possible value 10 himself and TO his coun-
try. The religious and moral tone Of the