Richmond planet., 1898-01-08

First Battalion accordingly marched
= gain 10 it's srmory.
The exercises were presided over oy
w. Isaac johnson. president OF the Ciu-
zens Emancipation Committee.
rHE ExERoIsEsAT THE cHuRcH
Rev. James II. Holmes, delivered a
soul stirring prayer.
Miss Belle Fitzhugh sang with charm
ing sweetness solo. She captlvated
ths audience and was generously ap-
piauded.
The opening address by President
W. Isaac johnson was a gem.
The chorus, Red, White and Blue
was sung.
Miss Lizzie Tinsley read in clear
admirable manner the Emancipation
Proclamation of President Lincoic
She was applRuded-
Mr.. o. M. steward read line oriVi-
nal poem on emancipation Ii awas en-
&c much enthusiasm ard shove q g. a
M ost gratifying extent his abilities
along this line. He was sppiaudeo.
Mr.. Hill. who is "a student at the
Richmond Tn, illogical Seminary sans
IN that rich mellow tone for which hr
is noted. a solo He charmed the au-
dfence, which called in vain for anoth-
er selection
POWERFUL ORATOR.
The event OF the evening was the
magnificent oration OF President Greg
ory W Hayes, of Virginia seminary, al
Ly Lynchburg He began his remerkl
with bit of pleasantly. told why the
Emancipation Proclamation should %
celebrated, ard explained what II Is Z
be free.
He then took j more practical turn
spoke of the advantages of highe
I'd ueation. commented on wherein th'
Negro was weak and strong and Gav'
his views relative 20 the great ques
ti0ns which affect Us rs a race to-day
l rHE POLITICAL QUESTION.
His discussion Of the political phas
of the Negroes condition created a sen
sation, and when ne enuuciated IN
doctrine of true Negro independence
REGARDLESS of all political parties h
was greeted with prolonged and re
peated applause.
He lonced TO see the day when a
parties would ask How will the Ne
gro vote % He advocated the Negro
recognition Of Negro leadership an
painted a picture respiendent through
out with imagery and msgniticeI
metaphors. and finished it by inser
] ing under the same the name OF job
Mitchell, Jr.
He declared him to be his typic'
race leader He then gave cited hist
ry and appealed to the masses. /
- swayed the audience RI will and FRO
: hearty applause he caused 1t to bre'
forth in unrestrained cheering,
"a marked that he had to wave his hal
: - .,,I IN OrHar hQ lhlR
{ proceed with his howery rhetoric a
unbounded eloquenee.
p HELD THEN SPELL BOUND.
ar
as For one hour and half he exercis
n- his mesmeric powers, emanating fr'
N true elOquence in captivating a
v pleasing the audience which vainiy {
n: deavored to have him continue. /
de he rounded his periods. completed
N. Grafton and sat down while the peo
de clapped and yelled themselves hoa
and finally at the suggestion OF X
n w. +. Graham arose en- masse and q
him the Chautauqua (handerchief)
ed Lutte, which was repeated upon
mt suggestion of some one In honor OF J'
k Mlfcbell, Jr.
rd Mr. Q William Moon sang admi
te. bly, we'll solo.
cts Mrs Rosa K Jones, the aeeompll
as ed pianist and Instructor at Hartsh
I'D Memorial College presided at the
gan.
THIS ELECTION OF oFFIoERs.
IK- Rev. Graham the master of CO
Us, monies conducted his part of the !
oIo gramme admirably well and awake
'rns much enthusiasm by his timely
rs ,l marks
iue The election Of officers resulte
the selection Of w Isaac Johnso
up president, and Rev W. +. Grahal
ar vice. president. while the other 9th
no " ere also reelected.
ne The celebration so auspiciously
pa gun will be repeated next year
every indication Of success.
<~f -