The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-11-15
It Will be Formally Opened
To-day.
A CREDITABLE DISPLAY
EXHIBITS IN THE VARIOUS IN
DUSTRIAL DEPARTMENTS.
RACES WILL BE A FEATURE OF THE FAIR
Prizes are Offered for Hand and Reel Contests,
Foot Races, Barrow Races and Pota-
to Races. A Gala Week for
tho colored psonla
the CoIored People

the CoIored People.
The twentieth annual colored fair of
North Carolina will be formally opened
today at noon, at the grounds by an
address.
The object of this enterprise, as set
forth in its charter, is to stimulate in
dustry, skill. economy and thrift among
the negroes of this State, along all
lines of worthy endeavor, and to afford
the highest possible degree of impetus
to the general progress of the race. This
it has been thought to do by holding
annual exhibitions of the achievements
of the race in the field the workshop,
the school room, the studio, the kitchen.
the laundry, the seamstress establishment
indeed, in every department of va
ried life.
1t should not be necessary to call at
tention to the Importance of such show
of the worth of the colored race. 1t
has been by such means that the pro-
gressive nations of the earth, from time
immemorial, have increased their power
and risen in the esteem of the world,
In no other way can they demonstrate
more clearly their progress along with
other races of the earth.
The day of sentimentalism with re-
spect to the negro has passed. The
world is looking for practical results. If
he would go forward to the place which
he should occupy among the races of
men, he must develop power. He must
not only develop power, but must make
visible that power.
The colored people should give their
hearty support to this great industrial
institution of theirs, for along this line
is the future destiny of the negro. And
nothing will be more beneficial to
in their progress in this direction than
a practical exhibit of the progress they
are making. 1t will stimulate them to
greater efforts. 1t will make useful ana
better citizens of them. Practical Illus
trations of their industrial skill will
gain for them respect, commentator
and encouragement, by people of all
classes and all races.
In past years the colored people have
taken much interest in their annual in
dustrial exhibits, and this year as usual
have amassed a very creditable display
in the various departments. 1t indicates
that the colored people of the State
have made deal of progress along
industrial and educational lines; and they
have had the hearty support of the
white people of North Carolina.
The management have issued the fol-
lowing appeal to the white people OF
the State:
eve also appeal to our white friends
to assist their colored fellow citizens in
this laudable effort We know they will
They have been the fast friends of this
enterprise from its inception. They
have contributed of their money and
great influence most literally in helping
to push the work in hand to a glorious
contamination. We appreciate this, and
hope to merit their continued help. In
building up ourselves we are striving to |
advance the standard of our grand old
Commonwealth We want it said of |
North Carolina that she is the proudest |
star in our magnificent galaxy of the |
sisterhood of States.
"Finally, we would urge the personal |
presence of the men and women of our
race from every section of the State. |
Come and let us show by our presence
the interest we feel in this movement
We also invite our friends of the white
race to turn out, as they have on all
similar occasions, and thus encourage
us in our efforts in the direction of edu-
cational and mental progress.
Eminent speakers will address the
people. and other attractions will lend
interest, pleasure and profit to all who
may come"
The Rev. r. III. w. Leak, the Sec
rotary, is working along the right line,
and his untiring efforts IN this direction
are to be warmly commended. In the
industrial sphere he is perhaps doing as
much, for his race as any member of |
it. He is doing a work of permanent and
lasting benefit.
A number of premiums are offered for
field products, stock, poultry, pantry sup
plies, fancy work, clothing, etc.
Trotting and running races will also |
be a feature of the fair, and purses are
offered for several classes.
Prizes are also offered for hand and |
reel contests, grab race, hand truck, hook |
and ladder race, dry race, individual foot |
race, barrow race and potato race, etc.
Prizes are also offered for musical |
contests.
The fair will continue throughout the
week. Reduced rates have been secured !
on the railroads and it will no doubt be |
successful and gala time for the col
ored people of the State.