The age-herald., 1899-09-06

and black industry of the state have made Alabama the El Dorado of this magnificent age.
 The great progress of this superb state during the past two decades is but a lea1et when compared to the chapters which hn early history of Alabama will unfold. Ala bama Is the fairest and richest daughter lof the south. and the star of Pmnsylvania quiyers as Alabama aseends higher and higher into the constellation of the unidn.
 In the kindness of their hearts and with a love born of generations Of devotion and service the big-brained and libe.al-souled managers of the state fair bid our race to come forward and join them in an exhibi- ton of Gods wealth and unlimited re- sources bestowed upon this splendid com monwealth.
 In order to give our people fair play and a liberal show the association created the most unique feature of this great exposi- tion-"the Negro Department" Scores of letters from every part of the state pledg- ing hearty cooperation have assured our good white friends that our race appreci- ates such magnanimous recognition.
 As commissoner-in-chef of the said ne- gro department I hereby call upon every man. woman and child of the great negro race in the state of Alabama to aid in the glorious success of the negro department of the aforesaid state fair, all of which will rebound to the glory of our race and the betterment of this magnificent common wealth.
 Means Much for the Negro
 The success of the negro department means more for the race than appears on the surface. It means to turn the atten- ton of America to our progress and good deeds rather than to our ignorance and crime. It means to create a sentiment ot love, law and order. It means that the interests of both races are one and the hnra in cTit tn nf "a s- modic convulsions, l say it plainly. thac we are here to stay. Here our fathers felled the trees, titled the soil and for genera" tions have planted the cotton that whiten' at night beneath the stars, and reaped the grain that locks the sunshine in the beard ed sheath by day. Here our mothers pray ed to God for freedom and here God sent the sunlight of liberty to make happy and prosperous the children of Cush. Here right here in this God-blessed and sun kissed southland-the blacks will labor side by side with the whites for the glory Of God and the peace and happiness of both races The negro or the white man who argues otherwise is enemy to good gov ernment and peace and harmony between the races. Let every negro school. .drnl' blacksmith shop, shoe shop, carpenter bench drug store and business of every kind be represented at Birmingham This will show our race pride and progress and will cause all men to respect us for what We are what we can do and for what we have. Do this, and out of it will grow more peace and more progress for the good of all and the glory of God.
 We will be given a negro day during the fair. It is conservatively estimated that ten thousand of our race will be present on Negro Day. Noted educators and ora tors of the race will speak. It will be the greatest day for the negro in a life tune. Railroads will furnish cheap rates and a large committee of Birmingham's most cultured and prosperous colored men will make it pleasant for all visitors. l have been authorized to appoint commissioner for each county to work up the negro de- partment, and at an early date will begin to make speeches at as many points as possible in the interest of the greatest movement for the benefit of the race since God gave us freedom.
 Let us go to work with heart and soul and make history for the negro race Yours for the race,
 DAVID ". PAnhER, Commissioner in Chief.