The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-08-02

An enthusiastic open air celebration
was held at Wilkos-Barrc yesterday In
one of that city's parks, at which col
ored people from all over this portion
of the state were present. a special
excursion was run down from Scran-
ton, and large delegation of Scran-
tonans avalled themselves of 1t.
The day was spent in general enjoy
ment, the affairs being in the nature
of "a public celebration Of the signing
T the Emancipation proclamation
which freed three million slaves. a
large number of interesting addresses
were heard during the day and at
night there was a dance in the paNlllOn.
one of the distinct features of he
day was the address made by Rev. ID.
:. Bentley. of this city, pastor of the
Howard Place NJ. r.. church. He said:
Mr Chairman, Ladies aud Gentlemen:
This is an occasion which Jwakcns memories
NJ years gone 10y. days tuat tried the hearts
and tested to the uttcruo.t the man and woman.
hood Of a race that bears upon 1t today the marks
~ slavery aud oppression which cursed suffering
humanity for over 200 years But come not to
make Won mourn over tn, past, nor di,pait OF the
future which lies before us with Its untold
blessings.
It is the supreme duty Of tho best thinkers OF
race or a nation to instruct the masses in the
nobler principles Of citizenship at the same time
rckndng, Ne far possible, the fire ot patriot.
ism. No people have ever become great in bu,i-
ness and noble in life without thorough
cultivation of these important principles. 1t is
possible that true citizenship may play its part
well in the d"umd of life without wealth. such
rs the world calls great, hut II cannot achieve
the greatest Victories, without honor, manhood
aud integrity. Every race possessing these Nir-
tues has done much towards lifting up human
itv, thus making the world better We stand
today in the midst Of uphcaysls and connections,
nut We need not fear for these are hut tho pre-
Iminarv skinnishcS to the great battle which
is to decide between equal rights and dcspotsm,
between truth and error Fal,chood will never
triumph, il truth is left free TO combat it.
THE PROPER MEASURE.
There are many reasons why you should he
courageous The laIucnCd Douglas, whose life
and character will be studied and cmulacd by
the stud,nts of history, is on record as having
said measure NOT my racc hy the height :
which thcv have achieved, hut hy the depths
from which they have been lifted"
You may not boast of a crown representing tho
wealth and dignity Of a nation or of having com-
mandCd an army which fought and conquered
some great empire, but you can rejoice in two
things:
First-That You are an American citizen. and
as such your untiring labor in the cotton fields
of Georgia the cane brakes of Louisiana amt
the rice swamps Of Sou.h Carolina together
with your heroic and unrCionting efforts in war,
have not only helped to make this country great,
hut the blood of the race. shed in many hard
fought battle. has helped achieve victories OF
which the American people boast today.
Sccond--Nou should oXult in the fact that in
the race Of liic YOU have advanced A. rapidly as
other peoples Of the earth, w',h advantages iIr