The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-07
NEGRO STATE FAIR
State Auditor Dixon Opens it
With Splendid Address.
A Most Creditable Exhibit in Many Lines Of Art
and Industry That Shows Great Progress
of the Race.

The Negro State Fair is now in full
swing and is drawing an excellent at
tendance.
There is much interest being exhibited
in it and this spirit is shown in every
department Of the Fair
1t had been announced that Governor
Aycock would formally open the Fair, but
he was not able to be present. This was,
however, done by DR.. B. F. Dixon, State
Auditor, who kindly consented to make
the opening address.
DR.. DIXON's ADDRESS.
DR. Dixon is a magnificent speaker, and
yesterday his hearers gave him the
closest attention and frequently applaud
ed his eloquent utterances. There is a
keen sense of humor in Dr. Dixon
composition and whenever he speaks
there is a vein of this that adds spice
and zest to his utterances. He has that
rare gift of putting wit in the right
place, and of scoring a point with it.
Among the many things of interest that
he said was that he was always pleased
to speak to a people who thought we'll Of
themselves, and were using their best
abilities for their own advancement.
Such as this, he said, inspired a pro-
found respect in him, and the negro,
as shown by his exhibits, in this Fair,
was striving to upbuild himself. Failure
to attempt to reach up to Improvement
meant loss of respect to any race.
Following this DR.. Dixon dwelt par
ticularly upon some points in which he
advised that his hearers think well of
themselves, think we'll of their homes,
think we'll of their State and of their
nation. 1t is this spirit, he urged, that
would enable them to accomplish things
and it was this spirit that was back OF
the industrial development of the negro
race.
He expressed his pleasure at the eX
hibit being made and rejoiced that the
race was stepping forward along both in
dustrial and intellectual lines His re-
marks about the honor of labor, and the
necessity of the mind and hand working
in harmony were particularly appro
pirate.
DR.. Dixon spoke earnestly and for
chilly concerning the matter of education,
and of the necessity of the education OF
both white and black, and in this con-
nection referred to the great educational
impulse now sweeping on in North Caro-
lima. North Carolina, he said, was a
hard State to get started, but when it
did start, it was harder still to stop,
and having started in this grand fight
for education would not be content till
it stood at the top, with the most pro-
gressive States.
1t was a speech full Of the sagest ad-
vice. and was fit opening for the Fair.
~.
Dixon humorously added, as that merry
light which makes happy those who gaze
upon his face glowed in his eyes: "If
this address does not open the Fair then
just break down the doors and get in"
The opening exercises took place in
Floral Hall at the State Fair Grounds,
and were largely attended. Music was
supplied by the Aberdeen cOlored band,
which has boon engaged for the Fair.
THE EXHIBITS.
There are many very credtabe and in
teresting exhibits to be found in Floral
Hall, which have been arranged in eX-
cellcnt taste,
Leading among these is the exhibit of
the Colored Deaf, Dumb and Blind In
stitution, which in many respects is ex-
ceptional. The exhibit consists largely
of the varied and high class work pre-
pared by the pupils, and is indicative
Of the excellent training which these are
receiving in this noble State institution.
There are displays OF fancy work IN
crochetiug,. broom and mattress making,
wood working, shoe making, etc. The
domestic department exhibit is excellent
and the display Of the products OF the
garden is fine
Shaw University also makes a splendid
display 1t is an institution that is a
valuable one, and the industrial work
done is Of n nature that shows that here
the best of advantages for the colored
young man and young woman is to be
had.
st, Augustine School is we'll represented
in the exhibits made, and these reflect
credit on students and teachers. The
display, among other things, has in 1t
exhibits of fancy work, weaving and some
splendid specimens from the woodwork
ing department.
From the Colored A. and NJ. College
at Greensboro comes an excellent eH-
hibit. and this shows earnest work on
the part of students.
The Bethany Normal and Industrial
School, of Sedalia, has an exhibit of work
in wood and iron that is unique. The
exhibit of canned beans shows how we'll
it's cannery is conducted, and the value
of the farm conducted with it.
These are but some of the many eX-
ccllent exhibits made, many others be-
ing from individuals. These show what
the colored race is doing in the varied
walks of life and consist of displays Of
art, field and garden products, pantry
supplies, poultry and live stock
The Fair is worthy of visit and a
careful inspection. 1t will continue to-
day and tomorrow and some special fea
lures will be attractive. grand ball