Richmond planet., 1904-05-28

The public meeting for the good of the
Order was held at the First Baptis
Church, Wednesday night, May Is. 1904
The beautiful edifice was packed to it's
utmost capacity and standing room was
even at a premium
Rev. R. O, Quarles, the able pastor of
the church was forced to ask all the
gentlemen to give up their seats to the
ladies' so great was the demand
The Reverend read the Scriptures and
offered up most fervent prayer.
The choir was one of the finest in the
state and rendered their choice selec-
tions accompanied by the costly pipe
organ, fairly enchanting the vast as
semblage of people that had gathered
Miss Eva q. Davis was at her best
and was loudly applauded by the appre-
ciative audience
Sir U. S. G. Patterson sang The
Holy City in a most melodious and soul
stirring manner and completely electri-
ned the audience with his sweet voice.
He was rapturously applauded and en-
cored and had to render another beauti-
ful selection.
The chief feature of the evenings
entertainments was the address OF the
Supreme Chancellor who was introduc-
ed by Mr.. John Mitchell, Jr., ana ga Q
valuable information relative TO the
meuted Virginia in particular.
he said he felt peculiarly aud parti-
cularly honored in having the privilege
OF being at the Grand Session in Vir-
ginia. He had heard much of Virgin
ians' progress but now his eyes beheld
the marvellous success of the work in
Virginia led on by their dauntless and
fearless chieftain, Mr.. John Mitchell,
Jr. He said at first he wondered how
fU- lor Nod, 90
and distinct within itself could hold its
sessions at the same time and place and
IN such smooth, even manner w ith one
presiding officer-but now that he had
visited and seen for himself it was John
Mitchell, Jr,, and the wonder ceased.
He said all looked TO Mr.. Mitchell for
all points of interest TO the Negro race
and welfare for his fidelity to his people
had long since been proven by his act
ions. He said further that the Pythian
Order Is the grandest in the country and
largest although only a few years old.
In four and one half years the mem
bership in the male department alone is
over $4,000 while the endowment has
over $l25, 900 in its treasury He spoke
of erecting Pythian Temple.
He said that he must concede that
Virginia leads in its business features
and success owning over $4,000 worth
or property in Richmond city and hav-
ing fine bank through which over
$3.50, 900 (three hundred and fifty thou
sand doilars) had passed in less than
three years besides the bank owning
over $50, 900 (thirty thousand dollars)
worth Of real estate.
He cited the benefits of the Order and
urged Nirginians TO be true to their
Grand Chancellor and Counsellor and
not let petty jealousies and factions mar
the peace and harmony that had been
fostered by Mr.. Mitchell. He took $50
(hfty dollars) worth of stock and was
grateful for the vast amount of infor-
nation CLEANED by his trip TO this Grand
Session
Sir W. NJ Reid made short. pointed
eloquent speech which was enjoyed by
all.
A. E. Bassett, Esq followed, urging
all TO invest in these Negro enterprises of
our Order and aid our leader in his
onward march
WHO. Brown, Esq, held the audience
completely spell bound at the beautiful
How of language and eloquent manner
or delivery. He urged them to press
forward, unite their forces and money,
invest 1t III properly and slowly but
surely the Negro, as humble as he is,
Will In due tine own his own. rail roads,
street-cars, steam boats and command
the respect Of the world regardless of
color.
On account of the lateness of the
hour his speech had 20 be shortened TO
the regret of all.
Mr. I. ii. Wyatt read facts and fig
ures relative TO the Mechanics Savings
Bank
Mr.. John Mitchell, Jr., thu n electri.
ned and entertained the audience in his
usual jolly manner, saying among other
things that he only yields his civil
rights under protest Thet the Negro
race Is passing now through the wilder
ness OF persecution and injustice but
the dawn of brighter day IS in the dis
tance for our people. That all we ask
and demand Is the common rights ac-
corded to all citizens and that the 13sh.
I4th' and 10th amendments are still ON
part OF the United States Constitution
and he fears nothing, no matter what
UNJUST legislation may be enacted TO
our detriment God is still in heaven
he advised the people to teach their