The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1904-09-30
BUDGET FROM FAIRFIELD.
The Justice Of the Precinct Discusses
the Before Dsy Club TO coiosso
ExcuFSionists

from Sampson City hither. The eX-
cursion was gotten-up and conducted
under the auspices of the Christian
Benevolent Society, (colored) of Mi
canopy. Fairfield has had many pic
mics and excursionsf but for well reg
ulated conduct and exceptionally fine
order, there has not, on any previous
occasion, been anything TO surpass or
even equal the exemplary decorum of
the above named society. The train
having stopped at the depot, its pas
sengers filed out of the cars and at
once formed a column two deep and
marched up the main street to the
aoueduct; then countermarched, re-
turning to a position opposite the
public square. Here, and in silence
they performed a few exercises, the
intent and purpose of which your cor
respondent has but vague idea.
/ Concluding these exercises they faced
to the right and marched TO the va
cant store before which they formed
2 semi-circle. Three of the highly
decorated officers stepped upon the
,orcb and after a few preliminary re-
marks we were treated TO the beau
tiful and melodious strains of that
soul inspiring hymn, Nearer my
God to Thee" Evidently these voic-
es had been trained. Such harmony
is seldom heard in this vicinity. After
the singing speaking began and the
first speaker explained to us the OBJ
iects of the organization, i. e., the
mental and moral elevation of the
colored race, its members consisting
of both sexes, deriving pecuniary
benefits in case of sickness. The
| second speaker touched upon the
subject of spiritual development and
requested his audience to put into
practice more generally that spirit of
equity as taught by Christ and bitter
" denounced any and all iniquities
having a tendency to brutalize the
! human race. The third speaker took
up the subject where his predecessor
left of, treating us to a scathing
arraignment of that low, vicious idle
| and useless element who, true to the
tactics of the internal regions, were
not only seeking their own destruc-
ton, but would destroy the peace
and happiness of every law-abiding
citizen, and most emphatically de-
nounced Before Day Clubs', if any
there be, or any other club having
| for its object interference with or a
lack of respect for the rights of 9TH
ers. Enthusiastic cheering prevailed
throughout the proceedings. They
then called upon the J. P. ,Ewho was
! on hand, to make few remarks by
way of appreciation of their motives
and encouragement for them to per-
petuate the same. The J. P. prompt
" responded, and in his remarks
said:
'Mr. President and Members of the
Association, you have requested that
1 speak a few words in behalf of the
worthy objects, the propagation of
which you are bound to each other,
individually and collectively, to pro-
mote, gladly comply with your re-
quest, and in behalf of the citizens of
Fairfield I extend to you a hearty
welcome. In behalf OF the citizens
of Fairfield you are highly commend
ed for the noble cause you have
esPoused, and it is also earnestly de-
sired that infinite success may cover
your every effort in the glorious work
you have undertaken. There is not
a shadow of doubt in my mind as to
the final result of the labor you have
embraced, provided, always, that
your efforts be ceaseleess in the di-
rection of the goal to which you
aspire, viz: The elevation of your
race. l see before me an organiza-
ton of intelligent people with a great
and grand purpose in view. Who
would not appreciate and approve
your exemplary motives? The most
fitting reply l can give commensurate
to your undertaking is, We'll done,
| thou good and faithful SeYvantS ,,