Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-03

memorial, caused them to unite and increase
their numbers for resisting oppression, for
mutual assistance in times of need, or for
the pleasures of mutual enjoyment. The
benevolent societies of this country resem-
bic in great many respects the English
friendly societies. while at the same time
they have many of the characteristic fea-
lures OF the great secret orders, the Free
masons and Odd Fellows. They have gem
orally secret organization and ritual, and
mystic signs and pass words, their MEM
berS are bound together for fraternaI and
mutual assistance in time of distress and
need by secret obligations and fraternal
pledges.
These societies have been called the poor
mans life insurance companies for they
furnish to those of moderate incomes
cheap, simple and yet safe substitute for
life insurance. These organizations have in
creased to such extent and their bust
ness IS of such magnitude and volume that
state legislation has been enacted both for
their encouragement and for protection to
their millions of members whose lives are
covered by assurance in force or billions of
dollars "
What Race Has Accomplished.
In speaking of the accomplishments of
the negro race he stated that The Great
Fountain" is a beneficial organization for
the negro race which has a membership of
over $1,000 and also has number of allied
departments such savings banks. The
real estate owned by the institution said
he has market value of nearly 500 600
from which there is an annual income of
more than $4,000. The mercantile depart
ment conducts a number of stores in differ
ent cities which afford needed accommoda-
ton to the negro people, and at the same
time give employment TO a host of them.
To keep up the work of the society requires
the employment of nearly 9oo men ana
women who receive salaries aggregatlng over
IS 600 monthly We should give our hearty
support and Endorsement to this and all
similar institutions among our people be-
cause they are teaching self-relance, IN
spiring confidence and kindling desire to
assist our fellow man. without when the
future of the race cannot be assured, put
with tee execution of these principles ana
the teachings of industry and frugalty
honesty and morality the race will be ele-
waited above superstition and worthiessness
poverty and discrimination, TO that plane
where full recognition will be given to the
fathernood of God and the brotherhood OF
Other Themes Discussed.
SECRET Societies. Their Standing and
Their Work" was the subject of address
by Prof. ]. McFienry Jones. national grand
master of Grand United Odd Fellows and
president of the West Virginia Institute
of Charleston, W. Va The question of In
What Respect Do the Benevolent and
Secret Societies Advance the Interests of
the Race" was discussed by Rev A. ).
you negroes in the north let the southern
negro alone He can take care OF himself
He is a friend of the white man. and the
white man is a friend of his. You discuss
racial problems never forgetting to bring
the white man in. Let him alone. Stop
antagonizing him, and mind my words.
he'll be your friend. Why. down south
have actually forgotten that was a black
man until | looked into the looking-glass-
Rev H H Proctor of Atlanta discussed
What Can Be Done to Eradicate Preju-
dice" and said: My advice to my race is
save accumulate, buy property; gold alone
will open to us the portals of equal OPP
portunity." Referring to the perpetratlon
of outra ges he said: Let that man who
lays unholy hands on a woman ole the
death of a fend. but 1 want to arraign
before the bar of public sentiment the state
of Kentucky. which tried and convicted
one of our race of criminal assault within
less than hour
Rev DR.. f. T. Brown. editor of the
Christian Index of Jackson. Tenn, made
an address severely arraigning those who
maIign the negro race
Large Attendance Last Night
The session last night was the largest in
the point of attendance yet held, every
seat being occupied. The meeting was
called to order at o'clock by Rev Bishop
L b. Scott Of Monrovia. Liberia. w. C. A.
Rev A. ]. Warner Of Charlotte. n. c.,
offered prayer.
Il, The entire evening was taken up by Rev.
M c. B. Mason of Cincinnati, Ohio, who
delivered lecture on Africa in America
and Africa Beyond the Seas" He treated
of the valuable mines In both countries and