The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1907-10-03
CELEBRATION
OF Emancipa tion
Proclamation
Affair Ono OF the Most Successful
ever Held and Program was un-
usually Excellent and Bril-
49, liant One. -,

Ipuhg Is emancipation Day among
the colored people. 1t was celebrated
by them at the City Park in most
truly appropriate manner. A large
crowd was present and the affair is
reported to- have been one Of the
most successful ever held here. This
was due to a large extent to the un-
tiring efforts Of the capable commit
tee which had charge Of the arrange
ments.
At the celebratiol at the City Park
today the following program was
rendered.
Music by Band.
Invocation by Rev. Edward Moore
pastor of Logan M. e. church.
= Reading Of Emancipation Procla-
nation by Miss Esther Colston
Grammar teacher at Sumner school.
Music by Band.
Address by Mayor Pedigo.
Music by Band. g.:
Address by Prof. H. D. Hazlewood
Assistant Principal Of Sumner High
School.
Music by Band.
Address by Prof. L. O.. Wilson,
Principal Of Colored Schools at Wes-
ston, speaker of the day.
Mnsc by the Band.
The exercises were presided over
by Prof. j. r. Jefferson master OF
ceremonies.
On beginning in a neat and appro-
priate speech Mr.. Jefferson intro
duced Mayor Pedigo, who made a
liberal and practical speech and en-
couraging advice to the colored peo-
pie. 1t was highly enjoyed by all.
Prof. HaZlewood's address was re-
plete with eloquence and wisdom and
was we'll received and appreciated
by all Who heard him.
The speech by Prof. l.. o. Wilson
of Weston, w. Va, was excellent. IT
was good wholesome advice. He be-
gan BY. saying: "This day above al
other days should be sacred TO- my
people. This day in preference tc
every other national holiday, the ten
millions Of my people should lay
aside the duties,s> the cares and re-
sponsibllities of ~life assemble in
park, in grove, in church, and in
forum and celebrate in praise, and
song and speech and story" The
speaker then entered into an elabo-
rate discussion of the evils Of slavery
saying however that this was not
done t. stir up any i'll feeling toward
our white friends whose name is le.
gion but rather that we may note
the great contrast between our form
and thus be inspired to greater eff
forts to grander and more glorious
achievements" He paid an eloquent
tribute to Garrison, Phillips, Sumner
and all those who contributed in any
way TO the success Of the abolition
|,,novelnent.
Continuing he said: "The Negroes
patience and endurance, his loyalty
to bis country, and his fidelity to his
MASTER have been made the sweet
and touching song of the poet, the
fruitful,theme of the novelist and the
scholar, the eloquent tribute of the
orator and statesman" In speak,
ing Of the emigration theory as g
solutior for the race problem Mr.
Wilson said: "When the Jew goes
back to jerusalem, the italian back
to Italy the German back to r. Ger
many, and the Irishman back to Ire
land, then we will consider goine
back tn Africa"
He spoke eloquently Of the great
progress made by his people In The
last forty-four years and expressed
great hope and faith in their future
He closed by advising them to al
ways love their country, obey Its
laws, and reverence it's flag.
Notwithstanding the fact that Mr.
Wilson has been the speaker at the
celebrations in Parkersburg for 6
number of years, his coming is al
ways locked forward to with an
ticipations, and when he departs
from the city he leaves behind him {
trail Of sunshine and his people are
much encouraged and uplifted by hi
speeches. The State Journal join!
bis many friends in wishing him con
tinue6 success and great future.
Thus ended what was considered
by all present the most successful
celebration In this city In years.
(From Parkersburg State Journal
Sept. 21.)