The Washington bee., 1907-01-12

of the race He was eloquent and
thoughtful He told most pathetically
Of the part that Negroes have taken
in all wars, and how they have tried
10 be OF service to this great republic.
He spoke of the work of Booker T.
Washington and other great race lead
ers After discussing the history of
the race and the part the Negro has
played along all lines, he said The
progress of the Negro in America since
the Emancipation has been without
parallel in the history Of the world.
The spirit Of the loISaxon for
progress along all lines has been ex-
hibited by his former slaves. and the
manhood and indestructible worth
which these former slaves have exhib-
tied should appeal. for fair treatment
to the manhood of every American To
argue that education should be denied
him is to argue against the best in
terest of the Government Our best
citizenship is that which knows its
rights and performs them Ignorance
in a country such as ours can not be
made the mother of devotion which
is another name for patriotism, upon
which rests the safety of this repub-
lie In war the Negro has a record
that the Negro is not ashamed of Let
us not be content with past efforts for
race security Let our past accom-
pliShments be a guarantee of our fu-
ture efforts Unity Of purpose purpose
and unity of effort have always meant
much in the lives of nations The
strongest Of the race should help the
weakest Those who see the light
should point the way to those who
see it not We should seek to reform
those Of the race whose tread has
been other than upward To 60 among
these with a spirit of Christ showing
them their weaknesses, convincing them
ftheir errors, is not only a duty to
ourselves but to the whole race These
weights that are around our necks must
be changed TO instruments of useful
ness, and we who call ourselves lead
ers must labor for the masses As
was said in Holy Writ, Righteousness
exalteth a nation so by rectitude Of
conduct, industry, 5obriety, and strug-
gle for the higher things Of life will
bring us to a favorable consideration Of
the American people
After the speaking he was given a
banquet at the Women's Industrial
Club room Rev L G Jordan acted
as POSTMASTER, and citizens represent
ing every walk in life responded to
a toast The next morning Register
Vernon and Cary B Lewis, the we'll
known newspaper correspondent. went
to Lexington, where they were the
guests Of Rev s Z Smith At night
Mr. Vernon spoke at the First Bap-
tist Church TO a crowded house He
was introduced by Editor J. f. Wood,
of Danyille. Ky. Mr.. Nernon's ad-
dress was a masterpiece on this occa-
sion, and his effort was greatly ap-
preciated.
After the speaking he was shown
old-time Kentucky hospitality al the
well-known home of Mr. Jordan Jack
son. He was rendered one of the most
enjoyable spreads ever given in the
| Blue Grass section. There was plenty
to eat and everyone had most de
| lightful time. R. F. Bell acted as the
[ toastmaster, and many Of the guests
responded to toasts; but it was the
Register who made the speech OF the
evening. 1t was a heart-tO-heart talk
that started those present to thinking.
the coming Of Mr.. Vernon to the
State of Kentucky was one Of great
helpfulness to this community, and no
speaker has ever surpassed him in ora
tory.