The Washington herald., 1909-01-20

Declaring that the prOgres OF the negro
race in the last fifty years was the mira
Gle Of the centuries, Vice President Fair
banks made a stirring address in the
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church last
evening.
He was given the honor OF bringing the
diamond jubilee anniversary OF the
launching Of Christian missionary work
in Africa 20 a fitting conclusion in this
city, and rose to the occasion with q
remarkable tribute 10 the colored people
Of America
On successive nights the President and
Vice President OF the United States have
been the guests OF Bishop J. c. Hart
zell, and both have been unstinted in
voicing their confidence in the abiding
faith and optimism and self-reIiance OF
the negro.
"On the heels OF the African slave
trade, that crime OF the centuries" de-
clared President Roosevelt Monday even
ing. the negro IN America, ten millions
Of him, has to-day risen 10 a greater
height than any similar number OF his
race in the world. II is a wonderful rec
ord"
Now Ala FatherIand.
''FIffy years ago in bondage. the Amer
lean negro is already learning 10 look be-
yond the cares and burdens Of self, and is
yesrning to cid the countless millions Of
his race In the fatheriand. He is giving
freely OF HIS resources for the redemp-
ton Of Africa" declared Vice President
Fairbanks last night
These tokens from the two chief execu-
tive officers OF the land have made their
impress upon the eolored citizens OF
Washington, and have given splendid I'm
petus TO the movement OF the diamond
jubilee anniversary. They are keynotes
which Bishop Hartzeu has been prompt
to seize as weapons n his fight for
stronger support
This Is the right moment for the dIa-
mond jubilee" said the Vice President
''It should serve as a stimulus of a great
forward movement among the ooiored
people. II IS practically contemporaneous
with the centenary Of Lincoln, the author
OK negro freedom. Lincoln tt was who
signed the Emancipation proclamation.
who broke the fetters OF slavery. Lincoln.
the great benefactor OF the negro"
With eaEerness and zest that sprang
spontaneously from their hearts. the great
Audience broke into a sea OF tumultous
clspping az the mention of the Emanci-
pator's name. The Vice President with
difficulty continued
None VIII celebrate the centenary next
month with more profound qualification
than the cOiored people of the United
States he said.
Greater Progress 90 Come.
Magnificent az the progress Of the last
half century has been. q Is but a promise
Of what the next fifty years VIII reveal
It Is prophetic Of a large future FOR the
colored race in America. No imagination
is large enough to grasp the story which
the centuries 70 come viii tel.
7 hope you viii do your fun share in
carrying the word and spreading the gos-
pei IN Africa It is peculiarly fitting that
you should. The Methodist Church is
great today. and is growing greater. Its
influence extends 70 the uttermost parts
OF the earth.
I have watched the development Of
the negro for many years-his rise in IN
dustry. thrift. religious fervor. The work
is being carried forward on a scale never,
before attempted. The evangellzation OF
Africa by the American sons OF the faith
erland viii be one Of the inspiring
OF history"
Rev. D. v. Hayes. Of the Ames Church.
made the opening address. He
advocated pride Of race as against nor
bid self-depreciation. and declared that
the negro must give his sympathies
wider sweep and his ambitiOns q higher
plane.
Africa In America is misnomer.- he
said. ''The traces oF slavery are van
ishing. would not try to conceal the
fact that there Is physical and moral
destitution among Us. But the uplift Of
the negro in this country. the eagerness
Of the myTiads in Africa 10 exchange
idolatry for the worship OF Christ. proves
our destiny.
Let US impose no sophistry upon our
selves TO ind some way to avoid our
plain duty Africa's urgent need Is
Americas opportunity. Africa. until
modern times Isolated from the rest Of
the world. now looks to Us 20 enlighten
her teeming millions cropping in heathen-
ism"
Impatient with Muckrakers.
IN introducing the Vice President.
Bishop Hartsel declared he had no SYM
pathy with that spirit Of carping criticism
lative. executive. snd judicial Offices OF
the United States.
Il have been in every great capital In
the world" he said. "and can say from
personal observation that we have