Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1909-11-26

two forces that have contributed so
generously and effectively to the uplift
Of the Negro race at home and abroad,
but 1t was deemed fitting and proper
that there should come from the
spokesman of the Negroes Of this coun-
try at this time some formal express
sion Of our sympathy with the aspira-
tions Of our foster child, the republic
Of Liberia, toward a stronger social
commercial, Industrial and national de-
yelopment. That keener sense Of the
responsibilities Of this country with
reference to the protection and encour-
agement OF the Liberian republic Is be
ing felt throughout the land was eyi-
denced by the lofty notes struck In a
major key by Minister Lyon, Bishop
Scott, DR.. Booker 7. Washington and
the speakers who followed the impas-
stoned appeal Of these statesmen that
an opportunity for larger life be Of
fered to the builders Of q new shrine
Of freedom In ''the fatherland."
& Ralph w. Tyler, auditor for the navy
department, acted as toastmaster and
introduced the speakers in language
that combined dignity with humor and
kept the company on tiptoe Of expec-
tation as to the next treat that was
to be presented. AS each gentleman
arose the orchestra played q bar Of
an air. typical of the locality from
which he hailed. Following the ex-
cellent menu prepared by Caterer w.
w. Martin, the program Of the even
Ing was opened with an appropriate
statement Of the purpose Of the gath
ering by Toastmaster Tyler. &
Toasts were responded to as follows:
"The Negro on Two Continents" DR..
Booker T. Washington; Our Guests \
Judge Robert Fl. Terrell; Influence
of the Church In Africa" Bishop L.
1 B. Scott" and 1.-THE United States and
Liberia" Hon. Ernest Lyon.
+ The tone Of the addresses was op-
,timistic throughout. Many valuable
suggestions were made touching the
method by which this government
could extend aid to the Liberian peo-
pie, and 1t was the belief Of all that
with adequate protection and the en-
couragement Of capital the budding
republic on Africa's western coast
could be made the garden spot Of the
world. With Minister Lyon describing
the needs Of the Liberians and what
the United States could do toward
supplying sturdy immigration and
thrifty investors, with Bishop Scott
testifying to the revivifying influence
the church is exerting upon the masses.
and with DR.. Washington showing
how the progressive and fortune blest
Negroes OF America may assist their
less favored brethren In coming into
their own. the cause Of the Negro re-
public was given q hearing that be-
tokened great possibilities for the fu-
ture. ID 4
(, Besides the Liberian flag. the deco
ration scheme included the dag Of the
city Of Monrovia. Liberals stately cap
ital, used for the first time In Amer
lea. Minister Lyon and Dr.. Washing
ton wore the Insignia Of the Order Of
African Redemption.
The committee Of arrangements. to
whose painstaking labors the success
OF the magnificent function was due.
was made up Of the principal political,
educational. social and commercial
forces OF the nations capital. headed
by Hon. ralph w. Tyler. chairman.
and MI. Lewis 3. johnson Of the \. y.
C. A. secretary. n