The broad ax., 1910-11-12
BIG CELEBRATION
AT PITTSBURG
Notable Event In Smoky city
Witnessed by Thousands.
ECHOES OF FREEDOM HEARD.

OF me mace Hton9 Wany Gines-SF'
w. q. Johnson's Stirring Address.
At the recent emancipation celebra-
ton in Pittsburg. which was witnessed
by more than 1000 people, DR.. W.
Bishop Johnson, the celebrated Bap-
list divine from Washington, was the
principal speaker. The occasion was
one Of the most notable ever conduct
ed by the colored people of Pittsburg,
and the mammoth parade of floats,
representing every trade and craft,
with citizens in automobiles and car
riages. was 4 picturesque sight.
Mayor Magee and other prominent
citizens Of Pittsburg made addresses,
and the whole affair was under the
direction of a committee Of well
known colored citizens. headed by
Rev. DR.. r. c. Fox. pastor OF Carron
Street Baptist church.
Dr.. Johnson's address was a COM
prehensive review Of the slave ques-
ton, particularly in fits bearing upon
the civil war. and a strong and force
ful exposition of the duties and re-
suits OF emancipation upon the life of
the Negro race and the American ma
ton. DIR. johnson laid down the great
principle that moral right Is omnipo-
tent and no man or government of
men can resist IT,
Just what emancipation meant to
the Negro, coming as he did fresh
from the horrors OF slavery, was de-
scribed in a vivid and convincing
manner by the speaker. who was like
wise emphatic In enunciating certain
obligations and duties his new found
freedom imposed upon him DR.. John
sons speech was, in part, as follows:
Viewed as to its results. the emaneipa-
ton proclamation was an overshadowing
and glorious success. It united the friends
OF the Union. II threw into despairing
forces new life. It brought into the ar
mics OF the Union as by magic $4,000 SOL
diers from the enfranchised race. II was
the deathbloW TO slavery. II was the I'm
ishing stroke Of the rebellion
The immortal Lincoln was In no sense
q smatterer. He was a profound reason
Ct. learned IN the law. He studied and
understood the constitution Of his coun-
try. He did not issue a proclamation for
sport OF 20 be hOoted at
He did not toy with the mighty con-
Germs OF tl,e republic His every act was
governed by the sincerest convictions.
guided by conscience. He was eminently
. statesman. and patriotism and heroism
were his GROWING virtues.
The emancipation OF the slaves was the
most important and faTreaChing as well
Is the most equitable and humane fact
recorded In American history. Nothing
has occurred In the long aud eyentful his
tory OF the republic like the breaking Of
slavery shac!sles froai tie souls and bodies
OF the AmeEican bOndsmen.
II affected the American people legally,
morally. socioloEically and spiritually As
no other tbiUg had done or has done
since. II was the elimination OF a long
series Of struggles between national self
respect. national purity of conscience and
national greed and selhshnesS-
F0rty-seVen years have elapsed The
American Negro. while -hampCTed by pref
udice. poverty and prescription. has had
time enough to show himself blessing
or Q curse. Have the conditions Of free
dom exhausted him? Has he sssimilated
as a man and citizen? Does he antago-
nize the just ideals and traditions Of the
American people?
He A intepWoyen into the being OF the
nation. In its hfebloOd. its homes. its
schools. its Industries and enterprises. its
victories and defeats. Its legislatures
cannot enact a law. its courts render .
decision. IT'S political parties gain a VIC
tory. without considering him
He is a permanent element Of American
life. not dangerous 20 her well. being. be
cause he Il a Christian and progressive;
l. - IL -
rapidly becoming Intelligent: not q pau
per, because he Is a taxpayer on over
500 10000 in property.
One Of the most essential elements or
racial strength the Eegro7must have now
Il an exalted race pride The Negro who
IL ashamed OF his race ought to be driven
out and marked as a traitor.
II should be the highest ambition Of
every black man to invest the race with
honor, dignity and power. We have moth
ing Of which 60 be ashamed. Forty-seven
years OF freedom read like a romance-
The Negro has no primrose path for the
future He must rise on his merits every
time. He must make himself an indis-
pensable factor In American life and con-
tribute the best citizenship and sterling
worth into the community in which he
lives.
BE must simply compel the community
TO recognize his honesty and industry not
By a servile hat In hand policy. which II
more hypocrftical than real and which
costs him self respect and the respect OF
all his neighbors, out q manly. straight
forward course that shows him 70 be re-
liable. honest. industrious. vtrtuous and
law abiding
We must organize In business. religion,
society, against laWlessness and crime,
for the protection OF home. church, poht-
kcai rfRht and every other thing that II