The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1913-11-07
NEW LEAGUE OPENED
NEGRO CITIZENS GATHER TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE FORMAL
OPENING OF THE CIVIC
LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS.

Each Speaker impresses Hearers, and
10 Roundiy AppIauded.
A Grand Opening.
About $50 persons were present on
Oct. 20 at the formal opening OF the
headquarters of the Colored Citizens
Civic and Commercial League. Among
them were many representative Ne
groes of the Twin Cities. They were
received upon entrance by the mem
bers of the Board Of Directors who
were present--Messrs. VIM. H. H
Franklin, Chas. H. Robinson, Jas. M
Graham, Milton w. Judy, Fred. e. Alb
hey, Calvin L. Mason, VIM. H. Walker
The rooms are comfortably furnished
and well ventilated. Manager Chas
Brody had perfected every arrange
ment for the reception Of the guests
and many who were present were
agreeable surprised at the appropriate
surroundings. Several applications
for membership were received, and Il
is believed that the Citizens Club has
come to improve conditions.
Seated among the speakers Of thu
evening were Atty. ]. r. Coan, Alder
man Barr, Atty. Hamrum and Editor
Smith.
The exercises, which consisted Of ad
dresses by several prominent citizens
including state and city officials, be
gan about 9 p. M. The president, VIM
H. H. Franklin. Esq, called the meet
ing to order. Rev. e. H. Mcdonald
of st. Paul invoked the Divine bless
ing.
The Presidents Address.
Gentlemen: On account Of another
engagement of DR.. Brown, made
previous to his selection as Master OF
Ceremonies, and which engagement
could not be cancelled, the duty OF
presiding here tonight necessarily de.
wolves upon one who realizes his un.
fitness therefor.
presume that everyone present Is
acquainted with the objects and plans
of this League; but 1t seems fitting,
at this time, to re-state, in general
way, those objects and plans.
This League was organized for the
civic betterment, moral up-lift, educa-
tional advancement and business en-.
couragement Of the colored people;
that is, in brief, for the purpose Of
making happier and better citizens Of
the colored people; and / have no
doubt but that each gentleman present
tonight will willingly cooperate with
US in the attainment of these objects.
We intend to attain these objects
by means Of a bona-fide select mem
bership organization, representative of
the best colored citizenry, working in
with an Advisory Commit
tee, selected from among eminent and
known friends of the colored people;
men who realize that the proper ad.
Of the colored people along
the lines indicated necessarily involves
the advancement and betterment of
the entire community.
/. The first speaker on the list to-
night is a gentleman who is reputed
to be the foremost authority, in this
state, in the organization and manage
ment of corporations; he is also recog-
nized as the greatest diplomat in the
state of Minnesota;
The Honorable Secretary of State,
Of Minnesota, julius A. Schmahl.
Mr.. Schmahl said: "As I look over
this audience l can only point to. with.
out any intention Of excess eulogy, a
similar gathering assembled in st.
Paul few weeks ago to commemorate
the Celebration of the Emancipation
Proclamation. which showed that
night that no other race in all history
has recovered, as the Negro, from the
days when the shackles fell from their
teet. I am proud to congratulate you
On your progress. Upon all must rest
the upbuilding, the creating and the
Of a higher standard Of
civilization. It is time for you to cast
Of the feeling Of dependence and find
FOR yourself a place among the peo-
pie of all continents. It is Just q little
more than fifty years since your an.
cestors were liberated. Some of you
here know Of the conditions of slavery.
It Is for you to impress upon them
the importance Of Lincoln's act. The
former slaves have done their duty
well. The Negro of the present IL
rapidly advancing and will soon reach
that position to which he rightfully
belongs. I congratulate you on the
Of this league and hope that
you will prosper" Mr.. Schmahl told
Of the positions Of trust held by Ne
groes in the Panama Canal zone, and
spoke very creditably Of their services
rendered as teachers, engineers,
farmers and laborers.