The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-21

which will in the future prevent the
sale Of hquor on al fair grounds.
Negro Expoa1tlpn It Richmond.
About the first OF December last
had presented to me by four promi-
nent colored citixens Of Richmond a
report OF three exposftions held by
colored people, and at which they
made great showing. One OF these
expositions was held In New York, to
one was held at Atlantic City. to which
New Jersey contributed $4,000 and
one at Philadelphia, to which the
state OF Pepnsylvania contributed
$4,000. The report goes on to say:
After consultation among ourselves,
we feel that this Ii An opportune
time for the negro OF Virginia to hold
an Industrial exposition. and place
upon exhibit their agricultural, me-
chanical and educational products and
achievements OF the race within the
last fifty years. Such an exhibit, In
our opinion. would be invaluable to
our race, and would be an opportunity
for the white people OF Virginia, who
have aided us in every worthy under
taking, to see what we have done and
are doing In the solution OF the So
called problem" 1t would bring tens
OF thousands OF our own race to .yir-
1t would attract thousands of white
people from the North and West, who
have never known the peculiar and
satisfactory relations that exist be-
tween the white and colored race In
Virginia. It would show to the world
how the negroes have prospered under
our institutions. It would stimulate
and encourage the shiftless negro to
initiate those Of his race who are
doing something. 1t would show the
possibilities of the negro in Virginia
1t would encourage the younger gen.
Grafton to initiate those who are sue
ceeding. 1t would encourage some of
our white fAends, who have become
discouraged at seeing the weak side
Of our race, as evidenced by the acts
Of the lawless and shiftless element
of our race In Virginia We feel that
IL the Northern State, who have only
a small per cent OF the negro popula-
ton, were willing to make an APP
preparation to aid this small per cent
of their population, that merely ask
ing the legislature Of Virginia for an
appropriation to enable their colored
people to hold an exposition would
be sufficient.
We therefore most respectfully Pc
tition your excellency, and through
you, the legislature of Virginia at its
next session, for an appropriation Of
$25, 900 to aid the negros of Virginia
in holding an exposition at Richmond.
in concentration Of their achieve
ments within the last fifty years. We
would ask that II our proposition
meets your approval, that you would
recommend to the legislature an ap-
preparation to enable us to make a
success of this, our undertaking"
I think the purpose manifested TN
tho rlun sithrntftad and thu hi
ton on the part OF the colored people
Of Virginia to equal. II not surpass,
the achievements of their race in the
States named. should, and / trust will.
incline the general assembly to con-
Gder faxorahly- their request for an
to aid them in holding
an exposition at Richmond in the
near future.
During last year, from agricultural
products, fruit, cattle, hogs, sheep.
poultry, butter and eggs, the citizens
OF this State received in round num-
hers about two hundred and twenty
five millions of dollars Manufac-
tured products added about two hun
bred millions; lumber. thirty millions:
and materials. tweuty-one millions.
making our total income from these
sources four hundred and eeventy-slx
millions.
With all of our departments, In
situations and agencies in first class
with our debt being rapidly
liquidated, with a balance in our
treasury. and the reasonable expec-
tation OF a much larger income during
this year. we ought to rejoice and
take courage. With gratitude and
faith we should commit the destinies
OF the State to the giver OF all good.
and ask for. wisdom and strength to
work out for 1t still better things
In the future.
I earnestly commend the recon-
mendations OF this message to the
consideration Of the general assembly.
VIM HODGES MANN.