The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1915-07-02
COLORED TEACHERS ASSOCIA-
TION IN SESSION.

IlON In SESSION.
The Mississippi Association of Teach
ers in Colored Schools met at Green
wood. Miss, June 23rd, with Pres w.
A. Battle of the Okolona Industrial
School presiding.
The spacious chapel of the Green
wood Colored School was packed with
delegates and visitors from various
parts of the State.
After the rendition of choice music
by the choir, scripture reading by Rev.
N. R. Clay and prayer by Prof. Rev.
E. C. F. Troupe. President Battle
called upon Prof. Davis who intro
duced Mayor G. l.. Ray who spoke in a
very pleasing to the Associa-
ton extending a very hearty welcome
on behalf of the city. He said the As
ISOLATION should inspire the teachers to
nobler deeds and greater incentives to
better things. The Mayor told of the
cordial feeling existing between the
races in Greenwood. He said that the
efforts of the colored people in the
clean up contest at Greenwood were
highly appreciated By the commission
ers of the city, the Ladies Clubs and
white people generally.
The Mayor made Us truly welcome
to the city assuring US that all the peo-
pie of Greenwood stand ready to help
in every way to make our stay here
pleasant.
In response to the eloquent words of
the Mayor, Principal w. H. Holtzclaw
of Utica Institute, thanked him for
his kind words of welcome and added
that the n thing the negroes need in
this country is a higher level of civil
cation. He said that his impression
of Greenwood is that it is one of the
very best towns in Mississippi.
Supt. C. E, Saunders of the schools
of Greenwood said in his welcome ad-
dress, Il am glad to see so many Of
your earnest teachers gathered to ex-
change ideas on subjects of so much in
terest to US all. Glad to see such men
as Lanier, Rowan and others who have
been in the aus so many years. The
Superintendent declared that education
is a proposition in which we all should
be interested. By misconstruing the
word, we often spoil instead of edu-
eating the boys. He declared that
there are three sides to education: that
of the mind, heart and hand; that the
negro>youths should learn the common
trades and follow very largely the
agricultural walks Of life. He said
that a thorough training of the colored
youths along these lines will give them
inspiration and lift them to a higher,
grander and nobler plain. His eloquent
words were we'll received and loudly
cheered."
L. J.. Rowan, President A. &. M.
College, in response to the Superinten-
dents welcome said that We as teach
ers, are heirs of n common cause
Each day in the field of teaching brings
new and increased responsibilities. A
greater revolution has taken place in
the educational work than any other
calling among US in the same amount
of time. 1t is the desire Of US all that
this gathering of the teachers shall be
a source of inspiration-making us
recognize the teachers profession as
the grandest and noblest of the earth.
DR.. B. T. Williamson on behalf of
the colored business men of Green
wood, spoke words of welcome in a
most eloquent speech. He spoke Of
the teachers as the most patient, on
| sentative factors in our civilization.
He sounded the warning of the alarm
ing death rate of our people and called
upon the teachers to labor faithfully to
educate the people up to the idea Of
proper sanitation. He portrayed the
passing of the old school houses and in
competent teachers and the substitu-
ton OF better buildings and more COM
petent teachers.
President z. 7. Hubert in response to
this address said briefly that he was
truly glad of the words of welcome. In
speaking of education he said. 1--WE
ought through education impart inspir-
alton, teach u young people to stand
for something that is high. He said
that our coming together here ought to
emphasize the things that are righte-
Gus, the things that are good within u"
xxx.