The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-09
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS
Is the negro loyal?

apA"HC Wibh pdtlAOblS ACA NOA'
 It>will be a foolish and deluded per son who tries to stir therein against the flag.
 Saturday l went out among the law yers, doctors, dentists, preachers, teachers, editors, merchants and other leading negro citizens and learned that they were ready to support President Wilson enthusiastically.
 One of the best editorials on the sit uation was published in the Birmins- ham Reporter, the negro secular week ly newsp per published here, and ed- ited by Oscar w Adams.
 All day Saturday leading negroes were calling at The Age-Herald office to thank the editors for the papers attitude towards their race at an hour when sensationalists were trying to create prejudice against it.
 Churches, Sunday schools, teachers, institutes. mass meetings and private citizens have been flooding the office loyalty and patriotism.
 Sunday morning I worshipped at the Sixteenth Street Baptist church with Pastor A. c. Williams, who preached u strong and thoughtful sermon on the resurrection
 I never heard sweeter music The choir was simply great The congrega- tional singing was truly inspiring. I heard a solo that for sweetness and finish was remarkable. The tune and the words have haunted me. I wish had them on a record
 I'm sure the great musicians who are going to be our guests could find rare entertainment in hearing the music in our colored churches.
 In Nashville during the centennial had the mother and two daughters who belonged to the original jubilee singers who toured the world to sing for me. and the sopranos at the Six teenth Street Baptist church recalled the incident.
 At the close of the sermon, a stirring Set of patriotic resolutions were pre- sented and I had the privilege of making a short address.
 I was struck by the number of well dressed men, women and children who were present and the good behavior of the children who patiently sat through a service lasting moro than two hours was most noticeable
 was also pleased at the way a num- Der of small children stood up before the pr eaching service and recited verses of scripture. When the call came for vol unteers they joined in with the old pa- triarchs and the sisters in Israel
 I never heard more fervent prayers than those of quite number of men and women who were asked to offer short pe- titions while the congregation was get ting ready for the sermon.
 In the afternoon I attended the great mass meeting held at the Methodist church on the corner of Fourth avenue anG Sixteenth street, south. The house was packed with the leading negroes of 
 There was a fair sprinkling of whites put to show their sympathy and appre- ciation of the movement being inaugu- rated. A number of colored citizens made loyal speeches.
 Dr. B. F. Riley, who is greatly be- loved by the negroes throughout the en- tire country for his literary work in their behalf was called upon and made a very happy and humorous talk.
 I was greatly touched by the kind and way in which they listened to me, and their enthusiastic chautauqua salute went to my heart and when they arose and sang America" my cup of joy was running over.
 
 Rev. A. J. Rogers was present at both services and set himself right with his colored brethren for having unintention- ally created prejudice against them by his speech made from the courthouse steps.
 Arrangements are being perfected for the colored people to have monster parade on Monday afternoon or night a week hence. It is proposed to have at least 10000 in line wearing American flags.
 It was a great pleasure and privilege to be drawn in such close touch with the leaders of the negro race, and to find them so loyal, and appreciative of any help. sympathy or advice from their white brethren.
 The man, white or black, who at this tense hour stirs up strife between the two races is an enemy to his own peo- pie and to his country, and should be quieted by the sober minded and patriotic citizens of this district
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