Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-10-24
OF SIX STATES GATHER
 IN PINE BLUFF
More Than 1000 Expected at Convention of Ethiopia
 Union Opening Today.
(By Rev. J. H. Clayborn.)

(By Rev. J. H. Clayborn.)
 The Supreme Union of Ethiopia of the world held the first session of the first triennial convention yester- day ill the old Miller theatre building the home of the society, with Madam M. J. Page of this city, founder of the organization. presiding.
 Mayor Simon Bloom was the prin- cipal speaker at the session last eve. ming. He, as usual, made the mem bers feel that each of tlem was at his own home town Mayor Bloom is cne Of the greatest mayors in this Southland, and he presides over tn destinies of the greatest city in ArK. ansas. Words of welcome were also voiced by number of local people. The speakers were Dr. F. T. Lytes, Prof. F. T. Vinegar, Prof. E. F. Will Hams, Mrs. H. M. Taylor, Dr. Sutton D. Griggs, Miss Turner, Dr. Williams, Dtr. Ross. Prof. Townsend, Dr. G. B. Ashford, Rev. J. H. Clayborn. Miss Patterson sang solo. Prof. w. B. Cloman was at his best, serving as master of ceremonies, and Dr. J. w. Parker played we'll his part. Dtr. Page was given an ovation when she mounted the stage.
 This afternoon Prof. Page of Gould, assisted by Dr. Patterson, Rev. H. w. Savage, Prof. Cowan and others will confere the grand and supreme de- grees.
 The Supreme Union of Ethiopia Of the World will open it's first triennial session this morning in the Miller theatre building, which is owned by the organization, witE Madam M. j.. Page presiding. She is the founde.' of the great secret order which has for it's motto, Lifting as We Climb"
 About 200 delegates are here and every train arriving last night and to arrive today adds to the crowd al ready in Pine Bluff to attend the convention. More than 1000 dele gates are expected from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Ala bama and Mississippi.
 A short social session was held last night when addresses of welcome were made, responses given and a short musical program of a patriotic nature rendered.
 This institution, thru the wise and safe leadership of it's founder and leader, Mrs. s. J. Page, has purchased several thousand dollars worth of real estate in the city of Pine Bluff and at Amy, Ark, they own the entire little town. A beautiful little town site opened, owned and operated by the Supreme union of Ethiopia.
 The success of this society is due largely to the safe handling of all it's finances. They have paid out during the fiscal year ending with October, over $25,000 from the endowment de partment alone. They they have lift ed several mortgages and made sey- eral new purchases for poor people who were not able to take care of their encumbrances-and gave them plenty of time to pay this money back. They also own and operate an ice cream factory in the city, the only one of it's kind owned and operated by negroes in the Soutn.
 One of the things that has made this society forge ahead of the other negro societies is tha many helpful adjuncts added which is the result of the ability of tlis noble woman,. Madam Page. She is the South's greatest race woman of color. She is putting in evidence woman's ability to handle great concerns, thus showing to the country that woman suffrage is necessity.
 This great woman has travelled all over the South and she is largely due the credit for the small number of Southern negroes to go to the North and east in their general exodus. Her lectures have stopped the general mi grafton. She made many see that the South is the negro's best place a place where he can find work, earn his bread and save money If he wants to do so. She proved to them in her convincing speeches that the negro's greatest accumulations are in the South. His churches, schools and colleges are largely in the South and all of this done in fifty years was the best and most convincing proof that he should remain here. Her own means were used in going to her peo- ple to deliver this message which will bring future peace and prosperity.
 Some of the notable character; who will be in attendance during the grand session are: Dtrs. M. J. Page, founder and s. L. O., Hattie Benson, private secretary; Walker, great or ganizer; Prof. w. B. Cloman, writer; Prof. F. T. Vinegar, president Branch normal college; pr. F. P. Lytes, the sweet signer; Dr. Patterson, G. propl ct; Dr. Jordan, secretary; Sir H. w Savage, G. Prince; Prof. A, J. Jack son., burial secretary; Prof. Cowan S. l.. R.; Prof. Page, executive mem Der; Rev J. H. Clayborn, (Arkadel phia). s. L. lecturer, and P. B. of tho Fordyce district; Dts. L. E. Campbell of Tennessee: Rev. Williams of Okla 1 homa.
 This society owns more than $500, | 900 worth of property, publishes l first-class weekly periodical, the off cial organ of the order.
 ] The order is clear of debt, and al legal claims paid up to date. The, carry five, three and one fifty dollar policies for small premium. Thi! l .o:otx, ,,1onS m takino several 1it