The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-08
PATRIOTIC DAY AT EMPIRE IS
 GREAT SUCCESS

 To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 You will please let me tell your many readers what happened at Empire on the glorious Fourth.
 left Birmingham at O clock a. m., in company with a number of friends and several distinguished speakers for the oc- casion. The crowd was greatly increased at every station along the way. We ar- rived at Empire about 10 o'clock, and found everything well arranged for a good time. No pains or money had been spared to make the occasion most en- joyable one.
 The special features were as follows: An old time free barbecue, in which the superintendent, MT. Charlie Moore, con- tributed $100. Everybody ate to their hearts content, and was loud in their praise of those in charge of the affair. Next were two baseball games between Dora and Empire. Empire won the first, ' to G. while the second was tie 6 to G.
 At 1:30 o'clock p. m., the programme of the day was begun. J. F. Pons was master of ceremonies The speakers 
 decked with flags and patriotic colors.
 A great crowd of colored and white citizens had gathered to witness the flag raising and to hear the speakers on the programme. Acres of people had gathered about the grandstand and the speakers were on hand. While the crowd was the largest ever assembled on any previous occasion here, it was also one of the most orderly and well behaved, not single word or act marred the pleasure Of the occasion. Among the distinguish ]. ed visitors were MT. Henry I. Beasley, Dr. U. c. Mason, Prof. w. J. Echolds, Prof. Franklin, Birmingham; Prof. H. A. Knox, Ensley.
 Superintendent MT. Charles P. Moore in a brief but eloquent manner welcomed the vast throng of visitors to the hos, pitalities of the Empire Coal company. Heswas followed by Mir Tom Ware, who welcomed on behalf of the citizens of Empire.
 The master of ceremonies then intro duced Prof. Dllard, principal of the local colored school, who spoke of the flag and it's significance. He was followed by Prof. Franklin who quoted the wise and patriotic sayings of great men. Prof. H. A. Knox was then introduced and in a strong and eloquent address he preached the doctrine of loyalty, patriot ism, economy, education and conservation in manner that will be long remem- bered by the people of Empire. Among other things he declared that in this great crisis it was the duty of every man, woman and child tga fight the enemy of our country by producing and conserving food and what else that would give strength to our army and the armies of our allies. He warned our workingmen against the enemies of our country at home and abroad and declared that they could not, and would not be good soldiers if they were not loyal to those giving them employment; they should be regular in their daily work, thus showing appreciation for the good wages, steady employment and the happy conditions under which they are now working. He declared also that the cap tains of these industries giving employ ment to thousands of our people were as great generals and rendering as great service in defending liberties of our country and the world, as those who were leading armed forces against the German Kaiser on the fields of Flanders, !, in France. He was frequently applauded Z in his address, but especially so when < he declared the southland the best place on earth for the black man, and in the language of the late Booker T. Washing ton, urged all to least down your buckets where you are"
 He was llowed by Dr. U. G. Mason, who in anN earnest and firm manner counselled loyalty and real patriotism He referred to his previous knowledge of both Messrs Walter and Charlie Moore, and declared that his faith and confi- dence in them was steadfast. He urged the men to join hands with them and make prosperity secure. He also coun- seled them against the common viles, whisky and idleness. He was loudly ap plauded.
 Prof. w. J. Echolds was then intro duced, and after getting off bit of pleasant humor with reference to pr. Mason, he delivered splendid address which received marked attention and great applause.
 Rev. l.. R. Day, pastor of the local A. M. E. Church closed the speaking with stirring address. He was one of the prime factors in the success of the programme of the day.
 The flag-raising ceremonies then pro- ceeded amid great enthusiasm The To- ca. choir under the direction of Prof. Dill lard sang America" and Dixie which provoked loud and long applause as the flag was slowly raised to the top of the pole by Mrs. Mallory. the oldest colored citizen of the place.
 This closed one of the most enthusi- astic and patriotic demonstrations ever witnessed on a Fourth of July any, where. J. H. BEASLEY.
 Empire, July 4. 1917.