The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-30


 I made up my mind to keep in touch with the programme from start to fin- ish, for I felt that 1t was going to be worth while, and it was historic day. and every one who had a part in 1t will be able to look back upon it in the com ing years with pride.
 Jacob Burger and his committees were made up from the picked white men of the city. while the committees serving under the various chairmen of the ne- groes included the best colored element tin Birmingham. Born and reared in the south, it was a pleasure for me to see how harmoniously the whites and the l blacks worked side by side. /
 I went down to West, Park early and found crowds of colored people waiting for the speaking to begin in the big church on the corner of Sixth avenue. I went in the church and found it 1 filled, the galleries being occupied largely by women and children and the ground floor with the selectmen. Secre- tary Pepperman, Harry Jones, E. H. Cabaniss and others were busy checking up to see If all of the men in the six divisions were present This took an hour or more.
 At about 11:3o the speaking began by Chairman Burger calling on ono of the colored preachers to lead in prayer. His prayer was really . wonderful outpour- ing of divine fervor. His language was chaste, and restrained until the spirit of prayer got hold of him, and then he threw restraint to the wind and began in low hum in which prayer passed of the women mingling with the words Of the servant of the Lord came near to breaking out into an old-time revival. Mir. Cabaniss then read a telegram from the government in which was set forth the manner that tho dependents on the soldiers would be cared for. and as each class was mentioned there was loud cheering both by the men who were going to war and the ones to be left be- hind. It seemed to bring great comfort to at.
 Mir. Cabaniss closed by urging them to do their full duty, and the way in which they responded showed that it was their desire to live up to their opportunities Mir. Cabaniss certainly worked hard to make the day success.
 I greatly enjoyed speaking to them, for somehow felt that the leaders of the race had kept faith with me. for | 1t will be remembered that when there was an effort to create the impression that the German agents would cause the negroes to uprise. that I spoke in their behalf, and used this column to try and allay any excitement among the whites and to pledge the good con duct of the colored people. I was a happy man when stood in the presence of 700 colored men who were on their way to fight for Uncle Sam.
 
 Dr. George Stuart made a stirring address. reminding them that they had moro than an individual responsibility, as they would stand for their race and for their government and that no one must do anything to bring shame upon his company or his country, but that every man must realize that he held the honor of his people and his land in his keeping. The men gave him the closest attention, and by their hearty amens, showed that they were drinking it all in and expected to give good ac- count of themselves.
 A number of the leading colored peo- pie spoke. Lawyer Brown, as an off, cer in the Spanish-American war, told a thrilling incident about the marclv of the colored regiments up San Juan Hill. when they went to the help of the Rough Riders; and Dr. Thomas made rer- erencc to his service in the same war as private. The speech of Oscar Ad- ans, editor of the Birmingham Reporter. was both eloquent and fiery. A number of others spoke. A woman whose name I failed to get made a truly beautiful address to the men. The negro is natural orator and always shows np well whenever there is speaking. A soprano
 
 lighted everyone present.
 It was wonderful parade marched alongside of pr. George Stuart. Jake Burger and Joe Rosenberger. It was hot afternoon and long walk, but we all enjoyed 1t, for we felt that 1t was just tribute to the negroes who were going, if need be. give their lives for their country. As we marched other citizens fell in line until there was quite a respectable number in the parade before 1t was ended. noted Commits sioner Truss and Commissioners elect Burruss walking side by side. Congress- man George Huddleston was among the number who marched.
 Men of the Grand Army of the Repub- lie marched side by side with old Con- federate Veterans. An old-time negro, who was in the civil war, marched by the side of his old white marster, whom he had followed for four years. There were also a number of Spanish-Amer- ican war veterans. The negro selectmen were heartily cheered by white and black as they marched through the streets. The Boys'3 Industrial band. as usual, made hit. It would be hard for us to get along without them.
 The saddest part came at the Termi- nal, when the men went on tho inside, and the gates were shut, and their rela- tives and friends on the outside gave