The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-09
Enthusiastically Pledge Loyalty to Work or Serve
 on the Firing Line
PRO-GERMAN WORKERS
 WILL BE REPORTED
Frank Willis Barnett Principal Speak CT at Two Big Meetings of Rep resentative Negroes Tester
 day-Adopt Resolutions


 their loyalty to the President and the nation. That there was no basis for the accusations made in some quarters that they might be disloyal was the unequivocal assertion of these gather ings.
 At the A. M. E. Zion church, Fourth avenue and Sixteenth street, yester- day afternoon hundreds of negro men women and children, representing every walk and profession, gathered in most enthusiastic meeting. A considerable number of white people also attended to show their sympathy with the movement and their beref In the sincerity and loyalty of the ne- groes.
 Frank Willis Barnett was the prin- cipal speaker at the A. M. E. Zion church yesterday afternoon, and his address aroused the enthusiasm of his hearers. He reviewed the actions or the negroes in past struggles or the country and declared his confidence in their readiness to assist the United States in every way possible. At the conclusion of his talk the crowds arose
  and handkerchiefs and sang in impress sive manner America" and the star Spangled Banner"
 DIR. RILEY TALKS
 A brief talk was also made by Dr. B. F. Riley, former president of How ard college, whose literary and other efforts have earned him the highest regard and gratitude from the negroes of the south.
 Oscar w. Adams was master of cere- monies and among the well known ne- groes who spoke were Dr. John w. Goodgame, Dr. w. P. Saunders, pr. T. J. Moppins. w. B. Driver, E. A. Brown and others.
 a crowd at the courthouse lawn last week, in which he charged that the negroes were disloyal and preparing to commit acts of depreciation, made statement in which he announced that he had been misinformed and that he was now convinced the negroes were perfectly loyal
 To decide on the participation of ne- groes in the parade and observance of liberty day, April 19, at the suggestion of P. Colfax Rameau, the following committee was named: w. l.. Porter. w B. Driver. l.. L. Chambliss, w. P. Saunders, J. T. Harrison, E. A. Brown and P. D. Davis.
 The following resolutions were adopted unanimously at the A. M. E.. Zion church mass meeting: PLEDGE LOYALTY
 Whereas. we are in the midst of a great excitement because of a crisis arising from the pending war between our country and Germany; and
 Whereas, it is befitting that there be an expression of loyalty on the part of all our people; and
 to the cause and flag of our nation therefore be it
 Resolved that the negroes of Bir. mingham, in mass meeting assembled. pledge their loyalty afresh to the na- tion and are emphatic in an expression of devotion and protection to our com mon country.
 that we shall cooperate in arresting any agent or person who may seek to influence our people against this coun- try.
 Resolved. that we are ready to CO., operate with all other patriotic cid- zens in demonstrating our devotion to our land and in the suppression of any attempt to influence the negro against this country.
 NEGROES TO COOPERATE
 Mr. Barnett delivered an address to a large meeting of negroes at the Six teenth Street Baptist church yesterday at the morning service. He expressed his belief in the unqualified loyalty of the negroes and pledged the co-op- eration of the white men in return for the assistance the negroes could rem der during the impending war with Germany.
 At the conclusion of his address the following resolutions were unanimous ly adopted by the church, congregation and visitors present.:
 Whereas. the Congress of the Unit ed States of America, called in extra session by our President, the Hon. Woodrow Wilson, has deemed it wise and befitting that our country should enter the great world war; and,
 Whereas. the result of this monmen- tous conflict will not only effect the peace. happiness and security of indi- viduals, races and nations, but human ity the world over; and.
 Whereas. the negro has ever been loyal to the flag of his country in the hour of a crisis. beginning with Chris pus Attucks, who freely gave his life on Boston Commons at the incipiency of the American Revolution he proved gallant in the war of 1912, brave in the Mexican war. loyal in the Civil war and patriotic in the Spanish-AmericaE war: and.
 Whereas. the negro fully realizes that the United States of America is his country and he knows no other flag and cannot be decoyed away from the Stars and Stripes; be it
 Resolved, first that all rumors of disloyalty be branded as nefarious and untrue.
 Resolved, second. that we hereby ap- peal to the press of our city, state and country to cease publishing these ru- mors. based, as they are, upon empty rumors.
 Be 1t further resolved that the Unit ed States government has no more loyal citizens than may be found among the negro race
 THE SIXTEENTH STREET BAPTIST
 CHURCH.
 A. c. WILLIAMS, Pastor.
 ID n