The Twin City star., 1918-12-07
NOTABLE SPEAKERS ATTEND
WAR CHEST Meeting
AN APPREcIATlvE AUDIENCE
Poor Attendance of Young People
Caused by "No Dancing"
Splendid Program Of Speakers.

The United War Chest Fund meet
ing at Arcadia Hall on Monday night
was one of the most interesting events
of recent date. There were about 500
persons present. The absence Of
younger people was especially noticed.
The exercises were opened by prayer
by Rev. Stovall. Addresses were
made by Rev. d. E. Beasley and Rev.
V. s. Cooper. Attorney Morris spoke
briefly on the aims and objects Of the
War Chest. Mr.. w. T. Arnold Of
Anoka, Mimi, made a short talk full
OF facts and advice. He received much
applause.
Mrs. lone E. Gibbs, as usual, made
J an address which gave new thought
| and enthusiasm to the entire audi
ence. She appealed to them to con-
duct themselves as men and women of
character, not to act in a spirit Of
revenge, but by their own qualifica-
tions overcome the conditions that
confront them. She made a special
plea for the War Chest and advised
everyone to contribute literally to-
ward it. Mrs. Gibbs is one of the best
platform speakers, regardless of race,
in this country.
The principal speaker was Lieut.. A.
L. Hatchett of the 372nd Infy., who
saw service overseas. Lieut.. Hatchett
is graduate of the Negro Officers
Training Camp, which was at Ft Des
Moines. He pictured the life of our
men in the front sectors and closed
with an urgent appeal for real democ-
racy. Lieut.. Hatchett received the
| congratulations of the entire audience.
He has spoken several times in ST..
Paul and has always received the high
est praise. ~
Capt. j. M. McKendrick of the 3Sth
Canadian Battalion made the most i'm
pressive speech of the evening. He
Is ScOtchman and in a frank and
Intelligent talk he told of the horrors
of race prejudice and discrimination.
He gave sound advice to the Negroes
on the way to secure their rights, and
received hearty applause. Capt. Nc
Kendrick made a plea for the War
Chest and told Of it's advantages. He
made favorable impression as a
friend of our people, and is one of
the most interesting speakers in this
campaign.
Atty. w. T. Francis of st. Paul read
letter from the Office of Sec'y Nc
Adoo, which appears in another COL
umn. He spoke briefly and indorsed
the War Chest. Mr.. Francis is always
interesting and ready to protest
against any injustice to his race. He
deplored the fact that such cores
pondence had been sent from Wash
ington, even before peace has been
declared.
DR.. R. s. Brown, a member of the
Civic and Commerce Association, was
the last speaker. He assured our peo-
pie that the business men were will
ing to give them the same recognition
as other races and he advised them
to organize and demand their rights
along Industrial lines.
Chas. Sumner Smith presided. He
| asked for an expression on the letter
relative to the employment of Negroes
n railroad service, and outlined a pro-
gram of protest to the powers that be
at Washington.
Mrs. s. G. Franklin, prominent in
Red Cross work, offered motion to
appoint a. committee to take up this
matter. The chair named a commit
tee, Atty. B. s. Smith, chairman, the
officers of the N. A. A. c. p, Mrs.
S. G.. Franklin, and the speakers Of
the evening.
The 18th Battalion Home Guard
Band, under the direction of Prof. W..
H. Howard, donated their services and
rendered very appropriate selections.
This was one of the surprise features
of the evening, as few had heard the
)and in concert selections.