The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-08-09
w. F. BLEDSoE. G. NJ.
Marshall, Texas.
c. H. McGRUDER, G.. s.,
Victoria.


After a year of fraternal tempest
and almost seismic disturbance which
threatened to engulf the secret orders
of the state, to the surprise and gra-
LITIGATION of all devotees of. organized
effort among our people. the call is
sued for the 1919 meeting of the
U. B. f. and s. M. T. and Stormy
Perel of Texas Colored Fraternals
came on to Victoria.
A record crowd assembled Monday
night, July 2S, 1919 in Palestine Bap-
fist church of which Rev. B. F. Parks
is pastor to hear the opening pro-
gram of the Seth Annual session of
the U. B. F. and S. M. T. of Texas.
Prof. c. H. McGruder, Grand Sec
rotary, was master of ceremonies.
The program was an all star affair
featured by an instrumental selec-
ton by Mrs. c. H. McGruder and
the very able address of Old Chief,
Grand Menter w. F. Bledsoe.
Program.
Music, congregation, invocation,
Rev. Harry Swami, music, by Vic
toria Choral Society. Welcome on
behalf of Juveniles, Miss Made Col
lier, NJ. P. Welcome on behalf of Lo-
cal Temples, Mrs Deliah Herrord,
v. p. Response. DIR. ]. T. M. Lin
sey. Music, Victoria Choral Society.
Welcome on behalf of Local Lodge,
Prof. 2. w. D. Lethridge. Response,
Hon. s. T. Williamson. Lawyer of
Palestine. Instrumental Solo, Mrs. c.
H. McGruder Welcome on behalf of
the CIT gens, DR. G. A. Whittier Music
presentation of Grand Master.
Special attention was given the re-
marks OF Prof. Lethridge, Attorney
Williamson and Judge Perkins, the
latter delivered memorable address
on the history of the Afro-American
setting out The difference between
citizenship aud nationality.
At late hour, the audience as
one person commenced an uproarous
call for Grand Master Fledsoe and in
return he made response. Among
other things he said.
T Ike one of old I am glad to-
night to be here to speak for myself
/ have been accused of high crimes
and misdemanors, of planning the de-
struction OF the order. ] will go with
my accusers into any court or COM
munity. to Marshall, my home, Il
you please, and let them establish, Il
they can that my course is open rC
censure.
The authorities at Austin declared
that we had too much property and
that we could not get permit to dc
business in. Texas.
They had a program and SO had
]. They submitted theirs; sub.
mitted mine and when the answer
came the permit came also.
There was objection to my course
in the running of the order and q
white man in authority said that
thought myself as good as a white
man and for that reason. he woIild
oppose nle-that IL the Grand Lodge
would select another man, he would
treat with 1t. Then II was that Ger.
tain Negroes, pimps and poems. un-
der the lead Of white men caught me
by the heels while this white mar
held me by the head and undertook
by Islander to destroy my character
and your property. Heaven is moi
pleasant enough and hell is not hot
enough to make me give up to Others
those things of yours which have
been committed to my keeping.
The opposition has had 1874 DAYS
THIS lay is mine. They are after
me. am after them. amt ne
hard to start a row, but I'm h.
when row gets started.
Tomorrow we open a u. b. F
Lodge and we are going to conduc
It the u. B. F. way. ! have carried
20 court for yeu, and the verdicti