CoRyrig]itS^___[^ CDRfRIGHT DEPOSm 1 '■('-i'l.rp -'l' W:H.' TANNER Copyright 1919 by William H. Tanner Dayton, Ohio illiam %. %mntt THE IRTH OF FREEDOM AND THE PRESENT AGE BY W. H. TANNER DAYTON, OHIO 1919 MAV 19 1919 ICI.A525594 ^ -a^/D f CAST OF CHARACTER!^ Robert Caldwell Mrs. Robert Caldwell (His Wife) Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (Old Fri€B college.) Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey : This family reunion is full of interest, and nothing seems wanting to impress upon the mind and heart. This group of happy friends will be a sunny spot in our remembrance. Booker T. Poindexter : We will try to make this event pass as pleasantly as we can, but there is always something left to desire, and the last thing we long for tonight seems the most necessary to our happiness, and that is our children, who we hope will soon arrive from college. Mrs. Robert Caldtvell: Yas, they are growing up around us to bless and comfort and all is required is the right understanding of all our duties and a sincere purpose to fulfill them. Mill Hallie Q. Odey : And the spirit of universal friendship that is around and about us is not only a mere theory but is carried out in the practice of our daily lives. Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey: In the sense of the past years, much that will mark its character stands out in bold relief, and if we of this day are true to our race, the great brotherhood of man will be elevated. Booker T. Poindexter: And we must always have it in mind, wherever we turn our eyes or our thoughts. If we only are as honest and candid in our estimate of the pro- vision made for us, as we are ordinarily in our estimate of the character and conduct of our fellow men, we would be struck with admiration and gratitude to that merci- ful Father who has seen our wants and provided for our comfort to an extent to which the care and provision of the best earthly parents for their children hardly gives the name of resemblance. James Poindexter : That is true, and there is no truth bet- ter settled than that, and there was slavery until he whose right it is shall reign and the evil of such being thrown upon our race we had to bear ; and now study how to re- lieve ourselves in every practical way. Mr. Robert Caldwell: In looking back, the picture comes fresh to my mind, after the birth of our freedom, and our name as a private citizen was a better inheritance for ourselves and our children than any distinction we may attain, and the influence we could exercise for the country and to set a just value on our time. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: To set a just value on our time, will it deprive any one of any rational pleas- ure? Mary Odey: You can see how it will be for those who strive to bring about reform. When those so utterly care- less and indifferent about those of the highest moments. Frederick Douglas Odey : Idleness adds nothing to the mind. It floats without finding anything. Please let him alone, there's no hope in sight for him. He will have to pay for his link in the chain of progress. Roscoe Simmon Caldwell: We should not get discouraged — there will soon be a complete change of all things and a new order in every way, and *peace on earth and good will to all men !' " Booker T. Poindexter : And no honor that at this time loves 10 itself better than humanity is true honor. No law that stands between us and the highest laws of helping human- ity to a higher standard is worth the paper it is written on. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson : It will be most grati- fying to our race when there will be universal brother- hood and a universal peace ; but I don't believe in crying for peace, peace, when we know that peace cannot be es- tablished until Satan is dethroned. James Poindexter: Yes, today universal power at work, friends of war let loose. Scripture fulfilling perplexity of nations. Israel to be gathered in the dark and cloudy days. Miss Minnie Poindexter: I understand that Mr. Shaw's son Cormon was drafted and had to go to war. Just think this was his last year in college to complete his study to become a doctor. Booker T. Poindexter : Well if our boys had to go to France, it w^as not death that beckoned them to go where that great event happened, where nations had risen up in per- plexity, where human misery had increased. They im- proved every moment of their time and helped to allow Europe to repose in peace and Germany to be made to satisfy or give a good degree of content. And may God guide them back to their starting place and find a dis- position to appreciate and to enjoy. {Gets a letter from Virginia — reads it. ) "Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey. "My Dear Beloved Parents : "Your letter brought light to my path and joy to my heart when reading the news of the family reunion. I trust it will prove an increased attraction to all who will be present to unite in the joyful ingathering with such associations and connected as they will be — ^the most en- 11 deared recollections. We have all planned to arrive on that date. "As ever, "Virginia Odey." Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson : Coming home to the family reunion ! I bet they will have some class to them. Some from Wilberforce and Tuskegee, State University. I must go out and sharpen up my wits so I can come across with that grammar. And I am going to discharge the whisk-broom, blacking brush, mop and broom. (Starts for the door.) Miss Minnie Poindexter : I should think it would be agree- able to you to stay here and hear those distinguished char- acters. They may demonstrate the common saying that some objects appear larger by getting nearer to them, and you may learn more about the subjects of the day, which may have in them deeply impressive, improving, instruc- tive and interesting associations going back to our early days. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: In our days in col- lege it were a source of great gratification and we found in it so much satisfaction and in friendship. But, oh ! the present universal friendship is only a mere theory and is carried out in the practice of our daily life. You take an instance — our college boys and girls — they think they are in a field to themselves and they all talk that high edify- ing, romantic, aloganic talk and some of them don't know enough that when Uncle Sam rains bullets on the Ger- mans that they had to let them rain. Roscoe Sim.mons Caldivell: You are one of our race that they are striking away that is worthless bound and trying to mire their virtue and intelligence which is the glory and the dignity and deserves more than the passing his- tory. And I will just say to you, if our college boys and girls talk that high, edifying, romantic, aloganic talk you 12 are here with your perfidy, egotistical talk, with your rudely rudeness egotistical self. Miss Halite Q. Odey : I think he is alike the fellow that said he had eaten so many hog heads in winter that he was ashamed to look a hog in the face. And I think he is ashamed to look virtue and intelligence in the face to- night, which is the foundation of this country. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: I cannot help that, but I have been a little bit leary about virtue and intelli- gence since I looked that East St. Louis mob in the face. Booker T. Poindexter. Ah, that mob in East St. Louis never had that kind of virtue and intelligence that half the world, both white and black, is fighting for. Not that kind of virtue and intelligence that ten thousand Negroes that belong to the National Association for the Advance- ment of Colored People, who are acting as the aiming mind of one man to include the black man in every American right and privilege. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: You are so full of Jim-Crow-ism, patriotism, segregation, and democracy, that it is licking all the molasses off your bread and call- ing you a nigger. Mrs. Robert Caldivell: Remember, the American Negro proves his value as a fighter in the war and Old Glory knowns no color-line and those called to serve under that flag must understand the fact. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: Understand the fact for God's sake know what you was fighting for. Jaines Poindexter: We were fighting for the world to be made safe for democracy, and then we can have a dry world and the Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hand unto God and segregation will be but a passing shadow. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (calmly) : Time for consideration. My next constant direction will be to keep 1 ^ a particular watch over myself. And I feel a more strong desire to report upon this subject. I am speaking prac- tically of those anxieties which I can feel and condemn myself for, in looking forward to the condition. I can see plainly before me the information of every character. Miss Mary Odey (pleasantly and pointing towards the small childre7i) : Those dear characters that we have served to make them what they are — those dear subjects that you have been so bold as to condemn everything that we intro- duced. And now it's time to use your endeavors to con- quer j^our passion and evil propensities ,to conform your life to the strict rules of Christianity which is the best practice of morality. Robert Benjamin Valenthie Johnson: Morality is strict justice between man and man. Therefore a man being moral does not imply he is a Christian. Mr. Robert Caldwell : But being a Christian implies he is a moral man. Give this your best thought for it is a con- sideration of vast importance to you to go out and sharpen up your wits. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (with much feeling) : I can see in every angle that prejudice will never allay against knowledge unless it is the utmost interest to every one and it will always be my aim so to conduct myself that those whom I value most in this world will soon ap- prove my conduct when my actions will be laid bare to their inspection. (Goes out.) Miss Hallie Q. Odey : I think he will join in with the race to help secure simple justice under the law. And will quickly know what is the real situation — the situation that is facing us on account of our dark skins in America. (College boys and girls come in with a happy mood and shake hands with all and make the old home ring with pleas- ure.) 14 Mlb'S Elizabeth Caldwell: Mother, I have set a just value on my time and I have made the right use of it, and never at any time deprive me of any pleasure but encourage tem- perance in the enjoyment of all the good things connect- ing us, which a good Providence has placed within our reach. Paul Laivrence Odey : Father, I have striven to adopt such that it would be easy for me to go right than go wrong and you may well cherish it, it is the thing nearest my heart and I hold myself responsible to make good. Miss Dorotha Poindexter: This family reunion is full of interest and the goodness of parents who seek by all means to bring us nearer to ourselves. Mrs, Robert Caldwell: We are here in this life to gain knowledge and wisdom and to know what occupation to adopt or profession we should follow; and to rear our children so that they may add new honors to our names and to bless our declining years ; and you that receive ten talents will receive a proportional reward, and those who receive one shall be punished tonight if they hides it under their napkin. Miss Ethel Caldwell: We have nothing to hide under our napkin tonight, mother. How can we enjoy life better than by distributing the good things instrusted to us among those who are comforted by receiving them, so you need not feel yourselves any more much obliged than we are. Mr. Robert Caldwell: The opportunity is at hand ard \ou are brought very near to us on such a night as this by your progress as well as by your words. Miss Ethel Caldivell : Behold, how good and pleasant a thing it is for relations to dwell together in unity. We have obeyed their Father's injunction, not to fall out by the wayside. And the work of each day is performed with the feeling and the determination to work in the vineyard 15 while our time lasts. I am the happiest girl alive and willing to acknowledge this visit is so full of interest and it is a source of unfeigned thanksgiving that it has been permitted to us. And the subject of principal interest among us now is with such affections and source of hap- piness connecting from our early days, I hope that v/e will continue to feel it our duty to strive for that you have had so much at heart and have labored so long for, and that we may look back upon this visit with pleasure and forward to another with increased relish. Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey : Miss Hattie Odey, I hope that you cherish this engathering and hold yourself re- sjionsible in making good. Miss Hatty Odey: My dear parents and relations, while I am in college, my heart yearns strongly towards Dayton, Ohio, which I consider the garden spot of America. And I shall not attempt to explain to you in words my pleasure to be here at our family reunion tonight, after so many years of effort as principal of school in the Southern lands. And my experience has been my ablest teacher towards my expectations. In the South is where one can trace the events of slav- ery, and what happened at that age has an influence on all after time, such as lynching and burning our race at the stake, which is in God's sight eating and uprooting the foundation of religion's liberty. And I pray that God, some day, that the vast millions of white people in this United States will commemorate their power to obtain reference to our virtue and intelligenec for a stronghold of liberty; and for that liberty with overflowing hearts you have gathered together your children about you on this great event which should be prized above all others and to your teachings are the blessings we enjoy — utters with a pointed significance the true intent of our meeting 16 here tonight and our words are the golden ones : "Honor thy father and thy mother." And without losing sight of the blessings attached to the command. We have gath- ered about you at this time not only to do you honor, but in some faint measure to express in words and actions the love we have for you. We rejoice that your lives have been spared to us so long; that time has dealt so gently with you ; and that we can gather about you, children and grandchildren, in the old homestead while you are yet in the full enjoyment of health and all your faculties, almost an unbroken family. Miss Mary Odey : Remember, Helen Poindexter, that in the best performance of all your duties lies the highest enjoyment of all our pleasures. Helen Poindexter : Our present happiness was a great ob- ject for Booker T. Washington. As a friend he was most faithful, and many can testify to the value of his friend- ship as upon the warm sympathy and affection with which his heart was filled towards them and theirs. And many of the popular movements of more modern times were those alone by which he though were prominent hap- piness and prosperity. As a citizen his views were com- prehensive and bounded by no less than what concerned the honor and prosperity of the country, and keenly sen- stitive to the injury inflicted by such would tend to dis- promote our welfare. No parent could be more indulgent or more resolute in denying what was hurtful. As a Christian he endeavored to walk in the footsteps of his Master; and sought those fields of labor which all can meet with those which are hedged in by segregation, sect, and color, and his views did not limit him to the common obligation of morality, but included the highest sense of duty towards God and man. James Poindexter : Miss Dorotha Poindexter, endeavor to do something to improve your visit, under circumstances so favorable ; to do your part in establishing a character 17 for yourself and nothing to hide under your napkin. Miss Dorotha Ponidexter : Many of our race can look bac^c a few years, and recall to memory the manly form, and fin open countenance of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who was so suddenly cut off at the very threshold of what prom- ised to be a more honorable and useful career, which made him a stay and hope of our race. Those who were a<> quainted with him might suppose that his long-continued ill health, extending through a period of two years, per- mitted the formation of a character which few could at- tain. How he struggled in the business world in active life. The principles of religion and truth inculcated by a faithful mother upon the heart of the child, shown forth in all the events which mark the life of Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Let it rather be the aim of those who loved him and honored him in life to estimate his example now that he is dead. Miss Hallie Q. Odey: Miss Elizabeth Caldv/ell, we have given you good books and words of good counsel and hope to observe the progress of your special improvements and for your safety who have so much at heart. Miss Elizabeth Caldwell : It seems so fitted to include Fred- erick Douglas in our memories tonight. For more than thirty years he was so intimately associated in the excite- ment of the political struggle in which he was called to take a part; and he was never tempted to overstep the bond of courtesy or regard his opponents otherwise than with feeling of kindness. And for the advancements of all those good objects which tend to promote the welfare of the race. Having faithfully served in the cause of this country during the term of his engagement and took a deep interest in providing means for the education of the youth, and lived to see the subject in our care all that could reasonably hope to desire. Dorotha Poindexter: Mr. Paul Lawrence Odey, poetical ideas are ardent in your heart and don't hide it under your 18 napkin but express something to recall the days of Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Paul Lawrence Odey: His praises now to sing, Of a noble man to us so dear. Up on the altar of duty his loyal brings Charity and love to all is here. ■ But his great soul has flown, • Leaving a treasured memory that waves, Whose strong voice with thunder tone Proclaimed the liberation of slaves. j His character was so monumental To sacrifice as he did for human And what appeared to be eternal Brought a vision for him to land. The whirlwind spoke to him wisdom That the same God's light lights all ways, And when in silent would come visions For the freedom of impressed slaves. Lincoln always planted a rose, That wreathed around a sadden brow, And where a thistle always grows, A glorious halo did allow. And the great God of battles Shield through the burning rays, ''" ; To the highest to unloosen the shackles . Of four million slaves. Slavery has passed over the land, \^ Its tempest darken our sky; Undaunted, however, we stand. And shall until the time passes by. We advocate liberty throughout, ' Of that our hearts crave. 19 And for who made the flag wave out For unhappy slaves. Their souls were exposed to ruin And their heads hung low to the breast ; But Christ silently was pursuing Those were sighing for a season of rest. God loves a contrite spirit, And on the silent tomb's opening days The pure in heart shall be of one merit As Lincoln was for the slaves. There was but one Abraham Lincoln, His memory will be forever green ; Whose heart is an open book to thinking Of the darkest hours this nation ever seen. And has sealed with his saintly blood A living example to our graves Who was for charity, love, and stood For over four million slaves. Mr, Robert Caldwell : Miss Minnie Poindexter, you are not putting aside the title of original greatness that a good Providence has placed within your reach. Miss Minnie Poindexter: My parents and kindred, I was laboring under the impression that I was to be numbered among those who are to be first-class listeners ; and I offer it as my opinion that I haven't sufficient confidence in myself to make a speech, but I am enthusiasitic in my ad- miration of those who did not shun to declare that they are not hiding anything under their napkins tonight, and I was giving them m yearnest attention and passing over in excessive silence as I listened with an expression of my approval, to the faithful declarations of the speakers. And I know you all will hand them a bouquet of flowers and only allow me to feed on the odor of the blossoms as an expression of good will to the college boys and girls 20 v/ho owe to this country their best behavior, services, and talents, and should devote them to its welfare, and may 1 be permitted to apply the character of my highly valueil and respected relations. And now I am free to say with great pride, 1 am really glad to be here tonight at this family ingathering; and may God reward us and enable us to enjoy the elevated satisfaction that follows such good work. Jiiss Hallie Q. Odey. That is ivonderfvl. It's lovely, and worthy to rank with the finest masterpieces; and I am enthusiastic in my admiration of the speeches of the col- lege boys and girls and of their splendid voices which have gives its utterance. And I hope the habit of mind that they have cultivated in college will be one that will bide Avith them and v/in for them a fair share of success. And further I am proud to say that we can see more plainly tonight than ever where we are to look forward for in- structions, directions, and support, and there's a pleasant vision v/hich opens to us when we look forward to the character that the college and schools are sending forth now and in the future. Miss Mary Odey: It has been said tonight that who re- ceives ten talents will receive a proportional reward and those who receive one shall be punished if they hides it under their napkin. I have nothing to hide tonight. 1 awoke this morning very early and after awhile fixed my mind in prayer to God that our duty may clearly be seen tonight and that we may perform it in the spirit of a true disciple. On this occasion our minds and feelings are ele- vated with devotion and as I trust suitably affected with gratitude to all who are present to unite in this joyful ingathering. God bless our old home tonight. And hovv^ important then that our places of education that are sus- taining and supplying a pure and living stream that irri- gates our homes and train our boys and girls to knovs^ their duty, what is needful proper and best. 21 M}'s. Frederick Douglas Odey. I wonder what is keeping Virginia ? m \ Miss Hattie Odey. Mother, Virginia will be here soon. She met up with a gentleman by the name of R, B. V. Johnson and he told her that he was well acquainted with her folks at home and he seemed to be refined and well education. Mr. James Poindexter. I wonder is that our Robert Benja- min Valentine Johnson who has made his way to the people's respect and affections? Mr. Frederick Douglas Odey : A good, kind ^vord now and then makes the downhearted think more of their conduct and behavior. Booker T. Poindexter. Don't you know that Robert Benja- min Valentine Johnson graduated in Wilberforce in early days and he always said it was a magnificent college and was the next thing nearest his heart. Mrs. Robert Caldtvell: Remember that Robert said this morning that we would soon approve of his conduct when his actions would be laid bare to our inspection? And his reputation as a thinker and a writer has made whatever has been published of this sort desirable to be read by the great masses of our reading population. It's our Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson and I will bet a silver dollar that is with Virginia. (Virginia Odey comes in with Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson. He stops at the door and talks ivith Booker T. Poindexter, who recognizes him. Virginia Odey shakes hands with all in a happy mood and they don't appear to thoroughly recognize Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson until Virginia Odey introduces him — then all rise and greet him.) Helen Poindexter: Virginia, all of the college boys and girls have sung and made speeches. What are your future plans to keep the old home fires burning? 22 lirgima Odeij: I hope when they were singing and speak- ing you could see the mental and moral qualities which can characterize them through life. Mrs. rFederick Douglas Odey : Virginia, every one here is interested in your welfare, and I read with deep interest your letter to them, and they said that you let no oppor- tunity pass without making the most of it and that you are never worried, discouraged, or dull, but have a long- for friendship unknown. 1 'irginia Odey : My dear parents and relatives : With great pride I am proud to say that the general appearance of our family ingathering is of such a well-meaning event that it has brought back scenes of your childhood of fifty or more years ago. And my visit here tonight is so full of memories of the past that I hardly know where to begin— from your early days or the story of the present days. But I will say in conclusion that while I am in col- lege my great object is to learn and secure the confidence of my teachers and friends. And I feel as though I can f^o q little to advance the cause of our happiness' while I remain here at our family reunion in pleasure that flows jx-om our plans and doings; that supplied a foretaste of the enjoyment for those happy hours in the pathway of our duty. And I hope the talents entrusted in our care have been faithfully employed tonight and show the sense of responsibility by active deeds more than by unmeaning words. And never to feel at liberty to waste on ourselvei such things as by right principles. And when we turn back to the dark pages of our histoid it was that sense of duty that Lincoln had, long before society had been heard of, or the investigations had commenced on which our circumstances were based, that he, Lincoln, would free the slaves if he should ever become the President of the United States. And when he became President of the United States his sense of duty meant more to us than un- meaning words. And it was that practical instance of 23 that character, judgment, and decision of Lincoln that Ireed four million slaves. And this is the difference of going just right who had gone wrong. And this gentleman, as you will observe by his style, is well educated and the circumstances he states I have no doubt but what are true. He received an early education in Wilberforce and his parents and himself were once slaves and he says he has accepted an invitation to be one of the speakers on emancipation day. Will you allow me to present to you Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson, D.D., LL.D. Robert Benjamin Valeyitine Johnson: Ladies and gentle- men: I was here this morning at the beginning of this family reunion and I v/as here forty years ago. I believe before the greatest majority of you were born, and I can say with great pride that I never was here under more pleasant circumstances than now. And some of you know that I have been neglectful and careless in the per- formance of those high every-day duties which I should never lose sight of for a moment, and try to be useful to those around me. And my down-hill tendency in the stan- dard character was a bad sign. And my change I hope within your recollection of this day is such as almost to make you mistrust your own sense. Our duty is plain if we do not educate and elevate the class of people that is bringing everything down to their own level; they will change our system of government within a few years, and in our race we have many w^ho are not educated — who are not making their way to the public respect. And you know my anxiety about little things has kept me from the enjoyment of those bright scenes that was so common to me when not oppressed by any of those may be events, and I found myself in a shattered state, unfit to encounter the responsibilities incident to my sta- tion and now I am ashamed to express that weakness, but God grant that I may have the disposition to use my tal- ent in such a manner as to receive at last the joyful sound 24 of "Well done." Ray Caldwell: And now the ships of war have carried bread to our soldiers and powder and ball to inflict more injury upon the enemy and now this battle for lib- erty is won and our ships anchored in their harbor in time of peace. May the silent minority work steady for- word with unflinching confidence in the probability of man through his God, will let the whole world know that our race does not harbor low, degrading evils. And may the Almighty in his infinite mercy teach candor, char- ity, and peace and we enjoy the sweet consciousness that this will be in harmony with the subject of life. As the closing of this family reunion, that is like the western horizon after sunset, bright and beautiful the opening of the new, radiant with life, hope and crown with such a custom of love; as few old grandfathers, grandmothers ^ and uncles, aunts can muster in. And while your memory carries you back to the slavery days, and the birth of your freedom and the days of our childhood when you were the source and the inspiration of all our joys ; when we played' about your knees without a care or thought that went be- yond the passing moments, blessed with health, a happy family, a united family. Thus our years went by until the swaddling bands of youth were thrown off, round- abouts and short dresses were abandoned and the children of yesterday became the man and woman of today. (CURTAIN) 25 THIRD ACT EMANCIPATION DAY (Grove scene. Roy Caldwell acting chairman. Prayer by Booker T. Poindexter.) Speakers of the Day: Frederick Douglas Odey Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson Roscoc Simmons Caldivell Booker T. Poindexter Fellow Citizens: It is again our privilege with over- flowing hearts to gather together to express that well-up within us, while memory carries us back to the inter- vening days of slavery, over fifty years ago, and we are honored to have wuth us today one who has been resolute in denying what would be hurtful to the race. I take pleasure in introducing Frederick Douglas Odey. Frederick Douglas Odey : Ladies and gentlemen : The un- broken band of brothers who have marched together on this Emancipation Day hand in hand, united by a common bond of sympathy and affection, sustaining each other in all trials and rejoicing together to set a just value on time and to make the right use of it, to honor whom we should acknowledge and love. If we have misused or abused the opportunities there is not a moment to be lost in retracing our steps and making good by future efforts what has been lost by want of it. We can none of us ever know that a future will be allowed us to amend and correct our previous misdoings and omissions, and it is not less the part of wisdom than of duty to be always up and doing and do what little we may for the advancement of the race. And God grant us patience and submissive temper 26 to bear whatever may be put upon us with a full convic- tion that such will tend to our highest good, if we make the right use of it. Although at times clouds and dark-^ ness are around and about us ; but we do certainly know by the words of inspiration that justice and judgment are the habitation of the throne ; and goodness and mercy the attributes of his character. And when we think back that it only takes a little over fifty years to complete the birth of our freedom, we should not be too much grieved that we have met the common fate of man. We have lived long enough to know that our work has been successful and comes down through a generation of fifty years from where they prayed to God to clear away in His good time all that were dark and vile for the race. And the little old log cabin in the lane was a congenial home where they had the deepest respect for religious feelings. And a romance can be written on the old banjo that was their favorite instrument to trip the light fantastic toe v/ith a hearty good will to the many hours that they had spent in the cane and cotton fields, and at the hand loom, and the hum of the almost desolate spinning wheel comes across our memory on this Eman- cipation day like the rem.embrance of a pleasant but half- forgotten melody. And today in addition to our advantageous arising from our honest course of conduct with our fellow men, I will say to the younger generation that theirs is the satisfac- tion reflecting within our race that you should endeavor to do your duty. It is, therefore, of the highest conse- quence that you should not only cultivate correct princi- ples but that you should place your standard actions so high as to require great vigilance in living up to it. You are young and the course of life seems open, and pleasant prospects greet your ardent hopes, but you must remem- ber that the race is n t always to the swift, but with just reliance on the power vou need have no fear of the threats of the wind and waves of the East St. Louis mob that 27 threatens our destruction. Ladies and gentlemen, we have with us today one who has found time to take an interest in everything tending towards the amelioration and elevation of the race and takes this life's lessons to his heart and strives to carry out its teaching in his life and today we are proud to hear him speaking those words so full of meaning. With pleasure I introduce Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson, D.D., LL.D. Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: Ladies and Gentle- men: It affords me great pleasure to be here with you and to think back where we come along — where we can see the good hand of God in all of our experiences, and it all goes to show that we all are engaged in the uplift of the race. How vain it would be of us this day — so ambi- tious of distinction — to view it on any other foundation than uprightness of character, pureness of life and an active performance of all those duties included to impress with the plain truth. I cannot find any other words in which to express my thoughts than God be merciful to us as sinners, and let us continue on this way. There will be more than virtue enough in this race of ours to save us in this country. And we hope a better heart given some of its people and then the care and the anxiety of this world will not dis- turb but the social and sympathizing feeling will have its full share in the effect upon us and each of those in whom we trust, in their proper place and degree, will supply all our wants. And the cheering promises that encourage us when our powers are at the highest will not fail when the weight of years in infirmity has made it more necessary to our comfort to get over the few remaining span of the journey. And the history of our race involves in so many details which we haven't time to give or count the links in the great chain of progress by the way which we have reached our present condition. 28 Fellow citizens, it is an honor to have with us a gentle- man who is active and industrious, though passed the seventieth milestone on the journey of life, and his flood of recollection will bring a loving tribute to your grateful hearts, that involves the history of the race ; that deserves more than passing history. I take this great opportunity to introduce Roscoe Simmons Caldwell. Roscoe Simmo7is Caldwell : Ladies and Gentlemen : I can say with great pride that it affords me great pleasure to be here with you and to think and to say the simple fact that we are starting just right, and we are indebted with God's blessings on our labor, for our present position, as well as that of the numerous connections which have sprung up around us and today our duty is plain before us as the sun at noonday, by which events are connected together, and have led to the results that calls on us to bless the Lord for his benefits. And to us the opportun- ity thus permitted to us claim relationship with this world's goods on a more enlarged scale. And when we turn back we can trace the events of slavery and what happened at that age. It stands out today in bold relief that has an influence upon all after time and when w^e think back a little over fifty years. It was that of Lin- coln's virtue, intelligence and investigations, judgment and decisions which characterized four millions of our fellow beings through life in God's good time who v/as sighing for a season of rest. And when the investigations were going on before Congress to abolish slavery and they finding that Lincoln's desire became more pressing for the approach of the hour for indulgence, but Congress re- solved to discontinue the habit altogether, but it was Lin- . coin well fitted to be our President, in those troublesome times and lived to force the united, and his unhesitating decision which he considered the foundation of our suc- cess. From that age we have been connected for our good and the good of the country. And to say that we were placed in the war in a practically favorable situation and 29 provided with the genuine faith for improving ourselves in the knowledge of such will be hereafter useful to the race and the country. And our influence in this small measure will be felt through generations to come. . Still lives the memory of Lincoln — forever green on the pages of history. Submitted as a memorial of one w^hose life and character deserve more than the passing history. If, however, what Lincoln has done shall be the means of directing of those for w^hich his record has been prepared to the consideration of his precepts, and above all his pre- cepts shall be the means of influencing them for good, their future course of life — their efforts will not be in vain. And today we honor those who walk in his foot- steps for the consideration of his precepts to make us fellow as a race, who ever since have been going up from the cornet of dragons of slavery to our present position. I thank you. {Prolonged cheering.) Ladies and gentlemen : V/e have with us this day to join us in our congratulations of this day, and we all know that no heart beats with more loyalty and unselfish affection, and that no one is more willing to contribute to the general rejoicing of the day, and who is trying to arouse by merc}^ and kindness in alleviating the inevit- able results of war by smothering the fire of hatred and segregation and reconstructing from the old the beautiful spirit of the new United States. I take great pride in introducing Booker T. Poindexter. Booker T. Poindexter: Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentle- men, this is one great event that recalls the birth of our freedom, while memory carries us back through the inter- vening j^ears of slavery and when circumstances threw our nation into the ungracious, unhallowed ones of de- struction and human misery. The ruling millions lost no time in declaring that the "World must be made safe for democracy." And possibly many here know w^hen the reconstruction growing out of the Civil War resulted in 30 adding the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amend- ments abolishing slavery and giving the Negro his free- dom, is universally accepted uncontested. The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendmnets, which made the Negro a cit- izen and crowned him with the intended effort of these amendments, and since that time our race has been hon- ored as mental superiority, as elevated station, as com- manding influence, as glory, as highest political honor this country on him could bestow. And today that evil of segregation is growing in a fearfully rapid ratio, and it will require the steady course of respected and honest men of this United States to prevent its spread, by influ- encing the people of this land against our race becoming its slave, and our experiences are such as to confirm us that it would be true wisdom to have done so, and a prac- tically exponent of Christian principles. And \Ye as worthy citizens can only be made to see, when the people will know more about the new reconstruction through which we are now passing must complete the work of th3 old, so that in truth and in deed as well as in words and phrases : "There shall be no discrimination on account of race or color" and time for consideration so far as may be needed. And we trust they will find no backwardness on our part in putting matters straight, as we fought and died to save Europe for democracy with our eyes lifted to the hills, undaunted and unafraid, w^e will gladly go forth to save democracy to America. And my opinion of the future must deal with the earth, then the heavens, it will have less bearing upon theory, and more on actual life. Uncle Sam does not hesitate to call his colored sons to services, while many have paid the supreme sacrifice, and we bless God for sparing the lives of those that re- turned and humbly beseech Him to crown their labor with success in the future. (CURTAIN) Q 1