/CHARLOTTE MESSENGER.
Publlshod every Saturday at Charlotte, N. C.
By W. C. Smith.
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THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.
The 25th anniversary of the Eman
cipation Proclamation was celebrated
on last Monday by the colored citi
zens as never before. It was the
largest and best celebration wc have
ever seen here by our people, and it
speaks volumes for them, showing
that they have not forgotten and still
appreciate the patriotism, heroism and
Christianity of the noble abolitionists
and martyrs in the great struggle that
made us freemen.
All civilized nations have their
days to celebrate, aud almost all of
thorn arc in commemoration of days
on which they were to some extent
relieved of burdens and made better
and freer men. Then why should wc
not celebrate this our emancipation
day ? The day on which wc were
freed from the most inhuman slavery
ever known on earth. Days yet fresh
in the memory of thousands of free
men who were once slaves.
The first of January is an appro
priate day for several reasons : It is
the beginning of the calendar year,
and it was on that day that the slaves
were generally sold, hired and forcibly
separated from each other often for the
last time. It was on that day that
thousands of British slaves were set
free, etc. Other days might give us
pleasanter weather, but the first of
January is the day for us to celebrate
above all others. Every town and
village and hamlet in the United
States should assemble every military
and civil organization, every church
congregation and every individual of
color, and appropriately celebrate this
our day of freedom.
Let us offer up prayer and thanks
to Him who brought us out of the
wilderness and if we continue to trust
Him, will make us what we ought to
be. Let us be merry in song, and
good will to all men. Wc should
make this a day of praise and rejoic
ing. Let us praise Him with the
psalter and the harp and the instru
ment with teu strings. Let us sing
psalms and anthems and the merry
songs of Zion.
Last Monday broke upon us beau
tifully bright and clear and pleasant.
We could not have had a nicer day of
our own ordering. It had been an
nounced that the day would be appro
priately celebrated by the citizens,
assisted by the Light Infantry and the
Neptune firemen. Soon after two
o’clock drums were heard on the
streets and glittering guns and blight
blue uniforms were seen moving to
ward the firemen’s hall, and then a
line of march was formed by four
marshals on horseback. The proces
sion was led by the Steel Creek brass
band; then the Charlotte Light In
fantry. commanded by Capt. G. J.
Toole, Neptune Hand Fire Engine
Company, Capt, M. C. Taylor; citi
zens on foot, carriage drawn by four
blacks, with the orator and essayist.
Promptly at three o’clock all had
reached the First Baptist church.
There waiting, was a grand choir,
made up of members from the different
church choirs in the city, under the
direction of l’rof. J. E. Hattley. Mr.
James Smith, of Clinton Chapel, pre
sided at the organ, while Mr. Phil.
Claiborne, of Clinton and Mrs. Millie
Johnson, of the First Baptist, led the
soprano voices. Mr. Lee Wilson’s
tenor was excellent and specially no
ticed by all present. The music was
well selected and well rendered.
Dr. J. T. Williams as master of
ceremonies, called the house to order
and prayer was offered by Bev. J. A.
Tyler. After music by the choir, the
Emancipation Proclamation as issued
by President Abraham Lincoln, was
read by Mr. Napoleon IS. Houser.
Then the choir rendered another fine
piece and Miss Minnie It. Sumner
read with much force and to thegrnti-
fication of all, a poem—“ The Yankee
Girl.” It was then we were all car
ried away in song—The anthem,
“Praise ye the Lord,” was sung to
perfection.
Rev. E. M. Collett was then intro
duced and spoke about one hour and
twenty minutes. In this time he said
many wise and good things. Every
body seemed delighted with the
speech, and Rev. Collett did credit to
the occasion and to himself and made
many strong friends.
At the close of the exercises the
soldiers and firemen marched back to
their balls, and at 8 o’clock the fire
men joined the military in a levee at
which the hall was packed and good
order prevailed. Too much cannot
be said in praise of the managers of
the celebration: J. M. Goode, C. R.
Moore, R. T. Wcddington, J. D.
Gosprey and others. A new perma
nent committee was appointed for next
January, with Lieut. C. S. L. A.
Taylor chairman.
'y' ANOTHER BRUTE LYNCHED.
And still the brutish work of Judge
Lynch goes on. But this time a white
man is lynched by colored men, for an
outrage upon a colored woman Wc
have always contended that lynching
is wrong and should be stopped.
Heretofore such outrages have been
almost exclusively against colored
men. Wo condemn white men for
lynching and we condemn colored
men for the same But what can the
white press of the South say about it?
The Chronicle starts out by saying it
was a weak minded man. Don’t the
Chronicle know that any “negro
brute” who attempts such an outrage
is “weak minded?” The Chronicle
and its brothers of the quill will learn
some day how to treat these cases.
Men who commit outrages upou wo
men must be punished, but not by
lynch law. Lynchers must be pun
ished and the press must condemn
them- —white as well as black.
If white men are' justifiable in
lynching a negro for a certain crime,
then black men are justifiable in
lynching a white man for the same.
Colored men have borne these great
wrongs very patiently many years. A
spirit of retaliation is growing—and
who can blame the colored man ?
Don’t we love our women as dearly as
the white men love theirs ? And
should we not give life and take life
for them if necessary ? If it is right
for white men to kill and die for their
women, it is right for the black man
to kill and die for his own.
Let us see that we respect our own
and all other women and that our
women respect themselves and deserve
the respect of men, then let us do
our duty by them as white men do
by theirs—let us respect them. All
rapers should be hung. Our intelli
gence is worth nothing to us if wc
havs not manhood to protect our
females.
Wc do not advise nor encourage
lynching, because it is a crime, but
we advise and urge upon colored men
everywhere to see that our women arc
protected against the vile of our owu
and low “weak minded” white men.
When oue of our ladies is insulted,
see that the brute is punished, whether
he be black or white. We have in
our towns some colored brutish pimps
who deserve a rope about their necks
—they should be watched, spurned
and driven out of the community.
GLEANINGS FROM FAYETTEVILLE.
During the Holidays.
The weather was quite favorable
during the holidays.
Dr. Hood preached an excellent ser
mon at Evan’s Uliapel, (Zion) on
Christmas morning. In the afternoon
Rev. A. Mclver, filled the pulpit and
atnightßcv. F. B. House also preach
ed a poweaful sermon.
The Christmas tree at Evan’s Chap
el was largely attended and the tree
was ladcned with presents for the little
ones as well as the grown folks.
Miss Katie Council is spending the
holidays with relatives and friends in
Wilmington.
Mr. L. H. Galloway and Miss Liz
zie Kelley is also in Wilmington.
On the morning of the 22d, ult.
quite a neat but quiet marriage cere
mony was performed ill Evan’s Chapel
at eight o’clock Miss Mary .1. Wil
liams nf Fayetteville to Mr. A. B.
Smith of Goldsboro. Rev. J. M. Hill
officiating. After the.ceremony the
happy bridal couple wended their way
to the depot, followed by a host of
friends there to bid adieu to home
and friends for a while. Miss Williams
is quite an estimable young lady and
by her winning ways has won many
friends. They spent awhile is Wilson
and from there they go to Goldsboro,
the grooms home. May happiness at
tend them through life.
Several sudden deaths during the
holidays. One young man froze to
death Christmas eve night. We do
not know his name. Another was
drowned the same week.
On the 23d ult. the Stewardesses
of Evan’s Chapel gathered and gave
the pastor what was called a Christ
mas surprise.
We cannot remember when there
have not been a festival during the
holidays before until this Christmas.
It seemed as if every body had pre
pared their own cakes aud other edi
bles and would have their own enjoy
ment. We certainly appreciated that
step and wish another would be made.
The Christmas tree at the Episcopal
Church was largely attended also, and
the tree as usual was full of both use
ful and ornamental things. The
Church was handsomely decorated.
Mr J. H. Hannan of Tarboro was
in the city a few days ago.
Watch-meeting was held at Ziom
Church Saturday night.
Little Maud Hood is confined to her
bed again, and seems to suffer much
from pains.
The A. M. E. Church was filled
with a large audience on Monday
night to witness the Christinas tree.
Mr. G. C. Scurlock having pur
chased a very valuable house and lot
in the north western part of the city
on Chatham St. will move on the 4th
inst.
The members of the Cape Fear
Lodge,lndependent Order of Good
Templars, gave a New Years Feast at
their Lodge room on the night of the
Ist inst. Quite a number of visiting
friends were present, they were high
lycntcrtaincd by addresses from sever
al of its members. Space will not
permit us to give the names of the
speakers but one of the speakers which
won the attention of the house was
Mrs. Sarah McLaurin ; she addressed
the house with as much bravery as did
some of our modern heroes. Supper
was served at 11:30. Music enliven
ed the occasion.
The New Year Ball was largely at
tended and all who part icipatc in such
amusements injoyed the affair. It
was conducted by some of our best
young men of the city. Messrs. H.
M. Cain and W. C. Waddell.
Quite a startling sensation was cre
ated in the town on Monday evening,
the stabbing of a man, by one of our
citizens Mr. Cornelius Waddell, both
colored. We have not learned par
ticulars as yet.
Emancipation Day was duly ob
served here. Quite a number of
citizens from the country came to
town in honor of the day. The ex
excises were held at Masonic hall,
which was filled with patriots of the
race. After the house was called to
order by the Chairman. Mr F. P.
Williston, Rev. J. M. Hill couducted
the devotional exercises. The Eman
cipation Proclamation was then read
by Prof. G. H. Williams ; a short ad
dress was then delivered by Mr. R.
McN. Williams. The orator of the
day, Prof. P. H. Brown, was then
introduced by Mr. H. M. Cain. Space
aud time will not even permit a syuop
sis of the address, but suffice it to
say it was a grand treat, and con
tained instructions to all who heard
it. It was not one of those spread
eagle flights, but it abounded in
solid matter. To show the address
was highly appreciated cau only be
judged by the frequent applause
during its delivery and the close.
Long may our people appreciate the
day. A new manuging committee,
with Mr. G. C. Scurlock as chairman
for the next year, was selected, after
which the exercises of the duy closed.
Again wc arc spured to see the birth
of another new year. Those figures
which have been so familiar to us
during the last twelve months fupon
our calendars and letter heads) givoß
place to a new one; the year 1887
becomes a thing of the past, and 1888
takes its place in the living present.
Let us look back for a moment and
see what we have accomplished. Os
one thing we arc certain, while an
other year has been added to the age
of this old world of ours, it has
added another year to the brief span
of our earthly existence, and that we
are one year nearer the end of our
earthly existence, one’year nearer the
cud of our earthly life, and that wc
have one year less to develop the
powers and faculties which a wise and
bencficient Creator has given us. One
year less in which to fit ourselves for
that purer, higher and nobler life to
which we hope to attain. During
this new year let us turn over a new
leaf in the book of our every-day
life ; let us cherish friendly feelings
for our fellow-man. And that this
year may bring each one of us happi
ness and joy. Maky.
New England Letter.
Ed. Messknokk —True as promised,
we employ a part of our holiday
pleasure in furnishing you a few
items, which we trust will prove in
teresting. It is needless to say that
our trip to Bridgeport was delightful.
The hospitalities of friends in Wash
ington, D. C., attested in no equivo
cal manner their ability to entertain
visitors and make them comfortable;
in no less degree, however, can we
refer to friends in Salisbury, to whom
we feel very grateful.
Wc arrived and made our initial
bow on the 18th of December, and
up to this writing indications are that
everything will be tranquil.
Bridgeport is a city of no mean
consideration. It numbers in popu
lation between forty-five and fifty
thousand, and its buildings are of
modern improvement. The colored
population numbers about 800, and
among them there are three church
organizations—Zion, Bethel, and Bap
tist—of which Zion is in the lead.
The Seaside Park, with which P.
T. Barnum, the great circus exhibitor,
has had much to do, adds wonderfully
to the beauty of the city. Being on
the main line from New York to Bos
ton, and at the terminus of three
other important lines, besides the
steamboat line Bridgeport affords
splendid accommodations for travel.
Prejudice between the races can be
scarcely observed, save in one or two
eating saloons and two or three bar
bershops, Public carriers arc open
to all respectable people alike. One
third of our congregation, generally,
is of respectable whites, notwith
standing it is to hear our "brother in
black.”
The New Englanders are enjoying
the Xmas holidays hugely. Unfor
tunately for us, we either arrived too
late for an introduction to “Uncle
Nick,” or he hasn’t had time to call
on us, is why we arc not the recipient
of a portion of the burden with which
he is so “heavily laden.” Neverthe
less, we’ll prefer no charges against
him, as he may take a notion to come
some day.
There has been a greater outlay for
public pleasure in the city than ever
before in its history, as some of the
oldest citizens testify. The illumi
nation of the streets this week con
stitute the chief attraction. Thou
sands of sightseers collect evening
after evening to enjoy the scene. The
manner of the illumination is pleasing
if not unique. Garlands of cvcr
greeu are festooned across the princi
pal streets nt an appropriate distance
and gas jets covered with different
colored globes arc ignited from above
the arches, while Chinese lanterns arc
luminous below
His Excellency, Governor Louns
burg, his honor, Mayor Fones, Hon.
D. M. Reed, and Col. Andersou were
the especial party that graced the
archers; they were drawn in a fine
equipage by four handsome gray
horses. A platoon of police formed
the vanguard, followed by the city
orchestra. The Governor was kept
busy bowing his acknowledgements
to the cheers which greeted him. We
were invited and spent Monday
evening last in a musical at the resi
dence of Mr. J E. Stevens, a mem
ber and trustee of Zion Cliuach, and
the wealthiest man of color in Bridge
port. The music was, indeed, excel
lent . Miss Corn flawlev. the aeeotn-
E. M,ANDREWS,
Has th«* Largest ami Most Complete Stock of
FURNITURE
In North Carolina.
COFFINS & METALLIC CASES.
Pianos and Qrgans
Os the Best Makes on the Installment Plan. Low Prices and Easy Terms.
Send for Prices.
Chickering Pianos, Arion Pianos,
Bent Pianos, Mathnshek Pianos,
Mason & Hamlin Pianos.
Mason & Hamlin Organs, Day State
Organs, Packard Organs,
E. M. ANDREWS, : : : A. (Jlajlottu, X. C.
T H IE
Messenger
is published every Saturday at
CHARLOTTE, - - N. C.,
in the interests of the
COLORED PEOPLE
AND THE
REPUBLICAN PA RT Y.
it is the only Republican paper in the
Western end of the sixth
Congressional Distrcit.
Subscription, $1.50 per year.
W. C. Smith,
Editor and Proprietor,
panist, and Mr. Walter Stevens, the
cornetist, both performed their parts
superbly. The singing by Mrs. Hart
was grand. The chief characteristic
in the social gatherings is vocal and
instrumental music.
At a recent concert at the Zion
Church, Miss Adelina Saunders, of
New Haven, one of the leading elo
cutionists of New England, played a
very conspicuous part. She received
quite a number of encores.
We will close for the present for
want of space. Hope the Messkngeii
a merry Xmas and many happy new
years. G. L. Bi.ackwki.i-,
No. 8 Gregory street,
Bridgeport, Conn.
A. W. Calvin,
—DEALER IN —
Family Groceries
of all kinds. Country Produce al
ways on hund. CHICKENS, EGGS, BUT
TER and all kinds of VEGETABLES and
FRUITS.
Free delivery to all parts of the city.
H B KENNEDY,
DKALKR IK
Confectioneries, Fancy and
Staple Groceries.
Chickens, Eggs, Butter, Vegeta
bles, and all kinds of Country Produce.
Everything kept in a well regulated
Grocery Store. Fine Fruits a speci
alty. No. 803 South Graham street,
Charlotte, X. C.
BOARDING HOUSE,
CON(' Olt I), N . C .
The traveling public will Is- accommo
dated with comfortable rooms and board.
House situated on Delsit street, in front of
the Seminary, near depot, and convenient
to all visitors. Terms reasonable.
J. K. JOHNSTON.
~r~~> 11BBER STAMP, with your
1 1 1 \j name in Fancy Type, 25
visiting cards, and India Ink to mark
Liuen. 25 for cents (stamps.) Book
of 2000 styles fret with each order
Agents wanted. Big Pay. Thalma.
M’r’o Co., Baltimore, Md
Charlotte, N. C.
VIRGINIA HOUSE.
CHARLOTTE , -V. V.
Accommodations furnished travelers sit
reasonable rates. Comfortable beds and
rooms. House located in the central and
business part of the city. Table furnished
with the Vst of the market. Meals at all
hours.
J. M. GOODE, - Proprietor.
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
BRANCH HOUSE,
l. r si Market Street, next to Academy of Musie,
CHARLESTON, S.
First Season will ho opened July 1, ’ST.
First-Class Board and Accommodations at
reasonable rates. P. M. THORNE,
Proprietor.
QAVE MONEY »
IO and
DISAGREEABLE CONTROVERSIES !
with agents who persuade you to send oil’
your little pictures to New York to have them
enlarged and framed. You ran have all this
sort of work done at home much better and
just as cheap, notwithstanding the salsa asset
tions these agents make to you, by calling at
H. ItAI MOAHTEVS
Photograph : # Gallery.
Charlotte. N. C.
Dr. J. T. Williams
Offer* his professional services to the gen
eral public.
Office hours from 9 to 10 a. m. 2 to 3
p. m. Ofllicc No. 24 West 4th, street.
Night calls from residence No. 508
South K. street, Charlotte. N. C.
HENDERSON'S
BARBER SHOP !
THE OLDEST AND BEST.
Kxperieneed and fsilite workmen alway.-
rriuly to wail on customers. Here you will
get a A’AM 7 HAIR CRT and CLEAN
ERA VE.
JOHN S. HE Nil fen SON.
East Trade Str< of. Charlotte. V. C.