After other interesting exercises, including an
invocation from Bishop Nelson, of Georgia, a dedicatory ode by
Albert Howell, Jr., and addresses by the President of the
Exposition and Mrs. Joseph Thompson, the President of the Woman's
Board, Governor Bullock introduce me with the words, "We have
with us to-day a representative of Negro enterprise and Negro
civilization."
When I arose to speak, there was considerable cheering,
especially from the coloured people. As I remember it now, the
thing that was uppermost in my mind was the desire to say
something that would cement the friendship of the races and bring
about hearty cooperation between them. So far as my outward
surroundings were concerned, the only thing that I recall
distinctly now is that when I got up, I saw thousands of eyes
looking intently into my face. The following is the address which
I delivered:--
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Board of Directors and
Citizens.
One-third of the population of the South is of the Negro race. No
enterprise seeking the material, civil, or moral welfare of this
section can disregard this element of our population and reach
the highest success. I but convey to you, Mr. President and
Directors, the sentiment of the masses of my race when I say that
in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been
more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of
this magnificent Exposition at every stage of its progress.
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