The Commonwealth

THE COMMONWEALTH PUBLISHED WEEKLY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY. "Entered as second-class matter July 24, 1915, at the post-office at Baltimore, Maryland, under the Act of March 3, 1879." VOLUME I. NO 7. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, SATURDAY SEP. 4. 1915. PRICE 2 CENTS A COI Y, THE LOTT CAREY CONVENTION. Quite a number of distinguished Baptists left the city on last Tuesday for Pittsburgh, Pa., to attend the 19th annual session of the Lott Carey Baptist Convention, which assembled in that city on the first, second, and third of September. Rev. Dr. William M. Alexander, editor of "The Voice," of this city, has been, for many years, the leading spirit in that good work. Lott Carey is the name of one of the distinguished and useful Negroes born in old Virginia in the seventies. He was a most remarkable man, in many respects. He was born a slave, and by working over time not only saved enough money to purchase his own freedom, but laid aside a considerable sum for the purpose of going to Africa as a missionary. And although he occupied a responsible position in a tobacco factory in Richmond, Va., and every financial inducement was offered him to remain, he felt called of God for the work in Africa, whither he went and labored with great success. The Lott Carey Convention has for its object the prosecution of the work to which Lott Carey gave his life. The convention is not only building churches in Africa, but is sustaining a number of missionaries in that far off country. Certainly, our Baptist brethren can point with very great pride to the life and work of Lott Carey, one of the foremost Christians and pioneer constructors for the race, of his times. WEST VIRGINIA NOTES. Dr. Prouty is the female doctor of Wheeling. She is a graduate of Maharry, and is winning laurels in the town for her race, her sex, and her profession. Her services are in demand by both white and colored people. Mr. G. R. Dickerson, of Linside, Monroe county, W. Va., is among the successful farmers in this district. Together with his brother, owns 12,000 acres of land, valued at $20,000. All kinds of grains and fruits are cultivated by them. He is a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church of his town. He is the father of Prof. H. L. Dickerson, an alumnus of the State University of Ohio, and now a teacher in the Bluefield Institute. Mrs. Jane C. Lowe, of Wheeling, W. Va., president of the Cumberland District Women's Home Missionary Society, and one of the officers of the Washington Annual Conference, was among the workers. Mrs. Lowe travels the district in the interest of her work with great effect and benefit to the local organization. She is a woman of intelligence, sweet spirited and earnest. THE FOUNDERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY. It ought to be noted that there were at first many colonization organizations, viz.: The Maryland, the New York, the Boston, the Virginia and the Washington Societies. Robert Finley, Elias B. Caldwell, Samuel J. Mills, Francis S. Key and John H. B. Latrobe—associated with these were the Honorable Bushrod Washington, a nephew of George Washington, the father of his country, as the first President of the organization. Henry Clay, Thomas Jefferson, Ebenzer Burgess, Judge Tucker, of Virginia; James Monroe, who afterwards became President of the United States, and later Bishops Potter, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Henry McNeal Turner, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Louis Grannon and Booker T. Washington, who is a member of the New York Society. Many of these societies still exist in form—although their treasury is full of unexpended balances accrued from annuities left in trust for the Republic for one service or another. The American Colonization Society, domiciled in the City of Washington, the nation's capital, is responsible more than any of these other agencies, except perhaps the government of the United States for the existence of the Black Republic on the West Coast of Africa, and for this reason it is interesting to note the present corps of officers who still manifest a deep and lively interest in the welfare of the Republic. Henry L. E. Johnson, M. D., is President. Dr. Johnson has reached the point of excellence in his profession, and as evidence of confidence reposed in him by the government and people of Liberia, he was recently decorated with the insignia of Knighthood in the Human Order of African Redemption by President Howard. The other members are Paul Steman, lawyer, Secretary and Treasurer; Hon. Henry L. West, Hon. Milton E. Ailes, Hon. J. B. Reynolds, Secretary of the Republican National Committee; Messrs. J. Henry Small and Charles E. Howe, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of the American Security and Trust Company—all of Washington, D. C. AFRICAN BISHOP TO BE HONORED IN LIFE. Episcopal Board Of Missions Will Erect Buildings As Tribute To The Right Rev. S. D. Ferguson. The Episcopal Board of Missions, No. 281 Fourth avenue, has decided to aid in the erection of a building for St. Thomas' parish, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa, as a tribute to the Right Rev. Samuel David Ferguson, Bishop of the diocese of Liberia, Africa. This will be started while the prelate is alive. Bishop Ferguson, who is the first and only negro member of the House of Bishops of the American Protestant Episcopal Church, recently rounded out fifty years as a priest and thirty years as a member of the Episcopate. The see city of Bishop Ferguson is Cape Palmas. Bishop Ferguson is well known in Episcopal circles in this city. At the General Convention of the Episcopal Church held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine two years ago he was one of the most commanding figures, and the fact that he had a dark skin did not in the least hinder his voice from being heard often in the House of Bishops and at public joint meetings of the bishops and clergy. Bishop Ferguson is seventy-three years old. He was born in Charleston, S. C., but in 1848 emigrated to Liberia with his parents. New York Herald. Black men had nothing to do with the founding of the American Colonization Society, neither are they responsible for the Colony of Liberia on the West Coast of Africa. White men organized the Society and established the colony, which subsequently became the Republic of Liberia. If the enterprise has been a failure the failure must be attributed to the distinguished men who were the originators and whose standing character, learning and experience were sufficient to guar- CONSULATE GENERAL IN THE UNITED STATES THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BRAUGHT US HERE 1911 THE WOMAN'S MITE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. An Interesting Note From Bishop John Albert Johnson, of South Africa. The annual meeting of the Woman's Mite Missionary Society, of the A. M. E. Church, of this conference, will convene in Grace Church, Catonsville, Md., on September 8, 9 and 10, Mrs. L. M. Beckett, president. This organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is an exceedingly helpful and useful agency in church extension. With respect to one feature of its interesting work, we quote from a letter to Mrs. Minnie Gaines, of this city, from Bishop John Albert Johnson, of South Africa, under date of July 23d. Bishop Johnson said, in part: "Last month I received through Bishop L. J. Coppin a donation from the Woman's Mite Missionary Society, Conference Branch of Baltimore, a donation of fifty dollars. I immediately acknowledged the receipt to him, and enclosed a voucher, asking him to forward the same to the proper person in Baltimore, with my very grateful acknowledgments. He did not give me the address of the president or secretary, else I would have addressed a personal letter to her. I take the liberty, therefore, of asking you to be good enough to thank the good women of the Conference Branch in my name, and assure them of my hearty appreciation of their bounty. I am leaving for the interior, and north country in a few days, and do not expect to return to Capetown until after the Conferences are over in September. Soon thereafter, I hope to sail for England, God willing, en route to America, when I shall reach America is difficult to say, as ocean travel is now exceedingly perilous. The deadly submarine is taking enormous toll in human life and property, and expert swimming is of little avail in the broad Atlantic. The war here with the Germans terminated last week in the 'unconditional surrender' of the Germans, and about 75,000 troops are returning from the front in daily contingents. We have had a year of exceedingly trying experience." At The Johns Hopkins. The Rev. R. F. Coates, a member of the Washington Annual Conference, and the pastor at Woodville, Charles county, is at the Johns Hopkins to undergo a minor operation. At this writing he was convalescing. Mr. Coates is one of the strong men of the Conference. Before his admission into the itinerary, he was in the service of his country and saw active fighting in the Philippines; having been wounded, from which wound he is now suffering. view the Superintendent and his committee have recommended the transfer in question. To this transfer the white people of the vicinity have objected, on the usual economic grounds, that invasion of the neighborhood by colored people depreciates property. The equity and humanity of the situation are ignored for the minor consideration of dollars and cents. The recommendation of the School Committee will be submitted to the School Board for their approval or rejection. There is practically nothing that the colored people can do now to help the case. The committee who have charge of this matter have made their recommendation. They say that the colored children lack school facilities. It is up to the Board to decide and until they decide, the COMMONWEALTH is of the opinion that any effort on our part might defeat or confuse matters. Wait, therefore, until the Board decides. If it gives us No. 39 the situation will be met, and if it does not, then it will be quite time enough for us to demand equal school facilities—if not in No. 39, then somewhere else. The fight is ours indirectly, but directly it is the fight of the School Committee and the School Board. The COMMONWEALTH, therefore, advises that we wait. In The Interest of Weller. In the rooms of the Maryland Filling Machine Company, on last Monday evening, a very hearty and enthusiastic meeting of representative men was held in the interest of Mr. O. E. Weller, candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of Maryland. The meeting endorsed the candidacy of O. E. Weller for Governor; J. J. Hanson, for Clerk of the Criminal Court; Wm. H. Broening, for State's Attorney, and the entire Republican ticket. Resolutions were also unanimously adopted pledging support to the Republican City Organization, of which George W. Padgett is chairman. Lawyer W. T. Andrews, of Sumpter, S. C., is at the Johns Hopkins for nasal treatment. Mr. Andrews was editor and proprietor of The Defender before it united with The Watchman. He is a successful real estate man. He represented his district at the last Republican National Convention as delegate-at-large. Mrs. Sylvia May Jenkins, the daughter-in-law of the Rev. Dr. G. W. Jenkins, died in Youngstown, O., August 23rd. Her remains were conveyed to Parkersburg, W. Va., where the funeral was conducted from Logan Memorial M. E. Church, Rev. C. C. Gill, officiating. The services were most impressive, and the floral tributes were in abundance. On Wednesday night a week ago, while examining a new revolver, John M. Johnson, of 1234 Etting street, accidentally shot Grafton Johnson in the right shoulder. Magistrate McFaul, of Northwestern, released John Johnson on his own recognizance. Grafton is in the hospital and is doing well, and will be out in a few days. THE COMMONWEALTH. LOCAL DEPARTMENT. ARTHUR M. BRAG6 City Editor and Assist Business Manager. BRANCH OFFICES. 141 West Hill Street. 427 Aisquith Street. 408 West Hoffman Street. 623 West Lanvale Street. 507 West Lanvale Street. 1629 West Lexington Street. 1016 Druid Hill Avenue. 106 West Biddle Street. 1133 Park Avenue. 67 Winters Avenue, Catonsville. [Name] Secretary, Masonic Grand Lodge District Conference. The Annapolis District Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. C. G. Coummings district superintendent, was held at Huntington, Md., beginning on August 25th. Huntington is about 30 miles from Annapolis, and the trip was made in automobiles. The visitors were royally entertained, and "fed" until they wanted no more. The Wednesday night session was occupied with a consideration of the new financial plan. Dr. Lyon read the paper. The singing was inspiring. Thursday, a most excellent concert was rendered. The Epworth League experienced a very profitable session, Rev. Mr. Hall presiding. The next session of the District Conference will be held at Ellicott City, Md. The distinguished visitors present were: Rev. Drs. J. W. E. Bowen, I. L. Thomas and M. J. Navlor. Rockville Items. Mr. Reuben Hill, an old and well known citizen, died August 21st. Old Folks' Day was observed in Jerusalem Church, Rev. J. C. Love, pastor, on last Sunday. Mr. Gus Williams, of New York, is visiting his mother. Mrs. Margaret Frye and Mrs. Maud McRoy have returned from attendance of the Baptist B. Y. P. U. Convention at Gordonville. Dr. Lincoln Weaver is at Atlantic City for a couple of weeks. Mr. Louis Flagg and Miss Marie Payne were married about three or four months ago while students in the Pennsylvania Avenue High School, and were "re-married" recently by a priest in Philadelphia. This is a blank page. No text or images are present. Society. Mr. J. Clarence Chambers, who has been spending the summer at Brown's Grove, has returned to the city. Mrs. Nellie G. Bragg, of 1133 Park avenue, who has been sojourning for some six weeks in Virginia, has returned to the city. Misses Blanche White, Birdie Jolly, and Bessie Burke are spending their summer vacation with friends in Calvert county, near the Patuxent. Mrs. Walter S. Emerson, of 407 Robert street, was taken quite ill last week. We learn that she is slowly improving. ```markdown ``` [Name] HUGH W, SIMMONS Grand Recorder. Principal George B. Murphy, president of St. James' Male Beneficial Society, after a long and beneficial stay in the rural districts, has returned to the city. Miss Mary Bragg is on a visit to friends in Ithaca, New York. Mrs. Eliza Queen, who has been quite ill, is much improved. Mrs. Emma Brook is visiting in Wilmington, Del. Mrs. Helen Grayson has returned to the city after an enjoyable vacation. Rev. C. C. Tyler, of Madison, N. J., has been visiting friends in this city. The house-warming, in connection with the parsonage of Payne Church, 1342 North Carey street, was most successful, and Rev. and Mrs. Martin were full of smiles as they viewed the tables ladened with bundles. The Rev. J. R. Nelson, of Winchester, Md., was in the city this week, the guest of Bishop John Hurst. Miss Maggie O. Jones, of Gwyn's printery, is visiting in Elkton, the guest of Miss Hattie Hindman. Miss Iola Fisher and Miss Jennie Ellis, of East Monument street, are at Cambridge, Md. Miss Story, of Wilmington, N. C., is visiting Mr. and Mrs. William Young. Mrs. Joseph Fennell and Miss "Eliza," who have been visiting in Greensboro and Salisbury, N. C., have returned to the city. Miss Kate Gilpin, of Richmond, Va., is visiting in the city. Misses Ruth and Martha Wilborne, of Washington, D. C., have been visiting the Misses Fowler, of West Lexington street. Miss Harrison, of Lynchburg, is visiting relatives in Catonsville. Miss Ruby Young has returned to the city from Atlantic City. The Misses Mary Thomas, Mary Cook and Margaret Harper are visiting in Portsmouth, Va. Miss Wilhelmina Robinson, of Port Deposit, Md., is in the city for a week. Miss Rawlings, of Springfield, Mass., who has been the guest of Miss Addie Waller, has returned to her home. Dr. O. D. Jones and Rev. Hezekiah Brown were guests of Mrs. Ella S. Kirby, at Edgewater, Md., last Sunday. Mr. Benjamin Allen, of Atholton, Md., went to the Montgomery County Horse Show, August 19th last, and brought back the blue ribbon. His horse was classified with the driving class of horses. Mr. Nelson Holland, of Atholton, Md., aspires to become a member of the State Central Committee. Waters Church was well attended last Sunday. At the morning service Rev. Charles Stewart (J. O. Midnight) gave a most helpful sermon. In the afternoon, the pastor, Rev. Dr. Gaines, preached the annual sermon of the Uniformed Rank of Knights of Pythians. At night a union service was held, with Waters and the People's Church, and the sermon, which was a fine one, was by Rev. C. Edward Brown, pastor of the People's Church. Mrs. Mascelia J. Smith, of 1729 McCulloh street, after a delightful stay in the country, has returned to the city. Services In the Church. All during the month of August the congregation of St. James' Church, Park avenue and Preston street, worshipped in the lecture room, the new pipe organ being in progress of erection in the church. On Sunday the regular services will be resumed in the church, and the full vested choir will make their appearance after the summer vacation. The new organ is most imposing and beautiful in tone, and is a great ornament to the building. Dr. Oscar D. Jones, the Druid Hill avenue dentist, a member of the congregation, is the much beloved choirmaster, and Miss Birdie L. Valentine is the organist. Choirmaster Jones has prepared special music for the initial service. Good Work In The Easton District. Since the adjournment of the last annual conference of the A. M. E. Church, in this state, and the appointment of the Rev. S. H. Cooper presiding elder of the Easton district, there has been unusual life and activity in that section of the church. On the circuit including Preston, Md., in charge of the Rev. C. H. Williams, an additional church building has been erected, bearing the name of Todd Chapel, and a comfortable parsonage built. At Bettertown, Rev. J. N. Waters, pastor, a convenient and well-appointed parsonage has been built. And in Martintown, Talbot county, the Rev. J. T. Moloch has brought into being a brand-new congregation of African Methodists. Mt. Bethel Association. The Mt. Bethel Baptist Association which convened in Towson last week, Rev. W. Powell, pastor, was quite numerously attended by delegates from Washington, Virginia and other places, besides from many points in the State. The local congregation handsomely entertained the visitors. Among the noted visitors were Revs. Dr. Bishop Johnson and Dr. J. M. Waldron, and Miss Nannie Burroughs, of Washington. The convention made several donations of funds to Baptist literary institutions, as well as missionary purposes. It was decided to greatly aid the work of the Old Folks' Home, located in King George's county, Va. Rev. Dr. Jones Watkins, of Enon Church, this city, was re-elected moderator of the convention. All of the former officers were re-elected. Send your job printing to the office of the Commonwealth. 414 West Hoffman Street. RETURN TO THE CHURCH. RE-OPENING, 11 A. M. John Wesley Church. thePastor, Rev. Dr. Lyon will preach--subject: The Courage of Faith. 3 p. m. at Paradise Grove, the Rev.Dr. J.W.E.Bowen, vice pres ident of Gammon Theological seminary will preach. Hear this great preacher. 8 p.m. services under the Woman's Federation, Mrs Emma J. Truxon in charge. The Camp meeting continues at the Grove all during the month of September at 3 p.m.on each Sunday. NOTICE. St. James A. M. E Church, Stewardville, or Gravely Hill. will be re-opened on the 3rd and 4th Sundays of September, 19th and 26th. at which time Rev. J. D. Banks, of Port Deposit, choir and congregation, will be with us; and also Rev. F. S. Dennis of Berkely, with his choir and congregation. On the fourth Sunday the Odd Fellows of Havre de Grace will be with us. We have also invited the Lodge at Darlington; and we have further invited Dr.I.N Ross of Baltimore and Revs. William Chew and C. H. Murray. Services during the week. Rev. J. W. Wing, Pastor SPECIAL NOTICE. Sample copies of the Commonwealth have been sent to a limited number of select persons. If such persons desire the continuance of the Commonwealth remittance of the subscription price is immediately necessary. Remittances should be made to THE COMMONWEALTH, 414 West Hoffman St., Baltimore Md. WATERS A. M. E. CHURCH Rev. A L. Gaines. D. D. Pastor, 11 A. M. Sermon by the Pastor. 2;30 P.M. Sunday School session. 8 P. M. Sermon and Sacramental service by the Pastor. J. F. Waters, Superintendent J. W. Woodhouse, Secretary. CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS CARNIVAL. PARADISE GROVE. LABOR DAY SEP. 6. SPEAKERS. Rev. A. Willbank. Washington- Rev. Dr. J.W.E. Bowen, Atlanta, The Boys' Scout Will Drill. W. H. TRUSTY, The old Reliable Shoemaker has opened up business at 952 Druid Hill Ave., opposite Children's Day Nursery. Open from 6 A. M. to 8.30 P. M. Saturday to 11.30 P. M. Your patronage solicited. MOORE'S RESTAURANT George C. Moore, Proprietor FIRST-CLASS SERVICE 1018 Druid Hill Ave. At Oxford St. BALTIMORE, MD. Phone, Mt. Vernon 1823 Ice Cream and Light Lunches. MRS. E. A. JOHNS, 1136 W. Lexington St. First-Class Service. Phone, Gilmor 3700-M. First Class Service Oysters and Game in Season Open 7 A. M. Until 2 P. M. 933 Druid Hill Ave. Telephone Mt. Vernon 4525-M Walter Jones, Proprietor. Meals at All Hours THE BALTIMORE HOUSE. (Formerly 504 South 16th St.) Newly Appointed Rooms for Permanent or Transient Guests. Special Lunch for Business People, served from 12 to 6. 1438 Lombard St. Phila, Pa. Mrs. L. L. Waters, Prop. JAMES WILSON & CO. Dealers in Diamonds, Jewelry, Ladies' and Gents' Clothing, and Furniture of all kinds. Cash or Credit. Office. 403 N. Eden St. Phone. Wolfe 1577-Y. James Wilson, President; B. H. Harris, Treasurer, and R. P. Green, Manager. Wm. Fredericks. Elias Robinson. THE BALTIMORE COMMERCIAL COMPANY. 906 Druid Hill Ave. Dealers in Blankets, Comforts, Spreads, etc. Spring Mattresses and General Housefurnishing Goods. Window Shades Made to Order. Cash or Credit. We Lead-Others Follow carry a Full Line of Human Hair Combings made in Puffs and Braids MADAME J. CREDITT'S Hair Dressing, Face Massage and Manicuring Parlors 1140 Druid Hill Avenue Entrance on Dolphin St., 2nd Floor. JOSEPH A. MARSHALL The Afro-American Marble & Granite Worker All Kinds of Marble and Granite Work Solicited 033 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore, Md. 1404 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Book. Job and Commercial, Phone Madison 3969-Y. CHARLES CARROLL. NEWSDEALER, 1134 Druid Hill Avenue. ALEXANDER WILLIAMS, BARBER, 1127 Pennsylvania Avenue. S. A. ROBERTSON. Hauling of all Kinds. 228 W. Biddle St. --- Attorneys and Councellors at Law 21 E. SARATOGA STREET, BALTIMORE MD. Phone' St. Paul 3966. ARTHUR N. ROGERS Real Estate and Fire Insurance. LOANS NEGOTIATED. ROOM 2, 21 E. SARATOGA ST. FOR FIRST CLASS DENTAL WORK GO TO DR. OSCARD. JONES SURGEON DENTIST. 1405 DRUID HILL AVENUE. ANYTHING IN THE DRUG LINE. Get it at Popular Prices. STOKES & DERRY macy, 1016 Druid Hill Av Corner of Oxford Street, JOSEPH P. EVANS, 106 W. BIDDLE STREET, Hair Cutting and Shaving AMUEL T. HEMSLE PERSONSOR TO ALEXANDER HEMSLE Undertaker and Embalmer West Biddle St. Never C Pharmacy, 1016 Druid Hill Avenue, Corner of Oxford Street, JOSEPH P. EVANS. 106 W. BIDDLE STREET. Hair Cutting and Shaving. SAMUEL T. HEMSLEY, SUCCESSOR TO ALEXANDER HEMSLEY. Undertaker and Embalmer, 578 West Biddle St. Never Closed. 'PHONE MT. VERNON 2578. JOHN H. TOADVIN the Leading Undertakers of Reliable and up to date, Popular price upward. Uptown Office; 826 Druid Hill Town Office, 142 W. Hill St, 'PHONES: 570 Cannon 5138. TOADVIN Always Gives Sati- UNT ZION CEMETERY THE BALTIMORE A. M. E. CONFERENCE will be purchased on Installment. Payment Buss runs every Sunday for the benefit of away, 5 cents. Good employment for ener- male. City Office: 414 W, Hoffman St. m. to 3p. m. D. G. HILL, Pres. A. L. G. EVERY HOME SHOULD POSSESS A COPY MEN OF MARYLAND History of the Colored People of Maryland in the family should be encouraged to learn Women of Maryland have done in the past, JOHN H. TOADVIN One of the Leading Undertakers of the city Prompt, Reliable and up to date. Popular prices from $25 and upward. Uptown Office; 826 Druid Hill Avenue, Downtown Office, 142 W. Hill St, 'PHONES: 5769 Y and Mt. Vernon 5138, TOADVIN Always Gives Satisfaction. MOUNT ZION CEMETERY, OF THE BALTIMORE A. M. E. CONFERENCE. Lots may be purchased on installment. Payments weekly or monthly. Buss runs every Sunday for the benefit of the patrons. Fare, each way, 5 cents. Good employment for energetic persons, male or female. City Office: 414 W, Hoffman St. Office hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p. m. D. G. HILL, Pres. A. L. GAINES, sec. MEN OF MARYLAND It is a History of the Colored People of Maryland. The Boys and girls in the family should be encouraged to learn what Colored Men and Women of Maryland have done in the past. Address the Author REV. GEORGE F. BRAGG, D. D., 1133 Park Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.