for
the free and full discussion of those questions, relating to the
administration of our public affairs, that are now engaging the
attention of the people; and this fact was greatly appreciated both
by the speakers and the people.

"At the forenoon session James R. Crabtree presided with commendable
grace and dignity. The Declaration of Independence was read in a
very entertaining and impressive manner by Miss Malinda Hall, who
has been an efficient helper in the work of the Academy, since its
reopening two years ago. The principal address at this session was
delivered by Rev. Wiley Homer, of Grant, a large, well built man
with a strong voice, who for many years has been a capable and
trusted leader among the Freedmen of this section. Others that
participated were Johnson Shoals, of Valliant, who has been pursuing
a course of study at the Iowa State Agricultural college, Ames,
Iowa, and W. J. Wehunt, one of the prominent business men of
Valliant.

"At the afternoon session Isaac Johnson, a natural born orator,
presided and, both in his address and happy manner of introducing
the speakers, enlivened the occasion with unexpected sallies of
natural mother wit and eloquence. Rev. W. H. Carroll, of Garvin,
one of the instructors of the Academy, discussed in an able manner a
number of questions relating to the educational and church work
among the negroes; and he was followed by Prof. P. A. Parish, of
Idabel, the well-known "Kansas negro," but of full-blood African
descent, who seemed at his best in the discussion of current and
local public questions.

"Rev. Wiley Homer presided at the evening session and the address was
delivered by Rev. Chas. C. Weith, of Ardmore. This address, delivered in
the cool of the evening, marked the climax of interest. In an eloquent
and forceful manner he recalled the events that led to the first
declaration of independence, which was for the freedom of the soul by
Luther in Germany in 1517; traced the growth of this sentiment in other
countries until it found its expression in the Declaration of
Independence for the citizen, by our forefathers in 1776; and pressed
the urgent need of Godliness on the part of every American citizen, in
order to have the highest type of patriot and to insure the permanency
of our civil and religious liberty. This address was a rare