Gilmore's Band played the "Star-Spangled Banner," and the audience
cheered. The tune changed to "Dixie" and the audience roared with
shrill "hi-yis." Again the music changed, this time to "Yankee
Doodle," and the clamour lessened.
All this time the eyes of the thousands present looked
straight at the Negro orator. A strange thing was to happen. A
black man was to speak for his people, with none to interrupt him.
As Professor Washington strode to the edge of the stage, the low,
descending sun shot fiery rays through the windows into his face.
A great shout greeted him. He turned his head to avoid the
blinding light, and moved about the platform for relief. Then he
turned his wonderful countenance to the sun without a blink of the
eyelids, and began to talk.
There was a remarkable figure; tall, bony, straight as a Sioux
chief, high forehead, straight nose, heavy jaws, and strong,
determined mouth, with big white teeth, piercing eyes, and a
commanding manner. The sinews stood out on his bronzed neck, and
his muscular right arm swung high in the air, with a lead-pencil
grasped in the clinched brown fist. His big feet were planted
squarely, with the heels together and the toes turned out.
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