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Harlem, Manhattan Negro city, was full of noise and shouting, wind and rain. Flags, strung across thronged streets, dropped in a cold summer storm. A chilly wind blew around corners, where people talked and laughed, lifting the sound of their voices and blowing it into a high gusty silence. Before long a parade came down the street. The drums sounded brisk and forlorn, the loud trumpets and cymbals quavered in the wind. The gay strident uniforms had dulled to a streaky brown, but the paraders shouted and did a Charleston all the same. Watchers laughed when a big, fat, black bandsman dropped his plumed hat and had to sit down on the street before he could pick it up again. They laughed when a young woman marcher tried to do a high kick and fell down on her back. Every now and then someone would dash out from the sidewalk to shake hands with a friend in the merry, moving lines. The two would mumble or shout their greetings, intricately clasp big fists, then scuffle apart, embarrassed by cheering. Finally the paraders reached the New York Oval, turned their coat collars up and scuttled for speak easies or for home.
This was on the second day of the I. B. P. O. E. of W.* convention.
On the first day Acting Mayor McKeef had welcomed Negro Elks to the City with these words: "This is the greatest city for Negroes in the world!" On ensuing days the behavior of members of the I. B. P. O. E. of W. became less extravagantly conventional. Harlem newspapers made comments, elections were held, plans were discussed, speeches were made.
Advice. Advertisement inserted in the New York Amsterdam News (Negro weekly published daily during the convention:)
TIMELY "DON'TS" FOR VISITORS
Safety First
DON'T forget your residence, floor and apartment, and don't forget to go to it.
DON'T stick your head or arms out of train or trolley windows.
DON'T try to board a car when it is moving, or get off before it stops.
DON'T sleep in trolley, elevated or subway trains.
DON'T fall for every man or woman who looks good to you.
Care of Your Money
DON'T display large bills or show your pocketbook in public. Have small change for getting about town.
DON'T let it be known that you carry large sums of money on you.
DON'T make change for any body; let him get it elsewhere.
DON'T ask strangers for change; have nothing to do with them, especially if they try to work the old pocketbook trick on you.
Manners
DON'T argue with conductors or motormen.
DON'T smoke in cars, trains or stations unless there is a place especially provided for it.
DON'T fail to give your seat to elderly people.
DON'T wear turbans or other insignia of your order in public, except in a parade or other official occasion.
Drinks
DON'T drink too much at one time.
DON'T carry liquor in your pocket.
DON'T leave your drinks exposed.
Amsterdam News
DON'T fail to visit the Amsterdam News.
Elections. J. Finley Wilson of Washington, D. C., was re-elected for the sixth time Grand Exalted Ruler of the Improved Benevolent Protective order of Elks of the world. Other officers were elected: Grand Secretary, Grand Esteemed Leading Knight, Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Grand Treasurer.
Plans. Next year's convention will be held in Chicago. More lodges, more temples will be erected, more Elks will be initiated.
Speeches. Said Dr. William J. Thompkins of Kansas City: