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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 1921)
p^n The Monitor p^p A NATIONAL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS ___THE REV- J0HN ALBERT WILLIAMS, Editor_ $3.00 a Year. 10c a Copy OMAHA. NEBRASKA. JANUARY 192j Vol- VI. No. 28 (Whole No. 288) UPWARD ANlT ONWARD STILL% THINE ENDEAVOR GOVE, vn MESSAGE STk,\ DOCUMENT McKelvie Presents Comprehei. <; Constructive Program to State Legislature—Deals With J^aw Enforcement Reform and to Other Important Measures—Advocates Loans to Ex-Service Men and for Home Building. CITIZENS OF STATE INDEPENDENT I’rges That Legislative Acts Be Stimulated by a Desire to Serve All the People Without Regard to Class. Race or Creed— The Governor Would Discourage the Enactment of New Laws to Needlessly Cumber Statute Books. I ____ LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 6.—A compre hensive program dealing with •criminals and parole legislation, sol otter relief, agriculture, and more stringent regulations governing the Rale of securities were among the thlngR outlined by Governor Samuel R. McKelvie In his message to the legislature this afternoom^The gov ernor reported that departments or rganlzed under the civil administrative rode had saved $13."i,fi44.80. which would be returned to the various 'funds at the end of the biennium. It was asserted that this is the first time Sn years that the cost of government in these departments has been kept within the appropriations made by the legislature. Governor McKelvie urged that Just as few new laws be enacted as pos sible, stating that “our statute books are encumbered now with laws that ■ar» obsolete and unenforceable.” He also urged that ’‘our legislative acts •be stimulated by a desire to serve all the people without regard to class, race or creed. We must constantly bear in mind,” he said, “that regard less of vocation, station or religion, ■♦her* exists among us a bond of inter dependence which means that when an imposition is worked upon the least of us, the Ills that result are felt by the rest of us." Law Enforcement Legislation The governor would change the parole law so that only first offenders .could be paroled, and he would leave It to the courts whether the sentence should be determinate or indeterm inate. He would also remove .from the list of parolable offenses all crimes or attempts at crime against the person, especially crimes against women. For mal applications for parole would have to be made in writing, and all hearings of the board of pardons and paroles would be public. It was rec ommended that capital punishment be abolished, but that no one should be permitted to alter the sentence of the court for such crimes. ft was a very remarkable fact, how ever, that of those on parole during the last biennium, only 6 per cent vio lated their paroles by committing oth er offenses, which is believed to be the smallest percentage of parole vlo lations in the history of the state, the governor presented the following table, showing the number of pardons Issued during the two-year periods for the last ten years, indicating the small number of paroles that have been made during the last two years: 1911-1913-1915-1917-1919 1912 1914 1916 1918 1920 Pardons ... 32 2 1 3 3 Commuta tions .... 16 2 3 13 4 Furloughs 1 37 30 23 12 Paroles ...114 361 428 590 306 In order that first offenders might not be imprisoned with hardened crim Inals, it was recommended thnt a r*e: formatory be built. The governor recommended that the use of prison labor on the roads be extended. Out of the 103 men bo em ployed last year, only four attempted to escape. It was recommended that a bureau of investigation be established In the department of Justice, along the same lines as the federal government pro vides. For Soldier Belief Important recommendations which will Interest every former soldier are that loans be fade to ex-service men and women for the building of homes. The governor recommended that the school lands of the state be sold and Governor S>. R. McKelvie the money turned into this fund. It was also recommended that more ade quate provision he made for former soldiers who are ill or incapacitated. An Agricultural Program The ’ recommendations dealing with agriculture were largely secured through conferences with various groups of farmers, just as other rec ommendations were fade as the result of public conferences held at the state house the last month. Among the rec ommendations dealing with agricul ture are the following: That no concern be permitted to use the term “co-operative" unless it Is organi’ed under and within the co operative law's of Nebraska. Organization of banks on a purely co-operative basis should be legalized. That further encouragement he given to county farm bureaus. Securities and ltnnkinu: The governor gave attention to the sale of securities ir this state. “After securities have been legitimately sold under the authority of the state, it is not unusual that companies have been systematically robbed from within,” said the governor. “Consequently, If the stale Is going to assume responsi bility in these matters, it is just as important that it should be given au thority over the conduct of these con cerns after they- are organized as it is to authorize the sale of their securi ties." Among the recommendations for a law regulating Insurance companies was one requiring insurance com panies organized under the laws of the state "to have as executive offi cers ones who are known to be capable of running the affairs of an Insurance company.” Labor and Legislation The governor, In his message, point ed out that the amount of money paid to Injured employes under the work man’s compensation law has grown from $51,167 In 1915 to $549,213 In 1920. It was recommended that em ployes In the public service have the same protection under the act ag those that are now employed In private In dustrles. It was also recommended I hat occupational diseases should be made compensable. In regard to the matter of the es tablishment of an Industrial court, the governor said that he was “not pre pared to recommend such legislation at this time, unless such a body should be provided to sit in a purely Inqulsl torlal capacity. Child Welfare The governor gave attention to child welfare and recommended that a spe cial committee be created upon this FORMAL OPENING OF T. W. C. A. CENTER ! A Large Audience Present at Dedica tory Exercises Sunday Afternoon— Impossible for All to Gain Admit tance. _• | GREAT INTEREST IS SHOWN An assemblage numbering more than 500 persons attended the formal opening and dedication of the colored branch of the Young Women's Chris tlan association building last Sunday afternoon. Neither the spacious audi torium nor the adjacent rooms into which the people crowded would ac commodate the throng. Many were unable to gain admittance. The program as published In last week’s Monitor was carried out with a few minor changes. Miss Frankie B. Watkins, secretary of the branch. In a brief, well-chosen address stated the objects and pro gram of the association, what the newly established center hoped to ac complish. voiced gratitude to all who had worked for the establishing and housing of the center, expressed the heart felt Joy that all felt for the fruition of their hopes and the answer to their prayers. She then presented the Rev. W. F. Botts, who presided. Responsive reading was led by the Rev. Thomas A. Taggart, a violin solo was given bv Miss Evelyn Battles, re sponsive prayers were read by the Rev: Russel Taylor, Mrs. Cecelia Jew ell sang with great effect a solo, the Rev. John Albert Williams dellveref! the dedicatory address, Bishop Shay ler and Mrs. Carrie Ada Campbell spoke earnest w-ords of greeting. PLANNING SPECIAL TRAIN FOR THE INATGrRATION Proposed to Assemble Company From Far West and Middle West Points Which Will Have Solid Pjillmai Train to National Cnpilnl. (Rv the Associated Negro Press l CHICAGO, .Ian. 6. There is an ef fort being made to assemble an entire train of Pullmans In Chicago to be taken on from here as a special to the inauguration in Wasihngton March t. The movement is under the direc tion of R. L. Mays and promises fo be successful. Mr. Mays is president of the Railway Men’s International Industrial and Renevolent association. The plan as outlined is to make up special parties 1n Oklahoma. Arkan sas, California, Minnesota, also Den ver, Omaha, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City and other points, and for all to meet in Chicago on a certain date, probably March 2, and the spe cial train to go from here. It Is planned to have a train of solid Pullmans, with baggage and dining cars. Short stops are contemplated at Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Harper’s Kerry en route. At Harper's Ferry, made famous by John Rrown, there will be a visit to the historic spot and a short program. The train when made up will be given a name fitting for the occasion, ‘‘Inauguration Special," “Liberty Spe cial.” or something to demonstrate both the progressiveness and determ ination of colored Americans. This special train is set aside for the contemplated plans for taking the Eighth regiment to the inauguration. subject in each branch of the legisla ture. Taxation. The governor stated that be would not recommend a complete revision of the tax laws of the state at this ses sfon. However, it was recommended that the office of tax commissioner, as provided for in the amendment to the constitution, be set up for opera tion. The Direct Primary. The governor cals attention to the fact. that, there is as' much danger of minority groups from without con trolling political parties, by uniting on a certain candidate, as there was In the old system of political machines. “We must have primary nominating conventions,” the governor says, “to select one candidate for each of the several office*, but leaving the pri mary open to all other entrants who may not have permitted their names to go before the nominating conven tion, or we must have two primaries, the first to be an elimination primary out of which two candidates only would be chosen, subject to nomina tion In the second prlmarp.” Plans for the Eighth are under way, but have not been fully consummated, it will cost several thousand dollars to transport the regiment, but many people feel that the effect for good would be such that every person should be willing to help with the ex pense. Colonel Otis Duncan is in charge of the regiment. DISFRANCHISEMENT TO BE AIRED IN CONGRESS (By the Associated Negro Press) WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.—Charges that many in the southern states are not permitted to vote will be aired by the house census committee in con sidering the reapportionment bill, it was announced by Chairman Siegel. A number, of organizations and in dividuals have asked permission to present evidence that in many locali ties Negroes are coerced, Mr. Siegel said, and the committee will devote several days after the holidays in hearing such complaints. House republicans in caucus refuged to approve the Tinkham resolution providing for an Investigation of al leged disfranchisement with a view to cutting down the representation of southern stales. Mr. Siegel said, how ever, that no reapportionment bill would be reported to the house by his committee until hearings had been held. A meeting of the committee has been called at which, jf is expeoted, a decision will he reached as to the extent of the Increase in house mem bershlp, A bill already introduced by Mr. Siegel calls for 483 members—an Increase of forty-eight over the pres ent membership. CO IHT APPROVES OKRANIZATION (By the Associated Negro Press) NEW YORK, Dec. 30.—Supreme Court Justice Henry D. Hotchkiss ap proved the organization and incor poration of the Fifteenth Infantry Regiment Armory' Committee of the Equity Congress of Greater New York, co-operating with the Citizens' Com mittee, Ine., “for the purpose of erect ing an armory or other suitable build ing or buildings in honor of the A. E. F. veterans of the Fifteenth infantry, and also establishing a memorial to ail soldiers and sailors of the United States army and navy, of all wars, be ginning with the American revolution. HOME FOR GIRLS OPENED (By the Associated Negro Press) SEATTLE, Wash., Jan. 6.—A new home for the relief of colored girls has opened and is ready for occupancy in Twenty-first avenue. The home will be conducted under the auspices of the Y. W. C. A. JAZZ PASSING, SAYS TEACHER (By the Associated Negro Press) CHICAGO, Jan. 6.- The muted trom bone and cornet, the syncopated mu sic and the jazz band have had their day, according to Robert G. McCutch eon, head of the fine arts school of De Pauw university and secretary of the National Association of Music Teachers. “Jazz was born of the war,’’ said Mr. McCutcheon. “It was an echo of tlie nation's hysteria. It came in on the wave of the dancing craze, but It is fast being abandoned in favor of good music.” GRANT OF #125,000 IS HADE FOR COLLEGE (By the Associated Negro Press) KNOXVILLE. Tenn., Jan. 6—The General Education Board, with head quarters in New York City, has re oently made a grant of $125,000 to ward a total of $500,000 which ts now being raised for endowment for Knox ville college. One year ago plans were made through the New World Movement of the United Presbyterian church for raising half a million dollars for en dowment for Knoxville college. Ap proximately two-thirds of this money has been raised In addition to the $125,000 which has been granted by the General Education Board. This Is the largest grant that has ever been made. It is said, to any edu cational Institution under the United Presbyterian church from sources out side the denomination. Knoxville college was founded In 1876 and has been working for higher education for more than forty years. COLORED WOMEN CD SE PERPLEXITY TO MEN The Entrance of the Fair Sex Into the Political Domain Creates a Problem for Masculine Aspirants for Spoils of Office—Male Element Not to Have a Monopoly as Was the Custom in Bygone Days WOMEN WILL DEMAND RECOGNITION Wielded Tremendous Influence in Election and Prominent Leaders Rendered Splendid Service—Voteless Women of District Not Entitled to Consideration That Belongs to Sisters From the States Where They Vote By Charles E. Hall WASHINGTON, E>- C., Jan. 6.—Al though there are rumorr to the effect that certain groups of women voters and organizers, some of whom are voteless, are preparing two or three slates, nothing of an authentic nature has yet reached the public, and as far as the men are concerned there seems to be a disposition rjot to men tion, above a whisper, the possibility or even the probability of any women of aur group being appointed to re sponsible positions by the incoming administration. But this attitude of the men is thought to be largely dug to selfishness. Surely the political desires, if any. of such splendid women as Miss Hallie Q. Brown, president of the Women’s Federation, Miss Nannie Burroughs Mrs. Booker T. Washington, Mrs Laura A. Brown, Wrs. W. T. Francis, Miss Jeannette Carter, Mrs. Mary Tal bert, Mrs. M. I,. Gray, Mrs. Alice Dun bar Nelson, Mrs. Thomas Fleming, Mrs. Jessie Lawson, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Mrs. Ida Wells Barnett. Mrs. J. H. Porter, Mrs. Minnie Scott, Dr. Mary Waring, Mrs. Ida B. Harris, Mrs. Charlotte Dett, Mrs. Nellie Broadnax Mrs. Bessie Jones and Mrs. Victoria Clay Haley, should be carefully con sidered and their plans-for construc tive work aided. Women’s Clubs a Factor The Federation of Women’s Clubs has long been a factor in the develop ment of racial ideals and the presi dent. Mrs. Hallie Q. Brown of Wilber foree, whose name was prominently mentioned in connection with the ad visory committee of the Republican National Executive Committee, ren dered signal service during the cam paign, as did also Mrs. Monen L. GrayJ chairman of the Negro Wofnen’s Na tional Republican League, Inc. It is claimed that Mrs. Gray organized the women in forty states. Then there is Mrs. Fleming, Miss Jeannette Carter, Mrs. A. M. Curtis, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Miss Nan nie Burroughs and Mrs. Alice Dunbar Nelson, whose speeches and organiza tion work entitle them to considera tion These women who are in per fect accord and who are working in complete harmony are not obligated to the men, and that there is a feeling of dissatisfaction because of the in difference of the men was clearly in dicated by a lady who said to me, “Well, I see by the newspapers that you m.*n are working overtime fixing up a slate for the approval of our next president, and as usual, the women are entirely overlooked regardless of the fact that we worked just as hard as you men for the success of the ticket.” Women Object to Apologists When I remarked that it was my, impression that our women voters were organized and were prepared to look after their own political affairs the lady startled me with the asser tion, "Whether we are organized or not we do not propose to let some of the apologists, trimmers and political short-change artists whose names I recently saw prominently mentioned in the newspapers get a chance to sell the race for a mess of crumbs, and furthermore, I am surprised that the newspapers even printed several of the names in connection with jobs other than such as custodians or jani tors in bonded warehouses where they would be quite contented, if not happy. And another thing I might say right here- we do not propose to let the l-ace women who live, or loaf in the nation's capital hog all of the good things that are handed out. We vote in the states and in a showdown, espe cially during this run of shad, you will find it’s the voters who will be given first consideration.” Judging from the above line of talk, it would appear that there is some thing rotten in Denmark and that sev eral of the men, concerning whose po litical aspirations there have been in sistent ruroms, had better hire the “Gold Dust Twins” to polish up their records in private and public life, be cause some of them will surely be up against it if the women tell all they know about them, There was a time when all of us men could stand to gether and put most anything or any body over, but, brother, that day passed when the prohibition and women’s suffrage amendments became laws of the land. Positions Women Would Prefer Certainly the women are entitled to everything they can get, but it is not probable that they will care to do the hard work of a register of the treas ury, or recorder of Deeds, or even go to Haiti or Liberia, places that are now being contended for, if rumors are correct, by some very distin guished and notorious politicians. They will probably prefer such positions as clerks and special agents in the chil dren’s-bureau apd in the women in in dustry service where they can study the conditions surrounding our chil dren, and the conditions under which the women of our race are employed in the factories. Then there is the bureau of educa tion where it might be possible for a very' efficient woman to function as a special investigator of the school facilities afforded colored children throughout the country', and if Dr. George E. Haynes is successful in get ting an appropriation for the Division of Negro Economic in the Department of Labor there will doubtless be places for several trained women. It is almost certain that the influ ential men who had charge of the cam paign among our group will not falter, if called upon to render service to the ladies:, if they will only put the soft pedal on the happenings of pre suffrage days. In fact, the question now worrying us is: What else can the poor men do? \1 DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT BENNETT COLLEGE (Bv the Associated Negro Press) GREENSBORO, N. C., Jan. 6.—Fire of unknown origin completely gutted the interior of Carolina Hall, a four story brick building of Bennett col lege. The building was used as a boys’ dormitory. Only the brick walls were left standing. To rebuild a similar structure it Is estimated the cost would approximate between $35,000 and $40,000. Dr. Frank Trigg, president of Bennett college, stated that he was unable to make an estimate of the loss incurred. Students in the hall first noticed smoke coming from the attic. Presi dent Trigg was immediately notified and the alarm was given. No serious injuries were sustained by anyone. FIGHT SEGREGATION OF PUPILS I By the Associated Negro Press) TOLEDO, 0., Jan. 6.—Charges have been preefrrsd against the local school authorities which claim that the Ne gro pupils in the Industrial Heights were being segregated by the prin cipal of the school. The matter was referred to the local school board.