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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (March 12, 1926)
tl"'"o! THE MONITOR nos 5. NEBRASKA’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS _•— § THE REV. JOHN ALBERT WILLIAMS, Editor. $2.00 a Year—5. ~ Copy OMAHA, NEBRASKA, FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1926. Whole Number 552 Vol. XI.—No. 35 — a — ——-—-—---_— - * I LIFE IN BALANCE; OPERATE ON HEART New Orleans, La.—(By the Associ ated Negro Press) Robert Wilkins is still alive at a local hospital with a stab wound through the heart, al though physicians give him small hopes of recovery. Wilkins is the fourth man to undergo a delicate oper ation on the heart, the other three (lying after a lapse of two weeks. Wilkins was stabbed (by James Bailey in an argument over a dollar bill. MANY NEGRO HOMES CONSUMED BY PIKE Newport, Ark.—(By the Associated Negro Press) Nearly two hundred homes of Negroes were in the direct path of the fire which swept thirty city blocks here, destroyed a total of 325 residences and resulted in the death of Mrs. Mary Johnsos, an aged colored woman. This was the only fatality. The loss was one million and a half, partly covered by insur ance. From Slave Cabin to Halls of Fame Is Career of Roland Hayes, Tenor The moving picture screen, reflect ing the masterpieces of romantic im agination and photographic art, lias never portrayed a more remarkable story than that of Roland Hayes, the sensational Negro tenor, who is now making his third American tour. The remote cabin of a former slave; a wid owed mother, but lately freed, strug gling in the fields and at the tub to feed her hungry brood; a barefoot, ill clad black hoy plowing a rocky hill side, an occasional few months of school, so poor and so far between as to offer no hope of real education— this is the picture that first appears. The scenes shift as the years pass, hut still heavy across the screen hang the shadows of privation, of menial tasks and heart-breaking struggle. Here and there a glint amid the gloom —the beginnings of hard-won educa tion, the awakening of ambition, the! unfolding of hope— while In the back- ! ground shadowy but potent hands shape in the darkness the destiny of a life. Another shift and the scenes of to day flash upon the screen. What a contrast! A blaze of lights, the eon cert stages of the greatest musical capitals; the palace halls of earth’s proude.st nionarehs; wealth and fame without stint; and at the center of it all the same black boy, now become a i man, acclaimed by thousands as among the greatest artists of his day! The same? Yes; and herein, to those who know, Is the real wonder of Roland Hayes—not his spectacular ca reer and astounding success, but the fart that through it all he has re mained the same—modest, unassum ing, earnest, hard-working; fired with ambition, to he Bure, but, with the am bition to serve rather than to achieve for himself. Roland Hayes was born of ex-slave parents in a cabin near Curryville, North Georgia. Is*ft fatherless at the i ge of 12, he at once went to work in the fields to help in the family sup port. His mother, he says, ‘‘was a remarkable woman, uneducated, hut wise and sane,” ambitious that her children "should become good men and women, industrious and self-support-i ing.” Educational opportunities were limited in the community; so she moved to Chattanooga, where Hayes worked in a foundry by day and studied at night. Here came the first great crisis of his life. He met a col ored teacher of music who recognised that he had an unusual voice. This friend took him to the home of a white man, where for the first time, by means of the vlctrola, he was intro duced to the world’s great singers and to its wealth of classical music. In that moment, says Hayes, he was horn again. A new world of boattly was opened to him and a great ambition awoke In his soul. From that time forth the cultivation of his voice be came the prime purpose of his life. A course at Fisk university followed, where he had four years of excellent training, maintaining himself the while by work in somebody’s home. Then he was dismissed from Fisk -be has never found out why. It was a hard experi ence at the time, but looking back up on it now he counts that also a part of the plan, for it sent him to Louis ville, where another door of oppor tonity was opened, apparently by chance. Working as a waiter in the Pendennis club, he was often called upon to sing before the guests. There he was heard by a Mr. Putnam of Bos ton, who, unknown to Hayes, was struck bv his singing and mentioned his Interest to a member of he club. When Hayes was planning later to go to Boston to work and study, he hap pened to speak about it to the very man Mr. Putnam had spoken to. “No,” not happened,” says Hayes; “that, too, was part of the plan.” Anyway, it worked. Mr. Putnam per sauded four of the leading teachers of Boston to try Hayes’ voice. As a result, he became a pupil of Arthur Hubbard. For eight years he worked and studied. Then he determined to take the great plunge. He engaged Boston Symphony hull for a concert and ob ligated himself for an Initial expense of $1,000. His only hope was that he could sell enough tickets in advance to meet the obligation. Single-handed he did it, and scored a great triumph. Incidentally, lie cleared $2,000. Two years later he went to l»ndon, where after a hard fight he wron pub lic recognition and received a royal command to sing before the king and queen In Buckingham Palace. Since that time one phenomenal success has followed another. Ho has sung in all the musical capitals of Europe and in the principal American cities, and everywhere has been acclaimed an ar tist of rare i atural gifts and excep tional training. Nashville, Richmond, J Atlanta and Louisville, no less than | Boston and New York, London, Paris, | Berlin and Vienna, have paid willing tribute to his art. He sings with equal facility in English, French, German and Italian, and interprets with rare' understanding the classics of the great composers. One is not surpried to learn, how ever, that it is Hayes’ rendering of the Negro spirituals that most completely' wins the hearts of his auditors. Hayes is proud of the spirituals. To him they represent the very soul of his race— its patience, its faith, its hopefulness, its freedom from bitterness and hate. He counts It the mission of his life[ faithfully to interpret the spirit of those wonderful melodies, the unique contribution of his people to the musi cal art of the world. It is this sense of mission which has made Roland Hayen Hui>erior to his success. With a career that would have turned the tiead of any man possessed of selfish ambition, he has remained simple, unspoiled, modest and unas suming, devoting himself to what he considers his divinely-appointed task. SOUTHERN NEGROES FLOCK INTO PHILADELPHIA, l*A. * - Philadelphia, Pa.—(By the Associ ated Negro Press) The thousands of colored migrants who returned home to “spend the winter” are now coming back by the hundreds. They are accompanied by others who' have never been north. A visit to the Pennsylvania Railroad Station on Market street, this city, will prove it. HOLD SKORKGATJON LAW VALID IN NEW ORLEANS New Orleans. La.—(By the Associ ated Negro Press) Judge Hugh C. Cage has decided that the segrega tion law passed by the state legislat ure is legal and as a result Negroes are restrained from residing an Palm er Avenue, although the property in question hus been occupied hy them for the past twenty years. EDITORIAL It takes moral courage of no mean order to stand for principle and right where a minority is concerned and when by so doing means the espousal of an unpopular cause, the arousal of opposi tion from the strong and influential and the apparent impotence in securing practical and tangible results by such a stand. There has recently been a notable exhibition of this rare moral courage by a man of outstanding character and prominence which should not be permitted to pass unnoticed. Charles Edward Russell, noted publicist and author, recently resigned as a member of the Washington Chamber of Commerce as a protest'against that influential body’s honoring by testimonial dinner Col. Clar ence O. Sherrill, superintendent of Buildings and Grounds in the National Capital. Colonel Sherrill, it has been alleged, and evidence has not been wanting to sustain the charge, has repeatedly insulted the colored citizens of Washington by going out of his way to force segregation upon them in every wav possible. Mr. Russell was invited to speak at the dinner. Feeling that to do so would be an endorsement of Colonel Sherrill’s position, he not only de clined the invitation but resigned his meml>ership in the Chamber. The following quotation from Mr. Russell’s letter states his posi tion most clearly: “Colonel Sherrill, by his deliberate course of contemptuous in justice toward the colored people of this city, took himself out of the category of public servants that merit any applause from their fellow men. Legally, constitutionally, and from every viewpoint of social welfare, the colored people are entitled to every right and privilege accorded to the white. Colonel Sherrill’s defiance of this fundamental truth was so flagrant and therefore so injurious to the best interest of the community that 1 think the Washing ton Chamber of Commerce might be better engaged than in show ing him honor. “I am unable to think, as I would be glad to think, that the Chamber of Commerce is unaware of the intolerable insult he put upon the colored people at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, of the means by which he deprived the colored people of a bath ing beach while providing one for the white—of the gratuitous all Vent comprised in the insolent signs that segregated the col ored people in Rock Creek Park; of the notoriously unfair treat ment of the colored people that he enforced at the cafes in the public government buildings under his control. Your action in paying him this honor can be construed only as an endorsement of his course. It is not possible for me to retain memltership in a body so oblivious to the foundation essentials of justice and equality. “I have, therefore, the honor to present my check for mem bership dues to July 1, 19*26, and my resignation herewith.” Here speaks a man of heroic mold and noble heart—too hon est and courageous to compromise with wrong or to surrender justice to expediency. Ulterior motive has he none, for Charles Edward Russell is not a politician or candidate for office, nor does he seek anything from our people. As a lover of justice and l ight he speaks and acts, and in doing this has the approval of his con science and his God, the profound gratitude of our people, and the admiration of the broad-minded men and women of his own race, who grasp the fundamental principles of true Americanism. Of course, there will be those who will think his action foolish and futile. But not so. Ilis action, though now rare and isolated, will enhearten others here and there, similarly to protest against wrong and injustice when many are willing to temporize and com promise; not because they approve or lack convictions, but be cause they lack courage. We are grateful to Charles Edward Russell for his words and actions in protesting against insults to our people and at the same time we urge' our people to so act and conduct themselves everywhere that friends of his type may be raised up to speak and act in our defense. Local Boy Making Good With Burches T<xl Thrane, Omaha amateur thlrd tmseman, is getting a lot of good pub licity down at Orange, Tex.,-where he is in spring training with Omaha’s en try in the Western league. Thrane, who played with Kellys Moonlighters here, is a candidate for filling O’Neill’s job on the hot corner, and Manager Burch has given out the word that should the youngster keep up his present gait, he in sure to be a factor in Omaha's pennant race. Although Burch would not make a definite statement, it appears that Fred (Snake) Henry, late of New Or leans, a first baseman of the top wa ter, would be field captain for the Buf faloes during 1926. Nearly all of the squad is in camp now and are showing an unusual amount of pep and spirit in their two daily workouts. Omaha opens the season at Wichita on April 1.1 and arrives home about two weeks later for their first series on the home lot. Although the Omaha team finished far down the list in 1925, this seems to have been forgotten and forgiven, and already fans are anxiously await ing the opening game. Secretary rieis is with the club at Orange, but Business Manager Grotte gives out the word that great plans are in the making for opening day. Omaha is out to win the opening day trophy for the northern half of the loop. Omaha will see faster ball this sea so with the non-veteran rule in effect. More young blood has heen injected into the team than ever before. Begin thinking and reading baseball now, and get yourself ready to attend the opening game—yes, Mayor Jim will be on the job—and every other game possible during the season, and remember Mr. Burch is promising and pledging better ball than last year. Next week we will try and give you some idea as to who will make up the Omaha squad for 1926. WINS PHI BETA KAPPA New York, N. Y.—(By the Associ ated Nejjro Press) Amonj? the twenty five seniors at Syracuse University elected to Phi Beta Kappa is Miss Gussie Emanuel, daughter of Dr. J. Emanuel of this city, a podiatrist. All others were white. A sister of Mist Emanuel is o’, the honor roll for this semester. HOMETOWN HONORS FLOWERS Atlanta, Ga.—(By the Associated Negro Press) A brass band and a large delegation of the Gate City Lodge of Elks of which he is a mem ber, were on hand to meet Tiger Flowers, newly-crowned middleweight champion of the world, when he ar rived here laRt week from New York, the scene of his most recent battle. Indianapolis, Ind.—The case of Archie Greathouse against the Board of School Commissioners of the City of Indianapolis, in which the right to establish a segregated high school is being contested, has gone to the Supreme Court of the State, accord ing to reports just received and made public by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peo ple. The National Office and the In dianapolis Branch of the Association, | has been contributing money and le gal advice in this case where suit is being brought to restrain the City of Indianapolis from erecting a seg regated high school. Heretofore there have been no such schools and the present action, now referred to the Indiana Supreme Court, is aimed to prevent the bringing of segregation into Northern and border States. The case is being fought by attorneys W. S. Henry, Robert L. Bailey and W. E. Henderson. Bachelor-Benedict Club is Urged to Strive Towards High Ideals “If you would become successful in your club life, it is necessary for you to strive for high ideals,” said Dr. J. 11. Hutten, addressing the Bachelor Benedict club Saturday evening at their club rooms. Today “the club" doesn’t mean something to joke about, to visit surreptitiously as a refuge from the family, as a place where there are, under reasonable restrictions, more spacious surroundings, as much privacy as any one may elect to re serve for himself, but the clubs of to day offer such congenial companion ship as may be desired. Dr. Hutten told in a humorous fash ion of his coming to Omaha. He re lated a story of an organization that started, as did the Benedict club, but Inter caught a vision of an insurance company, and because of that vision— the organization, that was once a so cial club, stands today h3 one of our most successful enterprises. “You can do the same thing in Omaha, or any other city,” said Dr. Hutten, "if you will but strive for high ideals and grasp the wonderful opportunity that presents itself in Omaha for commer cial development.” He closed his talk by announcing the candidacy of Dr. J. A. Singleton for state legislature, from the Ninth district. A resolution was passed to support Dr. Singleton in his efforts. D. C. Broomfield, in charge of the program, reviewed the history of the club. A. Kemper sang a solo. Dr. J. A. Singleton introduced the speaker. The balance of the evening was spent at whist. President J. O. Woods won the first prize; H. A. Bentleyy, secre tary of the club, won second prize. At midnight a ‘ldutch luncheon” was served. The membership voiced their approval of the evening, and expressed a desire to have a “stag” once a month. MRS. F. F. PINKSTON PRESENTS PUPILS IN ANNUAL RECITAL An audience that taxed the seating capacity of Hillside Presbyterian church assembled last Thursday eve ning for the tOth annual demonstra tion and pianoforte recital by the pu pils of .Mrs. Florentine F. Pinkston. The program opened by the reading from memory by Willa Hayes, the names and signatures of all the major and minor scales. After this, the pu , pils rendered their numbers in a man ner that revealed careful and consci entious work on the part of teacher and pupil, front the beginners, whose ! ages are about 5 years on through the grades to the more advanced pupils. The contest pieces were skillfully rendered by the contestants, and the I judges—.Miss Edna M. Stratton, Karl j Tunberg and Mrs. Florentine Pinkston | —found it difficult to decide upon the j winners. The prizes were awarded to j Dorothy Allen and Sarah Brown. The recital, in point of accuracy, musicianship and poise, has not been surpassed in any previous recital. Many pupils exhibited unusual bril liancy and musicianship. The audience was attentive and appreciative. Much credit and commendation is due Mrs. Pinkston for her untiring efforts, In her valuable contribution to the cul tur I opportunities for our people and in developing the musical talent of our children. AFRICAN GETTING RITZY; AFRICAN SAVAGE CALLS FOR MEAT AND HOOKS London, England—(By the Associ ated Negro Press) The African sav age, as roeloved hy the writers of the world’s best sellers, is now no more. The African Negro of today is a semi-cultured, hard-working, and law abiding citizen. No longer does he abduct white men and women, steal other people’s cattle, and generally make war on civilization. This was revealed in a report pub lished by the British Government on behalf of the local government of Kenya Colony, a British West African possession. “All the people, men and women, ape the white man,” says the report. “One of the results of this is the increased demand for a meat diet and for education, especially by the women. Numerous requests have been made for the establishment of schools." PICKENS ELECTRIFIES INDIANAPOLIS BAR ASSN. Indianapolis, Ind., Maar.—(A..P.) — For the first time in the history of the Indianapolis Bar association, a Negro was selected to deliver the Lincoln Memorial address. Dean William Pickens was the selection. This association has the custom of holding at its February meeting some appropriate observance of the memory of the emancipator. Mr. Pickens confined himself to his tory and steered clear of dangerous conclusions. He said: “No man of the ancient or the mod ern world has a securer place in the hearts and memories of men than this man Lincoln, who was bom in obscur ity, who died in a halo, and who now rests in an aureola of historic glory.” This climax was reached by smooth advances and milder compliments such as “He was the justification for de mocracy and the first son of the plains to grace the presidential chair.” He quoted the inscription on the medal sent Mrs. Lincoln by the French: “He saved the union without veiling the Statue of Liberty.” ATLANTA UNIVERSITY TEACHER VISITS CITY Prof. George A. Towns, who has been a teacher at Atlanta university for 25 years and who is making a tour of the country in the interest of that excellent institution, arrived in the city Friday morning and was the guest while here of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Smith, 2511 North Twenty-first street, Mrs. Smith having been one of his pu pils at Atlanta university, Atlanta be ing her birthplace. Professor Towns graduated from Harvard university in the class of 1900 and has devoted his life to teaching. He visited quite a number of Harvard alumni and other citizens while here. He left Wednes day for St. Paul, Minn. BOLTON CLIMBS LADDER Jacksonville, Fla.—(By the Associ ated Negro Press) Lemuel D. Bolton, who for the past three years has been editor of the Florida Sentinel, of the colored department of the Jack sonville Journal, the white afternoon daily, succeeding the late Prof. W. I. Lewis. His resignation, which was not a surprise to many persons in this city, places him in a position of definite influence.