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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 1919)
"THE NEGRO AND THE SOUTH AFTER THE WAR" (Continued from Page 1) which lasted several days, an active counter-propaganda, through the Com mittee on Public Information, was prepared, articles were written deny ing statements of this character, and, as a net result, the President issued a statement on Friday, July 22, 1918, deprecating and denouncing mob ac tion, and that is about the last that was heard of the German propaganda among the Negroes.” I have particular pleasure in bring ing this testimony to your attention because of the fact that the Confer ence referred to was composed of some fifty leaders of Negro thought and opinion; it was called under the auspices of the War Department and the Committee on Public Information. I am glad to have had the honor of presiding at the conference referred to. The fear that now seems to prevail in the South over the Negro’s home coming after the war is, in my opin ion, equally without foundation. This is the Negro’s natural home and here the masses of the race will continue to reside, it is to be hoped, for many years, in peace and profitable indus try. The Negro soldiers will soon be returning to their native land the only land they have ever known, in defense of which they have been will ing to give their lives in time of war, and in the reconstruction of which they are eager to give their best en ergies in time of peace. Thousands of them volunteered for military and naval service regardless of the Select ive Service Law, and they will return no less anxious to perform their full duties as citizens and to live in peace with their fellowmen, asking in return only the full protection of the law of their land—the guarantee of life, lib erty and the pursuit of happiness. The returning Negro soldier will not be the foul wretch from which to shrink in terror, or a plague from which to flee in fear, as some seem to think. He will return both by phys ically and mentally benefite by reason of his military training and experience during the Great World War and, nat urally, he will return to the South land and other sections with a broader vision and appreciation of American citizenship, as well as with new ideas of what Liberty and Freedom (not li cense) really mean. He has clearly shown his eager willingness to dis charge the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship, and it is de voutly hoped that fair-minded Amer icans in all parts of the country will calmly and justly recognite the fact that he is, therefore, entitled to all of the rights and privileges which the laws of our country offer to all other classes of our common citizenship. Primarily the Negro is the means by which the people of the Golden South land are nourished and strengthened through his diligent efforts to coax out of the ground life-sustaining food products. According to the last offi cial census, Negro farmers in the South numbered 893,370, constituting 14 per cent of the total number of farmers of all classes in the country as a whole, while in point of popula tion the Negro race constituted but 10.7 per cent of the total population of the United States. The Negro is the greatest labor fac tor in the South. His loyalty and pa triotism remain unquestioned. A race composed of such people cannot be other than an asset. It is true that here and there the undesirable and criminal abound, as in all races you will find them, but the sane, law-abid ing, industrious Negro is legion, and millions of them have justly earned the respect ol their various communi ties. Unfounded Fear Concerning Return of Negro Soldiers. Have no fears that when these sol diers to whom I have referred return from the war, having aided in their country’s triumph, that they will, over night, as it were, become a menace to public peace and order. The Negro soldier will return a better citizen be cause he has learned the value of dis cipline. He has improved in health and has a knowledge of what to avoid, and what to do in order to maintain and stimulate a healthy mind and body. It may be safely assumed that his heretofore abnormal high sick and death rate will be lowered, and this, incidentally, will mean much for our southern communities. It would be most unfortunate, in deed, if threatened conditions in the South, which have been repeatedly re ferred to and rightly discouraged by southern editors and many of the leading white and Colored citizens of this section, should make the return ing Negro soldiers feel that he cannot return to his former home in safety, thereby keeping out of the South a large element which heretofore has contributed to the upbuilding of the industrial North. To a vast majority of Negro sol diers, as well as civilians, the word “morale” has taken on a new signifi cance and hundreds of thousands of them have cheerfully responded to military discipline and other rigorous requirements and restrictions made necessary by the war,and have demon strated the fact that the thoughtful mind, the conservative voice and pen, the industrious hand, the patriotic dol lar, as well as the effective gun and bayonet, can all be utilized as vital ly important factors in the winning of a great war. Lynching Should Be Stamped Out. The Negro soldier’s conduct over seas has won for him the commenda tion and gratitude of the greatest gov ernments on the face of the earth and, as homeward he turns his face, his resolve for better citizenship is even more firmly fixed. He will not, I am sure, seek to jeopardize or impair the honor and fame his race has won in this war by any thoughtless or un manly word or deed. On the con trary, he will be anxious to renew and strengthen the friendly relations that he left behind, confident that a spirit of justice abides in the land to which he is returning. Rightly re quired to be law-abiding himself, he confidently expects that law and or der will prevail, that lynchings and all forms of mob violence, which have driven so many of his race from the South, will be stamped out by duly constituted authority and that every man, regardless of color, who has fought or served under the Starry' Banner or who has been loyal to that emblem of liberty and justice, will be granted that recognition to which all true Americans are entitled. Nearly 400,000 gallant Black soldiers, “fruit and flower of the Negro race,” have helped to make the world safe for Freedom and Democracy; many of them have fought, bled and died that their country’s ideals might triumph. If, in the hour of her travail and dan ger, the Negro has neither faltered nor failed in pledging his life, his la bor, his money, his ALL, in defense of his country’s safety and honor, surely in the hour of victory and pros perity he will not be denied fair treat ment and the recompense accorded other soldiers because of his valuable services and unswerving patriotism. The Negro asks the full protection of the law, to be left unhindered and un hampered in his industrial and com mercial pursuits, to be given a fair deal and full opportunity to educate his children, and to work out his own destiny—being loyal to his family, to his community, to his country and to his God! The Negro Entitled to the Product of His Patriotism. Despite all else, the Negro loves the South. He knows no North, no East, no West, as he knows no South. Here in largest numbers he was bom; here, in the sacred soil of the Sunny South land, his parents and relatives lie buried; here, in southern fields and amid exceptional business opportuni ties, he has made the most amazing progress; and here he wishes to re main in peace, in friendly and helpful relations with his fellowmen! He was willing to make any sacrifice that the highest principles of civilization might triumph and he has emerged, like all others, I trust, chastened by the rig ors of self-sacrifice and the horrors of war; these same principles of civ ilization and humanity should be ap plied to him impartially, for certainly he is entitled to the product of his own patriotism. He asks no more, and no equally helpful and loyal race could expect less. And today, as the world‘eagerly awaits those decisions and understandings which shall be fi nally reached and agreed upon at the Peace Table; while there sit in coun sel at Versailles those who in large measure control the future destiny of millions of mankind, the Negro still toils on in faith and hope that Amer ica, his native land, will see to it that he is included in that new covenant which shall guarantee justice and fair ness without regard to caste or creed, and which shall vouchsafe freedom of opportunity to all of the lowly and oppressed races and groups of people on the face of the earth! The South need have no fear about the returning Negro soldier; his re turn is not in a hostile spirit, but one of friendly helpfulness. Justly proud of the record his race has made as courageous, self-sacrificing soldiers and'as equally courageous and self sacrificing civilians, he is coming back home and the only thing he asks for is a man's treatment and a man’s chance! Let us all, therefore, bravely and calmly face the new conditions oc casioned by the trend of the great times in which we live. SECRETARY LANSING Next to tin* president tn the Ameri can pence delegation comes Secretary of Stute Kobert Lansing. Our voluntary food-saving not only saved the Allies and made vital contri bution to the winning of the war, hut saved to ourselves In administration expenses the outlay out of our own pockets that any effective system of rationing would have extracted. It would have cost tts about $45,000,000 to have policed ourselves as against the 2 cents per capita for co-operating. By snvirig and sharing America kepi the world together during the war crl sis. By saving and sharing America will help to bring the hetilng of uu tions IR. H. ROBBINS & CO. I I Groceries and Meats I I An Up-to-date Store I I Now Onpnat 1411 No-24th St I I 1MJYV V/pCll Near Hamilton I I Come in and see us—we know you I I will give us your trade I I Prompt Delivery Phone Webster 241 I li. S. HEALTH SERVICE ISSUES WARNING Increase in All Respiratory Dis eases After the Influenza Epidemic Probable. Influenza Expected to Lurk for Month*. How to Guard Against Pneumonia. Common Colds Highly Catching—lm portance of Suitable Clothing—Could Save 100,000 Live*. Washington, D. C.—With the subsid ence of the epidemic of Influenza the attention of health officers Is directed to pneumonia, bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory system which regularly cause a large number of deaths, especially during the winter season. According to Itupert Blue, Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service, these diseases will be especially prevalent this win ter unless the people are particularly careful to obey health Instructions. "The present epidemic,” said Sur geon General Blue, “has taught by bit ter experience liow readily a condition beginning apparently ns a slight cold may go on to pneumonia and death. Although the worst of the epidemic Is over, there will continue to be a large number of scattered cases, many of them mild and unrecognized, which will be danger spots to be guarded against" The Surgeon General likened the present situation to that -ft*r a great Are, saying. “No fire chief who understands his business stops playing the hose on the charred debris as soon as the flames and visible fire have dis appeared. On the contrary, he con tinues the water for hours and et'en days, for he knows that there Is dan ger of the fire rekindling from smol dering embers.” “Then you fear another outbreak of Influenza?” he was nsked. "Not neces sarily another large epidemic," said the Surgeon General, “but unless the people learn to realize the seriousness of the danger they will be compelled to pay a heavy death toll from pneumo nia and other respiratory diseases. Common Colds Highly Catching. “It is encouraging to observe that people are beginning to learn that or dinary coughs and colds nre highly catching and are spread from person to person by means of droplets of germ laden mucus. Such droplets are sprayed Into the air when careless or Ignorant people cough or sneeze with out covering their mouth and nose. It Is also good to know that people have learned something about the value of fresh air. In summer, when people are largely out of doors, the respira tory diseases (coughs, colds, pneumo nia, etc.) are Infrequent; In the fall, as people begin to remain Indoors, the respiratory diseases Increase: In the winter, when people are prone to stay In badly ventilated, overheated rooms, the respiratory diseases become very prevalent Suitable Clothing Important "Still another factor In the produc tion of colds, pneumonia and other re spiratory diseases Is carelessness or Ig norance of the people regarding suit able clothing during the seasons when the weather suddenly changes, sitting In warm rooms too heavily dressed or, what is even more common, especially among women, dressing so lightly that windows are kept closed In order to be comfortably warm. This Is a very In jurious practice. Could Save ‘00,000 Lives. “I believe we could easily save one hundred thousand lives annually In the United Slates If all the people would adopt the system of fresh air living followed, for example, In tuber culosis sanatoria. There Is nothing mysterious about It—no specific medi cine, no vaccine. The Important thing Is right living, good food and plenty of fresh air. Droplet Infection Explained In Plcturea. “The Bureau of Public Health, Treasury Department, has Just Issued a striking poster drawn by Berryman, •he well-known Washington cartoonist The poster exemplifies the modern method of health education. A few years ago, under similar circumstances, the health authorities would have Is sued an official dry but scientifically accurate bulletin teaching the role of droplet Infection In the spread of re spiratory diseases. The only ones who would liuve understood the bulletin would have been those who already knew all about the subject. The man In the street, the plain citizen and the many millions who toll for their living would have had no time and no desire to wade through the technical phrase ology.” COLDS, INFLUENZA. PNEUMONIA, AND TUBERCULOSIS ARE SPREAD THIS WAY Copies of this poster can be ob tained free of charge by writing to the Surgeon General, U. 8. Public Health Service. Washington, D. C. H Classified Directory of Omaha’s Colored professional and Business firms - - i •-.« ^imauoaMIBIUIP Ih ;jv « r j; « ;h j; j: ;; ;s ;; »■.« ;; a « « « « « « >* »■ l g Web. 875 J. HALL - - - Prop. H at I •' 1 Progressive I rn • j T ailor H « 1614 N. 24th St. @_M OaXWWlKTRDgaiXOQi X.h ii XX j; i; k'» is s<x I | » South & Thompson’s Cafe ii K 2418 North 24th St. Webster 4566 u ’» SPECIAL SUNDAY DINNER s: X X x Stewed Ciilcken with dumplings..40c x g Roast Prime Beef au jus-40c g x Roast Pork, Apple Sauce_40c | § Roast Domestic Goose, dressing 50c g A A x Early June Peas Jg, Mashed Potatoes **. g Salad Coffee Dessert We Serve Mexican Chile g KM* » K.K mix x :: >: k x'« XABBBB * « » S I I ;i Mmes. South & Johnson p Scientific Scalp Specialists Sole Manufacturers of :: « MAGIC HAIR GROWER AND n MAGIC STRAIGHTENING OIL K g „ Vv e teach the Art of Hair Dress- g $ ing. Shampooing. Facial Massage, X Manicuring. Scalp Treatment and . K the Making of Hair goods. x M % x Hair Grower, per box 50c. Straightening Oil, per box 35c x x FOR APPOINT CARL WEB. 880. x x 2416 Blondo St., Omaha, Neb. « I IJ. H. HOLMES I X TAILOR a All work Guaranteed. La- « £ dies' and Gents’ Suits Re- £ « modeled. Cleaned, Pressed « x and Repaired. New Hoff- £ £ man Press. H ' 1 £ 2022 N. 24th St. Web. 3320 £ H it ;; it it ;t :t it )t*it :t :t :t it it it it it :t it it it it :t it jt 1E. A. Williamson ; DRUGGIST it it it it £ Competent and Reliable £ It it 2306 North 24th St. It it It It Webster 4443. It it • « K « « R R w it it It It It it It It it it It It It It it It R it i: .£ Office Phone Residence £ £ Douglas 2842 Web. £ If It X S 1G. B. Robbins [ g NOTARY PUBLIC, REAL “ £ ESTATE, INSURANCE £ £ Office Room 20 Patterson £ £ Illdg., 1623 Farnam St. £ £ OMAHA, - ■ NEB. £ £' x :: Xx :: X « x x x x :: x :: :: a j; :: X > x Telephone Webster 248 * x x it X Silas Johnson i! Western Funeral Home 1 2518 Lake St. :: The Place for Quality and Service “ PRICES REASONABLE, j! Licensed Embalmer In Attendance tj Lady Attendant If Desired. £ MUSIC FURNISHED FREE. £ \ TOP NOTCH! I CAFE 24th and Hamilton Sts. « / ^ £. Under new management. Week y days. 8 n. m. to 11 p. m. Sunday. „ V. breakfast 9 n. m. to 11:30 a. m. C Dinner, 1 p. m. to 8 p. m. Short orders, D a. m. to 11 p. m. jj| :: Mrs. loma Banks and Miss Mary «. Anne Logan, Props. 1 i. F. PEOPLES ii | Painting Paper hanging and Decorating “ a Estimates Furnished Free. » a All Work Guaranteed. x 1827 Erskine Street. Phone Walnut 2111. | P saomt' K n K a -if a .a IX a.m'« » « ? J.H. Russell I i & Co. I UNDERTAKERS X *' •jj Successors Lo Hanks & Wilks j! 1914 Cuming Street GEORGE MILLER, Embalmer « Day Phone, Red 3203 Night, Call Douglas 3718 x mZJtJt# x x x x x x x x x x x x'x xx x x HM* l V. are’s Candy Kitchen | 5 and Ice Cream Parlor;; u % tj Fresh home made Candies of « a all kinds made daily. « 'k; Ice Cream, per quart, 50c; per f. » gallon, $2.00. Orders delivered promptly. a X x p 1508 North 24th. Uj X) X X :: X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X-X X;I! \ § Automobile and Open ■j> Horse Drawn Hearses Day and Night rit, 1 Allen Jones 1 & Co. FUNERAL HOME X x g Dady Attendant 5$ x x < alls answered promptly anywhere x Web 1100 and Web. 204 x Licensed Embalmer. x x x x x x x >(!><* mam*:') i Arbor Garage 3 a Fire proof block with steam Sj heat. Repairing and storing. % Will accommodate 50 cars day ji a and night. Connection taxi aj H service. Business at 2506-08 ;! !j .South 32d Avenue. Tel. Harney a 3371, Omaha. | C. R. Boyd Colored Prop. :: :: >■. ;; :: ;; :: :: ;; ■; ;; :: 'a « « funeral and Wedding Taxi by a. Hour or Trip Service Day and Night I ® I North Side Taxi ! J. D. LEWIS, Prop. Stand I’hone Web. 1490. When not at stand please call Res. Web. 949. NEW CLOSED CAR. :t Stand 2414 N. 25th St., Omaha, s; ‘ a !t «.«.a.aX)t>nf»;K vvvv%~.~.*vvvvv^~.~;*vvvvvvvvvvvvvvs*s»vvvvvvvvvwvv»>*;k**<~:~:»\*2 ! THE DOUGLAS-WASHIHGTOH I INVESTMENT COMPANT. f # I BONDS, INVESTMENTS, RENTALS $ t AND FARM LANDS y y y y — y Cash for Your Liberty Bonds y jr List Your Property With Us & • » * *