WE'RE LIFTING f I TT"' 1\ /I /''YTVTT'T'/'YD STEADILY GROWING
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A NATIONAL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS
THE RKV. JOHN ALBERT WILLIAMS. Editor :
$2.00 a Year 5c a Copy OMAHA, NEBRASKA, FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1922 Vol. VII—No. 28 Whole Number 340
BETTER TRAINED
MINISTRY OBJECT
OF NEW MOVEMENT
Howard Culversi ^ mgurates I’hiii
for Improving . lellwtnnl
Standard of t ^ tes
for Minlsti ^
- %
BISHOP HARDING CH> AN
Strong Advisory Committee of lift)
Members Representing Various
Ih'iminluations t'o-operiitlng
III Movement.
Washington, I). C.—Fan. 13.—The
first meeting or the recently organized
advisory board of the School of Re
ligion of Howard Universiy was held
on the University Campus January 4.
This Board lias been organized for the
purpose of promoting a definite co
operative plan by which all persons
interested, irrespective of religious
faith, may work together for a better
trained Negro ministry.
President J. Stanley Durkee pre
sented that vrger plans of the Uni
versity and! id of the things already
accomplished, and those being planned.
He stressed the need of a great inter
denominational Theological school.
Dean D. Butler Pratt presented the
pre-ent condition of the School of Re
ligion of Howard University. He pre
sented the need for a Divinity hall, as
the School of Religion has no build
lug of its own, and tiie pressing need
of additional professors.
The work of the Extension Depart
ment of the Seliool of Religion was
presented by Dr. Sterling N. Brown,
Director. He told of the growth of
that work and of the last twelve
years' steady progress until now with
the most meager outfit the number has
increased to nearly 200/ students,
which number could lie increased to
thousands if the work is properly
hacked. The startling fact that there
are 1,800 annual calls for new pastors
and ant ye:\lr less than 100 graduates
from all the schools to supply the
need revealed u most perplexing sltua
tion. He said that with 1,700 preach
ers annually going into the pastorate
with hut little If any training present
ed a problem that the American peo
pie have not seemed to realize.
The Advisory Board consists of
nearly fifty church leaders in all of
the important denominations of the
country. Among those who have con
sented to serve upon the Board are
such churchmen as Rt. Rev. Alfred
Harding, Bishop, of Washington, 1).
( '.; Rev. Frederick Lynch, publisher of
Christian Work, New York City; Rev.
0r. Alexander Mann, Rector of Trinity
Church, Boston, Mass.; Rev. Dr. Cor
nelius Woelfkin, Fifth Avenue Baptist
I Church, New York City; Rev. I)r.
Henry Sloan Coffin, Madison Avenue
Presbyterian Church, New York City;
Dean Charh R. Brown, Yale Divinity
Sghool, New Haven, Conn.; Dr. James
H. Dillerd, Slater and Jeans Funds,
Charlottsville, Vu.; Rt. Rev. John
Hur t, 'Bishop of A. M. F. Church,
Jacksonville, Fla.; Rev. Dr. Walter H.
Brooks, Nineteenth’ Street Baptist
Church, Washington, D. C.; IU. Rev.
George L. Blackwell, Bishop of A. M.
F„ Church, Philadelphia, Pa.; Rev.
Dr. I. <bn land Penn, Secretary Freed
men’s Board, M. E. Church, Cincin
nati, Ohio; Rev. Dr. William Adams
Brown, Union Theological Seminary,
w York City, and Dr. J. K. Morland,
atemaUonal Secretary Y. M. C. A.,
i'tw York City.
Organization of the Advisory Board
„f Howard University School of Re
ligion was ejected with the Rt. Rev.
Alfred Harding, Bishop of Washing
ton, D. C„ Secretary, and Dr. Emmett
J. Scott of Howard University, Treas
urer. Bishop Harding expressed him
self as being most emphatically in
favor of the plan and purpose of the
organization and made many helpful
suggestions with reference to putting
the program into operation.
LYNCHING AND THE WEST
INDIES.
Chicago Daily Journal (Dcm.)
Almost every American wishes that
the West Indies were controlled by
the United States, and the desire
ought to be made unanimous. Geo
graphically those islands are detached
portions of North America. Econom*
Iically, their interests nearly all turn
-his way. The United States furnishes
their best market*, nor is that the only
consideration. Like all tropical lands,
they need capital and engineering ser
vice for development; and America
has both.
Moreover, the acquisition of the
West Indies by the United States
would make for world peace. No sen*
sible person supposes that France or
Britain plans to use their islands as
bases for attack upon America; but
the islands could be so used, and in
times of excitement a great many
people are not sensible. As a protec
tion from the disturbance and expense
which comes even with rumors of war,
Uncle Sam could afford to pay a good
price for jthe West Indian lands
still under European flags—but what
chance is there that those regions will
be for sale?
Apparently, not much chance. Bri
tain and France can not sell and we
can not buy colonists like cattle. The
consent of the governed must be ob
tained, and that consent may be hard
to win. Three quarters of the popula
tion of the West-Indies is black or col
ored—for there, as in Louisiana, a
distinction is made metween pure-bred
Africans and those of mixed descent.
Under French and British rule the
lynching of Negroes is unknown. In
the United States we congratulate
ourselves on national self-restraint
when only fifty or sixty black men ate
murdered by mobs in a single year.
Will West Indian Negroes vote them
selves into a country which virtually
denies the right of trial by jury to
men of their race?
It sems doubtful. There are other ob
stacles of the same general kind. So
cial distinctions of race exist in the
British and French colonies, but they
are n (ft drawn with the steely hard
ness which characterizes the United
States. Political distinctions in the
islands are almost negligible. Negroes
can and sometimes do sit in the
French parliament as deputies from
Martinique, and Negro judges admin
ister the law in Jamaica. But if all
these difficulties could be avoded, the
lynehng barrier would remain.
President Harding’s speech on the
color question not long ago was
thought by many to be an effort to
lea <ure the colored populations of
the West Indies, with a view of sug
gesting the transfer of those islands.
If that were the purpose of the speech
it was adroitly framed and should be
followed by others of the same general
nature. But no president ran cure the
habit of mob lawlessness which has
taken such a firm grip in this country
and which finds its worst expression
in mob murder.
Lynching is an international dis
grace. Now, it 1m an International com
plication as well. The mob that hangs
a Negro in Georgia, or bums one in
Texas, or beats one to death on the
edge of Chicago’s black belt, is stand
ing in the way of natural expansion
of the republic and hindering world
peace.
PROMINENT VISITORS
SPENT) HALF DAY AT
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Sympathetic Students of Race Rela
tionships in America Guests of
Educational Institution.
Washington, D. C„ Jan. 13.—Among
the notable visitors who have recently
visited Howard University during the
past few weeks, perhaps some of the
most interesting were Mr. H. G. Wells,
the most widely known author and
contemporary English writer; Prince
and Princess Uibesco of Rumania,
Princess Biheseo being the daughter
of the Honorable II. H. Asquith, for
merly Premier of the British Empire;
Mr. Robert R. Wilberforce, a member
of the English (b legation to the Arms
Conference, great grandson of Will
iam Wilberforce, who began in Eng
land the movement to abolish slavery
in the British Empire, and Lord
George Riddle, representative of the
Newspaper Publishers' Association of
London and their unofficial spokes
man in the United States.
Mr. Wilberforce and Lord Riddle
appeared before the student body at
the noonday Chapel exercises and
much t the delight of officers, teach
ers and students, Lord Riddle made an
informal address upon the practical
values of education, which elicited a
hearty response. Lord Riddle is one
of England’s greatest publicists and
a student of America’s contemporary
affairs. The question of race rela
tion-hip in this country is one of the
questions at present interesting him.
II \S $50,000 PRINTING PLANT.
(Associated Negro Press.)
New York, Jan. 13.—Among the
pleasing disclosures concerning inter
est in the amusement world, one of
the most astonishing and at the same
time most substantial is the Ferguson
National Printing Company of Indian
apolis, Ind., according to J. A. Jack
son, in the Billboard.
Some very fine specimens of the
work put out by this enterprising race
concern have been brought to the at
tention of the public.
The company lias a $50,000 plant,
fitted with the most modern equip
ment for doing two or three color
work. The employees are all Colored,
as are the officers.
The most significant feature about
them is that they are in the general
market and are not confining their
search for markets to our own group.
Because of this they deserve and are
gett'ag the support of many of our
show and theatre owners.
“Y” SECRETARIES
TAKE TRAINING
FOR LEADERSHIP
Competent Young Women Attend
Three Weeks’ Training Conference
at Hampton Institute.
120 SECRETARIES AT WORK
Hampton, Va., Jan. 13.—“Our aim is
to train for Colored leadership in the
Young Woman's Christian Associa
tion work as we train for white leader
ship,” declared Mary E. Scott at the
close of the three-weeks’ training con
ference for Colored Y. W. C. A. secre
taries, which was held recently at
Hampton Institute under direction of
staff workers, including Miss Scott,
Miss Eva D. Bowles, Miss Adela S.
Ruffin, iMss Clada J. Williams and
Miss Almira F. Hilmes. Miss Scott
added:
“We have now an employed staff
of 120 women in our Colored Associa
tions, local, headquarters and field,
at least 75 per cent of whStn have
been trained as secretaries.
“We have emphasized the financial
side, organization, leadership, volun
teer work and committee manage
ment. We have also emphasized the
relation of health to life and work.
The conference has aimed to give tech
nical knowledge and inspiration to sec
retaries so they will be able to tri
umph over the many disappointments
which they meet in their work.
“This year, for the %rst time, we
have a Colored girl in our National
Training School."
The personnel of the training con
ference follows: G. May Cooper,
Charleston, S. C.; C. Vivian Carter,
Baltimore, Md.; Esther Stevenson, Le
Roy, N. Y.; Clementine Reeves, East
St. Louis, III.; Georgia Wares, Will
iamsport, Pa.; Doris Wootin, Fort
Worth, Texas; Helen Hudson, Chatta
nooga, Term.; Adelaide Smith, Colum
bia, S. C.; Vater Beachamp, Lynch
burg, Va.; Isabel S. Frazier, Colum
bus, Ohio; Dortha Tuck, Brooklyn, N.
Y., Annie Walker, Richmond, Va.; An
na P. Dart, Newport News, Va.; Julia
E. Whittaker, Augusta, Ga.; Mary
Thompson, Washington, D. C.; Bessie
'Butler, Asheville, N. C.; Hortense
Ridgley, Montclair, N. J, and Virginia
P. Powell, Pittsburgh, Pa.
GK VNTKI) LICENSE AS
- STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
(Associated Negro 'Press.)
Chicago, Jan. 13.—Charles S. Duke,
who has practiced civil engineering in
Chicago for fifteen years, has been
' granted a license as a structural en
| gineer. He is a graduate of Harvard
! and received his degree of C. E. at the
| University of Wisconsin. He is a
: member of the Western Society of En
; gineers and is the first Colored man
; in Illinois to be licensed as a struc
I tural engineer.
Y. W. C. A.
Why join the Y. W. C. A.?
Membership in the “Y” is an invest
ment in the largest movement in the
world. Five thousand five hundred
nineteen women and girls in the
United States have invested. Forty
seven countries in the world have in
vested. Have you? Why join the Y.
W. C. A.? Because the Young Wo
men1- Christian Association, through
its purpose associate young women in
personal loyalty to Jesus Christ
nrvd seeks to make possible a more
abundant life for girls and women
of Omaha; because the "Y" seeks
to establish a social order of in
timate friendship and justice, which
will safeguard women’s lives all
over the world. The “Y” is a
great big sisterhood, and I am appeal
ing to every woman and girl to join so
as to make Omaha a better place in
which to live. If you were a member
last year, renew your membership
right now.
MRS. I). W. GOODEN,
Chairman Membership Committee.
PROMINENT YOUNG
MATRON IMPROVING
Mrs. Hazel Terry Lewis, one of
Omaha’s most deserving young wo
men, who has been confined to her
home with the grip, is rapidly im
proving. Mrs. Lewis has won her
popularity by knowing how to meet
the people. In May, 1920, just at the
age of twenty-eight years, she filed
for delegate to the county convention
and precinct committeeman and was
elected. Mrs. Lewis is the wife of J.
D. Lewis, owner of the J. D. I^ewis
Taxi.
Mrs. George A. Love was confined
to her home last week with an attack
of tonsi litis.
Miss Lucile Bivins was unable to at
tend Central High school for several
days last week because of illness.
;108 COLORED THEATRES
FOUND BY JACKSON
I’lans to Uncover One Hundred More
in Survey to lie Made This
Year.
By J. A. JACKSON.
Information listed and tabulated by
J. A. Jackson concerning colored
amusement interests is as follows:
One hundred sixty-five theatres pre
senting motion pictures.
One hundred forty-three theatres
presenting vaudeville, road shows and
pictures.
Total, 'i08 theatres.
Seventeen film companies producing
pictures with Negro casts.
Five exchanges distributing Negro
films.
Sixty-seven colored theatrical
troupes and tabloid companies.
Five hundred twenty colored vaude
ville acts.
Thirty-nine bands.
One hundred fifty-six orchestras.
Sixteen circus- organizations of
bands and comedians.
Twenty-three minstrel companies.
Two hundred twelve hotels and
boarding houses of the country.
Twelve cabarets.
Twelve professional clubs, societies
and unions.
Ten manufacturers of the race mak
ing amusement equipment.
Thirty composers.
Fifteen playwrights and authors.
Six professional modistes.
Twenty concert artists.
One show print concern.
Five colored advance agents.
Seventeen colored fair grounds con
cessioners.
Sixteen Colored aerial, acrobatic and
contortionists' acts.
Twenty-one colored mystics, magi
cians and illusionists.
Twenty-seven packs.
Forty-six colored fair associations,
whose gates this year totaled more
than a million and a half paid admis
sions.
Mr. Jackson confesses that he has
in most instances merely scratched
the surface of the different phases of
our interests. He has hearsay infor
mation on about a hundred more small
picture houses and theatres.
From his own observation he is
certain he has listed less than a third
of the other enterprises and artists.
TUSKEGEE UNVEILS PORTRAITS
OF BENEFACTORS
(Associated Negro Press.)
Tuskegee Institute, Ala., Jan. 13.—
One of the most interesting events
during the Christmas season at Tus
kegee Institute was the unveiling of |
the portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Julius
Rosenwald of Chicago, at the Child
ren’s House Training School. Through
his yearly gifts and his interest in the
pupils of the Children’s House, Mr.
Rosenwald, who is a Trustee of the I
Institute, has gained a warm place in j
the hearts of thc-e three hundred
children and upon their request sent j
: the portraits to Mrs. R. R. Moton, who
i formally presented them to Mrs. L. 3'.
Jones principal in the Training
School, and the pupils in connection I
with the Christmas tree festivities.
ILLNESS OF FATHER WILLIAMS
The Rev. John Albert Williams, pas
tor of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
and editor of J’he Monitor, was taken
seriously ill last Friday night with an
acute attack of pleurisy and threat
ened pneumonia which confined him
to his lied until Thursday. pH i im
proving, though still weak. His physi
cian, Dr. J. II. Hutten, advises that
he may permit Father Williams to go
out Sunday.
ALLEN CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH
5233 Soutti Twenty-fifth Street.
O. J. BURKIIARDT, Pastor.
Sunday was a very good day in
deed. We have everything to be
thankful for these days in the line of
church work, while conditions are very
unfavorable because of the strike.
Many strangers worshipped with us.
Sermon topics next Sunday will be:
At 11 a. m., “An Uncomfortable Re
ligion;” 7:30, “Effects of Sin.”
The Rev. W. C. Williams, pastor ot
St. John’s A. M. E. Church, who has
been confined to his home for several
weeks on account of an incapacitated
limb and who was seized with pleurisy
lust Saturday, is reported much im
proved and resting comfortably.
An all-star cast colored play, “The
Burden of the Race,” a super-produc
tion of six reels, will be shown at the
Diamond theater Friday and Saturday,
January 20-21. See Diamond ad in
this paper.
Mrs. Gertrude Lucas, member of the
Welfare Board, Omaha, spent the
week-end visiting former teachers and
pupils at the State Industrial School,
Geneva, Neb.
The Rev. M. H. Wilkinson, Baptist
state missionary, has just returned
from Beatrice, Fairbury and Hastings.
LAW SUIT LOOMS
AGAINST LARGE
PHONOGRAPH FIRM
Makers of Black Swan Records to
Claim Damages From Columbia
< Company Concerning Carroll
Clark Record.
CLAIM SERIOUS OPPOSITION
Persons Professing to Know Maintain j
Leading Firms Are Actually Op
posing Spread of Popularity
of Pace Productions.
(Associated Negro Press.)
New York, Jan. 13.—Announcement
that attorneys for the makers of the
Black Swan Records have in prepara
tion a damage suit against the Co
lumbia Graphophone Company was
made here this week. It is alleged
that many unfair tactics have been re
sorted to by various white companies
to obstruct the progress of the Pace
Company and to curtail the growing
popularity of Black Swan Records.
Among the latest campaigns to be
inaugurated is a series of advertise
ments in which it is claimed certain
artists under exclusive contract to the
Pace Phonograph Corporation are be
ing claimed by the Columbia among
their exclusive artists.
One of the singers in question is
Carroll Clark, who has been with the
Pace Phonograph Corporation since
its beginning and two of whose rec
ords had al ready been released on
Black Swan. Mr. Clark at one time
made a record or so for the Columbia,
but they gave very little notice to
his recording. In releasing it, instead
of publishing his picture, as is usual,
they printed a picture of a “Southern
Scene,” so Mr. Clark states. He be
came dissatisfied over the matter and
was among the earliest applicants to
sing for the Black Swan. Dut to the
publicity given by Mr. Pace to Mr.
Clark, who had signed an exclusive
contract with Mr. Pace, and after
thousands of his pictures had been
printed and distributed by Black
Swan, the Columbia resurrected these
old records and are now announcing
Clark as an exclusive artist whose
singing can be heard only on Columbia
records.
In view of the fact that a new rec
ord by Mr. Clark, “Swing Low, Sweet
Chariot,” and “One Sweetly Solemn
Thought” was released January 1st
on Black Swan records, Mr. Pace is
advised by his attorneys that the cam
paign of the Columbia is calculated to
damage the sale of the Black Swan
record of Mr. Clark’s and suit for
damages is being prepared accord
ingly.
The attorneys are also investigat
ing a complaint that another white
company has bribed certain dealers
to damage their Black Swan records
before selling them to customers, with
a view to making the customer feel
that the race product was sent out in
that condition and to cause him to
cease buying them.
! \THER AND SON WEEK
TO BE OBSERVED
Father and Son week will be nh
erved from January 22-2!). The week
will he opened by sermons on Fathers
and Sons at all the churches, Sunday,
January 22.
This year the movement lias been
endorsed by the Colored Commeruial
Club, Y. M. C. A., Ministerial Alli
ance, N. A. A. C. P., all churches, lead
ing clubs and organizations interested
in boys’ work.
The movement has for its object the
securing of closer contact, better un
derstanding and realization of obliga
tions, which will result in greater
benefit to father and son than in the
[iast.
All colored churches, the Commer
cial Club, Boy Scouts and N. A. A. C.
P. will unite in a Father and Son din
ner at the Zion Baptist Church, Tues
day evening, January 24, at which a
program will be rendered. Make your
reservations early.
CHAMBER COMMERCE
COMMISSIONER ADDRESSES
COLORED COMMERCIAL BODY
A good sized audience gathered at
the Colored Commercial Club room,
2414 Maple Street, Wednesday even
ing, January 11, to hear Mr. David
Larsen propound the doctrines and
principles of organization. Mr. E. W.
Pryor, president of the C. C. C., act
ing as master of ceremonies, in a few
well chosen words introduced Mr. S.
S. Caldwell, who, after giving a schol
arly explanation of world financial
and economic conditions, introduced
Mr. David Larson, oCmmissioner of
the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
The speaker launched into his subject
by stating a truism that organization
affects every phase of human activity
and that each one must of necessity
accept some responsibility in his com
munity or be a misfit in the general
scheme of things.
Among other things made clear to
an attentive audience was the fact
that one gets out of any proposition
only the equivalent of what he puts
into it. After defining in a general
way the functions of the club’s differ
ent committees, the speaker in closing
summed up under five head' the
causes of the present world unrest.
They follow: Challenge to authority;
hatred between men; aversion to
work; thirst for pleasure, and denying
the spiritual in human affairs.
The discourse wras closed amid
great applause. Those of the C. C. C.
who were present felt greatly benefit
ed and it is sincerely hoped we may
hear more constructive talks by men
of experience and the ability to drive
home facts.
TWO WORKMEN
INJURED BY STRIKERS
Two packing house workers in the
strike zone were beaten so badly Mon
day that they may die. James Mitch
ell, 2505 Michigan avenue, was pro
nounced in a serious condition at
South Side hospital this morning. He
was taken there Monday afternoon af
ter five white men had beaten him
at Thirty-sixth and L streets. A frac
tured skull and broken nose are among
his injuries. He was employed at the
Cudahy plant.
Thomas Teel; packing house worker,
was assaulted by a gang of white men
as he w'as going to his home, 2860
Lake street, on a crosstown car last
night about 11 o’clock.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF
ST. PHILIP, THE DEACON
A large congregation was present
at the 11 o’clock service Sunday morn
ing, which, because of the illness of
the priest, was- morning prayer and
litany and an instructive address on
‘‘The Teaching Function of the
Church,” by George H. W. Bullock, lay
reader. The Sunday school also was
largely attended; Services at the us
ual hours next Sunday.
UNCLE FIGHTS FOR OKLA
HOMA GIRL’S MILLION
White Man Also Asks to he Appointed
a Guardian Over the Estate of
Sarah Rector, the Wealthiest Col
ored Woman in World.
THE COURT DELAYS ACTION
To Wait Until Girl Recovers From
Pneumonia Before Rendering De
cision. May Have Effect Upon
Other Guardianship Cases.
Muskogee, Okla., Jan. 13.—The
fight of Fred Rector and G. C. Barker,
white, to gain control of the million
dollar estate of Miss Sarah Recto i
America’s wealthiest Colored girl, be
gan in the local courts last week.
Two petitions of the appointment
of guardians were filed last month,
one by her uncle, Fred Rector, alleg
ing that she is dissipating her fortune
and asking that G. C. Parker of Mus
kogee be appointed us guardian. The
other was filed November 14, by John
Collins, asking that Monte Sampson
be appointed guardian for the girl, al
leging that she i conveying her prop
erty to ithers and that she is in dan
ger of losing it.
The millionaire oil queen is at pres*
ent attending the Kansas City High
School, and at the present time is ill
with a threatened attack of pneu
monia. Judge Vernor has delayed the
hearing until she is able to appear
in person. She has appointed C. Cal
loway, of Kansas City, to represent
her interests.
Worth Million and Half.
“There’ll probably be a bunch more
to listen to before a week,’ said one
of Miss Sarah’s attorneys.
Sarah Rector's wealth is estimated
by her attorneys to be $1,500,000, of
which $500,000 is in Oklahoma and
$1,000,000 mostly in Kansas. She
came of age March 4, 1920. Being
only 18 years old, F. ,T. Porter and M.
G. Young were appointed voluntary
trustees until she learned to handle
her affairs. Now' it is alleged that
she is squandering her wealth.
On the other hand her attorneys
say her holdings are growing con
stantly and that she is perfectly able
to take care of herself. In addition
to the firm of Disney and Wheelr in
ifluskogee, C. H. Calloway, of Kansas
City, is counsl for the girl.
What Sarah Owns.
Of her wealth in Oklahoma she
owns rich royalty holdings in the
Cushing pool in addition to 2,700 acres
of rich bottom land in Muskogee and
Wagoner counties. She has about
$75,000 worth of property in Musko
gee.
In Kansas City she has $200,000
in 8 per cent motgages, $100,000 in
Liberty bonds, $200,000 in city prop
erty and $500,000 in other diversified
holdings, according to her attorneys.
....... ,. - - ... - ■ flat • * vertr" y
GOVERNOR BICKETT
OF NORTH CAROLINA
ANSWERS SUMMONS
Was True Friend of Negro Race,
Champion of Law and Order, and
One of Country’s Greatest and
Most Courageous Executives.
PREVENTED MANY LYNCHINGS
Issued Famous Order Against Mobs,
“Shoot and Shoot Straight.” Risked
Political Career in Defense
of Right.
(Special to the Monitor.)
Raleigh, N. C., Jan. 13.—Thomas W.
Bickett, former governor of this state
and for a while practicing law in this
city, died at his home here Wednes
day, January 4, after a short illness
as the result of a paralytic stroke.
Ex-Governor Bickett was for four
years governor of North Carolina,
having succeeded former Governor
Craig and immediately preceding the
present Governor Morrison. His term
of office may well he termed one of
great progress in social and civic up
lift. His entire administration will
long be remembered by all colored
people whether south or north as one
of an absolutely square deal. He
risked his political career to see that
justice and fair play were given our
group. Many times he appeared in
person on the scene of an attempted
lynching and by his stem manner of
speaking and acting repulsed the mob
and saw to it that the prisoner gol a
fair trial and that the law was up
held. On one occasion a mob had
gathered at midnight about the jail in
the capital, bent upon lynching a cer
tain Earl Neivel, who was accused of
an attack upon a woman. The Gover
nor came out partly clad and, ascend
ing an improvised stand, warned tne
mob to disperse and let the law have
its course. When they hesitated he
told them if they did not heed his
warning many of them would not see
their homes again. They saw he meant
what he said and obeyed. The pris
oner was removed to the state prison
just outside the city. Being again
stirred by the daily papers of that
city, the mob reappeared in double
number at the gates of the peniten
tiary at 2 in the morning in another
attempt to lynch the man. Again the
Governor rushed ot the scene half
clad and calmly though positively
warned the mob that if they ap
proached the prison beyond a certain
“dead line” they would march into
certain death. And turning to the
guards and militia, he said “Aim,” and
they obeyed with the result that the
mob hurried and scurried away. He
sent the tank corps to Winston-Salem
to save a prisoner, and he saved him.
He ordered the guards at Graham to
| “Shoot and shoot straight,” with the
j result that several of the mob fell
I dead and wounded. After this mobs
| always picked places far away from
j the Governor’s ears and immediate
reach to execute their deeds.
Ex-Governor Thomas Walter Biek
ett was bora in I.ouisberg, N. C., a
small aristocratic town lying about
40 miles northeast of Raleigh, with
about 8,000 inhabitants. He came
from one of the oldest and most ex
clusive families of the state. He
was a fearless champion of justice. He
was a Christian gentleman of the
most devout character. He was a
member of the Episcopal church, be
ing an active worker in St. Paul’s par
ish, Louisburg, all of his life. Since
leaving the Governor’s chair he prac
ticed law in Raleigh. He was a
leader and exponent in all matters for
uplift. He was a frequent visitor in
the colored schools of this state.
PHI DELTAS GIVE
DANCING PARTY
The Phi Delta Society closed their
Christmas celebration with a Twelfth
Night dancing party at beautiful Hill
crest, the home of the Misses Ethel
and Thelma Jones, last Friday night.
Fine music was furnished by the Gem
orchestra. Seventy-five geests were
present.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT POST
TO ELECT OFFICERS
There will be a special meetin^>of
the Theodore Roosevelt Post of the
American Legion at the Colored Com
mercial Club, 2421 Maple Street, Fri
day night, for the election of officers
and matters of great importance to
all ex-service men will be taken up *
at that time. All ex service men are
invited to be present.
DR. W. W. PEEBLES,
Post Commander.
It. C. LONG, Adjutant.