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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 25, 1927)
™ The Monitor ~ X % NEBRASKA’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS < . \ 5- THE REV- JOHN ALBERT WILLIAMS, Editor. = „ *=\.■ ' =■ , —..., " -. ■ ... ■■ . . % *_*_c°Py Omaha, Nebraska, Friday, November 25, 1927 Vol. XIII—Number 21 Whole Number 643 Thru Negroes Are Chosen As City Dads JIM CROW “EQUAL SERVICE” FRAUD EXPOSED BY A FORMER SOLDIER Hi* Letters to President Coolidge and Senators Get Perfunctory Replies; Martin B. Madden Calls Discrimination “Nefarious Practice” New York City—The frauds prac ticed by railways running through Southern territory, which fail to provide the “equal accommodations’’ called for under the jim-crow sys tem, though charging colored people equal rates with whites, are sharply exposed in a series of letters sent to the National Association for the Ad vancement of Colored People, by Ar thur H. Thomas, who fought for his country in France, to, make the world safe for jim-crow at home. Mr. Thomas reports to the N. A. A. C. P. that he wrote President Coolidge a letter, calling his atten tion to these frauds and giving his own experience, as follows: “I am an ex-soldier. I served in the A. E. F. One of my comrades, who died in action ‘over there,’ left a young sister in America to enjoy the blessings of a victorious country and its protection. Not long ago, accompanied by this sister and a num ber of other ladies, I boarded the Dixie Limited, a train which runs from Chicago to Jacksonville, Flori da, for Macon, Georgia. We took seats in one of the day coaches. On reaching Evansville, Indiana, the ladies and myself were ordered to take seats in the smoker. The fumes of smoke had not cleared the car; some of the cuspidors had not been emptied, and their odor combined with the smoke, making it very un pleasant for the ladies, I moved the cuspidors from beneath their seats and placed them in the aisle. When the conductor came through, I asked him if he would kindly have the cus pidors taken from the coach. He re plied he would. a lew minutes later the porter entered the coach and attempted to place the cuspidors back beneath the ladies’ seats. I arose and protested. I protested with the same courage that I faced the perils of war. So much effect did my words have in the improvement of that coach, that I believe if the president of the Unit ed States will rise and protest against such conditions there soon will be no occasion for any citizen to annoy him with a letter like this. \s an ex-soldier and an American, I respectfully suggest, Mr. Coolidge, thac you use your powerful influence to cause such a law to be passed as will prohibit railroad companies from the practice of collecting first-class passenger fares for unclassified pas senger service.” The ex-soldier’s letter received no direct reply from the president but was referred to the Interstate Com merce Commission, whose secretary, G. B. McGinty, informed him: “The matter of which you com plain, namely, the exaction of first class passenger fares ffom you and certain ladies who accompanied you, for transportation in a smoking car on the Dixie Limited south of Evans ville, Ind., is a matter which does not constitute a violation of any provi sion of the interstate commerce act, for the reason that the act does not require carriers to furnish transpor tation which is other than first-class; and your statement to the effect that the service was not first-class, al though a matter we deem it proper to call to the attention of the authori ties of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad company, relates to a sub ject over which the congress of the United States has not as yet seen fij to exercise jurisdiction. In the past competition between carriers and their desire to secure patronage of the traveling public has been deemed sufficient to induce them to render good service, and that they have gen erally done so is evidenced by the fact that complaints like the one con tained in your communication are seldom made.” Commenting on the above letter, James Weldon Johnson, secretary of the National Association for the Ad vancement of Colored People, urged every colored person who at any time I received inferior service, dirty ac commodation, absence of decent toi let facilities and other discrimina tion generally practiced under the jim-crow system, to report the matter to the Interstate Commerce Commis sion, in Washington, D. C., in order that they may not be able to con tend the matter has not been often enough brought to their attention. The ex-soldier, Mr. Thomas, fur ther reports to the N. A. A. C. P. that he wrote about 50 letters to United States senators and representatives detailing his experience and received replies, of which the following are typical: Frank L. Smith, senator from Illi nois: ‘‘I beg leave to acknowledge your letter of September 20th, and while I think your complaint really applies to a particular train instead of the general railroad service, I will be very glad to do anything that I can to have the service made what it ought to be.” Charles Curtis, senator from Kan sas: “I am sorry you had such an ex perience, and I will gladly bring your complaint to the attention of the proper officials for consideration.” Clyde Kelly, representative of the Thirty-third District, Pennsylvania: ‘‘I am sorry for the inconvenience you suffered on your trip to Macon, Ga., and shall be glad to see if any thing can be done to remedy the rep etition of such an occurrence.” The one emphatic and forceful let ter answering Mr. Thomas’ commu nication, came from Representative Martin B. Madden, of Illinois, who wrote: “I assure you I have always been opposed to discrimination as practic ed by some of the railroads and I have fought it on the floor of the House on several occasions. I shall be pleased to continue in my efforts to put a stop to this nefarious prac tice.” Colored people throughout the United States are urged to report at once to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 69 Fifth avenue, New York City, all cases of inferior service in jim-erow cars of the southern railroads, giving facts and details, which will be promptly reported to the Interstate Commerce Commission and to inter ested senators and representatives. This material, if furnished to the N. A. A. C. P., will be organized for presentation to the Interstate Com merce Commission in such a form which it will be impossible to dodge. AMERICAN DENTAL BILL $300,000,000 ANNUALLY DEROIT, Mich.—There are only twenty perfect seta of teeth in the United States, according to Dr. Ray mond M. Bondy of Chicago, speaker at the American Dental Convention here Monday. He said that 92,400, 000 of the country’s 120,000,000 population do not use tooth brushes. “Another proof that a great ma jority of people do not clean their teeth is found in the fact that the people of this country spend more than $300,000,000 annually in hav ing their teeth restored or taken care ■ of,” he continued. SEGREGATION IS UPHELD BY COURT Colored School Law* of State* Are Constitutional, Ruling Hold* Washington, D. C.—(AP)—State laws requesting race segregation of children in public schools were sus tained as valid by the supreme court Monday in a case from Mississippi brought by the Chinese father of a child. Mississippi’s constitution provides that “separate schools shall be main tained for children of the white and colored races,” and when Martha EDITORIAL Most of us are under the dominion of custom and tradition. None, or at least very few, will willingly admit it, but it is a fact, nevertheless. It is a very small minority, even among the most intelligent and cultured, whose conduct towards their fellowmen is governed by reason, uninfluenced by custom or tradition. Custom is a common and established usage, manner, prac tice, fashion, or way of looking at or regarding persons or things. Custom in most instances is the result of tradition, which is that which has been transmitted or handed uown from sire to son, or from ancestor to posterity, by oral or word-of mouth communication, without the aid of written documents. It is claimed that tradition is strongest among savage and semi-civilized peoples, and is more marked among orientals than among occidentals. But in our opinion, this may be ques tioned, unless the tenacious tradition found among Caucasians or Nordics, as a rule, that all darker or non-white races and individuals are inferior in intellect and morals to themselves, be evidence of the savagery or semi-civilization which a learned western bishop boldly asserts lies just beneath the skin of Christianized and commercialized Americans and Europeans. True, the Arab traversing the desert, continues to pitch his tent, no matter how high the sun may be in the heavens, on the same traditional spot that some illustrious ancestor pitched his, and cannot be persuaded, forced or paid to pass that spot, “because our father Abdul pitched his tent on this very spot a thousand years ago.” But in what particular does this act; of the Arab differ from that of the American or European who stubbornly refuses to see ability or give opportunity of development to certain race groups or varieties? In what whit does it differ from the man who nurses his prejudices and stubbornly refuses to surrender them, against those who differ from him in religion, like the Roman Catholic or the Jew, for example? None, as we can see it. It is continuous tent-pitching on the traditional site of ancestors, unmindful of the fact that better camping grounds lie beyond. In our American life, perhaps no better illustration can be found of the slavery of custom than in the dealing of white employers, who are mostly men of high character, a keen sense of justice and right and of splendid ideals, with Negro em ployees. Custom, American custom, has decreed that Negroes must occupy only menial positions, as they are commonly called in the various fields of employment. _ As a matter of fact, no occupation that ministers to human need is “MENIAL,” in the sense which is generally attached to it, that is—servile, de based, mean, low. A servant, for that is what the word “menial” means, ought to be regarded as a dignified position. It is snobbery which regards it as a badge or mark of inferior ity and degradation. The Divine Master said, “I am among you as he that is a menial, one that serveth.” But that is not the high sense in which it is commonly regarded. There is a certain disparagement attaching, though wrongfully, to cer tain types or classes of work. Custom, as we have said, largely confines Negroes to this class of work. For example, a colored girl, of excellent appearance, educa tion and ability, quite competent to serve in a clerical position, or as a saleswoman, may apply for a position in, let us say, some large department store. Under the bondage of custom the proprietor believes that he dare not give her any other em ployment than that of maid or a duster of furniture. Promo tion, advancement, or transfer to some other line of work, re garded as less “menial,” is not to be thought of. Why? Cus tom hath decreed, tradition has declared, that this people must always occupy SERVILE or “menial” places. Otherwise the status of the innately and divinely appointed “superior race” will be menaced. “Our fathers pitched their tent on this spot a thousand years ago.” i cx^clui, weii-iiiaiuiei cu, wcii-t'uuucticu i'icgiu ^uutu cty plies for a job. The proprietor is pleased with his appearance and honestly believes he has good stuff in him. He believes that he might become a good shipping clerk. Custom says he must be employed as janitor. And he is so employed. Sub sequently he may be used as shipping clerk, but is still called a janitor and draws a janitor’s pay. He may be with the firm twenty or twenty-five years, become quite familiar with the various branches of the business, and a most loyal and trust worthy employee. He helps train others and sees them pro moted while he is still a “janitor,” perhaps with a slight ad vance in pay, but that is all. Enlarged opportunities are not withheld because the em ployer wants to be unjust or unfair. He really wants to be eminently fair, and chafes under his commercial bondage—but he is under the domination of custom and does not feel strong enough to break the bonds of narrow tradition. This, however, is being done, here and there, by courageous men, who do not find it so extremely difficult after all. Un fortunately the number of such pioneers is yet quite small, but their numbers are growing, and in the meanwhile our own young people must prepare themselves, CONSCIENTIOUSLY and THOROUGHLY, to take their places in those fields of ser vice for which they are prepared when the opportunity calls, as sooner or later it will. Nor must there be any disparage ment of those who serve in occupations called menial. Lum, the daughter of Gong Lum, an American citizen of Chinese descent, was refused admission to a white pub lic school in Mississippi, and was as signed to a colored public school, the constitutional provision was attacked. The school authorities took the po sition that children of Chinese birth are not of the white race. State of ficials declared that should the seg gregation of races in the public schools in various states be held re pugnant to the equal protection clause of the federal constitution, material har.a would be done by the intermingling of children of all races. WOMAN WHO ACCUSED NEGROES HELD FOR CRIME May’s Landing, N. J.—While her alleged paramour, William Beach, is being treated by physicians in his cell here, following a heart attack, Mrs. Lilljendahl, jointly indicted with him for the murder of her aged husband, shows signs of weakening, and the exciting story of the slaying being committed by Negroes is practically overthrown altogether. The trial is expected to reveal some sensational facts. There have been 89 lynchings in Oklahoma since 1889. TWO REPUBLICANS AND ONE DEMOCRAT ELECTED COUNCILMEN New York, N. Y.— (ANP)—Char les W. White, president of the Cleve land branch of the National Associa tion for the Advancement of Color led People, reports to the national of ifice that Clayborne George, a mem ber of the branch executive commit tee, was elected to the Cleveland City Council at the recent election, being one of three Negroes to sit among the 25 members of that body. Mr. White reports: “In the municipal election of 1925 Mr. George was a candidate for the council in his district and made a gratifying showing but was not elect ed. This year I am happy to relate he was successful and was elected without the help of either of the two ! political parties but by the united vote of the Negroes in the East End. “Our city council consists of 25 members elected from four "districts in the city. We had three candidates and all three were successful. Mr. Fleming, republican, was elected for the eighth time. Dr. E. J. Gregg, with democratic endorsement, was elected from the same district as Mr. Fleming, and Mr. George as an in dependent from the fourth district. Cleveland, therefore, will have in the next council three Negroes out of 25 members. Dr. Gregg’s election has been along the same lines as Mr. George’s and the whole of Cleveland is now awake to the fact that the Ne groes’ vote can no longer be classed as solidly for the republican party or [for any party. These gratifying re-, suits were achieved by a unity that was outstanding and by an independ ence that has given rise to a new re spect for the Negro vote.” LOUIS MARSHALL BRIEF ASSAILS CONVICTION BY ALL-WHITE JURY New York—Louis Marshall, mem ber of the national legal committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, has drawn up and forwarded to Attorney S. Decatur McGill in Florida, a brief challenging the conviction of Abe Washington, a Negro, on the ground that Negroes have been barred from juries in Florida and were barred from the jury sitting in that case. The case is now on appeal before the supreme court of the state of Florida. It is planned to take the case on appeal to the United States supreme court if necessary, to strike a blow at the barring of Negroes from jury service in southern states. VIRGINIA SCHOOL REFUSES KLAN’S GIFT Hall’s Hall, Va.— (ANP)—Declar ing that “the colored children, how ever humble, would feel a loss of self respect and manhood to accept any gift from an organization whose oaths, ritual, secrets, lectures, teach ings, practices and works have al ways ben toward the persecution, de gradation and destruction of the Ne gro race, the Negro race of this com munity refused the Ku Klux Klan’s offer of a Bible and an American flag for the John Mercer Langston public school.” The proposed gift of the Klan was purported to show the Negroes that the organization was not inimical to their interest and progress and to se cure the support of the Negro voters for Howard Fields, an alleged mem ber of the Klan. WOULD STOP RIDICULE OF THE U. S. PRESIDENT Washington, D. C. — Congress at the approaching session will be asked to consider the enactment of a law prohibiting the publication of maga zine articles or books, or the produc tion of a play or motion picture that reflects upon the character or acts of a president of the United States. Spellman College, Atlanta, Ga., is giving this year, for the first time, a full four year college course leading to the degree of bachelor of arts. There are 60 members on the faculty and 70 in the entire staff. WOODSON HONORED BY WHITE GRODPS; ADDRESSES BODIES Famous Negro Historian and Author Emphasizes Teaching of Historic Truth Rather Than Propaganda Pittsburgh, Pa.—As a sequel of a most impressive meeting of the Asso ciation for the Study of Negro Life and History recently held here, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the director, was entertained at luncheon at the Fac ulty Club of the University of Pitts burgh. The group desirous of meet ing him was composed largely of teachers of the social sciences, the | fields in which Dr. Woodson’s work lies. Dr. Woodson was entertained also by the Hungry Club of Pittsburgh on the 31st. This club is one of the largest and most popular clubs in the city. It is composed of hundreds of the social workers and business men of the city. At its monthly meeting there is served a luncheon after which some distinguished speaker delivers an address. Dr. Woodson delivered before the club a warmly received address on “History and Propaganda.” He made the sharp distinction between teach ing the whole truth of all races and teaching such a part of it as will de velop a certain state of mind and promote racial antagonism. He em phasized the fact that the relations of the races will never be improved in this country until the teachers of history cease to be propagandists and refrain from teaching race prejudice. * TUSKEGEE DEFEATS MOREHOUSE GRIDSTERS Atlanta, Ga.—The hard driving Maroon Tigers fought valiantly and desperately, but finally cowered be fore the vicious onslaught of Sieve Abbott’s invincible machine here Saturday, 14-0, in one of the most colorful battles presented on a local grid. The brilliant passing of both teams and the spectacular running attacks characteristic of both made the af fair one which will never be forgot ten by the few fans who braved the wintry blasts to witness the fray. Tuskegee tallied in the first frame when Moseley kicked the pigskin over his head while attempting to punt out of danger. Tuskegee re covered on the 16-yard line. Steve lost 3; Bailey tossed to Steve for 14; Wooten 3; Wooten 1%; Captain Bailey crashed over. Steve scored the extra from placement. In the closing frame, Harris blocked Mose ley’s punt and raced 25 yards to a touchdown. Stevenson again added the point. Morehouse came back strong in the second half and held Tuskegee for downs four times within twenty yards of the coveted line; once on the two-yard line; again when Bailey was forced out of bounds by Saund ers three inches from the goal; twice in this same period Tuskegee fumbled within 15 yards of the goal. A few minutes after the last failure to score by Tuskegee, Forbes pulled a Skegee pass from the air and raced 39 yards till Smith stopped him on Tuskegee’s 35-yard line. Hunter fumbled, and the spurt was over. In the second, Morehouse marched 44 yards to place the skin on the 10-yard line, where Moseley fumbled. Though Morehouse lost by fourteen points, Tuskegee was not certain of victory till the field judge’s pistol dedicated to history the hardest game they have played in years. PICKENS TO ADDRESS "ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE” New York—Recently William Pick ens, field secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is speaking on “The American Race Problem,” before the As iociation for Culture, an organi zation of German people in New York founded in 1912. The meeting was to be held in the Washington Irving High school building.