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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 2, 1927)
LI FT Itf | \ LIFT T t *** t l ■ 5 p. c ■n ' ° « n The Monitor NEBRASKA’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS THE REV. JOHN ALBERT WILLIAMS, Editor. GROWING — THANK YOU $2.00 a Year- • a Copy_ Omaha, Nebragka, Friday, December 2, 1927_Vol. XIII—Number 22 Whole Number 644 Glass of Virginia Shows His Opaqueness WANTS FEDERAL AUTHORITIES TO PROSECUTE FLOGGING CASES Congressman Madden Demands That the Department of Justice Take Drastic Action in the Alabama Outrages, Citing Numerous Brutalities Inflicted Upon Innocent Victims Among Both Races Wshington, D. C.—Federal inter vention in the Alabama “flogging scandals” for the purpose of enforc ing respect for the constitutional rights and liberties of citizens was appealed for Friday by Representa tive Martin B. Madden, republican, of Illinois. Citing cases of numer ous crimes perpetrated against col ored persons and poor whites. Rep resentative Madden called at the De partment of Justice and urged im mediate action by the U. S. authori ties. Called Disgrace to Country “The outrages described in dis patches from Alabama form one of the blackest pages in American hisr tory,” said Madden upon emerging from the conference at the Depart ment of Justice. “It makes the blood boil to read the details of these fiendish persecutions. The state that tolerates such abuses of the rights and liberties of human beings, guaranteed by our government, must hang her head in shame, if she be not shameless. Seeks Recourse “I came to the Department of Just ice to see if there is not some re course to a higher power in behalf of these poor Negroes and other vic tims of bigotry, intolerance, race hatred and orgiastic brutality. These outrages have been taking place with steadily increasing frequency in Ala bama and other southern states for years. State authorities have been either unable or unwilling to cope with these lawbreakers.” To Be Decided Mr. Madden conferred with Act ing Attorney General John Marshall and Assistant Attorney General Os car R. Duhring. Oliver E. Pagan, the indictment expert, was called into the conference for advice on the ques tions of federal jurisdiction involved. The upshot of the discussion was an agreement that the matter of federal intervention should be submitted to Attorney General Sargent upon his return to Washington from Vermont, where he is directing flood relief ac tivities. Madden said he had obtained no assurance of federal action, but that he is hopeful that the attorney general, after careful consideration of the facts in the numerous flogging cases, will institute proceedings for federal grand jury indictment of the offenders. There is considerable difference of opinion among government law yers concerning the ground for federal prosecution of the persons, w'ho by duress succeeded in ob taining title of Arthur Hitt’s 46-acre farm and driving him from the coun try. By some of them it is main tained that the acts in question are not violative of either the fourth or the fourteenth amendments to the constitution. Hitt Cue Considered The fourth amendment guarantees “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures”; the forcible invasion of the cabin of Arthur Hitt by a hooded gang and the kidnapping and flogging of Hitt might be mildly char acterized as an “unreasonable search and seizure,” but the supreme court has held that the fourth amendment applies not to the acts of individuals but to the acts of the federal gov ernment. The amendment forbids the federal government to commit an unreasonable search and seizure. RANDOLPH WILL PUSH DIXIE AREA CAMPAIGN New York City.—Realizing that the Pullman company recruits most of its new men from the heart of Dixie, A. Phillip Randolph, general organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and editor of The Messenger, is shortly to invade that section on a speaking tour de signed to build up sentiment favor able to the porters’ union. Among the cities he will visit are Durham, N. C., Jacksonville, Fla., Atlanta, Ga., and New Orleans, La. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was founded over two years ago and has since grown to a mem bership of 8,000 being the largest Negro labor organization in the United States, it is said. It has arous ed much nationwide interest by its sheer militancy, solidarity and intel ligent and courageous leadership. FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN FOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SECURES LARGE AMOUNT Louisville, K.—The Presbyterian and Reformed churches of this city have just completed a financial cam paign in which $94,000 was raised to provide a new building for the Presbyterian Colored Mission, locat ed in this city. This institution, un der the direction of Rev. John Little, has long been recognized as one of the most successful and important enterprises of its kind in the country. The result of the recent campaign in dicates clearly that it possesses the complete confidence of the church people of Louisville. The campaign was conducted by more than 300 men and women, who gave their services for a period of four days. The funds will be used in constructing a com munity center, including a church auditorium, Sunday school rooms, gymnasium, bath house, domestic ' science rooms, club rooms, etc. Of the amount secured, the colored peo ple contributed $5,000. THOUSANDS ATTEND “TIGER” FLOWERS’ FUNERAL Atlanta, Ga.—The body of “Tiger” 1 Flowers was laid to rest here Novem ber 21st, after one of the most nota ble tributes ever paid a deceased citi zen of this community. Seven thou sand people of both races packed the city auditorium, which had been vol unteered by the authorities for the funeral services, and as many more stood outside unable to gain admis sion. For three hours eminent churchmen paid sincere tribute to the deceased, not as a prizefighter, but as a man of honor, of simple faith, and clean life—one who, even though a prizefighter, was recognized as seeking first to be a Christian. It is doubtful if such tributes were ever before paid to one of his profession, coming as they did, for the most part, from men who disapproved the profession, but were impelled in spite of it to respect the character of the man, his evident sincerity, and his generous deeds. All day Saturday, while the body lay in state at the fighter’s home in this city, people filed past the bier in an unending line to the number, it is estimated, of fifty thousand. On all hands were heard words of praise for the character of the dead fighter and of regret that he had passed sway. The daily papers united in the gener al acclaim, devoting many columi s to appreciative stories of Flowers’ ca reer and character, and to pictures of the fighter and of the impressive funeral scenes. TUSKEGEE WOMAN’S CLUB SEND N. A. A. C. P. $25 New York City.—The National As sociation for the Advancement of Colored People, has received a check for $25 from the Tuskegee Woman’s club, of which Mrs. R. R. Moton is president, it was announced recently. The letter of transmittal says in part: “We are sending $26 towards the work you are doing so well and in which we are thoroughly interested.” EDITORIAL There has been much publicity given to a recent “com panionate marriage” in Kansas. This latest novelty connubial has found its opponents and its defenders. Many of the ‘in telligentia,” the “emancipated” and the like, who preen them selves upon their superiority, mental and moral, to the common pepple, defend it; while the common, ordinary people, simple, plain, “unenlightened” folk oppose it, and prefer the old sys tem of marriage, despite its faults and failings, to the new with its old promises of perfection. To be perfectly frank, the proposed “companionate” or “trial marriage,” in the face of the appalling growth of divorce in the United States and its apparent popularity, does not dif fer much from the conventional marriage. Divorce statistics would seem to indicate that those who take upon themselves the solemn vows of marriage, do so with a mental reservation, which is not so open and honest as that of these young people in Kansas. If this were not so, divorce and the consequent breaking up of homes and families, would not be so common. We cannot but believe that, due largely to ignorance concern ing the nature and responsibilties of marriage, there is lurking in the minds of many young people contracting marriage, the thought that if everything be not to their liking they will break the bond or “contract” and form a union with another, this ! union to be regarded only so long as it may be pleasing to either party, “Companionate marriage” means a temporary union that | may become permanent if or when both parties to the tempor | ary agreement are perfectly satisfied with each other later on. j Stripped bare of all fallacies it must be apparent to the most untutored mind how this undercuts the very foundation of the family upon which rests the security of the state and the per petuity of the race. What real difference is there between the avowed tempor ary union and the easy system of divorce which permits separa tion almost ad libitum with permission to form another union? Is there, as a matter of fact, any difference? In the one case the temporary character of the union is frankly and openly avowed. In the other it is tacitly avowed. The principle in each is the "same ond equally menaces the family which has its foundation in honorable marriage. Divorce, we are reliably informed by the Department of Commerce, is increasing faster than marriage in the United States. In 1926, while marriages increased 1.2 per cent, as compared with 1925, divorces increased 3.1 per cent, more than double, in the same period. Is not this truly an alarming condition? If the discussion resulting from proposed “companionate” or trial marriages, will open our eyes to the divorce evil and disclose the importance of frank and earnest teaching con cerning marriage and its responsibilities, and this should carry with it proper and wholesome instruction concerning the beauty, dignity and mystery of sex, so as to restore, in some degree, at least, gfeater respect for marriage and th" marriage state, it will prove a blessing. We, as a people, almost fatally wounded by the institution of slavery in the very fount of our being, the family, and yet surviving from this grievous hurt and building up happy and virtuous homes, can least of all afford to encourage low views of marriage. We need a raising rather than any lowering of moral standards. The well-being of our people, as that of all people, centers in wholesome family life, which is not only menaced but destroyed, by the lax views current in some quar ters today concerning marriage. Divorce, common law unions, and “companionate” or “trial marriages” are all alike in prin ciple and destructive of the family and subversive of morality. Can we as a people afford to give such evils countenance or encouragement with any hope of advancement in character, efficiency or ideals? CHARLESTON ERECTING NEW SCHOOLS FOR NEGRO CHILDREN Charleston, S. C. — Seven new school buildings, providing seats for a thousand colored children, are now in the process of erection in Charles ton county, according to H. H. Mc Carley, the county superintendent of education. Lincoln school, McClel lanville, the largest of the seven, has been completed and will soon be occupied. This is a four-room mod ern structure, costting $4,400, of which $3,000 was supplied by the county, $1,000 by the Rosenwald fund, and $000 by the colored people of the district. The latter gave also the land on which the building was erected. The other buildings will be erected through the same sort of co operation between the county, the community, and the Rosenwald fund. INTERDENOMINATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION The Interdenominational Sunday School Association will hold its regu lar monthly meeting Thursday even ing at 7:30 o’clock at the “Y.” The program: Song service. Invocation. Summary of Lesson, Mr. J. C. Par ker. Vocal solo, Mrs. Wm. Donning, Pilgrim Baptist Sunday School. Ad | dress, Rev. J. W. Garner, pastor of | Bethel A. M. E. church. Paper, Mrs. j Beatrice Gray, Bethel A. M. E. Sun day School. Instrumental solo, Miss Mildred Alstonde, Allen Chapel A. M. E. Sunday School. MISS B. GRAY, Cor. Sec. DEDICATION EXERCISES AT THE OLD FOLKS HOME The beautiful radio given to the Old Folks Home, 933 North Twenty fifth street, by the various clubs of the city, will be dedicated to the Home on Sunday, December 4th. Program from 4 to 6 o’clock. All are cordially invited to attend. Re freshments served. The following donations have been received at the Old Folks Home: Mrs. Martha Evans, basket carrots and collard greens. Miss Cole of the King Cole com pany gave a turkey for the Thanks giving dinner. Mrs. E. M. Wright, Thanksgiving basket. Mrs. R. D. Allen, Thanksgiving basket. ADDITIONAL CLERKS SIGN ANTI-SEGREGATION PROTEST New York City.—The National As sociation for the Advancement of Colored People, is informed by the president of the Washington branch, Neval H. Thomas, that three addi tional clerks have signed a letter to William Spry, commissioner of the General Land Office, protesting against segregation there. This brings the number of signers of this protest to 16, out of a total of 21 colored clerks affected. The latest three signers reported from Wash ington are Roscoe W. Ross, and Geo. H. Gray, both on leave when the ori ginal appeal was filed, and S. H. Brent. SOUTHERNER TELLS HOW NEGRO IS DISFRANCHISED IN SOUTHERN STATES Sees Great Change Coming in Next Generation New York City.—Writing in the December number of the Forum mag azine, George Fort Milton, a white Southerner, tells how the Negro has been “legally” disfranchised in the southern states. Mr. Milton states: “It is true that the southern states succeeded in limiting the effective ness of Negro suffrange. This one purpose underlies all the suffrage laws adopted by the several southern states .... By hedging the vot ing privilege with conditions and qualifications which force the citizen who wishes to vote to undertake af firmative steps involving considerable trouble, attention to detail, and a certain minimum of intelligence, the primary object has been attained. Legally the Negro is not debarred from voting; practically, however, he is debarred very effectively—not as a race, but, for the most part, as a class, which, in common with certain whites, can not meet the require ments imposed.” Mr. Milton reports that letters he has received from leaders in several southern states indicate a “new south ern attitude” towards the Negro vote. His own attitude he states as fol lows: “Many southerners like myself fa vor a greater exercise of the fran chise by the Negro throughout the south, believing that he would be a greater asset if he were trained for political, legal and economic equality with the whites. But I confess free ly that the voting Negro in cities which have come under my observa tion, has hitherto served merely as a tool for debauching elections, and maintaining corrupt and unfit men in power. “But there are hopeful features in this situation. Intelligent and edu cated Negroes show an increasing tendency to, revolt against casting their ballots in block at the bidding of a local political machine. As Ne gro education increases, as his eco nomic condition improves, the Negro will undoubtedly show a greater ten dency to pay his own poll tax, quali fy under the law, make up his own mind on political issues, and cast his vote. The next generation will in evitably see a great change in the condition of Negro suffrage in the south.’ ROOSEVELT POST NO. 30, THE AMERICAN LEGION, HOLDS ANNUAL ELECTION At the regular meeting of Roose velt Post No. 30, American Legion, held at their headquarters, 2039 N. Twenty-fourth street, Friday even ing, the following members were elected to fill offices for the ensuing year: Commander—Edward W. Killings worth. First Vice Commander—Paul Hol liday. Second Vice Commander — John Faucett. Treasurer and Finance Officer— Dr. A. A. Foster. Chaplain—Rev. C. H. Trusty. The following were elected on the executive committee: Dr. W. W. Peebles, John A. Gardner and Dr. J. A Singleton. The following appointments were made by the Commander: Adjutant—Ray Lawrence Williams. Assistant Adjutant—Metz Manion. Service Officer—R. C. Long. Reporter—Earle W. McCowan. Sergeant at Arms — Thomas A. Robinson. HENRY O. TANNER, PAINTER SENDS N. A. A. C. P. $20 New York City.—Henry O. Tan ner, the wel-known palinter, now liv ing in France, has sent the National Association for the Advancement o! Colored People a contribution of $20 Mrs. F. C. Church of Mound Bayou, is the house guest of hei brother, Mr. J. M. Goff and family, at 911 Forest avenue. NEGRO SUFFRAGE IS CLOSELY LINKED UP TO DRY AMENDMENT Southerner Advocate* Enforcement of Dry Law but Violation of Law* Giving Citizenship and Ballot to Negroes CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT Washington, D. C.—Negro suf frage has been linked up with the dry amendment. The attitude of a southerner, Carter Glass, democrat, senator from Virginia, is that the eighteenth amendment should be en forced, but that the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, giving color ed persons citizenship and the right of voting should not be upheld. The opinion of a northerner, William E. Borah, republican, senator from Ida ho, was that all should be enforced. Would Disfranchise Negroes Virginia declared it was “stupid” to draw an analogy between the South’s views on the two subjects. The fourtenth and fifteenth amend ments, he said, were born “in the pas sions of the war and constitute an* 'attempt to destroy white civilization in nearly one-third of the country and to erect on its ruins an Ethiopian state ignorant, profligate, corrupt. He termed their adoption an “un speakable crime” and expressed his doubts as to whether the amendments ever had been constitutionally rati fied. On the other hand, he asserted ,the prohibition amendment had been duly ratified by 46 of the 48 states and legal machinery for its enforce ment provided. Glass disclaimed any intention of criticizing those who seek repeal of the eighteenth amendment condemn ing only those who he said mock the I law and applaud its violation. For Amendments Mr. Borah declared he would lend his support to any effort to have the republican national convention pledge itself to enforcement not only of the prohibition law, as he had previously recommended, but of the Negro suf frage amendment as well. He declined to express a view as to whether any violation of the amend ments existed, but asserted that if such a violation was believed or charged, it should be included in any stand the party might take on the subject. “It would be a magnificent thing,” he said, “if this discussion of the eighteenth amendment leads to a more settled determination to uphold and maintain the Constitution as a whole.” BRANCH OF URBAN LEAGUE IS ORGANIZED HERE The organization of an Omaha Branch of the National Urban League was perfected Monday afternoon at a meeting held at the Y. M. C. A., with Dr. Peebles, chairman of the temporary committee, presiding. The purpose and work of the League were briefly stated by T. Arnold Hill. The constitution as prepared by the committee was read by Mrs. Carrie Ada Campbell and adopted. The re port of the committee on nomina tions for the Board of Managers was presented by Dr. H. von W. Schulte, and adopted. The Board of Managers immediate ly met and, as provided by the con stitution, elected the following offi cers: President, Isaac N. Carpenter, Jr.; vice presidents, Dr. Jesse E. ten and Mr. A. C. Cushman; secre tary, Dr. Craig Morris. The election of treasurer was deferred. The Board of Managers, which is to consist of eighteen members, di vided among both faces, consists of the following, who were elected for terms of one, two and three years, respectively: Isaac Carpenter, pres ident; Dr. J. H. Hutten and C. A. Cunshman, vice presidents; Dr. Craig Morris, secretary; Mrs. J. H. Kula kofsky, Col. T. A. Leisen, Walter T. ' Page, Mrs. Casper Offut, Sr., Dr. D. W. Gooden, Mrs. H. Rhone, M. L. Hunter, Nathaniel Hunter, Rev. John ■ H. Grant, A. B. Scruggs, Father John Albert Williams and Ford E. Hovey. jTwo other members are to be elected.