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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- Cents a Copy
—————
Omaha, Nebraska, Friday, May 18, 1928
Vol. XIII—No. 46 Whole Number 667
GENERALCONFERENCE
AFRICAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
One Thousand Delegates and Visitors
by Thousands Are Attending
Sessions of Great
Denomination
REPORTS REVEAL PROGRESS
Easy Divorces and Companionate
Marriages Are Condemned
in Episcopal
Adress
Chicago, 111.— (By the A. N. P.) —
The African Methodist church, in all
of its ramifications, “is moving
along.” This fact is being firmly es
tablished by the reports submitted at
the general conference of the denom
ination, which is in session here at
the Eighth Regiment Armory, at
Twenty-fifth street and Giles ave
nue.
. Day in and day out, the thousand
delegates and thousands of visitors,
who pack the armory which extends
a half block in length, are listening
to the reports of the progress of the
church in its various departments.
Reports that have been compiled and
printed and which have been distrib
uted to the delegates so that they may
take an accurate record back home
to their vast constituents.
, To be sure that “not a word is
misBed” by the vast audience, a mi
crophone and amplifiers have been j
installed. In many instances these >
instruments are unnecessary as num
bers of the brethren are fully capable
of being heard even in the far re
cesses of the building.
The Episcopal Address
Easy divorces and companionate
marriages were scored as the “great-'
est blight to our civilization" and j
“the nearest approach to prostitution i
to the marriage altar” by the episco
pal address, which is a message from
the bishopric to the conference and
delivered by a series of bishops. The
message pointed to the progress of
the Church, declaring “that in every
city of any size, churches had been
built, purchased or rebuilt, the mem
bership has increased and the minis
ters as a whole are more cultured
and better trained.”
Modernism and fundamentalism
were thrust in the background, in this
address, evidencing the belief that
the greatest work could be accom
plished through “unity of religion,”
“unity of the church,” and the “unity
of man.”
In pointing out the problems faced
by the Church, due to the migration
of Negroes from the south to the
north, the bishops ascribed the reason
for the migration to “the suppression,
oppression, and repression of our peo
ple by the dominant group in the
south, and the deprivation of poli- j
tical rights.”
Recommendations were submitted
condemning lynching and segregation j
and urging the people to make a j
thoughtful use of the ballot in all!
elections. Other recommendations
pertaining to legislation were refer
red to committees.
ncporu
The report of the financial depart
ment showed that the denomination
was enjoying a healthy financial
growth. More than a million and a
half dollars have been paid into the
department and in dollar money
alone there had been an increase of
more than $150,000. Through the
financial department, many churches,
schools, and other departments of the
Church have been helped materially.
The report was made by Mr. John R.
Hawkins, secretary.
In education the A. M. E. Church
is doing great work. Conducting 15
schools, all of which reported that
they were making progress and were
in better shape than at the last gen
eral conference, this denomination is
touching the lives of thousands of
young people who are endeavoring to
prepare themselves for a larger and
more serviceable life and a well
rounded citizenship.
The Methodist Book Concern, un
der the managership of D. M. Baxter,
is now a source of pride to all mem
bers of the Church. A new building
BRYN MAWR GIRL
WINS SCHOLARSHIP
Washington, D. C.—Miss Enid a
Cook, brilliant young daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Cook of this city, said
to be the first Race girl undergradu
ate ever enrolled at Bryn Mawr col
lege, Bryn Mawr, Pa., fashionable
girls’ school, was announced as the
winner of the Maria Hopper scholar
ship award by President Marion Ed
wards Park at chapel meeting Satur
day.
Miss Cook was one of the four so
phomores of a class of 1,500 to re
ceive a seholaship. She won her
award through excellency in scholar
ship, having led all of her white :
classmates in her studies.
Miss Cook, who graduated from
Dunbar High School in 1925 was the
outstanding student among 400 fresh
men at Howard U in 1926.
FIELD TRIP TO STUDY
SOUTH AMERICAN NEGRO
An Expedition from Northwestern
University Plant To Go To
South America
Soon
Evanston, 111.—To study a colony
of NegToes in South America, who
have established a civilization of their
own in the jungle, Melville J. Hersko
vits, assistant professor of anthrop
ology of Northwestern University
here, plans to make a field trip to
Dutch Guiana. Mrs. Herskovits and
Dr. Morgan C. Kahn of Cornell Uni
versity will accompany him.
The colony consists of three bush
Negro tribes who revolted from their
masters in the early part of the 18th I
century and have since lived in a
part of the jungle reached only by
water. This will be the first scientific
study made of their life and customs,
according to Northwestern Universi
ty.
GETS $100 DAMAGES AGAINST
WHITE CASTLE HAMBURGER
HOUSE FOR DISCRIMINATION
St. Paul, Minn.—It is felt that a
death blow has been dealt discrimina
tion against Negroes in Minnesota
now that Attorney C. J. Smith has
won his second case within a year
against the White Castle system of
eating house corporation. The latest
case was conducted in the interest of
Isaac L. Finner, who was awarded a
verdict of $100 damages in the court
of Judge J. Boerner. Prior to this
a waiter for the corporation was
forced to pay a $100 fine for dis
criminatory practices. Both cases
were presecuted under the civil
rights law of the state.
has been purchased and is modernly
equipped. The volume of work turn
ed out and the financial return, as
reported by Mr. Baxter, met with the
approval of the conference.
Dr. R. R. Wright, jr., told of the
advance made by the Christian Re
corder, of which he is the editor, and
in doing so, made a mighty fine im
pression in favor of his candidacy
for the bishopric. This organ of the
Church, according to Dr. Wright, has
grown in circulation and in influence.
The Sessions
The sessions have been harmonious
from the beginning and while there
are “rumors of war,” as yet nothing
has really broken the serenity of the
meeting. One of the most important
resolutions passed has been that bish
ops who have served two or more
terms in one district must be moved.
While it is rumored that this did not
take so well with some of the bish
ops, there has been no howl heard
from the bishopric. Bishop Flipper,
who was presiding at the time the
resolution was adopted, however,
warned the delegates that the “bish
ops would appoint themselvse.”
Each night a special program was
rendered and many distinguished
speakers addressed the conference,
including Dr. Robert R. Moton, May
or William Hale Thompson, Dr. Shal
er B. Matthews, dean of the theologi
cal school of Chicago university, and
Dr. George E. Haynes of the Federal
Council of the Churches of Christ in
America.
EDITORIAL
We received this week a typewritten communication signed
“A READER” reading in part as follow: “We trust that when
you decide to name the proprietors of the various colored
gambling houses in this city of Omaha that you will not fail to
include in the list” and here follow the names of two gentle
men, one of whom the letter states “is silent partner with
- in his gambling dive,” and the other “runs a private
game in his home, etc.” The anonymous writer also names a
certain club, which he or she, states “conducts a full-fledged
gambling dive in their club rooms . .” “the take-off of which
goes to maintain their club.” The writer adds this P. S.;
“You have my permission to publish this in your next issue.”
It is customary for newspapers to ignore anonymous com
munications. They, however, admit to their columns letters
with a pseudonym, provided the writer signs his true name, as
a matter of good faith, and also provided that the communica
tion is not libellous or defamatory. Anonymous communica
tions, as a rule, indicate cowardice. They are generally so re
garded. Among honorable people they are classed with stabs
in the back. That is why newspapers ignore them, as a rule,
or only refer to them when such reference may conserve some
good purpose. This is The Monitor’s policy. We only refer
to this letter to state for the information of “A READER” and
for all others w'ho desire to send letters to The Monitor, that if
they will have the courage to sign their own names, as an act
of good faith and that their identity may be known, publica
tion will be given their letters when they conserve any good
purpose. We refer to it also because it would indicate that
there are gambling places in Omaha more than we had any
idea of, conducted by members of our group, some of whom
are considered members of “the best society,” the existence
of such places being known to some but entirely escaping the
notice of our able and alert police authorities and of our effi
cient sheriff. We desire to state further that should The Moni
tor decide “to name the proprietors of the various colored
gambling houses in this city of Omaha,” of which our anony
mous correspondent seems to have such intimate knowledge, he
or she may rest assured that we will publish the names of all
such persons no matter who they may be. If such publication
should be made we will have proof to substantiate the charge
made.
We are not foolish enough to believe that we can reform
the city. We have never had any desire to pose as a reformer,
nor have we now. We know that there are influences and
agencies in all communities that are detrimental to the best
interests of any people. We know that there is such a thing
as commercialized vice that panders to the lowest instincts of hu
manity and degrades and pulls down and ruins men and women
in body and soul. Unscrupulous and unprincipled people make
money out of catering to these lower instincts. This class at
times becomes brazen and bold and flaunts its shame and seeks
to dominate and control. The impression prevails that all
Negroes, no matter who they may be, are under the dominance
and control of these evil and degrading influences, and that
we all want it so. This is evidently the impression that prevails
here among the powers that be. This is why we get such scant
recognition in political positions. Privileges and protection
for a few to run questionable resorts, it is alleged, are consid
ered satisfactory substitutes for substantial employment. It
is a lead pipe cinch that our people have mighty few worth
while political jobs in this community. Not so many as we had
when our numbers were vastly sparser than now. What is
Lhe reason? Every effect must have a cause. There is some
cause for this condition. Is it because a certain few enjoy the
privilege of running places that are in violation of the law?
[f this be true, we suffer not only a moral loss, which is the
chief consideration, but also an economic loss.
If there be men, as our anonymous correspondent states,
posing as honorable and respectable citizens who are pro
prietors of such places, so much the greater shame, and so
much the greater reason that they should be closed, because
juch men do infinitely more harm than those who are openly
and frankly of the so-called sporting class. Members of our
race who have the best interests of our people at heart cannot
defend the running of questionable resorts, gambling, boot
legging, or any other.
TO DESERT THE G. O. P.
FOR THE DEMOCRATS
Negroea of Richmond Iaaue Warning
To the Republican Party—
Are In Favor of Al
Smith
Richmond, Va.—Republicans of
Richmond were caused much concern
Monday, when race political leaders
of the city announced that their con
stituents planned to desert the ranks
of the Republican party for the Dem
ocrats. The 5,000 race voters of
Richmond to nearly a man will vote
the Democratic ticket in the presi
dential elections next fall contingent
upon the Democrats picking Al Smith
as their candidate, it was said.
A test suit for damages growing
out of colored voters being refused
ballots in the Democratic mayoralty
primary April 5, last, is in United
States district court for trial next
fall. Upon the outcome of this case
will rest the possibility of the color
ad voters becoming Democrats.
The Ladies’ Birthday Kensington
Club held a very pleasant meeting on
Tuesday, May 14, at the residence of
Mrs. T. P. Mahammitt, 2116 North
25th street. Mesdames T. P. Ma
lammitt and George Dixon were the
loatesses.
rHE METHODISTS
RAP MOB CRIME
rhe Conference at Kansas City Goes
On Record As Condemning
the Lynching
Evil
Kansas City, Mo.—The quadren
nial general conference of the Metho
list Episcopal Church went on record
is advocating rigid law enforcement
.o bring to an end the evil of lynch
ng.
Lynching and mob law was de
nounced as “a hideous thing in our
nigher civilization,” by a southern
lelegate. The statement was made
:hat later in the conference strong
resolutions would be presented as a
national protest.
The loss of 223,000 members dur
ng the past quadrennium was de
slored. It was indicated that the
.•hurch of the North favors unifica
;ion, but the church of the South is
npposed to it. Smoking and Sunday
automobiling was rapped.
The election of new bishops is
dated for next week. Five bishops
will be retired.
Mrs. C. L. Jennings has returned
from Greenwood, Miss., where she
attended the funeral of her sister,
Mrs. J. W. Terrell.
CARL DITON TO GIVE
RECITAL IN OMAHA
Carl Diton, president of the Na
tional Association of Negro Musi
cians, and called “America’s foremost
versatile Negro musician,” who is on
his second transcontinental tour, be
fore leaving for Europe, will give a
recital in Omaha, Thursday night,
June 7, at Pilgrim Baptist church,
under the auspices of St. Philip’s
Episcopal church. Mr. Diton is one
of our finest pianists and organists.
He is also a vocalist. His recital will
be on the piano and pipe organ. Mr.
Diton is now in the west where he
has scored musical triumphs wher
ever he has appeared and in return
ing eastward has engagements which
will keep him busy until the last of
June when his tour ends, preparatory
to his leaving for an extended con
cert tour in Europe.
HEADS RANK ON THE
UNITED STATES ROLL
E. A. Savoy Begins Fifty-eighth Year
in the Government Service
He Hopes To Set
a Record
Washington, D. C.—Edward Augus
tine Savoy has been elevated to head
of the government service roll. Sa
voy is 74 years old. He began his
fifty-eighth year of continuous serv
ice last week as messenger for Secre
tary of State Kellogg, having enter
ed the department as a manual la
borer in 1871, during the administra
tion of President Grant.
Despite his advanced years, snowy
hair, and slightly buckled frame,
“Eddie,” as he is now known to di
plomats the world around, expects to
remain in harness at least two years
more to establish a new all-time serv
ice record.
Savoy served thirteen years as gen
eral fixer about the cavernous state,
war and navy buildings before he at
tained the rank of “assistant mes
senger.” *
PULLMAN PORTERS MAY
GET CHARTER FROM
THE A. F. OF L.
New York.—On April 25th, in the
A. F. of L. headquarters at Washing
ton, D. C., A. Philip Randolph, gen
eral organizer of the Brotherhood of
Sleeping Car Porters, appeared be
fore the executive council to present
the case in behalf of the Brotherhood
of Sleeping Car Porters receiving an
international charter. His argument
was received with great interest, at
tention and concern. The outlook is
that the Brotherhood will receive an
international charter from the Ameri
can Federation of Labor. In the
event that it receives such a char
ter, it will be epochal and historical
and veritably mark a revolution in
the relationship of Negro labor to or
ganized white labor in the country
and also invest Negro workers with
a new weapon of offense and defense
in the industrial struggle.
It will be the first International
union headed and controlled by Ne
groes in the history of the American
labor movement.
CALIFORNIA PLAYERS
ORGANIZE
Los Angeles, Cal.— (By the ANP)
—Taking their name from the re
cent publication, Ebony and Topaz,
edited by Charles S. Johnson of New
York, a group of amateur players
here have formed an actor's guild.
The last of this month they will pro
duce their first play at the Vernon
and Central community house. It is
“Black Alkali” and was written by
George S. Grant, a local writer and
poet. Direction is in the hands of
Webb King.
The Ebony and Topaz players plan
to produce at least four plays a year,
including all types, hoping to include
some of Eugene O’Neill’s. Ruth
Skeen has been active in the forma
tion of the organization, while its of
ficers are Anita Grant, president,
Emma Lue Sayers, secretary, and
Eddie Forsythe, treasurer.
BAR ASSOCIATION
PERFECTING PLANS
FOR BETTER WORK
National Negro Legal Organization
Aims at Greater Proficiency In
Improving Race’s Civil
Status
ASSOCIATION BROAD IN SCOPE
Chicago, 111.— (By the ANP) —
To enable the Negro lawyers of the
country to render an even more ef
fective service to the organizations
seeking to improve the civil status of
the Negro in this country, officers of
the National Bar association confer
red here last week and laid plans for
a comprehensive program to be de
veloped at their annual meeting next
August.
“The rapid strides being made by
Negroes in the legal profession, the
recognition given in such cities as
Chicago, Washington, St. Louis, Gary,
and New York, where legally trained
men are occupying high positions of
public trust, in several of the com
munities holding judgeships, carries
with our advanced position, the re
sponsibility of being of even greater
service to our group,” said Homer G.
Phillips in addressing the gathering.
“The Negro lawyer with adequate
ability is better able as a rule to pro
tect the interests of the Negro client
because first of all he has a sym
pathetic interest and a keener under
standing of the conditions which con
front the colored petitioner at the
bar,” said Mr. Phillips. The National
Bar association is as broad in its
scope and purpose as the American
Bar association except that it has no
color restrictions. In fact, we have
white members, a judge in St. Paul
being one of our membership.
The officers of the National Bar
association are President Homer G.
Phillips, St. Louis; Vice-President,
John Q. Adams, Omaha; Secretary,
C. Francis Stradford, Chicago; Asst.
Secretary, Georgia Ellis Jones, Chi
cago; Treasurer, Alva Bates, of the
same city; Regional Directors, Leland
Hawkins, San Francisco; George C.
Ross, Denver; Orlando J. Smith, St.
Paul; William H. Haynes, Chicago;
Ferdinand Q. Morton, New York; and
William C. Todd, Panama.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
BANQUET
Last Thursday night a Mother and
Daughter banquet was held in St.
Philip’s Guild room, under the chair
manship of Mrs. B. B. Cowan, assist
ed by Mrs. Herbert Wiggins and Mrs.
Winfred J. Johnson. Despite the
rain there was a good attendance.
An interesting program consisting of
a recitation by Otelia Gordon, a solo
by Sylvia Adams, papers by Miss
Madeline Shipman and Mrs. Lucile
Dixon, an address by Mrs. L. E. Britt
and a comical skit by the Girls’
Friendly Society was given.
PIONEER CITIZEN DIES
Cyrus Terrell, one of Omaha’s pio
neer citizens, died at his late resi
dence, 2327 North Twenty-seventh
street, last Saturday afternoon after
a protracted illness. The funeral was
held Tuesday afternoon. The Knights
of Pythias held their service at 2:30
in Myers’ undertaking chapel, after
which the body was escorted to St.
Philip’s church, where the burial of
fice of the Episcopal church was said
by Rev. John Albert Williams. In
terment was in Forest Lawn. The
deceased is survived by his widow,
one son, Dr. Price Terrell, three
grandchildren, two sisters and other
relatives.
SCIPIO A. JONES IS DELEGATE
Russellville, Ark.—Scipio A. Jones
of Little Rock, one of the state’s out
standing Negro leaders, was elected
delegate to the National Republican
convention at Kansas City Monday
at a meeting of republicans of the
Fifth congressional district. Mr.
Jones will go to the convention un
instructed. A. C. Logan of Little
Rock was chosen alternate.