The Washington Bee Newspaper, April 11, 1908, Page 1

teat {4x SSIS Warne INGT WAS aaa ON | oe) £dbIgt] [Buotssed gusg W OL. 27.NO 46 WASHINGTON,§D. C., SATURDAY APRIL 11, 1908. THE NEGRO CONFERENCE SPLITS Negro Republicans Fooled Corrothers, Walters and Other Negro Ministers will’Support the Doctrine of Vardaman, Tillman and Others. TROTTER’S (NEGRO CRATIC CONVENTION AD- JOURNS IN DISGRACE—HON. GEORGE H. WHITE AND OTHERS LEAVE CHURCH. TROTTER’S FARC A Star Chamber Meeting Called by the Boston Renegades. Philadelphia, Pa., April 7, ’08. There are about forty colored men present at the so-called Negro Con- ference called by Monroe Trotter. Rev. (?) W. H. Scott, formerly a bookseller Washington; Bishop Alexauder Walton, and Johnson. The men are on the committee who of above have been given delegated power to pass the credentals of mem- bers The Editor of The the Zion Baptist Church, Thirteenth and Walla and Melon streets. The pastor is Rev. Moore. On the Edi- tor’s arrival he found about twenty- upon Bee arrived at five men present who claim to rep- resent ten millions of colored Amer- icans. The Hayes of Rich names appear upon the absence Du Bois; J. H nmond,and others whose of program was suspicious. The Conference had adjourned for lunch when the Editor arrived, but it soon reconvened and held a secret confab in the upper auditorium of the church. The dominating individual is Mon- roe Trotter, of the Boston Guardian, who would have been mobbed sev- eral years ago had it not been for the Editor of The Bee. Among the Washingtonians pres- ent Rev. George W. Lee, S. L. Corrothers, W. H. Ferguson, Brown andn one or two others. Among those re not allowed admission were H. C. C. Astwood, A. Mornings, Rev. J. G.*Robinson of Ohio, Rev. C. D. Cooley, W. M. Cabel of Co- lumbus, Ohio The colored men led by the Democratic Negroes of Boston, Mass., are such men as Cor- rothers, George W. Dr. Mas- sell of Philadelphia, Pa. Trotter objected to the admission of Mr. Archibald Grimkie, but the to admit are who we who are being Lee, committee finally decided Washington, others of him. Lee, George W. S. L. Corrothers and a objetced to the admission of Mr. W Calvin Chase, Editor of The Bee There is a fight between Bishoy Al- exander Walters and Monroe r few ter The Conference was called to or- der by Trotter, who assumed the chairmanship against the will of the the who Alexander Walters. Corrothers made a mo- majority of conferees, fa- vored Bishop Dr, S. Le tion to appoint a committee on or- ganization. Up to the appointment of the committe there were about forty men refused admisson because they would declare for W. J. Bryan in the event of Foraker’s nom- not ination. These men declared to the committee that they for the nominee of the party, no matter who were he may be. Editor H. C. Astwood declared to those who refused to admit him that he was for Roosevelt. Rev. S. L. Corrothers said to The Bee representative that he was for Bryan in the event of Taft’s nom- ination, and that no man would be Conference who the ce Secretary admitted to would not declare against Taft. : Hon. George H. White, of Phil- of all persons who Conference Some of the perso: ference: Bishop Wa George W Lee, Bshop Callwell,E S. L. Corrothers; Rev. Waldron,pas- tor of Suiloh Baptist Church Washington; Rev. Ransom, of Bos- Alexander ot DEMO- | ton, Mass. ; Archibald Grimke, L. G. Jordan, G. L. P. Taliaferro. The largest number in attendance do not reflect the sentiment of the American Negroes. It is now 4 p.m., and there are as many on the outside who were not admitted as there are on the inside. A meeting was called by those in the basement of the church, and they elected W. Calvin Chase chair- man and J. G. Robinson secretary. A committee was appointed, and re- ported the following: £ We protest against the action of the Constitution Colored League in refusing to admit to its session any colored man who will not pledge himself to yote for Foraker, or who will support Taft for the nominee of the Republican party, but to the contrary vote for Bryan, in caseTait or Roosevelt be nominated. Whereas, in view of the existing conditions regarding our people as they are today, being not unmindful of the past history of our racial de- velopment and progress, we rise to submit a report which in our opin- ion more nearly conforms to the best interests of the Negro than any sub- mitted. We are well aware of the discus- sion going on throughout the coun- try as to the probable attitude of the Negro in the coming campaign. And while there may be difference of opin- ion, at the same time we do not be- that this convention, any convention, should commit the race for or against any political party at this time. To declare that the event of the nomination of any one the entire race will solidly against any particular party is to proceed so far as to make it im- possible for us to assert any influ- ence for racial good. In the event of the defeat of that element with which we hav been aligned because of the adoption of any report different from this, we would have little influence when matters of interest are lieve or in candidate vote racial under discussion. Everywhere in admit that which are ours—whether they be the rights of freedom, opportunity for development all efforts America we will those rights franchise—have come the result the of the men of one political party. Wher- ever this disfranchisement and denial and to us ot as ; of rights obtains, another party is in To then that will way from the friends of a life- time, and go to those who have hith- and who at pres- control. say, we turn erto been enemi ent are offering no inducements for our support, to our mind betra shortsightedness which can but bring disaster to the race. We that of the race will be conserved by wait- believe the best interest ing until the conventions have nom- inated candidates and until platforms have been adopted, and we can see the thing for which these candida and platforms stand. Then we align ourselves with those men platforms which will make for best interests of the race. This being true, we adopt the lowing report: “Be it resolved: That as a race we decide to support the nominee of the Republican National Convention and that all efforts to align the race with any party not friendly to the against best this race, are to be deplored “Further be it resolved: fol- race, the interests of t the exercise of conservatism far- ? sightedness is absolutely necessary at this time; and that all radical speech- es or abusive utterances can | harm to the rac D. Cooley, E | di What | Saw And Heard I have never witnessed an election with so little enthusiasm as the pres- ent contest for delegates. It is be- lieved that not over a thousand votes will be cast at the coming election There will be three tickets in the field, notwithstanding the refusal of the Chairman of the Election Board to qualify the third ticket. The colored Republicans who are holding meetings and declaring loud- ly against the Republican party must either support their Own party, matter who the nominee may be, or the Democratic party headed by Var- daman, Tillman, Heflin and others. The Republican party in the Dis- trict of Columbia is in a fearful con- no success. He is loved by all who know him, because he does all in his to elevate his people. Dr. Sheppard passed through the city to- day for Philadelphia, Pa., where he was accompanied by Editor W. ¢ vin Chase, of The Bee. , Both tlemen will be in Philadelphia eral days. RACE DISCRIMINATION—FIVE CENT SHOWS OBJECT TO COLORED CITZENS. April 6, 1908. power gen- sev- Editor Bee: Have you noticed—but, of course, you haye—that the evidences of an increasing racial prejudice are ev- erywhere manifest in thisCapital City and that littke or nothing is being done by Negro men and women of influence to stem its powerful current dition. It is in need of reorganiza- tion. There seems to be a lull in local politics. What is the matter? I un- derstand that the money has give: and to resist its onward sweep? Recently an amusement syndicate has thrown open to the public on sev- eral of the principal business streets, a number of five cent theatres, and, arm in his eagerness to have you un- derstand that your citizenship is not sufficiently ripe to entitle you to ser- vice at the hands of such loyal and thorough-going Americans as they. Two boys out Fourteenth street, who opened one of these places last summer, and were then anxious to all comers, now boldly an- nounce that only white men’s shoes are shined, and the incredulous are further illuminated by a sign on the inside to the effect that an operation on the pedal extremities of a certain variety of sun-kissed people will cost just twenty-five cents. Now what is the significance of these facts if it is not that on this question of racial discrimination, The public conscience, both official and citizen, is rapidly approaching a state of complete and utter callous- serve ness. Outrages are more than half con- doned through the indifference of parties themselves, when quiescent, Alling , Ye S Heflin’s Method of Having “Jim Crow” Cars in the District of Co- lumbia. out and the boys refuse to play. They claim that they want money. I am confident that there are a number of disappointed individuals. Some of them expected to purchase a brick house. If you examine of them closely it will be seen that they have no shoes on. There are a lot of “cappers” in and around the Police Court yet. The new vagrant law is very much need- | ed at this time. The streets and corners are mo- nopolized by vagrants. Many of them have left their occupation,look- ing for easy money. Just why the colored people will insist on going to these five- and ten- cent theatres and be refused admis- sion I don’t know. There should be test cases made of a few of them at a few tc once. Quite a number of them are owned) and controlled by Mr. Sidney Bieber, candidate for National Committee- man on the Horner-Flathers ticket. A vote for this ticket means an en- dorsement of the “Jim Crow” the- atres. Rounder. DR. JAMES E. LEPPARD. There is no young man from the South who has done more for his peolpe than Dr. James E Sheppard, of Durham, N. C. The new pol that Dr. Sheppard is pursuing to aid his people in the South seemed to have caught the distinguished ex Senator Thurston, who said that re- ligion would continue to elevate the colored Americans. Thi trine that is being ex stinguished young orator ir is the doc-} South. Dr. Sheppard is er r a useful member of his race. honest, which is ‘of the fa following the position so success- fully maintained by the proprietor of a cheap local theatre, the patronage of colored amusement seekers is not only discouraged but absolutely for- bidden They found the leaven of discrim- ination already thoroughly at work, and in the assurance of an unright- dominant of approval close their doors in the face eous though sentiment of fully a third of the citizens of the} Capital of the Nation, who with ail others are guaranteed an equality of civic privilege under the Constitu-} tion. The sentiment herein indicated is met in all places where public con- veniences and utilities are purchas- able. A few days ago a number of the officials of Baltimore, invited by the management of the new electric line to inspect its system and to be their guests at luncheon, visited the city. Among these officials was one Negro gentleman of national repute, of un- failing courtesy, and inate refine- ment; yet with many regrets this rep- resentative American, clothed with municipal authority, was informed that under no circumstances could he be served in the dining room of that hotel. How sad a commentary is here dis- closed and how equivocal is thus per- mitted to appear the dignity of place j}and honors enjoyed by certain of our } American citizen: ' {Here and there, too, on prominent ares are found The Italian, Greek or shoe-shine parlors who d has but recently imported hir from the lemon and citron groves 1erland, but he will imme- diately throw a or dis| are to a degree responsible for the continuance of the evil. It is this state, Mr. Editor, which each and all self-respecting Negroes must avoid. We cannot afford at this stage of progress to subscribe to the doctrine of self-effacement or acqui- esce in the suppression of any civic or political privilege. The sentiment which distates op- pression and discrimination against Negroes can wish no more effective aid than this puerile and cowardly attitude on the part of Negroes them- selves. The priceless boon of liberty is still only to be secured at the cost of eternal vigilance. The individual or duce indifference to matters of just and righteous privilege, needs wise and humane guardianship more than all things else. The great majority of Negroes are not of this class, and only ask a fair field and no favor in this contest of the races--this second American con- flict—the most heartless, the most re- lentless, the most cruel, that was ev- er waged in any land or any age. It is for you, Mr. Editor, and oth- er Negro leaders of courage to do for the race what the Hon. Simon Wolf and other Hebrew patriots are accomplishing for the Jew: reducing to a minimum the operation of a prejudice that is both senseless and presumptuous. The recent disgraceful street car incident which furnished a capstone monument of most infamous it reared by the inglorious rves but to emphasize the cause for for ach aHe the Continued to page 8. t race, of such feeble temper as to in-j = PIRAGRAPHIC NEWS By Miss Beatriz L. Chase. It is queer that some men insist on joining hands with the Democratic party, when some of the Congress- men of that party not only offer in- sults, but make efforts to deprive the dark-skinned citizen of his life. There are some good people in the fold of Democracy, but they are sel- dom found in the representative places of that party. ‘Mrs. Fannie Douglass, the wife of the violinist, Mr. Joseph Douglass, assists him in his concerts. Mr. George DeYoung, of the 1908 class,theological department of How- ard University, was given a appoint- ment at North Point, Md., at the Methodist Episcopal Conference re- cently held in Baltimore. Rev. Alfred Young, presding elder of the Washington District, is now stationed at Whatcoat Memorial Ch., Baltimore, Md. The Rose Bud Circles of the True Reformers held literary and musical exercises last Sunday afternoon at Walker Memorial Baptst Church. Much credit is due to the efforts of the ladies who have the oversight of the little ones. The annual Conference of the A. M. E. Church convened last Wednes- day at the Metropolitan Church. Mr. Charles H. Phillips, Jr., the eldest son of Bishop and Mrs. C. H. Phillips, whose education was be- gun in the Lincoln Building, this city, graduated from the medical depart- ment of Walden University the tat- ter part of last month. The Fifth Street Baptist Churcti, Richmond, Va., took a unanimous vote in calling Rev. Dr. W. F. Gra- ham, a former pastor. It is openly asserted that Bishop Walters, Prof. Du Bois and Mr. J. Max Barber are for the Democratic party if Mr. Foraker is not nominted by the Republican party. } Mr. S. Laing Williams, who has just been appointed as United States Assistant District Attorney in the city of Chicago, was the first colored man to matriculate in the famous Co- lumbian Law School of this city. A colored editor is not color prej- udiced who will have in one issue of his paper on the first page the cuts of ten Caucasian men, all of whom are Republicans. The Echo, of Long Branch, N. J., is mixed in the shooting affair of J. T. Heflin. Heflin was not with his wife, and his rage which culminated in his shooting two men began with his election as representative to the national Congress, and not at the ac- tion of the two colored men. The Colored Alabamian says well when it says “The man who starts out as a leader of the Negro people in the South must gather about him as many of the Southern white men as his friends, for the day will come when he will need them.” John D. Rockefeller is quoted as saying he “never touched whiskey,” and we wonder why some religious folks are afraid to accept John D. Rockefeller’s money for the promo- tion of Christianity. The same fault may not be attach- fed to every man, yet every man has his own fault. Mr. W. T. Vernon delivered the commencement address at Meharry College. While in Cincinnati he was the recipient of much social distinc- tion by the prominent men of the city. According to the Nashville Globe, the reception given to Dr. B. T. Washington and Register W. T.Ver- non by the “Nashville hospitality” was by far the grandest ever given to any public men. The vistors had at their disposal the “white steamer” automobile of Dr. R. F. Boyd. Mr. J. L. Waller, of the War De- partment, has been transferred to a branch of that department in the city {of New York. Mr. Samue! W. Starks, whose death was sudden last week inCharles ton, W. Va., was one of Charleston’s | most respected citizens, regardless of this color. For the past ten years he had the position of Supreme Chan- cellor of colored Knights of Pythias. Continued to page 4.