Memphis World
Memphis World Publishing Co.
1956-07-04
Raymond F. Tisby.

The President's Civil Rights Bill
The blanket calling of a certain bill originating from the
study of the president of the United States, merely a civil rights
bill is hardly sufficient, Now on its way through a trying crisis to
the floor of the House of Representative this bill should and ought
become law.
Brought into a fine focus, this bill is the result of a direct
study by the President or the United States into numerous complaints 
of questionable measures dealt to certain of those unfortunate 
citizens not having sufficient means to have their cases
piloted through channels where they more than probable would get justice.
In a nutshell, the bill would create a bipartisan Civil Rights
Commission, set up a Civil Rights division in the Justice Department 
and permit the attorney general to bypass stale courts and
file civil rights cases directly in federal courts.
It will be seen at a glance that such a move would aid the
cause of these minorities unable to channel their cases on through
to the federal courts. It would be a means of curbing the practice
of railroading through the courts the interests of those both politically 
as well as financially handicapped.
On the other hand, it would serve as a balance of checks on
those operating in, lower civil courts taking for granted that
certain cases for various circumstances will not go further.
While there is opposition and noticeably so, from certain
States constantly under fire because of the alleged abridgement
of the rights of some of their less fortunate subjects, it is quite
encouraging to note the progress of the bill on a general scale.
Its passage would be the filling of o wide gap between the
citizens affected and the access to the federal courts without undue
handicap.
While the court is for removed from politics, the weather
nevertheless is conditioned by the bold stroke of those in behalf
of this bill. Since court decisions and court decorum are being
superimposed in political campaigns, it is but natural that the
people lake account of those lined up politically against their
interests.
The way in which the opposition has set up its strategy
in the President's Civil Rights bill, would give those of unlike
attitudes but one option, that of voting for the party and parties
committed to such legislation.

John Wesley Dobbs Answers Dr, McClain

Dr. Roy D. McClain, a white minister and pastor of the First
Baptist Church of Atlanta had his say on this integration question
from his pulpit last Sabbath. The tenor of his treatment of the d
elicate question at this lime rather disturbed many who saw
differently. The AME Ministers Union at the instance of Dr Frank
Cunningham of Morris Brown College went on record at its
weekly session Tuesday as appointing a committee to possibly
reply to Dr. McCain's position of defending legal segregation.
John Wesley Dobbs, a writer and forceful thinker in his
own right possibly reaches new heights in his exposition of facts
directed to the Rev. McClain and his reflections.
Mr. Dobbs who is a Masonic leader in the state, wrote in an
open letter to Dr. McClain that: "I missed the institution of Slavery by
only seventeen years, but, I thank God for those seventeen years."
He continues his treaties: "I am proud of the fact that I was
born in America and in this golden age of progress. I love
America and the ideals for which it stands. It believe its government 
the greatest ever organized by human beings."
After expressions of faith and hope in his government and
that security guaranteed every citizen under the foot of the
American flag, our writer would insist: "I take emphatic exceptions 
to the unkind and derogatory remarks about my racial
group. Alfred Tennyson once made Ulysses to say— "I am a part
of all I have met." I realize that you too are a part of your social,
economic and religious experiences. Well, so am I."
The letter, rich in thought and sound warnings, has this for
sober and sane consumption:
"It appears to me that the real issue today is plain — TRUTH
LOVE and JUSTICE on God's side; HATE, PREJUDICE, and INJUS.
TICE on the Devil's side. It has been ever thus, —and yet, Dr.
McClain, it is up to you to choose which side you will support,
It is your right to make that decision for yourself."
With this challenging statement the writer summarizes:
"Yes, these are serious limes; We do have hard work to do,
and loads to lift; — The times demand strong minds and willing
hearts. I think that the decision for you, and your ministerial
friends, to make is whether you will serve Jim Crow and Segre
gation on the one hand; or stand up for JESUS CHRIST and
BROTHERHOOD on the other hand. Choose ye this day whom you
will serve —."
We agree with the thought that men are principally a product
of their heredity and environment. But also important is the fact
that men are supposed to be able to make their environment
Men are supposed to be able to change. The question of segregation 
has been accepted as a legal as well as a moral issue.
it has been ruled, on by the highest legal authority of the land
Therefore, we hope that all men, especially those in position
of influencing others, will show the courage to line up on the
legal and right side of this great issue of our times. By doing this
the change required will come to pass with the least frustration.

Retires After Quarter
Of Century At Lincoln
After a quarter of a century of yeoman 
service at Lincoln University
of Missouri, Miss Azalea E. Martin
has retired to her new, modern
cottage in Leavenworth, Kansas, to
"live the life of Raleigh" (female
version).
Coming to he institution in 1930,
Miss Martin had become almost a
tradition in the education department, 
and despite her long years
of service is created with having
kept up with the times with regard

to methodology and innovations in
education, particularly on the elementary 
level.
Miss Martin, who had earned the
Bachelor of Arts and Master of
Arts degrees from Fisk and Columbia 
universities, respectively, was
awarded the Lincoln University
Board of Curators Award of Honor
for 25 years of outstanding service
at commencement exercises last
year. At retirement, she had gained
the rank of Associate Professor of
Education.

REVIEWING
THE NEWS
BY WILLIAM GORDON
Managing Editor, Atlanta Daily World
Much has been written about the Negro and the kind of justice 
he gets from Southern courts. But too little has been written
about the reasons back of injustices. And too little will continue
to be written until the problem is brought closer to home. And
this is only part of a story:
There was a sobbing voice at the other end of the phone.
And I was struck with awe when I learned the man was a 33year 
old lawyer who had defended a young Negro who recently
died in the electric chair. He said:
"I had never known before now, the plight of your people
in the halls of justice. I had never known before now that the
fight for equality is far more severe for you, than for any other
group. My eyes have been opened to the realization of a new
plight, a new world, a new definition of justice."
This new definition I told him is not new to the Negro; it has
been part of his daily living, his direction and guide posts which
set him apart into an artificial society Moreover, I tried to tell my
lawyer friend, it is a kind of discipline for the Negro denoting
for him a kind of status from which he should never attempt to
depart.
So, I tried to tell him that another man died, as thousands
and many thousands before him, some perhaps for even lesser
evidence than this one. But nevertheless, the life of another man
had been taken by the electric chair. And God only knows how
many of these thousands hove died for a rime they never com
mitted. This thinking is not solely my own, but that of hundreds,
whiles and Negroes who also died, perhaps not physically, but
mentally and religiously from the kind of sickness always associated 
with prejudice. And mind you, this is no attempt to defend
crime in any sense of the word, whether committed by Negro or
white, but rather to examine the souls of those who control the
machinery of "justice." What will they tell their hearts and their
God when the time comes for them to deport for the great
beyond?
Injustice, as well as neglect and prejudice, has a reason
for its origin.
Historically, it has and still is, a long struggle for justice
Justice for the Negro has been one of discipline rather than
one of acceptance as a human being. Ever since the Civil War
there has been a move on lo relegate, restrict and limit opportunity 
for growth and respectability.
The black codes, vagrancy laws, chain-gong tactics, lynchings 
and brutality all have been closely associated with molding
the Negro into a stereotype. So in crime, the name Negro had
damaging conototions. Actual evidence has played a little part
in determining what his fate should be. And the plight has been
rugged and it still is.
All of his life, he has to run twice as fast in order to get
half as far. He has had lo break away from an environment imposed 
on him by the oppressor. His fate has been associated with
slums, inadequate housing, denial of the ballot and menial job
opportunities, and moreover, his own self respect. The Negro parent
faces a most difficult task, with youngsters, no matter how enlightened 
and intelligent. There is so much to fight off; ignorance,
prejudice and superstitution. And for the many years we have
been waiting, we ore just beginning to see the Sun slowly rising
out of the sea of enlightenment. We are beginning to see some
hope — hope in people like the young lawyer, who for the first
time ore beginning to see for themselves. Although a human
life has been token, that life will serve more to open the eyes
of the ignorant, the superstitious as many whites have been
forced to testify.
Death has been cruel, but God has been merciful and just,
With every shaft of sunlight spreading across the earth with
this down of a new day, more will come forth and say:
"This is my first realization of the plight of a people, so
patient, so loyal and so genuine. The world will soon learn that
the real jewel of freedom, shines in the souls of Negroes. Many
who have had to die for crimes they never committed.

Death And The Souls Of Negroes . . . .
BY WILLIAM GORDON
Managing Editor, Atlanta Daily World
Much has been written about the Negro and the kind of justice 
he gets from Southern courts. But too little has been written
about the reasons back of injustices. And too little will continue
to be written until the problem is brought closer to home. And
this is only part of a story:
There was a sobbing voice at the other end of the phone.
And I was struck with awe when I learned the man was a 33year 
old lawyer who had defended a young Negro who recently
died in the electric chair. He said:
"I had never known before now, the plight of your people
in the halls of justice. I had never known before now that the
fight for equality is far more severe for you, than for any other
group. My eyes have been opened to the realization of a new
plight, a new world, a new definition of justice."
This new definition I told him is not new to the Negro; it has
been part of his daily living, his direction and guide posts which
set him apart into an artificial society Moreover, I tried to tell my
lawyer friend, it is a kind of discipline for the Negro denoting
for him a kind of status from which he should never attempt to
depart.
So, I tried to tell him that another man died, as thousands
and many thousands before him, some perhaps for even lesser
evidence than this one. But nevertheless, the life of another man
had been taken by the electric chair. And God only knows how
many of these thousands hove died for a rime they never com
mitted. This thinking is not solely my own, but that of hundreds,
whiles and Negroes who also died, perhaps not physically, but
mentally and religiously from the kind of sickness always associated 
with prejudice. And mind you, this is no attempt to defend
crime in any sense of the word, whether committed by Negro or
white, but rather to examine the souls of those who control the
machinery of "justice." What will they tell their hearts and their
God when the time comes for them to deport for the great
beyond?
Injustice, as well as neglect and prejudice, has a reason
for its origin.
Historically, it has and still is, a long struggle for justice
Justice for the Negro has been one of discipline rather than
one of acceptance as a human being. Ever since the Civil War
there has been a move on lo relegate, restrict and limit opportunity 
for growth and respectability.
The black codes, vagrancy laws, chain-gong tactics, lynchings 
and brutality all have been closely associated with molding
the Negro into a stereotype. So in crime, the name Negro had
damaging conototions. Actual evidence has played a little part
in determining what his fate should be. And the plight has been
rugged and it still is.
All of his life, he has to run twice as fast in order to get
half as far. He has had lo break away from an environment imposed 
on him by the oppressor. His fate has been associated with
slums, inadequate housing, denial of the ballot and menial job
opportunities, and moreover, his own self respect. The Negro parent
faces a most difficult task, with youngsters, no matter how enlightened 
and intelligent. There is so much to fight off; ignorance,
prejudice and superstitution. And for the many years we have
been waiting, we ore just beginning to see the Sun slowly rising
out of the sea of enlightenment. We are beginning to see some
hope — hope in people like the young lawyer, who for the first
time ore beginning to see for themselves. Although a human
life has been token, that life will serve more to open the eyes
of the ignorant, the superstitious as many whites have been
forced to testify.
Death has been cruel, but God has been merciful and just,
With every shaft of sunlight spreading across the earth with
this down of a new day, more will come forth and say:
"This is my first realization of the plight of a people, so
patient, so loyal and so genuine. The world will soon learn that
the real jewel of freedom, shines in the souls of Negroes. Many
who have had to die for crimes they never committed.

MY WEEKLY
SERMON



On the Fourth of July, 1779 the
Declaration of Independence was
adopted by our Constinental Congress. 
This week we celebrate this
great and deciding event. It Is a
Day that we and succeeding generations 
ought to commemorate as
the Day of Deliverence, by solemn
acts of devotion to God We, Ameri
can must never forget the divine
providence which has preserved us
a nation. If a sparrow can not fall
without God's notice, it is equally
true that a nation cannot rise without 
God's aid.
Said Jesus to his heckling enemies, 
"Render unto Caesar the
things that are Caesar's" Here is
an obligation to good citizenship.
It is a great privilege to be a citizen
of our. United States. Despite the

unchristian altitude of some, Despite 
Jim Crowism and Segregation,
America abounds with boundless
opportunities. We do rejoice in the
abundance and beauty of America.
Each citizen must put something
into the great corporation of the
United States of America, his tune,
his sons, his taxas, his means, his
votes, his influence.
Said, Jesus to those seeking to
entrap him. "Render unto God the
things that are God's" Never overlook 
the high and Holy duty we owe
God We must create a natoinal
Soul, a Spiditual Consciousness and
a Responsiveness to the heart of
God. and to the needs of man.
Every man, woman, and child Is
called on to render to God devotion 
and Worship reverence and pie
ty, thought and affections, sons
and substance.
On the Natal Day of our glorious 
nation let us pray:
"Almighty God bless our land
with honorable industry sound
learning and pure manner. Defend
our liberties, Preserve our unity.
Save us from lawlessness and violence, 
bigotry and prejudice. In
our days of prosperity, suffer not
our trust to fall from thee. All we
ask for Jesus Christ's sake Amen."
Let us renew our faith in God
and in our fellowmen. For it was
by faith the Mayflower embarked
from old England and found harbor 
off the bleak New England
shores. It war by faith our Pilgrim
fathers set up a Government dedicated 
to God. It was by faith that
Thomas Jefferson wrote certain
unalienable rights.
Yes, render unto our country
faith: Jes render unto our God
faith. This religious patriotism.

REV. BLAIR T. HUNT,
PASTOR
MISSISSIPPI BLVD. CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, MEMPHIS



On the Fourth of July, 1779 the
Declaration of Independence was
adopted by our Constinental Congress. 
This week we celebrate this
great and deciding event. It Is a
Day that we and succeeding generations 
ought to commemorate as
the Day of Deliverence, by solemn
acts of devotion to God We, Ameri
can must never forget the divine
providence which has preserved us
a nation. If a sparrow can not fall
without God's notice, it is equally
true that a nation cannot rise without 
God's aid.
Said Jesus to his heckling enemies, 
"Render unto Caesar the
things that are Caesar's" Here is
an obligation to good citizenship.
It is a great privilege to be a citizen
of our. United States. Despite the

unchristian altitude of some, Despite 
Jim Crowism and Segregation,
America abounds with boundless
opportunities. We do rejoice in the
abundance and beauty of America.
Each citizen must put something
into the great corporation of the
United States of America, his tune,
his sons, his taxas, his means, his
votes, his influence.
Said, Jesus to those seeking to
entrap him. "Render unto God the
things that are God's" Never overlook 
the high and Holy duty we owe
God We must create a natoinal
Soul, a Spiditual Consciousness and
a Responsiveness to the heart of
God. and to the needs of man.
Every man, woman, and child Is
called on to render to God devotion 
and Worship reverence and pie
ty, thought and affections, sons
and substance.
On the Natal Day of our glorious 
nation let us pray:
"Almighty God bless our land
with honorable industry sound
learning and pure manner. Defend
our liberties, Preserve our unity.
Save us from lawlessness and violence, 
bigotry and prejudice. In
our days of prosperity, suffer not
our trust to fall from thee. All we
ask for Jesus Christ's sake Amen."
Let us renew our faith in God
and in our fellowmen. For it was
by faith the Mayflower embarked
from old England and found harbor 
off the bleak New England
shores. It war by faith our Pilgrim
fathers set up a Government dedicated 
to God. It was by faith that
Thomas Jefferson wrote certain
unalienable rights.
Yes, render unto our country
faith: Jes render unto our God
faith. This religious patriotism.

Colored Stars In
Lombardo Show
Following 
the stomping success of the
revival of "Carmen Jones" by the
City Center theatre, Guy Lombardo's 
open air summer presentation
of "Show Boat' with a number of
colored stars, is winning accelases
in the entertainment world.
Besides, for the first time, the
show actually has a moving boat on
water. The produition is staged
niihtly at Jones Beach.

Letter To The Editor
Don't Be Fooled
The time is coming and is close
at hand for you to make your decision 
and to pick your choice of
the men you wish to hold the reins
of your government.
I want to say to you, stop and
think, before you cast your ballot.
As you know in time past, the
colored man has acted like blackbirds 
in a grain field. It does not
matter how many the farmer shoot
and kill, the rest would come back
for another feed.
Let us not forget what has already 
happened to us.
We have been driven away form
home. We have been forced to undergo 
untold suffering where tver
the Democrats go, and we show up
in that place the Democrats have
made it harder for us.
Let us help to fight our own
cause. Let's fight and vote for the
Republican Party. Let's put a Republican 
in all offices from the
Constable to the President's.
You will never reach the height of
first class citizenship begging, for
all betters only receive the crumbs.
Let's vote. Then let's demand
that some of us can be in the count
ing.
We are sick of raising money get
ting people to register, qualify our
candidate and everytime he almost 
wins.
Let's help count as well as help
vote. If we can help count, it won't
be long before we will have a candi
date that will win.
Our power at the poles will be
fully effective when we can have a
place in the counting.
There are two important places
that we really need to be part of;
the counting of votes and the census
of the colored people of each state.
In both Instances, we have been
deprived of this right. Let's ask.
for it.
There is yet some more unconstilutional 
law on the Statue books
of these southern states.
You can be proud, of doing a duty 
when you know it really helped
the cause for which it was intended. 

R P Van Pelt.
163 Linden
Memphis Tenn.

Anymore
The time is coming and is close
at hand for you to make your decision 
and to pick your choice of
the men you wish to hold the reins
of your government.
I want to say to you, stop and
think, before you cast your ballot.
As you know in time past, the
colored man has acted like blackbirds 
in a grain field. It does not
matter how many the farmer shoot
and kill, the rest would come back
for another feed.
Let us not forget what has already 
happened to us.
We have been driven away form
home. We have been forced to undergo 
untold suffering where tver
the Democrats go, and we show up
in that place the Democrats have
made it harder for us.
Let us help to fight our own
cause. Let's fight and vote for the
Republican Party. Let's put a Republican 
in all offices from the
Constable to the President's.
You will never reach the height of
first class citizenship begging, for
all betters only receive the crumbs.
Let's vote. Then let's demand
that some of us can be in the count
ing.
We are sick of raising money get
ting people to register, qualify our
candidate and everytime he almost 
wins.
Let's help count as well as help
vote. If we can help count, it won't
be long before we will have a candi
date that will win.
Our power at the poles will be
fully effective when we can have a
place in the counting.
There are two important places
that we really need to be part of;
the counting of votes and the census
of the colored people of each state.
In both Instances, we have been
deprived of this right. Let's ask.
for it.
There is yet some more unconstilutional 
law on the Statue books
of these southern states.
You can be proud, of doing a duty 
when you know it really helped
the cause for which it was intended. 

R P Van Pelt.
163 Linden
Memphis Tenn.

Howard Univ.
To Get Over
Three Million
Howard University will get a total
federal appropriation of $3,300.000
for the fiscal year beginning July
1, as recommended by the House.
Seante conferees agreed to that
figure for salaries and expenses, of
the university instead of the higher 
figure of $3,410,000 proposed by
the Senate.
The conferees also deleted an appropriation 
of $75,000, one-half of
the budget estimate for plans and
specifications. This item was inserted 
in the Labor-Health, Education 
and Welfare appropriation bill
by the Senate after the House and
disallowed the Item in its entirety. 

The $76,000 item was intended to
enable the university to complete
plans for the home economics
building, and to begin preparation
of plans in 1957 for a military
science-physical education building.
The Senate Appropriations Com
mittee, 
in approving an increase of
$110,000 over the House allowance
for salaries and expenses, said the
sum of $3,410,000 in direct Federal
funds would provide 56.7 per cent
of the total estimated operating
costs, the balance being derived
from reimbursements from other
accounts, $267,705, and reimbursements 
from non-Federal sources
(tuition, other student fees gifts
and grants, endowment income, and
sales by auxiliary enterprises). $2,346.393. 

The $100,000 increase over the
House allowance was Intended to
provide for maintenance of new
buildings. $60,000, and repairs to
plant, $50,000.

THE QUICKSILVER POOL

WHEN LORA asked what she
could do to help stop the war,
Morgan went on to explain:
"We need someone of influence
here on the island. Someone who
is strongly against the war and
who is, liked and trusted by other
islanders. A man, of course." She
paused, watching Lora.
"You mean — Wade?" Lora
asked, more puzzled than ever.
Morgan returned to her chair
and took up her teacup again with
a gesture elaborately casual. "Of
course. And you are the one who
can draw him into this."
"I" Lora cried "I am afraid I
have little influence with him. Besides, 
what could Wade do? His
mother is very ill just now and he
is not well himself. He has taken
no part in Island life since his return." 

"But he did at one time," Morgan 
said. "And he will again if it
is urged upon him: He had a taste
of it the other night. Perhaps you
haven't seen enough of that side
of your husband to judge. He has
always been extremely well liked
and influential, too, thanks to his
name and position. We need to
draw men of his sort in with us.
Will you help us, Lora?"
Lora moved her hands in a gesture 
of helplessness. "You must
know how he feels about—well,
about this house, He would never,
I am sure, agree to come here."
"I appreciate your delicacy, but
we need not mince words." Morgan's 
smile was wry. "It is I whom
he wishes to avoid, not the house.
However, you must know by now,
it is child's play to wrap Wade
around your finger. You can get
him here if you try. Not for my
sake. I am nothing in this. But to
meet Murray Norwood. Once Murray 
talks to him I feel certain that
Wade will be with us. Then he can
use hit Influence to draw in others
to help us."
Lora shook her head, quietly
stubborn in the fact of Morgan's
assurance. "I don't want to wrap
Wade around my fingers, or to see
anyone else do it I want him to
think for himself and do what he
believes is right.
Morgan nodded tolerantly "You
are honest, my dear, but you are
also very young. There are certain
facts you must face sooner or later. 
Believe me—I have known
Wade all my life and I know he
will always need a stronger hand
to mould him, guide him. First
you will tell him that Murray Nor
wood is interested in a plan which
will oppose the draft and become
a force in halting the war. Say
nothing of the Circle. Let us tell
him about it. He may set the time
for meeting Murray himself and
the meeting will be in this house."
Lora shook her head. "The whole
thing is hopeless. I don't know
anything about the quarrel between 
you and-Wade but I know
he becomes very angry when your
name is so much as mentioned."
"I realize that," Morgan said,
her tone studiously light. "A childish, 
notion on Wade's part. We had
no quarrel. Nevertheless, there is
one weapon you can use to bring
him here. An infallible weapon."
Lora waited, instinctively ready
to resist this woman's persuasiveness. 

Morgan leaned forward in her
chair and Lora noted that there
were amber flecks of light in her
eyes; an amber that seemed to
glow when she was moved to intensity. 

"Make him angry," Morgan said.
"Tell him that he is afraid of me,
tell him that is why he avoids me.
Tell him you think the war a more
important cause than his own
feeble fears. If you can make him
feel he must prove his courage, he
will come. I know him, Lora. I
know him clear through."
Lora regarded the woman before
her with interesting distaste, but
she managed to answer quietly.
"The method you suggest would
not be mine. I have too much respect 
for my husband."
She rose with a dignity which
put her on the same footing with
Morgan in spite of her lack of
years.
"I really must be getting back
home now. It was kind of you to
invite me here today, but I'm
afraid there is no way in which I
can help you.
She was aware of Morgan's
anger, though the other woman's
manner remained carefully unperturbed. 

"What a contrast with Virginia
you must make for Wade. How
much suffering you must inevitably 
cause him." There was ma
ice in Morgan's laughter as she
walked with Lora toward the door.
Lora found herself surging with
resentment against this woman.
But she would not give Morgan
the satisfaction of suspecting how
indignant she was. At the door her
hostess held out her hand and Lora
put her own into it briefly.
"I will expect to hear from you,"
Morgan said "Not for my sake, or
for yours. But because I believe
you truly want to help Wade. And
this is an opportunity for doing
so."
Lora made no answer. She said
a polite good-day, and went down
the driveway, sensing that Morgan 
stood in the doorway staring
after her.
All the way home she pondered
Morgan's words and motives. Was
this a simple matter of politics as
she professed, or was there in this
woman a purpose which concerned
Wade far more personally than
she claimed.
By the end of January, Lora had
still said nothing to Wade of the
request Morgan had made of her.
She did not mention her recent
visit, though she had told him of
her first trip up the hill and that
she had obtained the puppy from
Morgan. He'd been distressed at
first, but had eventually forgiven
her.
She had not, however, been able
to dismiss her talk with Morgan
from her mind. It was just possible
that Morgan was right and Wade
ought to have something like this
to fling himself into. If Morgan's
cause was honest and just, the
chance at least should be given
Wade. But how could the be sure?
And bow was the to broach the
subject to him without incurring
his displeasure and gaining only an
angry refusal?


Policy King And
Pal To Grand Jury
A St Louis
gambler and his friend, a hotel
porter, were indicted by a Federal
grand jury last week on charges of
violating federal narcotics laws and
conspiracy.
Ezra Harris, policy boss, and Preston 
Vanderford were handed a seven 
count indictment that accused
them of selling 227 grains of heroin
for $225 and another 208 grains for
$200 to a police officer on two separate 
occasions last May 27.
Harris, who also owns a fleet of
taxicabs, was fined $500 last year
for establishing a lottery and recently 
settled a $184,000 federal income 
tax claim for $23,425

THE TIP OFF
BY EMORY O, JACKSON
PITTSBURG. Pa — (SNS) —
For the first time in the 18-year
old history of the National Newspaper 
Publishers Association its annual 
convention was held in a Penn
sylvania City. The 1957 convention
is scheduled for Columbus Ohio.

NNPA continued another trend
Publisher Thomas C Jervay of the
Wilmington (N. C.) Journal was
ed into the presidency. He takes
up the responsibility shedded by
C. C. DeJoie, another publisher of
the so-called "smaller newspapers."
Small only in comparision with
the national weeklies and in the
sense that the concentrated in a
hometown and state area.

NNAP is a functioning tribute to
the new leadership of the Negro
press. For it has
lasted longer than
any of its predecessor 
organizations. 
This is
due mainly because 
of the role
of the publishers
and editors of the
powerful national
weekly newspaper
Always there was
a forceful personality 
in the
midst of conflict
to hold the body together.

Some newspapers have fallen
away from NNPA. New ones have
come in Each convention I used to
look forward to seeing Percy Greene
of the Jackson (Mississippi) Advocate 
and John H. McCray of the
now suspended Lighthouse and Informer, 
Columbia, S C McCray
has moved on to the Baltimore
Afro-American. And now one hears
the question. "What has happened
to Percy Greene" McCray's news
paper went down fighting for freedom 
in South Carolina. But McCray
is still fighting on from the pages of
the Afro-American which covers
the South Carolina area.


Two other things should be pointed 
out while in the city the visiting
NNPA members were guests or
The Pittsburg Press Club. This
club is located in The Sherwyn
Hotel and opens its membership to
newspapermen on merit, and nothing 
else. Some Pittsburg Courier
staffmen are members of the club
This time the business and industri
al leaders of the city served as
banquet hosts. Usually It has been
the uplift organizations which provided 
such courtesy.