Memphis World Memphis World Publishing Co. 1952-04-08 Chester M. Hampton FULL OF PEP MEMBERS AT CLUB-SPONSORED DANCE — The above ladies are members of the Full of Pep Club which sponsored a dance March 28th at the Hippodrome. They are, from left: Mrs. Josie Mitchell, Miss Janie Hester, Mrs. Jency Bowman, Mrs. Louise Hollins, Miss Lonnie Carbin. Standing from left: Mrs. Willie B. Dailey, Mrs. Mattie Dailey, Mrs. Clara. Stinson, Mrs. Eugenia Crawford (seated.) Mrs. Cora Cole man, Mrs. Mayonia Larkrdige and Mrs. Evelyn taster. (Photo by Hooks) Church Council Proposal Would Halt Bias Pattern A proposal to guard against building up more organizational machinery on a segregation pattern and a recommendation which would reduce the number commissions were taken under advisement Wednesday by the Executive (fdmmittee of the National Fraternal Council of Churches, U. S. A., Incorporated. The recommendations were placed before the executive committee by George W. Lucas executive secretary, during a meeting at which Dr. W. H. Jernagin presided. The annual committee meeting was held in connection with the Nineteenth Anniversary of the Fraternal Council of Churches now in session at Wheat Street Baptist church, pastored by Dr. William H. Borders. Secretary Lucas, buttressed with pamphlets, reports and notes, laid before the executive committee the two recommendations: 1. "That we propose to the denominational leaders the underwriting of the Council's budget and that more publicity be given the Council through, regular denominational channels. (This is a necessary step to get cooperation without building up more machinery on a segregation pattern, and at the same time will provide a medium of expression denied, to a unified Negro group, Lucas explained. 2. "That we appoint a committee to restudy the commissions and to so readjust the areas of operation as to have not more than eight and not less than five." (Lucas pointed out that the Council originally had 16 commissions to report on various, community activi ties. "It is easier to develop five strong commissions and avoid a natural overlapping, and at the same time get more expert leadership for fewer commissions," the secretary stated. The Council was officially welcomed Wednesday night at a meeting at which Bishop S. L Greene was slated to make a membership appeal. Registration and enrollment of delegates are scheduled this morning. Meeting for the first time in Atlanta, the Council is a "cooperative movement made up of the major Negro Church denominations." The Council, was organized in 1933 in the Mt Carmel Baptist church of Washington, D C pastored by Dr. Jernagin. The idea had been presented to Negro church leaders in 1929 at Rochester, N Y. by Dr. L. K. Williams. The purpose of the Council, described in the second article of the first section of its constitution, is threefold: "1. To develop cooperative relations among all member denomimtions, and to take appropriate collective measures to strengthen this bond of Christian Unity, so that they may work together as one United Church to bring about racial and economic justice, progressive measure of non-partisan political legislation and social reform. "2. To afford a center for coordinating the actions of the denominations in the achievement of their common goals. 3. To cooperate with other organizations of like nature in seeking to foster the world-wide program of Christ." The Council works through 16 commissions, of which the Washington Bureau Commission is most important. This commission "has represented the church on all issues affecting our group in Congres, and has purchased a building... at a cost of $16,000," Secretary Lucas said. The executive secretary said that during the history of the Council 14 denominations have participated. He listed them: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Colored Methodist Episcopal, National Baptist, Inc., African Orthodox, Methodist—Central Jurisdiction. Disciples — Christian, The Church of Our Lord Jesus, Conference Community Churches, The Pentecostal Church, Freewill Baptist Church Association. Church of God in Christ, Church of God Holiness and Negro Churches of Interracial Denominations. Secretary Lucas explained why the Fraternal Council did not go into the National Council of the Churches of Christ two years ago. He stated: "Our leaders are convinced that we must remain free to attack certain problems peculiar to our group at this critical stage in human history. "Moreover; we feel that there are lessons in interdenominational cooperation that we must teach our own people if Negro Christians are to play a significant and vital role in the larger ecumenical movement." Lucas pointed out that, unlike the National Council, it has never delayed action to denounce segregation. Acheson Does Not Take Premier Stalin Serious Secretary of State Acheson said Thursday that Premier Stalin's "war is no closer" statement is merely a broad generalization which fails to change the tense east-west situation. The Russian leader, answering questions submitted by a group of U. S. editors, declared in effect Tuesday that World War III is no closer than it was before the KOrean conflict began. At his news conference, Acheson commented tersely on that statement, Stalin's call for immediate unification of Germany, and his assertion that a meeting now of the heads of the great powers might "possibly" be helpful. The Secretary said that the Stalin views are of no particular significance because they are merely broad generalizations which add noting toward solution of cold war problems. Acheson pointed out that Russia on the one hand and the United States, Britain, and France on the other have made their respective attitudes plain in the exchange of notes on the Kremlin's call for a four-power meeting on a German peace treaty and unification of that country. WISHING WELL Registered U. S. Patent Office. HERE is a pleasant little game that will give you a message every day. It is a numerical puzzle designed to spell out your fortune. Count the letters in your first name. If the number of letters is 6 or more, subtract 4. If the number is less than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. Start at the upper left-hand corner of the rectangle and check every one of your key numbers, left to right. Then read the message the letters under the checked figure give you. Miss. Passes Ed. Bill; More Funds For School Bldgs. A bill appropriating $50,000,000, for common, schools was sent to the governor, last week, after passing the Mississippi state legislature. A bill earmarking part of the common school fund for Negroes about $4,500,000 parsed but was held on motion to reconsider. The difference between the sums earmarked for the respective races, whites, $50,000,00'), Negroes $4,5000000 (going in the hole a gain) will be shared between the two races under the present allocation formula. What the present allocation formula is we are not certain but judging, from the below amounts appropriated white institutions, the formula has the Negro catching up; Mississippi agricultural and industrial board, $400,000; University of Mississippi medical school, $450,000; the new livestock, poultry, and egg production program $2,000,000. and Ellsville state school, $900,000. Alcorn College and Jackson College question mark. Six million of the $50,000,000 is earmarked to supplement Negro teachers' salaries and Negro transportation. It is planned that millions will be distributed to counties on the basis of present equalizing and per capita methods. Negro teachers under the appropriation would get $4,500,000 to supplement their wages with $1,500,000 for Negro transportation. Young farmer Given Award For Corn Growing Melvin Henderson, a holder of the Improved Farmer Degree in the North Carolina Association of New Farmers of America at the Warren County Training School at Wise, North Carolina, won a $100 Bond as top winner in the 1000-bushel Corn Growing Public Speaking Contest as sponsored by the Chilean Nitrate Educational Bureau for the North Carolina Association of New Farmers of America arid the State Negro 4-H Council according to information released by W. J. Fisher, Executive Secretary of the Association. Fisher stated that Henderson scored 874 points to lead the other five contestants in the contest. His yield was 126.5 bushels per acre of a Dixie 17 variety as recommended fir his county. Runners-up in the state NFA Corn Contest, are Ernest Lucus and O J. Linney, New Farmers from the Nash County Training School at Nashville and the Happy Plains High School at Taylorsville, respectively, who produced 112.23 and 105 bushels of corn per acre respectively. Henderson was supervised by A M. Ward, teacher of Vocational Agriculture at the Warren County Training school, while Lucus was supervised by R. E. Fitzgerald teacher of Agriculture at the Nash County. School, and Linney by Professor C. H Daniels. Seeks Admission To Golf Links Negroes are seeking permission to use golf facilities at the municipal, golf course now restricted to white golfers. The action was taken Tuesday when a group of Negroes filed a petition with the city, requesting use of the tax-supported recrea tional facility. The petition, bearing approximately 80 names, was filed with the clerk of City Council. NCC Report Good Friday Observance Is Increased The growing number of business firms that arrange to excuse employees for church attendance on Good Friday, or close altogether for the three hour period when most services are held, were commended recently by Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert, general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. An increasing number of churches in recent years are holding services on Good Friday, or joining in co-operative services. D. Cavert pointed out. "The outstanding fact, however, is the active interest business firms and communities are taking in the observance of the most solemn occasion in the Christian religion," he said. In the nation's capital, for example, in 1941 only 35 Protestant and Roman Catholic churches held Good Friday Services. By fast year, more than 80 churches in the metropolitan area held three-hour devotions and worshippers had to queue up in the streets to wait admittance to crowded downtown churches. Services were also held in the Pentagon, the Department of Agriculture and the Interior, at Walter Reed Army and Bethesda Naval Hospital. By Presidential directive, all government employees were given time off to attend church, and by unwritten agreement private businesses also excused their employees for the three-hour period. In New York City, the Stock Exchange has closed all day on Good Friday at least since 1900, but in recent years a growing number of business firms arrange to excuse their employees for attendance at services, and in Brooklyn, more and more stores close for the three hours in the afternoon. More churches, too, report Good Friday services, and attendance at the five-year-old interdenominational Lenten services in Town Hall was reported reaching a peak of attendance this year. In Brooklyn, the Cross Service on Good Friday is held in two shifts to accommodate worshippers. The service for 24 years has been held in the Albee Theatre, whose late owner made provision in his will for the services to continue there after his deaths. San Francisco church leaders organized their first Joint Committee for the Reverant Observance of Good Friday in 1914, and by 1945, it had persuaded 30,000 places of business to close down completely from noon until three. Even racetracks, theatres and bars closed during the period. Similar organizations were set up in Toledo (1921), Indianapolis (1922) Duluth, now in its 29th year, and Philadelphia, in its 24th. In Philadelphia the committee in 1950 persuaded the managements of more than 50 large downtown buildings to leave lights burning at night in the form of enormous crosses. Hotels and department stores flew white banners with purple crosses and a white wooden cross was spotlighted m the center of City Hall Plaza. Many cities have organized committees in recent years, like Buffalo, which began in 1945. Their committee program included free bus rides for churchgoers during Lent, poster contests in the high schools and billboards urging passerby to attend church on Good Friday. Noting that a bill was introduced recently in congress to make Good Friday a legal holiday, Dr. Cavert pointed out that similar bills have been introduced at least four times in recent years but have never come to a vote. Earlier bills were supported by several labor organizations, he noted, on the grounds that absenteeism on Good Friday could best be solved by regularizing business practice on the matter. Fourteen states have adopted legis lation making the day a legal holiday, but bills to this effect in the New York State legislature have been opposed by the New York State Council of Churches on the grounds that a Good Friday law would discriminate against minority groups. "Much more important than making Good Friday a legal holiday," Dr. Cavert said, "is the spirit of reverence in the community that makes Good Friday a holy day in a real sense." STOCK EXCHANGE The growing number of business firms that arrange to excuse employees for church attendance on Good Friday, or close altogether for the three hour period when most services are held, were commended recently by Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert, general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. An increasing number of churches in recent years are holding services on Good Friday, or joining in co-operative services. D. Cavert pointed out. "The outstanding fact, however, is the active interest business firms and communities are taking in the observance of the most solemn occasion in the Christian religion," he said. In the nation's capital, for example, in 1941 only 35 Protestant and Roman Catholic churches held Good Friday Services. By fast year, more than 80 churches in the metropolitan area held three-hour devotions and worshippers had to queue up in the streets to wait admittance to crowded downtown churches. Services were also held in the Pentagon, the Department of Agriculture and the Interior, at Walter Reed Army and Bethesda Naval Hospital. By Presidential directive, all government employees were given time off to attend church, and by unwritten agreement private businesses also excused their employees for the three-hour period. In New York City, the Stock Exchange has closed all day on Good Friday at least since 1900, but in recent years a growing number of business firms arrange to excuse their employees for attendance at services, and in Brooklyn, more and more stores close for the three hours in the afternoon. More churches, too, report Good Friday services, and attendance at the five-year-old interdenominational Lenten services in Town Hall was reported reaching a peak of attendance this year. In Brooklyn, the Cross Service on Good Friday is held in two shifts to accommodate worshippers. The service for 24 years has been held in the Albee Theatre, whose late owner made provision in his will for the services to continue there after his deaths. San Francisco church leaders organized their first Joint Committee for the Reverant Observance of Good Friday in 1914, and by 1945, it had persuaded 30,000 places of business to close down completely from noon until three. Even racetracks, theatres and bars closed during the period. Similar organizations were set up in Toledo (1921), Indianapolis (1922) Duluth, now in its 29th year, and Philadelphia, in its 24th. In Philadelphia the committee in 1950 persuaded the managements of more than 50 large downtown buildings to leave lights burning at night in the form of enormous crosses. Hotels and department stores flew white banners with purple crosses and a white wooden cross was spotlighted m the center of City Hall Plaza. Many cities have organized committees in recent years, like Buffalo, which began in 1945. Their committee program included free bus rides for churchgoers during Lent, poster contests in the high schools and billboards urging passerby to attend church on Good Friday. Noting that a bill was introduced recently in congress to make Good Friday a legal holiday, Dr. Cavert pointed out that similar bills have been introduced at least four times in recent years but have never come to a vote. Earlier bills were supported by several labor organizations, he noted, on the grounds that absenteeism on Good Friday could best be solved by regularizing business practice on the matter. Fourteen states have adopted legis lation making the day a legal holiday, but bills to this effect in the New York State legislature have been opposed by the New York State Council of Churches on the grounds that a Good Friday law would discriminate against minority groups. "Much more important than making Good Friday a legal holiday," Dr. Cavert said, "is the spirit of reverence in the community that makes Good Friday a holy day in a real sense." MANY CITIES ORGANIZE The growing number of business firms that arrange to excuse employees for church attendance on Good Friday, or close altogether for the three hour period when most services are held, were commended recently by Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert, general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. An increasing number of churches in recent years are holding services on Good Friday, or joining in co-operative services. D. Cavert pointed out. "The outstanding fact, however, is the active interest business firms and communities are taking in the observance of the most solemn occasion in the Christian religion," he said. In the nation's capital, for example, in 1941 only 35 Protestant and Roman Catholic churches held Good Friday Services. By fast year, more than 80 churches in the metropolitan area held three-hour devotions and worshippers had to queue up in the streets to wait admittance to crowded downtown churches. Services were also held in the Pentagon, the Department of Agriculture and the Interior, at Walter Reed Army and Bethesda Naval Hospital. By Presidential directive, all government employees were given time off to attend church, and by unwritten agreement private businesses also excused their employees for the three-hour period. In New York City, the Stock Exchange has closed all day on Good Friday at least since 1900, but in recent years a growing number of business firms arrange to excuse their employees for attendance at services, and in Brooklyn, more and more stores close for the three hours in the afternoon. More churches, too, report Good Friday services, and attendance at the five-year-old interdenominational Lenten services in Town Hall was reported reaching a peak of attendance this year. In Brooklyn, the Cross Service on Good Friday is held in two shifts to accommodate worshippers. The service for 24 years has been held in the Albee Theatre, whose late owner made provision in his will for the services to continue there after his deaths. San Francisco church leaders organized their first Joint Committee for the Reverant Observance of Good Friday in 1914, and by 1945, it had persuaded 30,000 places of business to close down completely from noon until three. Even racetracks, theatres and bars closed during the period. Similar organizations were set up in Toledo (1921), Indianapolis (1922) Duluth, now in its 29th year, and Philadelphia, in its 24th. In Philadelphia the committee in 1950 persuaded the managements of more than 50 large downtown buildings to leave lights burning at night in the form of enormous crosses. Hotels and department stores flew white banners with purple crosses and a white wooden cross was spotlighted m the center of City Hall Plaza. Many cities have organized committees in recent years, like Buffalo, which began in 1945. Their committee program included free bus rides for churchgoers during Lent, poster contests in the high schools and billboards urging passerby to attend church on Good Friday. Noting that a bill was introduced recently in congress to make Good Friday a legal holiday, Dr. Cavert pointed out that similar bills have been introduced at least four times in recent years but have never come to a vote. Earlier bills were supported by several labor organizations, he noted, on the grounds that absenteeism on Good Friday could best be solved by regularizing business practice on the matter. Fourteen states have adopted legis lation making the day a legal holiday, but bills to this effect in the New York State legislature have been opposed by the New York State Council of Churches on the grounds that a Good Friday law would discriminate against minority groups. "Much more important than making Good Friday a legal holiday," Dr. Cavert said, "is the spirit of reverence in the community that makes Good Friday a holy day in a real sense." Chairman Rushed In To Avert U. S. Steel Strike President Truman rushed the chairman of the Wage Stabilization Board into the steel crisis Friday with orders to "settle it." WSB Chairman Nathan Feinsinger said he is "prepared to stay until hell freezes over" to avert a scheduled Wednesday morning nationwide walkout. Feinsinger flew into New York from Washington and immediately arranged separate talks with steel industry and CIO-United Steelworkers representatives before trying to get both sides together once more. Negotiations between both sides collapsed Thursday and USW-CIO President Philip Murray issued a strike order to his 650,000 members for 12:01 a. m. (EST) Wednesday. After meeting with the industry representatives, Feinsinger was enroute to a conference with Murray when newsmen met him. "Have you any instructions from Dr. John R. Steelman?" (Acting Defense Mobilizer who sent him to New York) reporters asked. "I'm on my own," Feinsinger declared: He added: "The only instruction I have from the White House is 'settle it.'" Thurgood Marshall Banquet Speaker The announcement by B. E. Dade that the Hon Thurgood Marshall, National Special Counsel, NAACP, would be the principal speaker at a banquet honoring A. Maceo Smith gave added national prominence to this gala affair to be given at the Casa Linda Lodge, 12 miles northeast of Dallas, April 16, at 8:00 p. m. Reservations have been received from-New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, Detroit, Los Angeles and many cities throughout the southwest. The selection of Marshall to be the principal speaker is also an indication of the importance of this banquet. Marshall recently received international acclaim from one of America's leading magazines for his work for right and justice for all people. Marshall will also be the special representative of the National Board of the NAACP. Smith is a member of the National Board of the NAACP. When Smith's record is reviewed as to his work in the NAACP it is quite clear that he has contributed much more in an effort to secure a fair and just democracy. He has taken an active leadership in coordinating the efforts of the Negro Citizens of Texas to break down the so-called "Lily White Primary"; the successful efforts to open all state supported institutions to all citizens of the nation; and the equalization of teachers salaries. When queried as to future plans in this endless fight for right Smith stated "you can say I have just begun to fight. I am deeply grateful for all the assistance given me by the loyal supporters of right and justice for all peoples, but we must not let up until every ounce of discrimination is wiped out." To the thousands who know and believe in Smith, this is the philosophy they believe in and know will prevail with Smith continually leading the fight. Wm. F. McKinney, National Chairman Public Relations Committee, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity states that the Alpha men throughout the nation are respond ing to this banquet in encouraging numbers. McKinney sates that "we would have liked to have made this a closed Fraternity affair, but Maceo's record of being of the people made it a 'must' that we share our General President with all citizens that have shared and worked with him in making the southwest a better place for all people to live." ALPHAS RESPONDING The announcement by B. E. Dade that the Hon Thurgood Marshall, National Special Counsel, NAACP, would be the principal speaker at a banquet honoring A. Maceo Smith gave added national prominence to this gala affair to be given at the Casa Linda Lodge, 12 miles northeast of Dallas, April 16, at 8:00 p. m. Reservations have been received from-New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, Detroit, Los Angeles and many cities throughout the southwest. The selection of Marshall to be the principal speaker is also an indication of the importance of this banquet. Marshall recently received international acclaim from one of America's leading magazines for his work for right and justice for all people. Marshall will also be the special representative of the National Board of the NAACP. Smith is a member of the National Board of the NAACP. When Smith's record is reviewed as to his work in the NAACP it is quite clear that he has contributed much more in an effort to secure a fair and just democracy. He has taken an active leadership in coordinating the efforts of the Negro Citizens of Texas to break down the so-called "Lily White Primary"; the successful efforts to open all state supported institutions to all citizens of the nation; and the equalization of teachers salaries. When queried as to future plans in this endless fight for right Smith stated "you can say I have just begun to fight. I am deeply grateful for all the assistance given me by the loyal supporters of right and justice for all peoples, but we must not let up until every ounce of discrimination is wiped out." To the thousands who know and believe in Smith, this is the philosophy they believe in and know will prevail with Smith continually leading the fight. Wm. F. McKinney, National Chairman Public Relations Committee, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity states that the Alpha men throughout the nation are respond ing to this banquet in encouraging numbers. McKinney sates that "we would have liked to have made this a closed Fraternity affair, but Maceo's record of being of the people made it a 'must' that we share our General President with all citizens that have shared and worked with him in making the southwest a better place for all people to live." by CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN "HOW DO you know, Nicholas, that it wasn't Peter?" Mollie asked. Slowly, he puffed smoke between his lips. "Alibi," he said softly. "Do you know, that's a really beautiful word, Mollie? Listen to it. Alibi. One of those words no one can say in an ugly fashion. Alibi." He straightened in his chair! "I can establish one of those for Peter." he said briskly. "How can you?" she asked, subpiciously. "Honestly," he assured her. "I wouldn't risk my neck in this. You know that." "I mean, what sort of alibi can you establish for Peter?" "Well, I inquired around and found out times and stuff. They tell me that writers of mystery stories keep a careful timetable in order to fit things in, and so do some readers who like to solve the crime before it's done for them. Not me. I pay twenty-five cents for a chiller-diller, I let the author use up Ms gray matter." "Nicholas.'" His lips: quirked. "All right, I'll tell you. May I repeat that I checked times? Thank you, Doctor. And I remembered that I'd been out walking pretty late last night. You know me? Problems to think out—big, important problems. Anyone around here knows me for a night prowler. Well, last night, I was prowling. And something—" He glanced up at her, his eyes glinting. "Something," he repeated, thoughtfully, "drew me to Gentille Square. I saw Peter. Shepherd," Nicholas resumed quickly. "Tan tweed overcoat, no hat, red hair shining in the lamplight—whites—and," he coughed, looked down at his hand. "And— er—a woman. It was 4:00 a. m., Mollie. I—I looked at my watch. "After your phone call this morning, I talked to the Medical Examiner—he's a friend of mine. fortunately, and he is sure that this Portell—isn't that an odd name?—that this Portell had been killed instantly when he was killed. Blow behind the ear did it, he thinks. You know—" He glanced at Mollie. "Four-thirty. He said it would be just about then. Besides, the man's watch was still oh his wrist, and smashed at fourtwenty." Nicholas took out a large white handkerchief and elaborately blew his nose. He didn't look at Mollie. "Remember, I saw. Peter with an —er—lady. And they were very much together." He put his handkerchief into his hip pocket. "Ragsdale wasn't around. I mean. At four." "When I checked out of the hospital this noon," said Mollie, "their cards were still out. They checked out, both of them, at 3:45 a. m." "Mhmmm. I found that out, too. Peter Shepherd, with a woman, in Gentille Square, at four, hadn't had time to do more than meet her." "But," cried Mollie, "if Peter was with a woman, why doesn't he say so? Establish his own alibi? Why didn't he do it the minute he was arrested?" Nicholas was laughing, shaking his head from side to side. "Now, Mollie," he said gently, "you should know that boy well enough to know he wouldn't say a word that would implicate a girl. After all, it was 4:00 a, m., and in Gentilly Square. You have a few people there who not only gossip, they jump nimbly to conclusions. The boy knows that." "But surely he'd not let himself be charged with homicide — or maybe murder—held for that, and not tell..." "I don't know how far he'd go in this matter of being gallant. Of course, I think he's a fool to go anywhere, but I know he is that sort of fool. So, it's just as well that I can testify for him." "Oh, Nicholas!" His eyes were keenly studying her face. She wondered what it showed most plainly of all the seething, boiling emotions within her. "I'll have to do it, Mollie," he assured her. "I have to get him out ot this—and after all, it's little enough to do to save—the boy." Again he fished for his handkerchief, but he did not take his eyes from Mollie's face. Mollie tried to smile at him; it was a sorry failure as a smile. "Oh, Nicholas," she cried impulsively, "I know you don't hate me, but for the life ot me, I dont see why not!" "Should I hate you?" he asked, surprised. "Yes. For the way I've dragged you into all this—into things I know you dislike." "Oh shucks." he said, "I've rather enjoyed a brief excursion among the love nests and the alibis." "Don't lie to me, Nicholas," she begged. "I know very well why you are in the thick of this scandal, coping with jealousy, and hatred, and—and—" He got to his feet. "Two o'clock," he announced. "Flossie's been Jiggling the door hopefully—" "Nicholas." "I know what you're trying to say, Mollie," he assured her. "And I myself am sorry that I have got involved. But my main regret is not the nature of the involvement, it is due to an awful feeling that the thing won't stop here. Somebody—" He turned to look at her. "Somebody," he said significantly, "has released the lock on my conscience. The thing's out of its box now, and functioning — and it seems—" He sighed, and his face was as troubled as Mollie had ever seen that serene countenance. "I'm scared to death, Mollie!" he said tightly, "that I'll do most anything for you! Damn it, girl, I've discovered that I'm not my own man any more! I—Oh. Lord!" Had the nurse not interrupted, Mollie would have jumped to her feet and kissed Nicholas. He was so dear, so—so—so Nicholas! Soft as any sponge, and scared to death that his state would be revealed. He was no more sophisticated than a good baked custard, soft and quivery to the touch of fork. "Oh, Nicholas." said Mollie warmly, "you're—you're wonderful." Her tone said the word w inadequate. He brushed a couple of crumbs from the glass top of her desk. "And you're grateful?" he asked. "Oh, yes!" she said fervently. "So grateful!" Nicholas smiled at her, and touched her chin with his finger. "Well, don't get all net up over it," he advised, and before she could catch tier breath, he strode to the door. "I'll see you around," he called over his shoulder. The inquest was held at two o'clock in the afternoon of February 16. Dr. Stoetzal accompanied Mollie to the Courthouse, assuring her that she would only need to give testimony as to Ragsdale's condition when she found him. "You know the exact time?" Mollie did. "I'm not nervous," she assured him. He was being very kind. Mollie had rather hoped that Nicholas would be at her side. But he was there in the courtroom. All that was asked of her w testimony that she had fou Dr. Ragsdale unconscious—at 8:00 a. m.—not more than a minute off either way—his condition was thus and so—evidence of poison... "Self-inflicted. Dr." Brooks?" "I don't know. It was present within his digestive system to the extent that our prognosis for the patient is—morbid. I mean that the patient will die. He may be dead already." She returned to her chair beside Dr. Stoetzal. Own Funeral Preached Easter Sun. BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— The city of Birmingham is in a dither over the announcement and plans of the "Rev." Gatemouth to have his own funeral preached on Easter Sunday morning lie in state a $2,000 gold coffin at the Masonic Temple oil Easter Sunday day, and "rise" from his coffin at twelve midnight on Easter Sunday night! "Gatemouth," nationally known former blues singer who overnight became, a "Reverend" has announced that the Welch Funeral Home of Birmingham will "bury" him on Easter Sunday with a full scale funeral which will include his being placed in a casket at the funeral home, taken in a hearse to the Masonic Hall where he will lie in state from six p. m. until 12 midnight and then "rise" from the cof fin. He is to be attended by twenty pallbearers and the funeral "prosession" from the undertakers to the Masonic Hall will be composed of 26 Cadillac cars led by Gatemouth's own rod Cadillac convertible. He said a 100-voice choir Will sing. I interviewed the formed blues singer at breakfast last Thursday morning in the Fraternal cafe as I prepared to drive from Birmingham to Jackson, Miss. Gatemouth said the whole idea will be built around the Ressurection of Christ and that he is going through with it despite the criticism and opposition from various sources including some church leaders. Moore said he had asked and received the consent of one minister to "preach" his funeral, but that certain groups had put pressure on the minister and made him change his mind. He said, however, that he had another minister who would do the job for him. The controversy has reached the newspapers and the local Birmingham MIRROR, a weekly newspaper which is running the story of Gatemouth's life, devoted a good deal of space to letters received from readers on Gatemouth's venture. One letter criticized the Rev. W. A. Clark for "accepting" the job of preaching. Moore's funeral. The other, sent to the paper by the Rev. Clark, stated that he had never told Gatemouth that he would preach his funeral. Gatemouth, who is profiting by the publicity given him said there would be a small "donation" one dollar for persons wishing to come and see him lying in state. He did not say what the proceeds would be used for but predicted that the "House" would be a "sellout." He invited the writer to try to get back to Birmingham to attend his "funeral." Gatemouth said his family would come here from Kansas for the "funeral." Local GI Reports For Medical Duty Sergeant Elgin C. Higgins of Memphis, Tenn., recently arrived at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, for duty as non-commissioned officer in charge of Medical Detach ment of the 44th Antiaircraft Battalion: A veteran of World War 2, Sergeant Higgins lives at 586 South Lauderdale Street in Memphis. He is a son of Mr and Mrs. William Higgins of Collierville, Tennessee His last civilian employment was as an attendant at the Kennedy Veteran's Hospital. The annual tournament will get underway tonight at eight p m. in the Beale Avenue Auditorium. The novice fighters (those who haven't competed in the tournament before) will high-light the opening action. A few gladiators will get the chance to show their boxing prowess with the majority sitting It outuntil Wednesday night. The Champions of the 24 divisions will be crowned Thursday. Open winners will receive TriState Jackets with novices being awarded gloves. Among the schools that weighed in yesterday evening in quest of team trophies were faRose, Grant, Hyde Park, Porter, Hamilton, Kansas Street, Florida Carnea, Kortrecht, Lincoln, Letter and co-tournament favorites Melrose and Washington. The tournament, a stepping-stone to greater heights for the battlers who decide to make it their profession, will show several Golden Glove hopefuls who participated in tournaments this winter. Melrose and Washington will furnish these Veterans. Prom Melrose is Aaron Hacket - from BTW, Gene Johns who copped the featherweight title in St. Louis last year. Several other veterans of St, Louis and Chicago slug-fests will be on hand to thrill the local fist fans. Chicago American Giants Stop In City; To Miss. The Chicago American Gianas baseball team stopped in Memphis Saturday enroute to Regent, Miss. the site of their 1952 training camp. Second-baseman Jack Red will be in charge of training until the arrival of Manager WinfieldWelch who is business manager for the Harlem Globstroters currently on tour with the College All-Stars Welch, who is part owner of the Giants with Abe Saperstein (Trot ter owner) will meet his team immediately after the tour that ends in the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Parnell Woods, Negro American League all-star third-baseman, will report after the tour along with pitcher Johnny Williams, the "Trotter bus driver. Other regulars back are Catcher Paul Hardy, Pitcher Othello Strong and sophomore short-stop Larry Raines. Raines, who had' been in the St Louis Brown's training camp most of the spring, was sent back to the American Giants because the Browns didn't have anywhere in heir farm system to send him except to n league that is rated lower than the Negro loop. So Brownie officials figured. The rook ie sensation of last year could get more experience with the present Chicago nine. JOLT FATAL TO COWS When French Woods snapped on his electric milk Ing machines, 35 trended cows kicked the barn down. Nine of them died of electrocution before woods could disconnect the machine. The motor on the milking machine had shorted out, throwing the full voltage direct through the line. The accident cost Woods about $3,000. Anemia held symptom of underlying disturbance.