The Twin City star. [volume], November 23, 1918, Image 6

About The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??

Image provided by: Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul, MN

                
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P|e twin city star
| ttLSHED EVERY FRIDAY BY
SUMNER BMITH.
ineapolis, Minnesota.
Entered In the Poet Office at Min
noils as second class matter.
11l
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Ttisers We respect their right tc
ivertise at intervals, and rather have
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THE TWIN CITY STAR
1317 North Sixth Ave.
• NNEAPOLIS - - MINNESOTA
Call at 1317 6th Ave. N. on Wednes
ay to insure matter for publication.
The Btar's Phone, Hyland 1205.
Send your subscription. Our prices
vre not changed because of the war.
at your dollar do Its duty and The
lar will reach a higher standard of
irvlce and better circulation.
NOTICE TO EXCHANGES.
| The War Industries Board requests
oat we discontinue “sending FREE
opies in exchange for other publica
lons.” In order to comply with their
Request—we will send a check for a
early subscription to any weekly pub
ication sending a check for a yearly
übscription to The Twin City Star. —
Editor.)
I
Let us not draw the color line.
Reciprocity between the races will
be the salvation of the Negro.
Let us give thanks for our great
ictory.
Remember the Peace Parades!
Join in the celebrations!
We are all Americans now.
Editor Cannady Indicted.
Editor E. D. Cannady of the Port
and (Ore.) Advocate, has been in
licted for criminal libel, resulting
rom an attack on a local preacher and
he "social club proprietors.” Editor
!annady stands in the front ranks of
ur ablest newspaper men and can be
epended upon to give a good account
Dr any statements he has made. Libel
uits against Negro editors show that
hey are doing their duty and getting
esults. More power to the Portland
advocate and its editor.
Serving intoxicants to persons in the
nlform of the U. S. Army is a crime,
•he boys who accept are subject to
ourt martial. Any civilian should re
ort the improper conduct of a soldier
d the military authorities. A warning
hould be sufficient.
PERSHING FOR PRESIDENT.
General Pershing is the logical man
for our next president. He knows the
European people and the European
problems well and at first hand, and
the European people know him well
and favorably. He has demonstrated
the remarkable co-operative qualities
that will be so necessary during the
I reconstruction period, and next to
President Wilson, is the biggest man
of our national citizenship.
Yours for Loyalty,
ELBERT W. GILLES.
1027 24th Avenue Southeast.
Minneapolis, Minn.
“GIVE US SOME OF
THAT DEMOCRACY
Auto Truck With Peace Celebratora
Carries Unique Sign.
By Prof. Wm. Pickens.
The colored American is a constant
study to me, always interesting. There
are many admirable things in the
- “common breed" of them always com
ing to light. One of these is the quiet,
orderly and yet effective way in
which they can "put one over.”
Yesterday in New York and the
Oranges everybody was celebrating
Victory. The Negro was not luke
f warm; he joined in as he ought. When
[ the great parade was going through
L the Jersey cities, he was there, with
f his horns, his tin cans, his song and
his almighty laugh. But one of the
‘large vehicles in which a number of
£Htored people rode had a wide strip
£of canvas on each side, and painted on
t||| in large, neat capitals, while the
KeCupants made merry,—merrier than
may body else, — were these words:
‘ "Give US some of that democracy!”
With US underscored, mind you. The
t implication was pathetic.
Meanwhile there was no sulk in the
Hstro. He enjoyed the occasion.
ADVERTISE IN THE STAS
COL. CHAS. YOUNG, U. 8. A., RECALLED.
Colonel Charles Young, ranking Negro officer of the U. S. Army, has been
called from retirement to active service. Evidently he has recovered from
“high blood pressure,” which was the reason (?) for his retirement just when
he was needed “over there.” Colonel Young’s position in military circles, is
like General Leonard Wood’s. Enough said!
The position, Assistant to the Secretary of War, now held by Hon. Emmett
J. Scott, should have been given to Colonel Young. We know that Mr. Scott
is our recognized authority on almost, everything concerning, and for the
advancement of the Negro in civil life, but he cannot cover too much territory.
As a military authority he has never won recognition.
Colonel Young is, without exception, considered the best staff officer in
America. His record warrants this statement, which has been made by
many ranking officers who have had, and were willing to have his service on
the firing line, and cannot be denied by those who are prejudiced because of
his color. Colonel Young could have given invaluable service to our country
during this crisis wherever he was assigned on active duty. But he was
interned on the retired list, while others of the same age and rank, with less
experience, were kept on active duty and advanced accordingly.
He is competent to advise the War Department in all branches, and there
would not have been so much need of adjustment of camp conditions, if Colonel
Young had been assigned to the work of Service Development. He would have
given every nationality a square deal and there would not have been any
special cause for pitiful appeals by an assistant to Secretary Baker. Com
manding authority and military knowledge by experience were needed, and
Colonel Young has never exercised other than the best judgment.
With Secretary Scott in authority in such departments as Agriculture
and Labor, in co-operation with Colonel Young in the War Department, the
Negroes could have rendered better service to their country. Secretary Scott
has done well and filled his position to the best of his ability, and for his race,
as far as the Administration would permit him.
Colonel Young would have done better. Now that the prisoner of Zenia
is released and assigned to development work we shall have no cause for
complaint. Colonel Young has remained silent and loyal awaiting orders. He
is our ideal American citizen.
Hon. Richard T. Greener, Prof. Kelly Miller, Hon. Emmett J. Scott,
Hon. James W. Johnson, Hon. Harry C. Smith, Judge Wm. H. Harrison, Col.
Henry Lincoln Johnson, John Mitchell, Jr., Dr. Sumner Fumiss, Ex. Gov. P. S.
B. Pinchback, Editor W. M. Trotter and Hon. Charles W. Anderson are a few
who would give the American Negro every protection at the peace parley. Col.
Roscoe Conkllng Simmons is already en route and Ralph W. Tyler is “over
there.”
They would be a strong delegation. If we do not have a representative, we
should have a petition to the peace powers drafted and signed by such men
and demand that definite action shall be taken. If President Wilson will not
present it, we have other friends at court from those powers that give persons
of the darkest race equal opportunities and protection as other races.
The Aviation School will be moved to Texas. Any institution which bars
a man because of his color, in violation of state law, should be in Texas or
any other of the damned Dixie states. Let Minnesota have a school and all
citizens will have equal chances for aviation training.
Peace has not been declared, and there are prospects that there will be a
fight at the peace table. The darker races will be among the honored guests.
American democracy, as applied to dark people, especially its Negro citizens,
will be a vital question.
Efforts will be made to have the next Legislature pass a bill authoriing
a Negro regiment of the National Guards. There is no doubt that there will
be enough service men after the war to meet the required inspection, especially
as officers. The Home Guard battalion has been an inspiration to many who
have shown their desire for military training and state service. Unfortunately
there has not been proper discipline of or encouragement to the men because
of the inefficiency of many of the officers.
As a rookie organization it was the foundation for future development,
and it is hoped that when the boys come back, we will have a guard unit
that will measure up to the military standards as required under Federal
inspection. Every man will get new enthusiasm and receive proper training.
The officers will be experienced. Let those in command who are unqualified,
retire for the good of the service. There must be a real military organization.
Commissions will not be given because of political or professional standing.
All honor to those who have helped to make the Home Guards, but unless
there is a revival of interest and better attendance they cannot remain as a
recognized’ branch of the state military forces.
Those commanding officers who cannot keep their companies up to the
required strength should be retired. Let us rally to bring the Home Guard
Battalion where it was when organized, then Major Sherwood will have the
support he deserves. There will be honor enough for us all, though some may
be on the retired list where they really belong. Recruit and instruct the Home
Guard first, and the regiment will be authorized. It can be formed out of
military material and kept up to the highest standard.
The St. Paul Appeal, our worthy contemporary, carried in its last issue
an article, "Patriotism Supreme,” relating the part taken by a trio of jubilants
of our race in the Peace Celebration, November 11th, in part as follows:
"However, the few attracted attention by a banner bearing this inscrip
tion: ‘A Negro was lynched this morning but we are still loyal,’ which was
only in line a short time before it was seen by the two captains of the colored
Home Guard companies who tried their official power to dispense with it, but
failed because they were told that it was personal property, bought and paid
for by the bearer and that he intended to carry it. The parade marched only
a few blocks more and then disbanded. Not being satisfied with the stint'ed
display of the banner, Mrs. Clara B. Hardy, Mrs. E. S. Barnett and Mr. J. W.
Walton proceeded with a flag, a tamborine and the banner that brought sighs
of sympathy and applause from the spectators as the trio passed. At least
these two women showed more courage than the two dignified captains that
were in command. It is fortunate that men of this calibre were not sent to
France.
“A daily newspaper referred to the banner with the comment that it
showed that our loyalty was of supreme quality.”—J. W. Walton.
Some one called up our office, on hearing of this incident and wished to
know “if Capt. Chas. Sumner Smith tried to stop Mrs. Hardy from carrying
her banner?” No! was the reply. This person evidently did not know Captain
Smith. He would have protected that banner with his life. Such banners
were displayed when the boys left and why not now, when conditions are
worse in spite of their sacrifice? There are times when such actions would
be disorderly conduct, and the inscription would not have warranted charges
against' persons carrying it. That night was set apart for that purpose; at
other times permits for parades, etc., are issued by the authorities. I do not
believe that the ladies above mentioned were notoriously attractive and one
would have a hard proposition with “Jack” Walton, who has challenged all
comers in his class and ranks high as our gentleman pugilist. If happened in
St. Paul. It was not Captain Smith.
Any person, who seeks honor or
personal. gain in connection with any
Is guilty of the worst form of dis
loyalty. Every personal sacrifice is a
war activities is a war profiteer, and
patriotic effort. It is the duty of every
honest citizen to do his best to bear
the Nation’s burden without com
plaint. This is no time for obstruc
tionists. Those who have grievances
may complain, in order that better
progress may be made. The slacker
and chronic kicker is always a detri
ment. While petitions of redress to
proper authorities will always com
mand respect and Investigation, let
us not forget that every one is asked
to do his share to win this war. There
is a satisfaction in having done our
duty. There is honor enough for us
all, if we do that which is expected
of us. The patriot knows no self
preservation, the profiteer no self-sac
rifice.
AGENTS WANTED—NOW!
REVIVE THE HOME GUARDB.
DIDN’T KNOW CAPTAIN SMITH.
The colored men and women of
Oklahoma have organized a Council of
Defense, as an auxiliary to the organi
zation operated by the white citizens,
and very satisfactory progress is be
ing made. The women’s branch is in
charge of Mrs. Nellie B. Henderson of
Oklahoma City.
Some people think an editor should
know about their business without
being told and it should appear in the
paper. The editor knows the things,
you do not want in the paper. If you
have something you want published—
send it in. The other will find its
way.
Conservative estimates place the
number of colored soldiers now in
the United States army establishment
on both sides of the ocean at little
less than 400,000.
Let Your Dollar Do Its Duty!
SUBSCRIBE NOW.
THE TWIN CITY STAR, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
RALE SUES THE STAR FOR LIBEL
CAUSES TROUBLE FOR BOTH PAPERS.
The threatened libel suit against Chas. Sumner Smith, Mrs. Catherine J
Smith (his wife), and The Western Newspaper Union, printers of the Twin
City Star, which was brought by Phillip F. Hale, to recover damages amounting
to SIB,OOO, caused the temporary suspension of the Star and The Advocate, of
which Hale was formerly associate editor. Hale had been inserting libelous
copy against Editor Smith unknown to Editor ji. B. Montgomery, owner of the
Advocate, but Smith has never brought legal action. The manager of the
printing plant doing our work did not care to go to court and settled with
Hale for a small sum. He refused to publish both papers until a settlement
was reached between the two publishers. The Star is recognized as a worthy
publication and every cent due the Western Newspaper Union has been paid
by its editor’s personal check. Although it is hard to suffer for a shake
down, it is consolation to know that I have the respect of every employe of
Mr. Meyst’s staff and I did not publish because I refused to retract any state
ment and intended to let the public know what Mr. Hale was doing.
Mr. Montgomery is more unfortunate. His associate-editor (who has not
been allowed privileges of the Western Newspaper Union for several
months), has caused him this trouble. On account of several published
articles, claiming io be signed or authorized by persons condemning Editor
Smith (which have been denied by them), Mr. Hale is liable for damages,
but as he never has had any financial rating, Editor Smith did hold Hale
personally responsible and got very satisfactory results.
Mr. Hale has actively opposed the Star and its editor and has been a
source of annoyance and caused a terrible loss of revenue to the publication.
Like the deadly germ, which is always around, he manages to get into every
constructive organization (excepting the secret fraternities), and soon begins
to infest it with others like himself. Then the destructive work begins. He
and his gang are ready to rule and ruin. We hold no brief for Mr. Montgomery,
but he is far superior to Mr. Hale in the management of his paper, and Hale
has taken an advantage of his frequent absence from the city, to abuse Editor
Smith and his wife, and others who oppose himself.
There is a young Negro lawyer who is going to make his reputation by
winning Hale’s case. He is really an object of pity, having just met a dis
graceful defeat as a candidate for the legislature. If the case goes to trial,
he will have a chance to display his great forensic ability, which has not
warranted his remaining in other states where this youthful practitioner has
hung out his shingle. It appears that unless he soon realizes that ethics is an
important factor in any profession in Minnesota, and shows more discretion
and less antipathy, he will go the route of a predecessor, whose life as a
lawyer was a tragedy. This young man has practiced successfully at Alex
ander’s Bar, where he served at the lunch-counter and made many friends
among the saloon element of Negroes.
It Is hard at best to run a Negro newspaper in a community where there
is not much business among our people to advertise, or to get competent
assistants to do 3taff work. And it is harder to secure the necessary finance
when the editor does not compromise with the forces that obstruct the ad
vancement of his race. There is money in running a soft-soap sheet by the
“darky” type of editor, while it is near starvation, trouble and toil to maintain
a publication which stands for the development of journalism and the progress
of its patrons.
It is the duty and within_the power of every newspaper to EXPOSE those
who do not measure up to the standard of good citizenship, especially those
public spirited citizens, who are parading under false colors. The Star has
NEVER aired a family secret or brought shame on any individual. It has
not covered its wide territory, which included the affairs of those in the
public’s eye. Court news, public scandal, vice investigations and reforms have
been given much space. We have not played any favorites and there are no
immunes. Many mistakes have been made —much useless agitation, but the
policy of the Twin City Star has remained the same and has a national repu
tation as a fearless and fair advocate for right and justice for all men. It's
columns have never contained vulgar or profane copy.
AN INTERROGATORY FOR MR. HALE.
As you have claimed to keep a chronological record of the doings of the
old timers and native sons, you are respectfully requested to answer the
following questions to the best of your knowledge—so help you God.
THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
Are you a man of good character, or Do you say you are? Are you men
tally sound? If you did not have a good character, could you have lost one?
Do you know the difference between a good character and a good reputation?
Have you either? If so, state when and where you have proven your right to
your claim? Do you believe in a Supreme Being?
Did you conduct a chop suey restaurant over Clarence King’s Club on
Washington avenue in this city, and did not the police classify it as an undesir
able resort? Did you have in your employ a young girl, who was first taken
to the Detention Home, and later returned to her home in Oklahoma, her fare
being paid by Mr. Glover Shull? Is it not true that Messrs. Harden and
Welbom, whom you attempted to prefer charges against, can testify that your
place was a notorious dump, which was frequented mostly by the lowest class
of Negroes and white women? Can you produce ONE among the respectable
element, whom you can claim as a patron? It is not true that you were closed
up on a threat of being pulled in by the police, and you retired from business?
Are you willing that the public should know that while you were the “leading
citizen” at the Sunday Forum, you were at the same time, one of the privileged
hangera-out at Dickerson’s Cafe? Were you not responsible for the patronage
of many of our young “society set,” and you knew the reputation of the place
and the character and motives of most of its patrons during your regime as
“Oscar?” Now, Mr. Hale of spotless reputation, do you regard any person
guilty of “cadet work and white slavery methods” (though they might not
have been charged with such offenses), worthy of decent companionship?
Do you remember having been a member of the Negro Morals Commission,
an organization which made a public attempt to bring about many reforms for
the benefit of our people? Were you associated with a woman, then of the
underworld, who was one of the inmates of a house of illfame on Third Street
South, and residing with you at 931 Spring Street Northeast, in this city?
Was she not known as Mrs. Hale? Did you not know that her former para
mour was doing his bit in Stillwater prison, and did you not fall heir to his
wardrobe? My dear Mr. Hale, this is not supplementary proceedings, but as
you have posed so long as the authority on facts among the Negroes of Hen
nepin county for the past thirty years, I shall request that you address yourself
to our recent arrivals, upon whom you seek to impress the fact that you are
the walking encyclopedia among the colored people, also that you know
everything about the subrosa affairs of the leading whites.
GIRD UP YOUR LOINS AND DELIVER THE GOODS!
Were you not dismissed from this Morals Committee, after due investiga
tion of charges which proved you of questionable character? Have you not,
and do you not associate with undesirable persons in your home? Are you
not associated with Tommy Jones, whose business address was or is where
you reside? Has there ever been a sentence imposed upon you in the Munic
ipal Court of this city, for BEATING YOUR WIFE? Were you not given
THIRTY DAYS and it was through the influence of several persons that the
sentence was suspended? Do you remember the testimony of your second
wife for leaving you? Were you the father of an illegitimate child, born of a
white woman? Is she not alive today and did you neglect to support your child
and it was taken care of by people who are alive today and will testify when
your suit is heard? Have you not used the courts and the press to intimidate
your victims? Have you not led a fight against the editor of the Star for
eight years, because he severed all relations with you in connection with his
paper, when he found that your actions were dishonorable? Did not you
attempt to Issue the second edition of his publication, without his knowledge
or authority? Can you secure employment now with Editor Adams of The
Appeal? Did you not threaten Mr. Ferris, the manager of the National Hotel,
with a damage suit, and put in jeopardy the positions of several men of your
race (because of your desire to protect (?) your reputation? Did you not cast
a personal reflection on the character of Mrs. Bogie, who is doing work for
the Travelers’ Aid in behalf of Negro women?
Did you not offer to replace her with some one of your choice? Have
you not tried to syndicate the charitable activities among our people to your
advantage? Did you pot secure for this “Mrs. Hale of illfame” a position at
the Attucks Home, and were you not an aspirant for the position of state
agent, should the home become one of the state institutions? Did not this lady
become the wife of the manager, and you were no longer active among those
interested in the Home?
Why are you no longer the local representative for the Chicago Defender?
WITHIN THE INNER CIRCLE.
(Continued on page 6)
COLORED APPLICANTS REJECTED
The Bee desires to emphasize its
protest against the wholesale discrim
ination in the Government depart
ments against colored applicants who
have successfully passed the civil
service examination. What does It
mean? The Bee again asks. The col
ored Americans are loyal to this Gov
ernment and ‘ they are doing every
thing in their power to aid the Ad
ministration in the successful prose
cution of this war. What offense can
be charged against colored Ameri
cans? The Bee asks again. The bars
have been lifted so that a certain fa
vored class can pass muster without
an examination, while another class
is compelled to enter examination and
after passing successfully is rejected.
What does it mean? A declaration
has been reported to this office to the
effect that no colored people will be
appointed by this particular official.
In response to the request made by
The Bee last week, many persons
have announced tbat they have been
rejected by the departments. It is
necessary that every colored person
who has been rejected send in his or
her name at once. These names will
be presented to the proper heads at
once.
Advertisements are being published
daily that the Government is in need
of clerks and other employees for war
work. Hundreds of colored Americans
have applied and been rejected, and
white ones cannot be obtained. Mes
senger boys have been advertised for
and colored people have applied, only
to be refused. Is the assistance of
colored Americans needed? If so,
they are willing and ready to respond
to their country’s call.
If they are needed, and the Govern
ment is In need of help, why reject
colored applicants? Show one black
traitor in the ranks of colored Amer
icans and The Bee will show you one
million loyal colored Americans to one
black traitor. The Bee appeals to the
President of the United States to di
rect the heads of his departments to
lift the bars of discrimination against
the colored Americans. They are
competent and loyal. Then why re
ject them?
Every Southern railroad discrimi
nates against the colored people with
out a just cause. They are treated as
cattle when riding South. They are
directed to a box car with no con
veniences. Does the colored Amer
ican deserve such treatment? Mr.
President, we are with you, and, in
the name of God, see that we are
given a fair deal. —The Washington
(D. C.) Bee.
We have never known two Injus
tices to make anything right. The
Saturday News has prospered by be
ing as just to the white man as it has
ever been to the Negro. We have
never gone off half-cocked upon any
proposition. Whenever we grope, we
are in search of the truth. We want
to be right and avoid as nearly as
possible being wrong. We are not
for the Negro right or wrong. We
want him to be right. We complain
because a majority of white people
will always side with a white man
when a question arises between him
and one of our color; still certain col
ored newspapers, without making any
investigation whatsoever as to the
evidence, would have the entire Ne
gro race do Identically what they con
demn the white people for doing. Be
cause the white people do wrong is
no reason why the Negroes should
do wrong. The best preparedness to
receive justice is to be just yourself.
—Hopkinsville (Ky.) Nows.
Why is It that many of the persons
who want their news in a paper, never
subscribe for it?
’Tis said that “Lawyer Morris and
Rev. Beasley will be the advisers to
Mayor-elect Meyers in behalf of the
Negro citizens.” Now we may have
a messenger to the mayor, a police
woman and more police and firemen,
if the Mayor and the dictators wish
to do the right thing. It can be done.
Mr. Fred D. McCracken is meeting
with much success in his position in
Washington, D. C., in the Negro
Bureau of Economics.
Both the Twin City Star and Advo
cate were published this week.
Neither appeared during last week.
Editor Montgomery has a friend in
Attorney Morris, who stands loyally
by him and is his main support. “A
friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Atty. R. A. Skinner and Congress
man Thos. D. Schall are the attorneys
for Editor and Mrs. Smith of the Twin
City Star.
HOME GUARD NOTICE—
16TH BATTALION
Company C—Regular drill nights
every Monday and Friday. Assemble
at 8 p. m. in Room 30, Courthouse.
CAPT. QALE C. HILYER.
BT. PAUL HOME GUARDB.
Companies A and B of the 16th
Battalion, M. H. G., will hereafter
meet every Wednesday night in the
old Capitol on Wabasha street.
WANTED.
Reliable and intelligent agents al
ways wanted to solicit business for
THE TWIN CITY BTAR; also corre
spondents in principal cities. ▲
chance to earn a good living. Write
The Twin City Btar, Minneapolis.
BMOKE THE RELIABLE
BIQHT DRAFT CIGAR
THATB ALL!