The Detroit tribune., July 25, 1936, Page 4, Image 4

About The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966

Image provided by: Central Michigan University, Clark Historical Library

                
PAGE FOUR
tB tme
Owned and Published by
MIDWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.
2146 St Antoine, ut Columbia, Detroit Mich.
Entered as second class matter at the Post Office at Detroit, Michigan,
under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms of Subscription (Payable in advance)
One year 31.75; six months, 31.00; three months, 60c; foreign sub
scriptions; 32.25 a year.
PHONE CLIFFORD 29*4
J. Edward McCall, Editor * Charles Mosley, General Manager
MURDER WILL OUT
The fact that murder will out and truth crushed to
earth will rise again, was demonstrated in Detroit this
week, by the uncovering of the mysterious murder of Sil
as Coleman, 42-year-old colored World War veteran,
whose bullet- riddled body was discovered in a swamp in
Livingstone county about fourteen months ago.
The story of the gruesome, unprovoked slaying of
Coleman by members of the Black Legion, was revealed
Monday, by Dayton Dean, confessed trigger-man of the
hooded order. Dean told how he and several other mem
bers of his lawless organization, at the suggestion of a
superior official of the order, decoyed the innocent, un
suspecting victim from Detroit, took him in an automobile
to the deserted spot in an adjoining county, and deliber
ately shot him to death, just “to see how it feels to kill a
Negro”. They wanted to experience this “thrill”, as a
feature of entertainment at a drinking party.
It is difficult to comprehend how civilized human
even when steeped in liquor and the spirit of intol
erance, can stoop to such a cowardly deed as to murder
another human being in cold blood, for the sake of amuse
ment and a thrill; yet, this very thing happened in the
Christian state of Michigan in the case of Coleman’s mur
der.
When the victim was lured from his home on the night
of May 25, of last year, by Dean and a white employer
whom he thought he could trust, he was made to believe
that they were enroute to collect eighteen dollars past
due pay which he had earned as a hod-carrier. He little
dreamed that he was riding to his death. At any rate, it
was an easy way to cancel the eighteen-dollar debt.
After Coleman’s body had been riddled with bullets,
we are told that his lawless executioners returned to the
nearby cottage to resume their drinking.
Before the present investigation into the activities of
the Black Legion ends, it is quite likely that other mystery
murders, in addition to the slayings of Silas Cole
man and Charles Poole, will be uncovered, as well as
other crimes committed by members of this organization.
When Coleman was shot to death in that desolate,
swamp, about a year ago, the men who committed the
murder had no idea that one of their own party was des
tined to reveal the secret. Such gruesome, unprovoked,
cold-blooded crimes may be concealed for a time, but
sooner or later murder will out and justice will prevail.
FRANK SEYMOUR ON LEAVE
FROM NAVY
Frank M. Seymour of St
Detroit, is visiting eDtroit while
on leave from the U. S. Navy. He
enlisted at the local Navy Re
cruiting Station April 7, 1936. and
was sent to the Norfolk, Va. Naval i
Training Station where he receiv
ed twelve weeks training to fit
him to take up duties aboard one
of the ship of the Navy. He wa>
Detroit is visiting , Detroit whiU
in training with from two to three
hundred other young colored men
while out there. They have mili
tary drill during the morning, and
have have special duties of their
Democratic ‘‘Firsts’’
In Congressional
Record
0
WASHINGTON —(C) — "Demo
cratic Firsts" appeared in the Con
gressional Record of July 9, page
11116, as follows: “The following
news story was published in Negro
newspapers thorughout the coun
try the country following the Dem
ocratic National Convention in
MURDER MYSTERY SOLVED, RLACK LEGION GANG CONFESS CRIME - STORY CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE
the contractor to get it. I wouldn’t
go, as I was afraid.
“My husband and I were married
In 1928. He was a native of Ken
tucky; I came from Georgia and
attended school at Bishop, in De
troit. We had two children, one
being dead. My little son Donald
is five years old.”
Coleman was burled from the
Ishom Funeral Parlors, on Orleans
street. Rev. Jesse Sykes offered
prayer. Interment was in Memo
rial Park Cemetery.
The funeral expenses were de
frayed Jointly by the U. S. Gov
«rnment and Wayne County, the
former paying SIOB, eight being for
the flag, county paying SIOO.
Mrs. Coleman saw her husband’s
remains at Pinckney, in Llving-
...EDITORIALS...
future position taught them in the
afternoon. While at the Norfolk
Rase, Seymour paid several visits
to the Hampton Institute across
the bay at Newport News. Sey
i tnour stated he has gained ten
pounds while in the Navy, and was
2nd petty officer of his training
company, which is also position
of "right guide”. He expects to
go to the Pacific Coast shortly af
ter hiß return to Norfolk.
Young Seymour attended North
western High School until joining
the Navy.
Philadelphia, June 23-27, 1936:
Democratic Firsts —1. First to in
stitute Negro Press Conference; 2.
First to seat a Negro woman as
a regular delegate to a major
party convention; 3. First to seat
a Negro in the general press box;
4. First to open convention with
invocation by Negro; 5. First time
in history to seat 10 delegates and
22 alternates (Negro); 6. First
time Negro addressed convention
(Congressman Mitchell)”.
I stone County, but did not view the
| body after it was brought to De
troit.
Trailed By Car
In an interview Wednesday, Un
dertaker Johnson, of the Ishom
Funeral Home, told Tribune repre
sentatives that on the retinju trip
from identifying Coleman’s nßfiy in
Livingstone County, his car was
trailed for several miles by four
white men in a Cadillac car.
Mr. Johnson added: “The mys
tery car finally sped past me and
the occupants of my car, and stop
ped about a mile ahead, as if to
repair a tire. Nothing seemed
wrong with the tire, however and
when we passed the parked car,
the men peered at us closely in the
darkness, and we saw no more of
In Tennis Meet
EUGENE BUTLER, who will
* tuk«* a part in the Detroit
News Tennis meet to in* held
at the t'opernieus Tennis
('oHrts soon.
MRS. SCHUYLER
SAYS
New Light on Race Mixture
H. S. Jenniugs, zoologist of
Johns Hopkins University, in his
latest book. The Biological Basis
of Human Nature, states that ac
cording to the law of genetics,
parents that do not have the same
defects, though possessing, the us
ual amount of defective genes dif
ferently , located in the chromo
somes, will most likely have the
strongest offspring. Scientists
have crossed inferior grades of
maize and created a superior type.
How? By selecting the maize from
widely different locations so that
parent stocks differ in the posi
tion of their defective genes. Un
less both parents have the same
defective gene, the child escapes
the defect and is superior to both.
Thus, it is clear that race mix
ture is a good thing biologically,
for those who have the nerve and
courage to carry on the experi
ment.
Biologically, the mixing of two
distinct stocks eventually makes
a stronger stock, if we are to be
lieve those who have given the
subject most careful study. A
good example of the beneficent re
sult of this mixture is to be ob
served in colored America which
survices and flourishes under
conditions that have decimated oth
er peoples.
Inbreeding is unsaf. as we all
know from witnessing the ane
mia rampant in the inbred Euro
pean royal houses. Had the little
son of the last Czar of all the
Russians not suffered from hemo
phelia, Russia's history might have
been different. There would have
been no Rasputin, and possibly
no successful revolution. Had the
Spanish Royal House been virile
Alphonso and his sons would not
now be in exile. Inbreading was
one of the factors that destroyed
ancient Egypt.
Other Aspects of Equality
I biological demands call for the
destruction of caste lines, the
logic of equality is equally insis
tent in other realms. From the
commercial standpoint it would be
far more profitable for the na
tion if there were one standard ol
service so all. The dual system
greatly retards the South. It would
be far better the I nited States tc
have all groups and classes fairly
paid. An industrial nation lives by
selling, not suppressing.
From the psychological stand
point, it is unwise and destruc
tive to nurse internal dlssentiou
in the form of hatred and pre
judice. If royal anemia paves the
way for revolutions, sectional and
group conflict just as readily
opens the way for foreign con
quest. In every nation ever con
quered, the real villians behind
the scenes have been disgruntled
or greedy natives eager to sell out
their homeland for gold or revenge
Quarrels among East Indian po
tentates led directly to , British
West Africa. North Africa. Aztec
Mexico, China all were betrayec
.from within.
As sure as sunshine, this coun
try will go the same way if it is
rot lucky and more sensible than
it has begn to date.
OsbeSinkgum?-
frnsader Spirit Worst American
Disease
Talmadge of Georgia, the ragged
witchman of the Hookworm-white-
them.”
Mrs. Coleman and her sister
Mrs. Hines also verified this
statement.
The local undertakers made the
second trip to Livingstone County,
before the body of Coleman was
secured, as thirty-five dollars had
to be frald for its release, and they
did not have the money on the first
trip.
| The Tribune located Mrs. Cole
man Tuesday afternoon, Just two
hours after learning of Dean’s con
fession, at the Prosecutor’s office.
In their search for relatives of
the murdered man, investigators
in the Prosecutor’s office had lo
cated a man named Silas Coleman,
aged 23, but he was not a relative.
Wednesday evening, the Tribune
THE DETROIT TRIBUNE SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1936
Civic Rights Committee Prepares for Court Fight
On Issue Os Jobs For Colored Firemen
Applicants Form Club
In Crusade For
Negro Firemen
Attorneys Examine City
Charter For Data
On The Case
At a meeting of the Detroit Civic
Rights Committee, recently held
at the local Y. M. C. A. on Eliza
beth street, plans were made for
waging a legal battle, under di
rection of Attorney Charles B. Ber
ry, to secure representation for
Negroes in Detroit Fire Depart
ment.
An official of the organization,
in a recent interview, made the
following statement:
“We have examined the City
Charter and have not been able to
find in it any provisions, which
would permit the Mayor or auy
other city official in charge of the
various municipal departments to
discriminate against Negroes, in
the distribution or jobs in the Fire
Department or any other depart
ment which is supported by tax
money.
"There is a civil rights statue in
Michigan, which forbids discrimi
nation against Negroes, as well
as other citizens, in public places,
including hotels, theatres, restaur
ants, and so forth; and it is the
belief of the Civrc. Rights Commit
tee that this particular statute is
broad enough to curb the apparent
discrimination against Negroes, by
certain officials of Detroit.
“There are also laws which for
bid the use of public funds to aid
certain groups, while others are
denied the privilege of such aid.<*'
It is therefore necessary that our i
case be taken to court, and we
believe the public is willing to sup
port us in our endeavor to secure
economic justice for the Negro.
“Several of the Southern States
are far ahead of Michigan, in
practicing distribution of employ
ment, irrespective of race and col
or, For example, the following
cities have fire .departments in
which Negroes are employed, some
being in fire stations with white
and colored fireman: They are:
Durham. N. C.; Charleston, S. C.; i
| Nashville, Tenn.; St. Louis, Mo.;
| Indianapolis and Gary, Ind.; Kan
sas City, Mo.; Chicago, 111.; New
York City, Washington, D. C.: Phil
adelphia, and Pittsburgh, Pa.; and
Louisville, Ky.
Other cities in the west also em
ploy Negro firemen.
“By contrasting conditions in
Detroit with conditions in cities in
which colored firemen are employ
belt ever crusading in the name of
racial superiority, a vile and pa
thetic show that must make the
gods rock with laughter; A1 Smith,
ex-Eastsider turned Tory, ready
to throw ten million unemployed
to the wolves: the Black Legion
lying, terriorizing, murdering in
the name of patriotism; the
Townsendites perfectly willing to
sacrifice youth on the altar of
age; the Communists eager to use
the Negro as spearhead for a
vague and dubious ‘ dictatorship
ad a hundred, nay a thousand more
cults and crusades all intolerant of
the other, all shouting vicious un
truths, all willing to crucify ‘.lie
common good on the cross of sel
flsh profit or opinion.
Let Karli Admit His Faults
Shall America fall apart like a
badly built house? Or shall we lay
down sporting rules and cooperate
with those who play the game
straight and isolate these who do
dot? If we desend to counter
viclousness, to lying, to evading
we will only be starting another
crusade, not stopping these now
riding. But if the best of us de
termined to set an example of
decency and stick to it regardless,
if we are willing to practice rigid
self-control, if we are big enough
to constantly scrutinize our own
motives, and reject the unworthy,
if we will stand staunch and firm,
amused an unemotional even be
fore a firing squad. f ho.i we could
supply the needed cement to keep
this country together against both
crusader and invader. But if we
believe ourselves thinkers, become
cynical of every doing anything
with the mob, and doubtful of the
value of virtue—then woe be to
America!
notified the Prosecutor office that
Mrs. Coleman had been located.
DEAN’S STORY
(Continued from page 1)
was Harvey Davis and his wife;
Jack Bannerman and his wife;
[Krvin Lee and his wife, sitting at
I the table having a party, drinking
.beer and liquor.
I “Well, we talked, passed the
i time of day a little bit and I told
i Davis I wanted to see him in the
front room so we walked in there.
I I told him Charlie Rouse had the
{colored fellow out there in the car.
*1 told him how we got him out
there —how we told him (Coleman)
that Rouse was looking for the con
tractor they worked for so that
life
This group of robust, efficient men have qualified
for jobs in the Detroit Fire Department, but as yet have
failed to receive recognition or appointments. Seated
on the ground, from left to right: Everett Nance, Tim
mie Quinn, James Mclntosh, Clinton Griffin, Lawrence
ed. we can see just how biased and
unfair is the attitude of local of
ficials. regarding the employment
of colored men in the local Fire
Department. Those whom we find
boosting public officials of ttyis
type, do not seem to have the wel
fare of the Negro at heart.
“All citizens who are In accord
with our program, are requested
to write the Civic Rights Commit
tee, at 3762 Seyburn avenue.”
o_
The United Front
Groups To Meet
In Detroit
By Arthur Randall, Sr.
Group leaders of Hamtramck and
Detroit met at the St. Antoine
Branch Y. W. C. A. recently and
formed themselves into the “All
Negro United Front.” These leaders
in industry, business, church, fra
ternal, professional an and federal
service sponsors say. act not only
for themselves, but also for all ol
their group.
All Detroit an <1 Wayne Count}
Negroes will be vitally tested b>
the convention called to meet Tues
day, July 28th. at 8 p. m. at Brew
ster center. convention will
complete the oganization of tilt
"United Front.”
o
Nacirema Defeats
The Alpha Team
(By LONNIK SAUNDERS)
There is jubilation in the camp
of the Nacirema softball team as
a result of their victory over the
Alphas at Belle Isle Sunday. A
contrasting dejection prevails a
mong the Alphas who saw their
lead of five runs, built up in the
3RD BAPTIST CHURCH
TO MOVE INTO NEW HOME
Three churches will join in the
celebration of the entry of Third
Baptist Church into its new home,
at fr’erry, near St. Antoine, Sunday,
July 26. at 3 p. m.
Rev. Kelly, of Scott M. E. Church,
will deliver the sermon. Rev. S.
I). Ross, of Shiloh Baptist Church,
Rouse could get the money to pay
him off. I told Davis to tell Char
lie that the contractor was out
fishing in a boat and he would take
us out where the contractor was at
and they’d call him in.
“Davis called Krvin Lee and Roy
Lorance and Jack Bannerman into
the room and say to them to get
{their guns and see that they are
loaded. We've got him’, he says.
They got their 38's and extra shells
and I had my .45 automatic on me,
so we went out to the cars.
“Davis told Bannerman to ride
with me, so Davis, Lee and Lorance
got in Lorance’s car and Jack Ban
nerman and myself got in the car
with Rouse and the colored fellow.
They told us to follow them, they
,knew the spot to take him, so we
2146 St. Antoini Street, Cerner Columbia Clifford 2624
Candidate
Si: \
Petry Fisher, well-known De
troiter, who announces this week
his candidacy for the state sena
torship from the Third Senatorial
District. He has been a resident of
Detroit for the past eighteen years,
being a World War veteran, and
having served as an automobile
saleman and postal employee. Mr
Fisher formerly held the positions
as special investigator for the Slate
XnAvqiijq pun pauofl pujiio,-) jonbn
inspector for the State Commission
of Michigan.
first inning, vanish before a rally
ing Nacirema team which won 11
to 11. Their hope of completing
the season with a clean slate van
ished with the lead. There was
enough drama packed into seven
innings of baseball to satisfy the
most fastidious fan.
and his choir will also participate,
together with Rev. Pace of the
Firftt Baptist Church, of Ham
tramck.
The public is cordially invited to
-d.i,va e,MKsa.uiiu| f>p|t It? luos.Md >n
mony. Rev. C. E. Askew is pastor
of Third Baptist Church.
1 followed them through the town of
Pinckney, down a dark road to a
bridge where there was water on
both sides and a marsh. They
stopped their car on the opposite
side of the bridge and we stopped
in the center of the bridge.
After shooting Coleman to death,
stated that the party got into their
cars and returned to the cottage,
and that ho and Rouse later re
turned to Detroit that night.
Dean’s story was corroborated
in every detail late Tuesday even
ing, by James Roy Lorance, in a
statement to the Prosecutor. He
denied, however, that he fired at
the victim, saying his pistol was
registered and he feared the bul
lets might be traced.
Nevles. Second row: Fred Thompson, Lloyd Mason, Ed
mond Parks, Albert Blackman, William Quarles, and
John Martin. Standing: Franklin Lett, Richard dar
ter, James King, Virgil Means, Ezell Crocker, and John
Burton.
CENTRAL ACTIVITIES
The swimming pool and shower
baths at the Center were over-tax
ed during the hot weather, bet
ween eight hundred and a thou
sand people being in attendance
daily. Additional help has 'been
provided to take care of the class
es. So that in the future more
people may take advantage of the
facilities.
The shower baths are open daily
from 12 to 9:30 and the pool is o
pen for adults daily from 1:30 to
3, and on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday nights from 8 to 10 o’clock.
Come up and enjoy yourself.
The citizens committee is fur
nishing the women and girls’ club
room with equipment for activities
during the fall and winter months.
The following committee is work
ing on the project: Helen Reid,
Mrinie Warren, Nell E. Ransom,
Carrie Curtis, Virginia Hurley, Jo
sephine Belford, Florence Seales,
Alma Hinton, Florence Johnson,
Priscilla Gray, Marion Green, Ruth
Foster, Edith Rawlings, Helene
Tines, L. L. Gardner, C. C. Miller,
Murrell Carter, Herbert Dent, Wm.
Hear Former tiovenior
Wilber M. Brucker
Republican ('and(date t'or S.
Senator
RADIO 7sit P. M.
Thursday July JMMIi on WXYZ
and Tin* Michigan Network
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To look at Julia now you'd never nunpect
that nhe wan once a wallflower, longing
for dates, fun and excitement.
But thone days are gone forever. Julia
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in his arnti. And all hecaune Codefroy's
l.arle use itave her ftlamoroun charm that
turns men's thoughts to romance.*
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Piano Donated
The Department of Recreation
was the recipient of an old piano
given to the Center by the Phyllis
Wheatley Home. While old, the
youngsters wil enjoy its use.
CLASSIFIED
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Newly decorated room; right
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There Is another Manager
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