Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 January 1937 — Page 3

Saturday, January 2, 1937

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE THREE ■■ — — 111 rr^^SSSSS

Richardson Militia Law

r: 1

Amends Ind. Constitution

t (By STAFF CORRESPONDENT) The great pivot State of Indiana took a step forward in its consideration of the rights of its Negro citizens when it ratified an amendment to Article 12 Section 1 of its constitution during its general election November 3, 1936. This amendment makes possible the organization of Negro units of the Indiana National Guard. On the amendment the count was 426,031 yes and 398,201 no. This is in a measure stubstantiated by the following quoted excerpt from an article which appeared in a white Indianapolis daily:

"The relatively large vote east# for amendment evidently was based upon the belief that as Negroes are citizens and required to pay taxes, they ought to enjoy all the

privileges of citizenship."

Rewarded After Period Of Almost Fifty Years Article 12. Section 1 of the Indiana Constitution prior to Novemver 3, 1936, denied Negroes constitutional privilege to serve in the militia by specifically stating that, "the militia shall consist of all ablebodied white male persons be-forty-five years.” . etc. For a period of approximately forty-nine years ^Negroes in Indiana assisted tween the ages of eighteen and by a few white friends have contended for admission to the state militia. Records indicate that in 1887 there existed in Indiana for a period of two years a Negro battalion of state militia which passed into oblivion when the state legis-

elected for a second term in 1934 to a position of honor, distinction, and opportunity coveted by many but not gained by any Negroes in Indiana for almost fifty years. Oblivious of glamour but, possessed of principle and purpose and exhibiting the mettle of a man among men, Mr. Richardson soon won the respect of his colleagues and their support of his proposed amendment to the constitution which he introduced in 1933. With the assistance and cooperation of Dr. Robert Stanton, Negro Democratic representative from Lake County, Mr. Richardson successfully guarded and guided his amendment through two regular sessions of legislature, finally instigating the necessary . enabling act in a special session in 1936 presenting the proposed amendment for popular vote in the general elections held

November 3, 1936.

Governor’s Proclamation: The Governor’s proclamation

gro membership in the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and doing for it considerable research work dealing with delinquent taxes together with delivering several radio addresses on behalf of its tax program as presented to the' legislature. In 1933, he wrote and piloted through, assisted by the N. A. A. C. P., the Richardson Labor Discrimination bill which prohibits discrimination on public work because of race, color or -religion and resulted in the employment of more than 5000 Negroes on public works. No racially conscious person can forget his Civil Rights bill which ho fought so fearlessly to enact into a law. It was in defense of this bill that Mr. Richardson delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives his memorial address on whether the Constitution of Indiana was Christian in its dealings with the civil rights of Negroes within its State boundaries. So effective was his fight that it required a strong coalition of prejudiced whites, and a resolution from the Ku Klux Klan, to defeat him and then only by a

small margin of eight votes. We regret with sympathy and shame that some pseudo Negro leaders with their hats in their hands sold their rights for a mess of political pottage by .opposing the bill on the expressed theory that it would injure the present interracial cooperation, good-v/ill and progress of the Negro in the state. The legislator’s eyes snapped and his voice grew crisp as he related the story of his fight for the enactment of this bill and with unmistakable fervor he stated that, “the Negroes’ only hope in America is through the power of the ballot for the principles of the Democratic party.” His demeanor changed, however, to a mellow earnestness when he spoke of such friends as Governor Paul V. McNutt, Governor-elect Clifford E. Townsenth Lieutenant-Govornor-elect Henry F. Strieker, Senators Minton and Van-Nuys, Representative Louis Ludlow and others, whom he credited in high praise as outstanding men who gave, out of the fullness of their understanding their unstinted sup-

port. The fine attitude of the Indiana press was also a source of much influence in moulding the prfiper public sentiment. Especially was this true of the Indianapolis Times, a Scripps-Howard daily. Column after column may be written, read, and forgotten, but a most, lasting tribute to any public servant is a monument, be it of stone and mortar, or an organization of useful individuals. Mr. Richardson has opened the way for the organization of Negro National Guard, or Militia troops, on the same basis as tlje white troops. It has been most fittingly suggested by those interested in its” early formation, that it should bear the name of the man who made it possible. Hence the Richardson battalion of Negro National Guardsmen of the State of Indiana will be a constant and perpetual reminder of the achievement of this young and courageous Negro legislator. As he retires from the Indiana General Assembly to his private practice of law he leaves a record difficult to match.

lature refused to appropriate funds • signed and issued Monday morn-

for its continuance on the grounds that the existence of the unit was unconstitutional. Around the turn of the century, merit in the contention of Negroes for admission found sympathetic consideration in Senator English of Marion County who proposed the same constitutional amendment which has so recently been ratified. This proposed amendment, how’ever, never reached the voters. Again in 1908, the issue came to front-page notice when a legislative act without any appropriation of funds was passed for the establishment of a Negro battalion. This proved to be nothing more than a gesture as consistent applications of Negroes w’ere courteously refused on the grounds that there were no funds for such a unit and no place for it, the War Department quota always being fully made up with whites to the entire exclusion of the Negro. Hence this amendment is doubly appreciated and amply rewards loyal groups of Negro citizens for their support and it£ author for Ms persistent, fearless, and vigorus promotion. Negro Legislator Proposes

Amendment

In 1930, there appeared on the political horizon in Marion County, of Indianapolis. Henry J. Richardson, Jr. A brilliant- young lawyer, running for ejection to the House of Representatives on the Democratic .ticket. In this effort, however, he was defeated. Undaunted by one failure he filed as Democratic candidate again in 1932 9$id won a seat in the lower house

ing December 14, 1936, finally struck out the. one word “white’’ which has excluded a Negro militia unit for so long a time. Text of Article 12 Section 2 now r reads: “The militia shall consist of all able-bodied male persons, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, except such as may be exempted by the Laws of the United States or of this State; and shall be organized, officered, armed equipped, and trained in such manner as may be provided by law. Representative Richardson retires from public office in the State , of Indiana, January 7, 1937, but to | a young man of Mr. Richardson’s J calibre, this will be no stopping; place. Although he' says he will i devote his attention to the enlargement of his law practice it is generally felt by those in the “know” that, like his friend, the retiring Governor, this enterprising attorney is marked for greater responsibilities of national pub-

lic service.

Rising from the red hills of North Alabama, the young and forceful Mr. Richardson has attained an enviable position of esteem and confidence and his record of achievement has commended itself to Hoosiers black and

white alike.

Often called “Judge" as a result of having been appointed in 1930. Judge Pro Tern of Superior Court Room 3 for a full session and having served in 1931 as Judge of Circuit Court and special prosecutor, we find this young man and able lawyer holding the first Ne-

Closing a page of current history Indiana’s retiring Governor now being boomed for Presidential nomination in 1940 signs a proclamation declaring in force the amendment to the Constitution of the Hoosier State which proves for the organization of Negro units in the Indiana National Guard. To Representative Henry J. Richardson, Jr. goes credit for this amendment with the pen used by the Governor in signing his proclamation. The dignitaries shown in the above picture of the proclamaton ceremony in the Governor’s office are reading from left to right: Representative Henry J. Richardson, Jr., Governor Paul V. McNutt, Senator Henry F. Shreicker, Lieutenant-Governor-elect ;Grant Hawkins, undersecretary to the Governor.

WILL DISCUSS RACE FUTURE IN GIANT D. C. MEET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2. — (ANP) — Prominent citizens from all walks of life and all sections of the country have accepted an invitation to meet in Washington and formulate a program for the future of the Negro in America. Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, annoumed this week. The conference will be held in the auditorium of the Department of. Lal»or building. January 6. 7 and S. The purpose of the conference, as defined by a committee of local sponsoring official, will he to draw np a set of definite recommendations. including l>oth long-time policies and immediate steps, for presentation to the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Gov't. The conference will l>e limited in scope to the formulation of objectives which can be accnin-

wrksleVs adds m ^enjoyment

Iplished in whole or in part by these agencies. Foremost among the topic to be discussed will be the question of increased opportunity for employment and economic security for the Negro worker and Negro youth. Government officials will give a picture of the work their agencies are now carrying on along these lines in behalf of Negroes, and conference members will formulate recommendations designed to insure a more complete integration of the Negro into these programs in the future. The questions of farm tenancy and social security will also come up for special consideration.

SEYMOUR, IND. Mrs. Mose Pennybaker -was called to Srelbyville by the illness of her father: she was accompanied by her daughters, Misses Vivian Louise. Mose Pennybaker spent Sunday with friends in Columbus. Mrs. Emma Richey, Columbus and Mrs. Irvin Copeland, Richmond have returned to their homes after spending Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Cleve Lawrence. Mrs. Dixon of Marion inis returned to her home after spending a week with her mother, Mrs.. Malinda Lamb. The Semper Paratus club met Thursday evening, at. Bethel church. Mrs. Susie Lawrence and son. Don. have returned from Indianapolis where they Wore the guests of Miss Wilma I>awrence Rev. G. R. Jackson was dinner | guest Sunday of Mrs. Malinda J Lamb and Mhrs. Emma Hood. R<*v. and Mrs. G. R. Jacksoni spent Christmas day with Rev. ; Jackson’s daughter and family Mr. I and Mrs. Errol Neisler, IndianapI oils. Prof, and Mrs. James Lee entertained- with a family dinner j Sunday at their beautiful home in Beech street. Alfonso Kilgore spent Sunday in I^»uisville. Rev. I and Mrs. G. R. Jackson visited Rev. and Mrs. H. C. Moorman, and Mr. and Mrs. John Hunt at Franklin. Monday evening.

PROTESTS WPA STREET LABOR FOR WOMEN

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 2. — Protest to the WPA officials in Washington has been lodged by the Birmingham branch of the NAACP against the working of colored women in overalls as street laborers on WPA projects. In a- speech herorp me Negro Baptist ministers’ conference. Dr. Charles A. J. McPherson, secretary of the NAACP here, pleaded not only for a protest to Washington from the ministers, -Jmt for an aroused public sentiment in Birmingham to secure other employment for the women. Dr. McPherson charged that the women had 'been subjected to clffily insult? from passers by and had caused the race to be held in contempt. He blamed WPA officials for the situation, saying that the women could not help it because they were unemployed. The women are attired overalls and jumpers, caps, heavy shoes, and gloves, and do regular 'men’s work on the street.

ROCKPORT INDIANA Anna Clark

iff

Mrs. Armintra Ellis spent (’hr istmas with her parents. Mr. ‘and Mrs. Louis of Terre Haute. Mrs Beatrice Collin and family of Indianapolis spent Christmas with her mother, Mrs. Rosa Taylor and family. Miss Ruth Mount, Colum bus. Ohio spent Christinas with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mount. The Christmas program at the M. E. church Wednesday night was largely attended. Thursday evening at the Baptist church the Sunday school gave a Chrictmas program. A splended program of Christmas plays and songs was rendered. Mrs. Tina Clay had a turkey dinner at her home. Sunday. Those present were: Mrs. Anna Taylor of Grand flew and family, Mrs. Ben Crawley and family, Miss Katie Samuels, and Mrs. Anna Clark and family. Mrs. Clesta Percell and Margaret Westfield are on the siek list.

Dillard Players 9 Guild Opens Second Season

NEW ORLEANS, La., Jan. 2. — The Dillard Players’ Guild opened its second season recently night with a nill of three one-act plays, “Jvet’s Move the Furniture,” a farce by Douglas Welch, “The House of Sham," by Willis Richardson, and “A Slave With Two Faces,” an allegory by Carolyn Wells. The productions were especially well set in the University Little Theatre, which recently has been thoroughly redecorated and enriched with new equipment made possible through a General Education Board grant. A portable switch board with dimmer switches, new curtains and drops, scenery flood and spot lights and new furniture and furnishings have been added. > Students taking leading imles were: IMahlon Rhaney, iBrunswiick. Ga.; Zerline Bright and Arthur Mabry, Beaumont, Tex.; Alice Dungey, Clara Bissant, and Blanche Edwards, New Orleans, Estelle Carson, Lynchburg. Va.; Frederick Jenkins,, Alexandria. La.; Alberta Duncan, Memphis, Tenn., and others. Photographs of African Negro Art by Walker Evans will be exhibited in the Dillard Art Salon, Refectory building, university campus, beginning today and continuing through December up until the holidays.

HEART AILMENT CLAIMS 'FORCE “CHEM" TEACHER

WILBER FORCE; Dec. 29—Prof. Bruce Henry Green, teacher of chemistry at Wilberforce for more than thirty-four years, died at his home in Wilberforce Sunday afternoon at one o’clock, December 20. Death was due to heart trouble and complications. Prof. Green was a native of Charlestown, S. C., his parents being pioneer Charlestonnians. His father, the late Nelson Green, served as an inspector of customs at the port in Charleston for a number of years. Prof.. Green received bis early training in the Charleston schools and was graduated from Avery Institute of Charleston. He entered Phillips-Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and later enrolled at 'Brown University, Providence, R. I., from which he graduated in June, 1902, with the degree of

Ph. B.

He came to Wilberforce as an instructor of chemistry in the fall of 1902. He received his M. A. degree from Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio, in 1933, and was awarded an honorary degree of M. S. by Wilberforce university for his services. He was a member of the Wilborforce F. A. & A. M. lodge. No. 21, Xenia, Ohio; Kappa Psi fraternity; Sigma Pi Phia, Boule chapter; Trinity A. M. E. church of Wilberforce, and a number of auxiliary societies on the campus. His marriage to Miss Sunie Preston Steele took place September, 1916, and she survives with a son. Bruce Henry Green, Jr., a student at Wilberforce. He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Anna Green, of Charleston, S. C., and a sister, Mrs. John Burgess, of Orange, S. C. Funeral services were held! Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock, December, 23, in Jones’ 1 auditorium, Shorter .hall. The services were largely attended by ! former students of the deceasem

THE FIRST BABYHQRN CHRISTMAS

On his way from far north good husky youngster into Mrs. Ruby photographer—or was he really

old Santa Claus dropped in past Babyviile to pick up a present for the Cornelius Jacksons. 2030 Massachusetts avenue. Saiita and his old friend the Stork dropped this

Jackson’s stocking at City hospital asleep? Father Jackson is not regat 1:57 a. m. C hristmas day. The . ... . , , . , . newcomer has been named David employed, tut works imh

Lee, and he yawned several times and finally played ’possum on the

triously at all the odd jobs possible. • • (Harris Bros 1Mm»‘-. ;

Miss Theissia Offett a student nurse of Louiseville, Kentucky and Charles Frazer also of Louiseville. were the dinner uest of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Tyree, Sunday evening. Miss. Caroline Tyree spent the Xmafc holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Tyree, while here she entertained eighteen of

North Vernon attended the Christmas dance held in this city returning to her home accompanied^ by Misses Pearl Ester and Katheryu Perry of this city. Mrs. Julia Todd, Mr. Evans, and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Laudford of Middletown, Ohio, spent the Christmas holiduy* with relatives and friends in this

her friends Sunday evening with a city. Mrs. Walter Baker of Fifth

luncheon, after wdiicb the evening was spent in dancing and games. Miss Tyree returned Sunday evening to resume her studies at the Red Cross hospital in Louiseville. Mr. and Mrs. F’red Mason are visiting Mrs. Mason’s sister. Mrs. Elsie Tyree and family for an indefinite time. Charles Guess a. student of Indiana University at Bloomington spent the Christmas* holidays with hu> parents, Mr. and* Mrs. George E. Guess of Elm street. Messrs. Bernard Jenkins and Evan Guess, students of Kentucky State, Frankfort, spent the Christmas holidays with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Jenkins and Mr. and Mrs. George

Guess of Elm street.

Miss Delsie Wake, a student of State Normal at Terre Haute,

PREFERS MISS. TO MUSSOLINI -PICKENS BUFFALO. N. Y., Dec. 29.—(AN P)—Dean William Pickens, field secretary of the NAACP, speaking here on December 18, at the adult forum held at Michigan Avenue YMCA, gave his hearers an insight into present conditions on the continent of Europe, and drew a parallel between conditions there and

in America.

Declaring that the basic cause of the wars of history is exploitation or economic stress, he said: “Exploitation of peoples makes problems all over the world, whereever it appears. Exploitation is as pronounced in Russia today as in any capitalistic country. But they feel that they are headed for something. Whether or not they are, remains to be seen. I would rather fight out the advancement of humanity under the democracy we have in this country than try either of those methods of Communism

or Fascism.

“They say there are not !sc( many beggars in Italy as there

used to be and that the trains run Christmas holidays with on time. But I would rather live her p are nts. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur in Mississippi with trains six hours , Wake of rifth street j. K . k Beatty late than under Mussolini with allj 0 f Muncie spent the holidays with hs regimentation. If I were a white ! his p are nts, Mr. and Mrs. James man. I would want to see to it ; B eattv of Broadway. Paul Shelton that colored people had their rights, ; of Fraud Rapids. Mich., is visiting for only in that way could I feel at the home of his sister, Mrs.

sure the rights of all would be Lucy Beatty also other relatives

safe - and friends in this city. Mr. ami I . .

“In my opinion, it will be utter- Mrs . Homer Gaines of Detroit and j DramatlC Pageant

ly impossible for the Germans to yi rs . Nellie Gaines and Paul Moore hold permanently the position they G f New Albany were the Christmas have taken regarding the Jews, guests of Rev. and Mrs. Gaines of The trouble is that the Germans j Broadway. Miss Gertrude Whitehave imperial ideas, without the head of Cleveland was the Christemperor. Instead they have a die- mas guest of her sister, Mrs. Will

Street and Mrs. Orin Sanders rtr > confined to their homes With illness. Their many friends hope them a speedy recovery. Virgil ums and Mrs. Maggie O’Banion are improving. Messrs. Howard and Charley Johnson of Louis vt!.. Kentucky, spent the Christmas holidays with their father. Pete Johnson and wife of Broadway. Arthur Saddler and son Chail- y of Bedford spent Christinas with Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Perry. •A family reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Shelton of Broadway. Those pres ent were: Mrs. Molly Shelton of Chicago, Paul Shelton of Gland Rapids, Mich., Messrs. Joseph and George Shelton, Mrs. Mary St a ford and daughter. Miss Ma Ella, Mr. and Mrs. James Beatty and Mr. .and Mrs. Ben Colem i. Jack Beatty of Muntie, Mr. a'd Mrs. Isaac Shelton and other i 'i lives. Mrs. Lucy Beatty enter tained a number of friends at a

jcocktail party in honor of her

Christmas guests Saturday evening. An enjoyable time was had

by all present.

tator who is worse, for he is an interloper without the traditions and precedents of an imperial falily. In America we have, merely tried to defend the rights of the individual. I would give my life to defend that American principle of liberty and democracy.” Dean Pickens spoke in warm, praise of Hawaii, where he said there is literally no discrimination betyeen the races. He said effective work wus being done there by the NAACP, Urban

Leagoe, and YMCA.

Chandler and family.

Mr. and Mrs. yvoble Wiiitehead of Cemetery street are the proud parents of a baby l>oy born Christmas eve at the King Daughter’s hospital in this city. Mrs. Ella Perry is visiting her son, Mr. and Mrs. McKinley Perry and family of Doe Run. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Phillips have returned to their home in Lima. Ohio, after spending the Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Perry. Miss Jean Saddler of

Given By Choir A dramatic pageant, “Christmas

Messenger”, was presented Sunday evening at K p. m. by the choir i of the Mt. Carmel Baptist church, i assisted by the Junior choir - r t I Ladies chorus under the dimiio t of Mrs: Mary J. Southern, org. i

I ist. The fsublie is invited,

j Christmas music will be furnj islied jointly by the Senior and j Junior choirs at the morning serv-

ices.

i Clarence Smith, president of the Senior choir; Orbie Bennett, pit jident of the Junior choir; Rev. C. i H. Walton, pastor.

school. Miss Marendia Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. John Baker spent Christmas day with Mr. Baker's mol her. Mrs. Robert Rochester. Robert Brown of Cleveland. Ohio, spent the holidays with his parents, Mr and Mrs. Harve Brown and family. John Baker of Ft. Harrison spent the Christmas with her par ents, of Wheatland, Indiana. Nathaniel Farrow of Indianapolis spent the (’hristmas vacation with his wife, Miss Lucy Johnson spent Christmas and the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. Chester Alexander of New Albany.

PLAINFIELD, IND. Mrs. Oliver Carbin

DEC. 26—Assembled by James Johnson Sweeny from private and museum collections in England, Germany, and France, for the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Exhibition represents the outstanding objects shown in the Exhibition of African Negro Art, held at the Museum in March, April, and May, 1935. Because of the wide attention attracted by the exhibit, the Museum, under a grant from the General Education Board, engaged Walker Evans, a photographer of international fame, to photography the objects.

who came from

pay homage to his worth as a citizen and teacher. Several professors from Ohio State university, Wittenburg college, and other

Rev. .T. E. Reddrick preached the

distant cities to j Christmas sermon, Sunday morn-

ing, subject, “(’hristmas Spirit”. The Christmas program was well received Christmas eve. Mrs. Laura Cloud, Mrs. Cassel Swarn,

schools were present. A large* cor- Mrs. Eve Swarn and Mrs. Gladys

tege of friends followed the remains to Massie Creek cemetery, near Wilberforce university, where the remains were buried.

CORYDON, IND. Margaret Hodge

An Atlantic City lighthouse is for sale, incase anyone cares to go in for light housekeeping.

Sunday school was held at 9:30 a. m.; the Christmas program given by the school was well attended. The program consisted of recitations, dialogues, and Christmas carols. Presents were exchanged and treats were given by the teacher. The school was presentel with a beautiful hand painted picture as a Christmas present by Mis. C. Blaine Hays and Miss Louise Bortoy (white), friends of the

Carbin, organist committee in

charge.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Carbin and family Landys and Henderson, Davis, Mrs. Martha Goss and Miss Alma Burriss of Franklin were Christmas dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Carbin and family. Rev. and Mr. Carey Swarn and family were guests of Rev. and Mrs. Alex McCulley of Indianapolis Christmas day. Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Reddrick. Mrs. - Sophia Bailey were the Christmas dinner guests of Mr. and Mr. George Cloud. The Pleasure club met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Powells with a Christmas party, Wednesday evening. Sherman Pinkston of Maywood, Ind., visited here for Christmas d^ t

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