The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1880-01-29
lFrom the Cincinnati Commercial.l
MIR. Williams Indignity.

poslte the Capitol, became a question
before the House, when the special
committee appointed to investigate
the matter submitted their reports, for
there were two. The majority report
was as follows. After giving the evi-
dence obtained, which fully confirmed
Mr.. Williams statement Of the case,
already published in the Commercial,
the report says:
From the evidence it appears that
Mr.. Williams had been entertained in
the principal hotels and eating-houses
of the city, and had eaten at other
places at the same tables with Repre-
sentatives and Senators of both parties,
no objection being made by either pro-
prietors or guests. It also appears
that on this occasion, and at all other
times, Mr. Williams had conducted
himself with dignity and propriety.
The statements of Mr. Beck and Mr..
Hurst Zone of Mr.. Beck's employes)
were evasive, so much so that they
could only be regarded with little
weight. They both positively stated
that there was no regulation eXclud-
ing persons from their dining-rooms
on account of color, and Mr.. Beck de-
nies most positively that he ever gave
such orders to his employees. Mr..
Hurst admits that he gave the direc-
tions as stated by Mr.. Malone IAN
other employe) and that he used the
language that she could eat at the
lunch table or go to the kitchen"
"Mr. Malone swears positively that
he has been in the employ of Mr..
Beck for two years, and his orders were
direct from Mr.. Beck to exclude all
persons of color from the dining-room.
'That Mr.. Williams was most gross
ly and wantonly insulted is not denied,
and Mr. Beck has been fully advised
Of the facts. His only palliation Of
the offense is his statement that had
he been present it should not have
occurred; that he has apologized to
Mr. Williams and seems to think that
sufficient. But Messrs. Malone and
Hurst both testify that Mr.. Beck has
in no way condemned or disapproved
of their acts in this matter, and still
act for him in the same capacity as
heretofore
although Mr.. Beck attempts to
deny that he has any regulation MAX
ing the distinction, which he impliedly
admits makes odious distinctions, we
are fully satisfied from the evidence of
its existence and rigid enforcement by
him and his employees.
''Mr. Beck claims that he has apollo
gized to Mr.. Williams, and insists that
that is all which could be expected
from him. Your committee take a
different view of the matter, and think
it of too much Importance to be passed
over so lightly. We are of the opin-
ion that his pretended apology is want
ing in sincerity so long as he retains
in his service, without reproof or re-
buke, the employees who gave the in
suit complained of. The fact that a
gentleman Of intelligence, culture and
high moral worth, and a member of
this House, has been cruelty and need
lessly insulted publicly in his estab-
lishment, and manager, who is guilty
of this offense, still retained in full
confidence, is conclusive evidence in
our mind of Mr. Reck's true feeling
in regard to this matter.
'It is to be regretted that here at
the capital of the great progressive
State of Ohio, where located so many
proud monuments of it's efforts to care
for and elevate humanity, there should
be found spirit that still fosters and
seeks to perpetuate the absurd and
wicked prejudice against color, and
which If maintained would forever
prevent the progress or elevation of 6
large number of our population.
I'm the extinction of slavery all
good men hoped that its degrading
influence was forever at an end. The
colored man, cheered by this hope, anc
stimulated by equal liberty, at once
entered upon the struggle of manhood
and sought the attainment of that
rank and position which culture, re-
fnement and moral worth alone car
secure and adorn. In this battle o1
life he found his reward, and was soor
called to fill positions of trust and re.
sponsibility in State and Nationa
Councils, the halls Of legislation, in
the pulpit, at the bar, and in all the
higher walks of life, yet by. the rules
of Mr.. Beck's establishment mer
worthy to discharge these responsible
duties and adorn these high places are
unworthy of aught but ignominy al
his table. Mr.. Williams is a Repre-
sentative on this floor of Ohio's great
commercial metropolis, sent here by q
constituency in intelligence, in wealth
industrial enterprise and in numbers
not inferior to those of and other con-
stituency here represented. He par
ticipates in the deliberations Of this
House; is intrusted with positions OF
honor, associates with his colleagues
on this floor without dishonoring them
and legislates for the man and the es-
tablishment whose regulations humil-
late him by caste distinctions, and i'm
pliedly proclaims that we degrade
ourselves by his associations.
'In his attempted apology Mr.
Beck says that had he been present
knowing Mr.. Williams position, he
would have exempted him from the
rule. The rule, however, he does not
revoke, nor does he question its pro-
priety.
"Your committee are compelled tc
the opinion that the exception is
prompted, not because Mr.. Williams
does not fall within the rule, but on
account Of the position which he tenn
porarily occupies, to become operative
on the termination of its present in,
cumbency.
while neither the committee mol
this House have power to deal further
with this offense than by expressions
of their unqualified condemnation