Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-02-20
Negro Citizens Have Protest Against
"Ihe CIaRsman" Ready.
VARIOUS REASONS ARE ASSIGNED
It Is Alleged That Thomas Dixon's
Play Stirs Up Racial Strife and
Does Not Accurately Portray Con.
ditions During Reconstruction Days.

y delegation Of negro citizens,
headed by j. Thomas Newsomc, col
orcd. will call upon Mayor Buxton to-
day at noon and submit formal pro-
test against the presentation of THE
Clansman" at the Academy of Music
next Monday afternoon and night. II
is understood that several white
ministers will be on hand to join III
the protest
In explaining his position. New
some said yesterday that he would
protest just as heartily If Uncle
Toms Cabin" should be presented
here at this time.
the petition which will be submitted
TO the mayor:
ITO the Honorable Samuel II. Buxton.
Mayor of the City of Newport
News:
The undersigned. representing the
law-abiaing negroes Of our city. hav-
ing learned with regret that the
"Clanaman,' a play written by the
Rev. Thomas Dixon. Is 10 be present.
ed here in the near future, take this
means of pettioning your honor to
bar IT. from the community if in
your capacity as mayor of all the
people of this city you can legally do
so.
I'm thus importuning your honor.
we are actilated by no ill-will toward
Mr.. Dixon personally. for we recog.
nizc him us real artist even If for
reasons satisfactory to himself. he is
willing TO coin money from passion
by preaching the doctrine OF univer-
sal hate. Our reasons for protesting
against the "Clansman," briefly stat
ed, are:
"First-The story upon which the
play is founded recalls Il period In
orr national life which 1t were well
to forget and tends TO fan into violent
fury fires rapidly dvings out.
"Second--It magnifies the vices of
negroes during Reconstruction times
and minimiZes to the point of ignor.
ing altogether the falthfulness of mil
lions who. forgetful of politics and
the promises OF politicians. moved
steadily on during all that period
loyal TO the best interest OF the best
people of the South.
'Third--It fails to inspire one whit
Of respect for the negro race, but al
most dehumanizes the entire black
family of man by the ridicule and
scorn and contempt which DR.. Dixon
does not endeavor to conceal through.
out the story.
"Fourth-The story is historically
inaccurate and even If true is super
fluous since history abounds with the
fullest desirable record OF the work.
ing of reconstruction days and we live
too near to that period in our ma
tional life to be able TO survey dis.
passiOnately the scenes portrayed in
the "Clansman."
"Fifth--The reason most potent
with us which brings us TO your
honor with this petition. is that its
effect upon this city and community
will BE TO mar the cordial relations
that exist here between the races
eff this play should only be wit
messed by men and women of sober
judgment, its result would be less dis
astrous. but when We remember
that its very brutality. if we may 50
speak. will attract along with some
OF our best people many hothcadcd
hot-blooded youths CT both races, we
feel that in the interest of peace and
continued goodwill, the play should
not he permitted.
I'VE are loath to make this r"ti-
tion as we realize that this agitation
toNds TO give the "Clansman" free
advertisement in case you refuse to
interfere, but we have faith in the
present occupant of tho mayors chair
of our city and. besides. we desire to
go on record as opposing whatever