The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-06-26
SEVERE BLOW TO FIREMEN.
"Public Opinion" Testimony Exclud-
Ell by ArbitratOrs.

Atlanta, Ca, June 23.-Charging
that the firemen were trying to intlm-
idate the arbitrators, Major Cum
mings, representing the Georgia Rail-
road before the arbitration commis-
sion, objected strongly this afternoon
to the Introduction of any testimony
as to the condition of public opinion
upon the merits Of the strike. The
firemen had introduced Mayor Brand,
OF Lithonia. 1t was at Lithonia that
most of the disorder took place, and
where several negro firemen were Sc
verely whipped. 1t was proposed to
have Mayor Brand tell, not only of
past assaults upon the negro firemen,
but to give 1t, as his opinion, that if
the firemen were restored to the cab
by the de ;sion of the board of arbi-
tration, the people would resort to
violence again.
This is gross contempt of the COM
mission" said Major Cummings, trem-
bling with anger "If such testimony
be admitted, we had as we'll close
down our Courts and let mob violence
rule. The contention here now is sim
ply that the firemen in effect say:
we may be wrong in our contest, but
even If we are, and you gentlemen de-
eide against us, the people Of Georgia
will rise up In mObs and overrule YOU
l think this is a libel on the good peo-
pie Of this State. I most seriously OBJ
ject to the admission of such testi-
mony."
Attorney Ruben Arnold argued
spiritedly that the board was not a
Court; that 1t should permit a wide
latitude and, In its award, disregard
such testimony as was not considered
proper. He claimed however. that
the commission had a right, nay a
duty. to hear such evidence and to
consider 1t. as 1t affected the safety
Of all other employees and even pas
sengers.
Before Major Cummings interrupt
ed Brand had declared that the peo-
pie along the line of the Georgia Rail-
road were only permitting the negro
firemen to work now because they
were assured that the arbitrators
would decide in favor of the white
employees. He was confident that If
the commission decided in favor of
the negroes. the people would never
permit the blacks to run.
The arbitrators upon conclusion of
Arnold's argument, went into execu-
tive session. at the end of which they
announced that they would exclude
all testimony as to public opinion as
not relevant II may say" said Mr..
Herbert. that the decision Is by
unanimous consent"
This was a severe blow to the fire.
men. But they went on gamely, Of
fering cumulative testimony as to the
unfitness Of the negro as a fireman.
About fifteen mayors and peace Of
ficers of towns along the Georgia
Railroad, who had been summoned.
were notified that they might go
home. The decision probably will
shorten the hearing.
Witness after witness swore that
negroes were too incompetent and
stupid to be safe firemen, and that the
Georgia Railroad did not hold them
to accountability for the violation of
the ordinary rules of safety. The wit
nesses gave names and dates to sub
stantiate their statements. 1t also
developed that when an engine came
in from a run with a negro fireman
on'the box and was sent out with q
white man firing, the white man had
ito put his clothes in the box used by
the negro and had to drink from the
same cup which the negro had used.
Major Cummings asked that Vice
President Ball. of the Brotherhood of
Firemen and Enginemen, be recalled.
He asked Ball if at the last conven-
ton OF the Order at Columbus. Ohio.
the brotherhood had not agreed that
~ was time to eliminate the negro
from the cab in all the South. Bail
said he did not recall.
Several witnesses said that negro
fremen cannot be depended upon to
flag. as they will not so back the 81
700 feet required by the rules. They
ALSO testified afresh to the negro :
tendency To go to sleep every time he
sits down. unless he is watched.
Edgeneld, June 22.-Bll HroadnaX.