The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-09-23
NEGRO HENDERSON
WILL LEAVE TODAY
Nearly $500 Has Been Re-
turned to Donors
FRIENDS TO RESCUE
Man Had Money on Deposit With the
Southern Railway for Ticket,
But Could Not Pay $40
Board Bill
BY RALPH r.. SILVER

The negro, B. Il. Henderson, who had
been refused railroad transportation by
the Associated Charities, will leave for his
home in Florida this afternoon at 345
O'Clock. The Birmingham Negro Bust
ness Mems league purchased him a ticket
yesterday and some money from a Cath
olic priest and some other friends whose
names have not been learned, was used
TO pay his board bill and room rent
This latter money had been on deposit
at the Southern railway ticket office for
some time, those who gave it being under
the impression that Henderson was ready
to leave; but on account of board bill
of nearly $40 he was unable to get his
trunk and therefore never went for the
ticket. When the Negro Business Men ;
league got his ticket. he was given this
money which had been on deposit and
his ticket his trunk checked and every
thing ready to go. but the arrangements
We're concluded too late to go yesterday
afternoon.
The response of the people of Birming-
ham to the sufferings of Henderson has
been remarkable. If all the money Of
fered had been accepted it probably
would have totallsd near $500. All dona-
tions and checks have been returned to
their senders. however. as it appeared
Henderson was being ably taken care of
otherwise, and the money may be needed
later for similar cases.
In the checks received yesterday several
letters were inclosed. Among those ar
riving yesterday was one for So the
largest received. One man stopping at
the Hotel Hillman inclosed a 81 bill and
this was the only money given Henderson
OF that received by The Age-Herald.
This was done because W. II. Wedlake
the doner, had left the hotel Sunday, and
it was not known where to return the
money.
The man who sent the s25 asked that his
name be withheld and inclosed the follow
ing letter:
September 21 1918.
Dear Sir: Enclosed clipping of heading
over your story of one Henderson, a ne
gro, who is up against it. and who can
get no relief from the Associated Chari-
ties We have heard indirectly of other
cases of this kind, where deserving OBJ
jects of charity could get no relief from
the Associated Charities on account of red
tape, Investigations, etc.
1--WE inclose herewith check made out
to cash, which please cash for this unfor-
tunate. We have no doubt but that other
contributions will be made sufficient 20
make up necessary amount for his rail-
road fare home.
do not under any circumstances use
our name in any way in this case"
Following is the letter from Mr.. We'd
lake.
Enclosed please find 81, my mite toward
a fund to defray expenses of the poor
unfortunate negro Henderson. / am not
a resident OF tour town, only passing
through, otherwise / would make 1t my
business to see that this poor, unfortunate
was at least transported to the town he
longs for. My heart was touched with
the story as related in your mornings
paper, and | sincerely hope that there are
enough humane persons living in Bir-
mngham who will contribute their mite
toward helping this poor creature and
let him feel there is still tender chord
in the heart of man toward his fellow
being. Your criticism of the Associated
Charities has my heartiest approval. and
to my mind such organizations are farce
instead of relief to the poor and needy.
Yours tr1llv w II \VEDT AXE