Phoenix tribune., 1918-08-03
COLORED EDITORS AND
LEADERS IN CONFERENCE
Free, Frank and Full Discussion of
Many Vital Issues Affecting colored
Americans Characterize Representa-
tive Gatherina-PersonneI of the
Participants.

WASHINGTON, District of Colum-
bia.-By the authority and direction of
the War Department and the Commit
tee on Public Information, Emmett ].
Scott, special assistant to the Secre-
tary of War. called to Washington this
week for a conference, thirty or forty
representatives of important colored
newspapers of the country, together
wit ha number of the leaders of
thought and opinion among the Negro
people, to consider methods by which
the millions of colored people of the
nation may best assist in the winning
fthe war.
Proceedings aMrked by Dignity and
Unity
The conference formally opened
Wednesday morning, June 10, in the
main auditorium of the new building
of the Department of the Interior, 18th
and streets northwest, at 10:30
O'Clock, and continued throughout
Thursday and Friday, June 20 and 81.
Mr.. Scott presided at all of the ses-
sions which were marked by an
earnestness of purpose, broad grasp
of the questions at issue, and an un-
wavering loyalty to the flag of the ma
ton, as well as by an intense devotion
to the highest interests of the colored
Americans for whom they came pri-
marily to speak.
The discussion covered a wide range
and the conferees were given an oppor-
tunity to present their views, reflect
ing the state of mind of the colored
people of the country, with the utmost
freedom and frankness, unhampered
by parliamentary restrictions or any
effort to direct opinion in any particu-
lar channel-save that of utilizing in
the most effective manner every re-
source at the command of the race to
bring victory to the American army in
its present struggle for liberty and
worldwide democracy. Mr.. Scott's ad-
mirably-tempered address at various
stages of the deliberations repeatedly
admonished the conferees to voice
their sentiments fully and fearlessly,
laying all grievances and suggestions
fo rtheir redress upon the common al
tar, with the view OF strengthening
where needed the patriotism and
morale of the Negro people. So fair
an Impartial were the rulings of the
chair upon every point raised or prin-
ciple enunciated, that at no time was
single exception taken to them.
Every conceivable shade of individual
opinion was represented in the body,
but there was fro mthe outset a firm
disposition to subordinate private and
personal considerations 10 the general
good, without regard to politics, creed,
faction or section. This lofty aim was
adhered to most religiously Dignity
of statement, harmony of thought and
unity of action were the predominating
features of the three days session.
The document, reported by the special
committee appointed to summarize
the expression of the conference as to
the best plans for the mobilization of
the resources of the 100000 Negroes
of the Republic, in support of the war
aims of the government, was adopted
by a unanimous vote, given. heartily
and enthusiastically. America" was
sung with fervor and JUNCTION as final
adjournment wa staken.
Notable Addresses by Officials of High
Station
The conference wa saddressed in
sympathetic vein during the sessions
by the following notable officials of
high station:
Hon. Newton D. Baker, Secretary of
War
Mr.. George Creel, chairman of the
Committee on Public Information.
Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assist
ant Secretary of the Navy.
Mr.. Edward N. Hurley, chairman of
the United States Shipping Board.
Major Joel e. Spingarn, attached to
the General staff, United States Army.
Capt. Arthur S. Spingarn,. Of the
Medical Reserve Corps, National
Army
General Paul vignal military at
tache of the French embassy.
Major Edouard Requin and Major l..
P. DeMontal. of the French High Com
rnicciOn