The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1918-12-06
FOUR MINUTE MEN

men? Orders have been issued by the committee on public in
formation, under whose jurisdiction the organization has oper-
ated, to disband.
With the passing of the head Of the department it natu-
rally follows that the subordinate branches cannot continue,
IN many sections OF the country te four- Minute men SIMPLY
Will cease to junction with receipt Of the order. Obviously they
cannot continue in the capacity in which they have served with
such distinction in recent months.
1t has been suggested that the Four-Minutc men should
hold together as a state organization as constituted at present
and devote their abilities to worthy causes that will continue
to arise. In this way they would take part in all enterprises
OF national or even. statewide importance.
In the event the different local branches should wish to
discontinue their SERVICE, an organization, statewide in its scope,
might. not be able to operate effectively, and local enterprises,
on the other hand, might be deprived OF their support.
A, suggestion has been made that the Four Minute men
o. each city should form themselves into a separate organize
ton for the promotion OF worthy enterprises In this way the
Red Cross membership campaign, campaigns for Christmas con-
the sale Of war savings stamps, which is lagging in every part
Of the country, might be stimulated and promoted.
Under the leadership of Mr. W. Gates, the Memphis or
ganization has brought together some OF the best talent in the
city. The Memphis Four-Minute men have accomplished meal
culable good and have been the strong arm OF the government
in Memphis. There will be widespread regret if these excellent
gentlemen are permitted to dissolve and go their several ways
when there is every indication that many government calls Ne
yet to be made and their services will be very much needed.
No doubt the same situation exists in other towns and
cities throughout the country, There is a likelihood that the
organization will be permitted to %disintegrate without careful
and mature deliberaton.
In every enterprising town and city there are many events
which the people should be appealed to directly to observe. The
they appeal to the people to observe certain rules for the pro
lection Of health and for stamping out vice and epidemics. In
the past the newspapers have been relied upon solely to make
a success of these ventures, They need the assistance OF people
who will speak directly to the theater and other audiences and
10 the congregations in the churches,
The advantage of having representatives OF the negro race,
such as the Rev. r. O. Fuller, the Rev. Sutton T. Griggs, the
Rev. J. G. Johnson, Bert Roddy and other leaders, to impress
upon their people the things they should do is incalculablc, for
the reason that so many do not read the papers, or for the
greater reason that they more willingly follow the advice OF
the men OF their race.
Charles A. McElravy, president Of the Majestic Amusement
company, and one OF the public spirited citizens OF Memphis,
says il the Minute men continue their organization locally
he will pledge them access to the Memphis theaters, and he Is
able to speak for Ben Stainbaek and other managers who have
co-operated in such a whole-hearted manner as to insure the sue
cess of the enterprise. Ii the organization is continued as a
state institution, Mr.. McElravy believes he speaks for the
amusement houses throughout Tennessee in saying that every
one will be open to the Four-Minutc men.
The News Scimitar suggests that each local organization
remain intact, preserving its strength to assist in the large en-
terprises that the people will be asked TO support. From the
local organizations a state. organization might be formed, with
a central head, in order that the work might be conducted for
local or statewide causes, as the case might be.