davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
LOCAL KNIGHTS
HEARIGRAND
CHANCELLOR
Enthusiastic Meeting At Pythian
Temple On Monday Night
.PY YTHIANISM PARAMO
Many Grand Lodge Officers in
Attendance. Or. Ramil-
ton Responds.

A goodly number Of the 800 Knights
of Pythias, resident In Dallas, turned
out Monday night to hear Hon. w.
s. Willis. the Grand Chancellor in
his annual address. Knight ]. L.
Patton called the meeting to order
and introduced Knight Napoleon
Gwinn, d. D. C., G. c., who pre-
sided. Prayer was delivered by Rev.
w. l.. Dickson. without prelimina-
ries, Grand Chancellor waded into
his si1Siect Among other things he
said. Brave nnlghts. | have come
on here to meet with you that we
may together finally resolve that in
the planning and Iepting of this
noble institution, That our fathers
did not labor in vain-that the
great work by which the Masons,
U. B. of Fs., Odd Fellows, knights
and Daughters of Tabor and the
Knights of Pythias were established,
shall not perish from the earth. They
made Friendship, Charity, Charity
and Benevolence the corner stone of
their building. They knew nothing
of insurance, but observing the poor
white man beneficiary thereby,
first sought to join the companies
organized by white men and being
refused, at once began the great
work of endowment or lodge insur-
ance. Considering the i'll equipment
and general lack of knowledge of
this most difficult science, what they
accomplished is the marvel of the
age. Today the white mans indus
trial insurance company is our com
petitor and it remains to be seen
If we will prove true to the fathers.
He cited the American National
Insurance Company as one of the
white concerns, which had built an
alabaster sky scraper at Galveston.
in which it did not use even a Col
ored janitor, Notwithstanding 80 per
cent of its funds came from Negro
insurance.
He contrasted the sky scraper in
Galveston with the Grand Pythian
Temple at Dallas and told the crowd
to draw its own conclusion.
He paid glowing tribute to the
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
DR.. R. E. JONES
OF Vicksburg, Mississippi Going to
France on February as Special
Staff Correspondent Of
the Dallas Express.

In keeping with the usual enter
prise of the Dallas Express. we have
secured the services and given ere.
dentials to Or. e. P. Jones Of Vicks-
burg. as special staff correspondent
Of the Dallas Express at the Peace
Conference, now sitting in Paris,
France.
The sending OF DR.. Jones to Paris
at this time is a guarantee that the
readers of the Dallas Express win
have on and after his arrival, news
first hand Of the great tribunal.
Dr Jones is an experienced journal.
list, a fluent speaker and lucid writer,
these qualities coupled with his rare
ability to agreeably mix with men and
find out what is going to happen
among them, makes his position on
our staff of more than passing inn
portance.
So far as we KNOW no other Afro
American journal will have its own
special staff correspondent at Paris,
except the Chicago Defender.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
THE NEGRO WELFARE BOARD Of
DALLAS---|TS WORK REVIEWED

cities such as Galveston and Hous-
ton, because they knew the hiding
places of the criminal element of
their people, and more than that
to be fair in protecting the com
mon interests of all and giving all
representation in the city.
Our city has commission. form
Of government. This is wise feat
ure. The government by commission
viewed from every angle, has been
for the most part a success, and
we may expect in the near future
more cities to adopt the commission
form of government. This form of
municipal government is least ex-
pensive, and more satisfactory than
that of the unwieldy body of de-
baters who talk for mere affectation.
The Negro Welfare Board has not
been idle, when we consider its ac-
complishments, and the Herculean
task 1t had before it. I. was an
honor in the first place to be named
member of this board, and a great
er honor to bring about any degree
of accomplishment in so short a
time that would be so effective Of
results, anu yet that was what this
welfare board has done to their
credit and to the race which it has
the distinguis ned honor to repres INT.
What are some Of its accomplish
ments through recommendation to
the Hon. Mayor? Let us enumerate
them. This Welfare Board asked for
a tubercular hospital for our tuber-
cular patients. where they might be
treated and enter the race for re-
covery and this prayer has been an
swered, and soon our patients instead
of drifting ilither and thither will
go to the house of healing and of
hope, and be treated with the best
methods known to the medical skill.
For this one consideration granted
cur board, we should appreciate its
noble and unselfish efforts put forth
for the afflicted and unfortunate.
In the establishment of this
tubercular hospital, Dallas Las made
a long stride in the right direction.
The marvel is why such a hospital
was not established years ago for
our people, not only ours, but for all
persons suffering with this disease.
II takes time, and experience to
convince the public that such insti-
tutions are needed Many patients
will be benefited If not cured. Then
what is better the spread of this
disease will be curbed to some extent
by confinding it to a certain location.
The Board has secured $4,000 for
sewerage connections on Trinidad.
Our Welfare Board recommended
the appointment of a district nurse
to look after the sick Of our people,
one well experienced and skilled in
her profession, and this has been
done. Miss Marietta Gordan, ac-
complished nurse received the ap-
pointment and how well she has per-
formed her duties as nurss may
be vouched for by the patients she
has nursed back to health ard lap
piness. She is nurse with a repu-
tation OF being careful and tender
in applying the remedies and pre-
scriptions. Miss Gordon is on the
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
ANT|-LYNCH LAW SUBMITTED
TO GOVERNOR BY ATTY. lAWNNS

The following is a Law draw on
Lynching and submitted to the Gov
ernor on January the Sth, 1919,
and remarks made on the same by
Attorney ]. F. Dawkins, 424 East
9Th Street, Austin, Texas.
His Excellency,
w. P. Hobby,
Governor of Texas.
Sir:
l represent a subcommittee of the
committee which was granted an
audience by you on Monday, Dec.
80, 1918. And according to your re-
quest we now submit mas RS more
definite in regard to lynching, which
we earnestly and most respectfully
request your excellency to read in
person or to have read to you in
its entirety, for it vitality affects tne
Negro far and near in the remote
corners of this great state.
In substance, during last summer,
in speaking to Colored audience
I heard very distinguished white
gentleman say that various things
make for patriotism and loyalty to
ones country, among them is the pos
session of property, wealth, homes
and firsides and the enjoyment in a
large measure Of political, industrial,
and civic rights, but the possession
Of these by the Negry is negligible;
yet, whea the white man called him
and informed him that the freedom
of his country was in danger.. he
awoke from his couch OF inactivity,
sprang to his white brothers side,
and during the conflict which follow
ed proportionate TO his wealth and
numbers, the contribution Of the Me-
gro in treasure and in blood, in
fidelity and in sacrifice challenges
comparison with that of any other
races or nationality enjoying the
privileges and opportunities Of this
republic.
He trained in the various conton-
ments. He braved the surging wat
ers Of the stormy Atlantic where the
German submarines, the lurking
wolves, the cowardly coyotes, the as
sassin OF the sea lay In wait to
torpedo him and to send him to
fathomless depths below.
The Negro soldier with the spirit
of the lowly Nazarene throbbing In
his heart and pulsating through his
bosom as he died upon Calvary's
rugged hrow to make men holy. so
under the leadership Of the white
man ard at his white brothers side
did the Negro die on the vine-cls. /
hslle and in the blood soaked trenches
OF France to make men free; and
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
ACCUSED WAS SENTENCED
TO HANG FEBRUARY q
TAKEN IN HAND BY AN "ORDERLY MOB AND EXECUTED
WITH LITTLE EXCITEMENT. OFFICERS OFFER NO RE-
SISTANCE. SEVERAL HUNDRED TOOK PART IN The
DEMONSTRATION.

1t must be true for we take the
following despatch from the front
page of the Dallas News of Tuesday,
Jan. 81, 1919. Comment unnecessary.
The despatch says:
Hilsboro, Texas, Jan. 20.-Bragg
Williams, Negro, who confessed to
the murder of Mrs. George Wells
and her little, son at their home near
Itasca, Dec. 2, was taken from Jail
here at l o'clock this afternoon and
burned to death on the public square
Earlier in the day he had been sem
fenced to be hanged on Feb. 21.
He was convicted last week.
Williams, who had been in jail
in Dallas for safe keeping, was
brought to Hillsboro, this morning
to receive sentence, which was pass
ed by Judge Horton Porter of the
District Court. Williams was then
taken to the county jail
Attorneys Walter Collins and A.
NJ Frazier, who were appointed to
defend Williams served under pro-
test. The defense moved for d new
trail an, on this being refused, gave
notice of appeal.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
DICKSON's ORPHANAGE.

While, the Superintendent is away
on his laborious tour trying to close
his ninety day campaign with sue
cess, the devoted and faithful teach
ers at the home are leaving no stone
unturned to keep things moving on.
The children are well, happy and
faithful to duties. They are still
receiving Xmas remembrance that
are serviceable and much needed
from friends, both white and
black in different parts of the state.
The home enjoyed quite a rare
treat in the form OF a musical re-
cital. Miss A v. King, the musical
instructor presented her class in
their recital. The effort far sur
passed the expectation of a very
appreciative audience. We are proud
Of Miss King and the work she is
doing here.
All forces are now centered on the
big rally to be held in New Hope
church, Dallas, Sunday rs. The
children of the home have a real
musical treat in store for tbnt oc-
casion.
Miss B. E. Howman, private secre-
tary to the Superintendent is ex-
peding business in the Office, al
though the Superintendent is away.
Her services are invaluable.
From the children of the home.
w. L. DICKSON, Supt. and Mgr.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25

ing, Come and lie with me;s but
Joseph answered. nothin' d6in.' 10
seph set an example which 1t would
be well for you fellows to follow
and there would be less trouble and
fewer homes broken up and lives
destroyed.
! was hoping that some whites
would be out. Are there any? "a
voice, yes there are three or four
back yonder in the audience). Well.
4 want TO tell you young Colnred
men who work around the houses
of white people stay clear Of their
women. They are forbidden fruit.
Once upon a time a white woman
addressed note to wise train
porter. It said: II want to see
you and was signed: The Girl that
Looked at You. The porter didn't
see her but said to himself. Il am
the boy that wasn't there. Be faith
full to your women. have this to
say TO the unfaithful family man.
II you neglect your wife and family
and give your means to spcrt
(woman) you are dam fool"
(Deafening applause).
The doctor having gotten the crowd
70 whooping pulled off his gloves
and waded out in his subject giving
instance and anecdote to match. COW
ering the every day life of the men
OF the world in true Sam Jones fash
ion.
He paid his respects to the ioy
riders, the midnight horae- hack
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
By N. W. Harllee.

When Mr.. Lawther was elected
mayor of this city he said that it
was his purpose to be mayor of all
the people, regardless Of those who
voted against him, and to show that
he expected to live up to this decla-
ration of official statement, among
the first steps that he took was to
establish Welfare Board composed
of Colored men of standing and
ability. In order that he might make
wise selection and secure the
kind of men he desired to serve on
this important board, he requested
leading race man to send him a
list of fifty men, and from this list
he selected eleven persons who
should be the members of the We'll
fare Board. The following persons
were selected and entered upon the
performance of the high duty of their
office: Prof. j. p. Starks, s. W. J..
Lowery, ]. G. Jordan, DR.. A. l.. Run
yam, Chas. T. Brackens, DR.. "A. H.
Hyson, Rev. A. S. Jackson, Albert
Hutcherson, DR.. r. T. Hamilton, Hon.
NJ. M. Rodgers, Hon. A. S. Wells.
These gentlemen are to look after
tnC AAtOtoIo VI InG ADlOICu ptO''Ntt
and recommend to the mayor from
time to time the Improvements need
ed and they are many and urgent,
such as sanitary conditions, street
improvements, and sewerage connect
ions. What an important trust and
how needful it is. Sentinels of sani-
tation, guardians of cleanliness.
When it is taken in consideration
that an unsanitary condition prevail
ing in one part of the city, en- dan
gers every other part, small
sore on the little finger, may devel-
op blood poison ano endanger the
whole body, or the injury of the
left eye, may through sympathy
cause the right eye to be lost. Small
pox in the cabin may enter the Lal-
ace; the peasant suffering from the
effect of yellow fever may endanger
the king on his throne. Every part
of the city regardless to who lives
in that section, should he cared for
and made sanitary and comfortable,
lifted up out of the mud. beautified
for the good of all, for all are heirs
of common lot, the contagious dis
eases. Besides this, every one would
be proud of his city, proud of her
name, would take deeper and abid-
ing interest in her welfare. Where
did the idea originate to make one
section Of the city sanitary and per-
init the other to be unsanitary? Where
is the wisdom in it? Why it is per-
mitted is surprise.
In our large cities such as New
York and Philadelphia, Houston and
Galveston, cur mayor doubtless found
all nationalities on the police force,
especially in the cities OF New
York and Boston, and upon inquiry,
he was told that the irish were put
on because the Irish police knew
the characteristics Of the Irish; that
the French were put on, because
they knew the traits of the French:
that the Germen were put on for
similar reason; and that the Ne
gro police were selected in these
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25

the Bible says greater love than
this has no man that he lay down
his life for mis- friends, and the Ne
gro soldier at the behest of this gov
crnment laid down his life in order
that Europe might be free from Ger
man domination and American in
the future might be free -om Ger
man encroachment.
On the fatal field Of Europe the
Negro soldier braved the splashing
waters of the cold Jordan's strea m
and marched with h.9 white brother
through the valley and shadow of
death to make the world free and
safe for democracy, and we come to
you, to yoir excellency, as the COVER
nor of this great state to ameliorate
the home condition, the condition in
Texas of the Colored contingent and
their race of the khaki clad BOYS.
who caused the American eagle to
seize autocracy in its taiNns and
with the sparkle of the sun in its
eye, to flop hi. wings and to utter
a scream that shoo,s the cor tnent
OF Europe from circumference to
center and now causes the German
nation to shudder with awe and with
terror.
We petitition you to use your ut
most endeavor to chase mobocracy
forever beyond TIE confines Of this
great state Of oUgs.
Texas is great in size, great in
resources, the greatest in the Union;
may she under you're leadership be
the greatest injustice to the Negro
race, as fitting tribute to the low
atty Of that race and to the memory
OF the black boys who died to main
tain the honor of their state and
dignity Of their nation.
The great commoner, the late Ia
mented ex-governor. James Stephen
Hogg in his message to the oath
legislature in 1895 among other
things had this to say in reference
TO mob law: Common sense Is
against 1t. State pride is against il.
And every instinct of humanity
should be against such a crime as
mob murder. when a man com
relts an offense, under the laws of
this state, the Constitution guarsn-
tees to him a fair, impartial puLEc
trial. There can be no man in lis
cool9r moments who would not re-
volt at the destruction OF these ear-
stitutional safeguards. .'Thore Is lit
tie sentiment or excuse nov any
where 70 support me spirit of NOS
violence. Those who contend FOR II
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
LAyRELS FOR 325TR, ONLY COlORED
SIGNAL BATTALION N A. E.F,

ceeo I'd to Vitrey, and from that iown
began a four-day hike toBourbonne-les.
Bitns, distance of more than 20
miles. From this point it proceeded,
after a few lays, to voisey, and at
Voisey he boys got their first taste
of what was to be later, tn, n daily
duties. Here the radio company re-
ceived its quota of the latest type of
French instruments, battery plant
was established, and a full supply of
telephones and wire vas issued to
companies 2 and G. Here too, the
Infantry Signal Platoons Of the hat
talon Joined the outfit and shared in
the training.
The first test of real courage given
the men, and their first gntro duction
into real fighting, in addition to string
ing wires, md sending and receiving
radio messages, came on tie after
noon of September 27. When a
party Of liaison men, including the
Colonel and Lieut.. Herbert, latter be-
ing Colored, advanced beyond the bat
talon P. c. and at the sugges-
tion of French soldier, turned
to the left. They soon found them
selves beyond their lines. and directly
in front of German machine gun
nest. The Colonel divided his men
into small groups and advanced on the
enemy's position. This sortie re-
suited in the Signal boys capturing
eight German prisoners and two ma
chine guns. but the attack caused the
loss of Corporal Charles E. Boykin,
who did not return. Two dfys later,
during general advance, Sergeant
Henry e. Moody, of the Battalion, was
MORALLY wounded while at his post.
Boykin was killed outright. while
Sergeant Moody died in the hospital
from wounds received - these being
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
DISTINGUISHED CATHOLIC HERE.

The many friends, both protestant
and Catholic of Father ]. ]. Ferdi-
nand, who was the first priest sent
here to the only Colored Catholic
church here, are this week shaking
hands with him by way of welcom-
ing his return. Father Ferdinand,
while here in charge of the church
also established the Catholic school
for COlored youth, which is in a
fourishing condition.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25

Shortly afternoon a crowd went
to the Jail and demanded that Will
liams be turned over to them. The
demand was refused The outer
door Of the Jail was broken with a
sledgehammer and preparations were
made to batter down the cell door,
but some one in the crowd secured
possession Of the cell keys by over
powering guard. The Negro was
brought out and led to the public
square. Williams was chained to
the concrete safety first" post on
the square. Hay, wood and coal
were piled about him and over the
mass was poured several gallons of
coal oil. Then a match was applied
Williams lived but a few minutes
in the flames, probably not more
than five. He is said to have made
no outcry at his fate further than
to say Help me, Cap" three times.
AT the Jail Williams is said to have
denied outraging his victim.
While a great many persons gath
cred around the burning Negro, busi-
ness was not suspended and there
was very little excitement.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
BY Ralph W. Tyler.
Accredited Representative of The
Committee on Public information
ARTICLE

ARTICLE
With the American Army in France.
ha Mans, Dec. 20.-One of the units
Of the American army to arrive here
en- route for embarkation to America
that has made good, without having
the glamour and spectacular settings
of combat is the 325th Field Signal
Battalion of the 92nd Army Division,
the only Colored signal unit in the
American Army. While thfs bat.
talon has not had to occupy front
line trenches; make raids for pris.
oners, or march, in battle formation,
into big engagements, it must not be
supposed that it did not have a dan.
gerous, and very dangerous duty
to perform. The boys of this bat
talon had to string the wires for tele-
graphic and telephone connections at
times when the enemy guns were
trained upon them; so in many re-
spects, their duty took them into situa-
tions fully as dangerous as combatant
units. The battalion is composed
Of all young Colored men, save the
Lieutenant-C Colonel, Major. and two or
three white line officers. They
are all, with few exceptions, college or
high school boys, not Few Of them ex-
perts in radio and electric engineer
ing. and those who were not experts
in the work wien the battalion was
formed, are now most proficient men.
Major Spencer, now Lieutenant-Col
onel, who was responsible for the for
nation Of this unit, was firm In the
belief that CoIored boys could make
good. and he has remained with It long
enough TO experience his belief becom-
ing realization. After arriving at
Brest, June 18th, the battalion pro.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
CITY MINISTER'S TO HOLD I'M.
P0RTANT MEETING.

Next Wednesday at st. James A.
M. E. church; the city ministers of
all evangelical denominations will
meet to reorganize and elect officers.
President Starks is not a candidate
for reelection.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25
TELL IT NOT IN GOTH.

There has been a black man burn
ed this week at Hillsboro, by white
men. Let Us hope that the news
will be kept OFT Of Europe. 1t might
affect the Liberty Manufacturers,
Woodrow Wilson G Company.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25

Continued on page Al.
The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1919-01-25

Continued on page q.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-04-06
Of Interest to Women

The present Utah legislature has
four women members, all demo
Gratis.
Clarksburg, w. Va, has a boot.
backing establishment owned and
conducted by young women.
The Woman's Franchise league
of Oklahoma will hold its annual
convention in Indianapolis April Is
Mrs. Susanna Rannells, 90 years
old, has registered to vote in the ap-
preaching election in Battle Creek,
Mich.
Governor Smith of New York has
announced his intention to name a
woman to a place on the Niagara
Reservation commission.
The first institution for the indus
trial education of young women IN
the United States was the Misslsslp-
pi Industrial Institute and College,
established at Columbus. Miss, in
the early SOS.
In 1876 Ellen Henrietta Richards,
an instructor in Massachusetts In
stitute of Technology, was elected to
full membership in the American
institute of Mining Engineers, being
the first woman thus honored.
A bill is before the Quebec legis-
lature providing for the creation OF
a commission to fix minimum wages
for women employed in industrial
establishments in the province.