Phoenix tribune., 1920-03-06
TYPE OF JOURNALISTS
Who CAUSE FRICTION
between THE RACES
'(By Associated Negro Press)

'(By Associated Negro Press)
Chicago, March 9.-"'As long as the
newspapers of the South continue to
publish such clap-trap stories," said
a substantial citizen, there will be
unrest among colored people, and they
will continue to migrate North" He
then handed the Associated Negro
Press the following clipping from the
Birmingham News:
Commissioner Henry Page Bur-
russ, dignified and scholarly in bear
ing, stood excitedly before the door
to the city hall sanctum He gazed
ruefully at the two long rows of black
faces before him. He stood in his
doorway and addressed the leader of
the V-shaped audience.
Now, as l understand it, this is a
labor demonstration" he began. AS
matter of fact, the African delega-
tion appeared in protest to some rule
in the street department that pre-
vented certain hours for rest and crap
shooting. 1t was another kick aimed
at Old Man Toll.
1.-THE commissioner of public utill-
ties studied his crowd.
"As l was saying, this seems to he
a protestant gathering. Who is ths
leader of the revolutionists? He
| lOolyad innuirir o1xr fro,,, eooo - f.1e
! "Whut bout ouah wages, speshully
wen it's rainin' and we gifts wet an
dey amt no work to be done, an we
gifts docked an again wen we doan
show up foah wuk one day we gifts
docked two?" The inquiry, delivered
in high-pitched tone, could not mis-
understand. The Negro was earnest.
Commissioner Burrus seemed great
ly impressed.
Suddenly his eyes grew angry
"See here he said; 81 do not like
your spirit. 1t is a certainty that 1
shall tolerate no impudence from you.
Now, do you intend to attempt cam
paign of intimidation here, or what
is your purpose? Have you been con-
Quoting clandestine meetings, organ
izing the recalcitrant workers, and
disseminating the seeds of discomfort
answer me?"
The Negro was plainly awed: can
Wen de foahman say, you niggahs
gotta git heah early in de mawnin'
an wen we gifts heah dey ain no
wuk-"
stop where you are, the commits
sioner thundered. II will have no
more of this. In a comparatively
short period of time-say, two min
utes, the city shall dispense with your
services. 1t is a question with me,
right now, as to wether to retain you
or to permit you to sever your connec-
tion with the street department"
Nav, suh,' replied the Negro.
"The trouble with you is that you
are trouble-maker," retorted the
irate commissioner. what is your
name?"
"Gawge, suh"
We'll, George, l shall take up no
time with you. 1t will be matter of
remarkable ease to bring about the
consummation of the promise 1 made
few moments ago regarding the sep
aration of your name from the muni-
cipal payroll. Do you desire to retain
your connection with the municipal
ity?"
We'll, l come heah to wuk," the
Negro said, subdued ty the impas-
stoned and fervent eloquence of his
superior.
Eyes, yes; and feel constrained to
say that you have made a most igno-
BILE and unparalleled failure to achieve
that for which you now say you came
to the municipality. l repeat that l
do not like your spirit. Are you an
agitator?"
I'VE wuz gittin' dollah an qua
tab day, an wen dey docks"
Now, l shall terminate this inter.
view without delay" the chief of the
street department cut in. do you
desire to remain in the employ of the
street department, or shall l follow
rule that is almost one of my idiosyn-
crasies and bring about your expu,
sion?"
"Naw suh said tho Naoro 0VXTbat
we wanna know is, en- we git de back
wages w'n it rains and we CANT
wuk?"