Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1920-10-16

hem did not even visit thcT homes,
but took the equivalent OF their trans
portation and applied it to reach tho
desired destination.
Stories Of oppression imposed up
on Negro soldiers who had been to
Franco by some Of the rural citizens
Of the South worc given wide public
ity by the Negro press. Such news
was often the deciding influence
with young men already attracted
by what they had seen in passing or
had heard from recruits who knew
the North.
Many other migrants were newly
married Negroes, whose parents havo
sent them North with funds for
fair start in life. The parents in
these intances, being too old to in
dulgc in n change Of lifetime habits
have been glad to devote their war
period cotton profits to advance the
political and social interests Of their
children. Northern cities have receiv
cd thousands Of these newlywcds since
armistice day.
About 5000 colorcd men and wo.
men reported to the Government in
response to the nation wide request
for clerical workers needed for war
activities. Because OF tho policy of
the Administration many of these
wore not accepted even though they
had passed required civil, service cX-
aminations. Those who happened TO
secure appointments were among tho
rust to be dcmohilizcd Few of eth
or lot returned to tho South. Instead
they scattered to Northern cities. Tho
expansion Of Negro business enter
priscs provided employment for their
abilities.
Thc last and most durable type OF
Southern migrant is the great num-
Der OF middle aged Negroes who we're
at one time employed upon construc-
lion contracts ut such places as Nor
folk, Nitro, w. Va, Brunswick. Ga,
Jacksonville, Fla. and Muscle Shoals,
Ala. for wages far exceeding the
scale for which they had previously
worked.
1t is impossible to place any csti-
mate upon the number of these folks
WI" IN this manner carmel the mon
ey with which to finance the remoy-
al OF their families to Northern cit
les. The service records at the plants
served at once as n reference and q
creator or the necessary confidence
Tor such n venture. Without seeking
them the writer has encountered re
personalities of this group in doz
Ell different cities. Some Of them
were acquaintanccs at either NUM-
ton plants or camps.
The people arc of the moro intelli
gent type, and are seeking political
opportunity for themselves and bet
ter educational facilities for their
chlldrcn. Their presence will have
an appreciable effect upon the cleo
ton. A national Negro weekly, the
chicago Defender. and The Crisis, n
monthly, both have for n long time
conducted editorial campaigns en-
couraging this class OF sclf-capitaliz
cd migrant.
or course many Of these are arriv-
ing at their Northern destinations too
late to qualify for participation in
this years election. They will, how
ever, prove an asset to the party in
that they will Influence tho more
derelict OF the earlier arrivals, who
but for such pressure might neglect
their opportunities, Notwithstanding
the efforts OF practical politicians.
There is a nationwide dissatisfac-
ton among colored people with treat
mcnt accorded them by Mr.. Wilson's
Administration. This feeling amounts
to positive resentment with those
who experienced tho Discrimination
practised in centres OF government
service during tho war.
Tho National Association for the
Advancement Of Colored People has
through its local organizations col.
lected complete data upon this sub
ject. The information is tabulated In
tho general office and Is kept up to
date by constant revision. The Blu
reau Of Record and Research OF Tus
kegee complies a year book from
similar information. The latter OBJ
tains its knowledge from Southern
sources and the other more direct
" from Northern cities. These insti
tutions are so interested in Negro
AFFAIR as to give responsibility to
their views. Facts have been obtain
ed from both sources and supple
mentcd by observations in manner
mented by observations in number
of cities