The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1921-07-02
HOSPITAL FOR NEGROES
OPPOSED BY MONTGOM-
cry CITIZENS.

Montgomery, Ala. June 30.-Repre-
sentative citizens OF Montgomery in
meeting at the directors room of
the Chamber of Commerce emphati-
cally and unanimously rejected the
idea of having a hospital for DIS
abled Negro soldiers established at or
near Montgomery.
The meeting went on record as fav-
oring the establishment, If possible Of
a Government hospital for white men,
and was favorable to the idea of CIV
ing the government the use of the
Memorial Hospital for a time.
The matter of two proposed hos
pitals one for tubercular and one for
shellshocked soldiers. has been for
some time before the board of direc-
tors of the Chamber of Commerce.
Inc board was at first unaware that
the hospitals were intended for Ne
Broesi and made every effort to Sc
cure them through Congressman j.
r. Tyson.
Upon being informed recently by
Congressman Tyson to the effect that
ne had learned that the hospitals were
intended for Negroes, the board held
a special session, and called mass
meeting to decide the matter.
| Jack Thorington was first to speak
| against the idea. declaring that TT
is the worst thing which we could
have" maintained for Negroes both as
citizen of Montgomery and as presi-
dent of the county board of educa-
tion.
DR.. S. w. Welch, state health off
Ger, when called on for an expression
| from a health standpoint, opened UP
| by, stating that There are richer
things than silver and purer things
than gold" and that he was altogeth-
er opposed t. bringing demo allied
Negroes from France" to Montgomery
regardless of commercial advantages
DR.. Welch stated that Governmental
interference in Southern affairs" Is
something to which he is opposed,
and which would quite likely follow
establishment of the hospitals.
DR.. NJ. w. swartz, president of the
Woman's College, started that he was
against the proposed action both as
citizen and in his official capacity,
and that he would oppose any move
ment to make any southern city a
center for Negroes He declared that
| the Woman's College was moved from
Tueskegee largely because of the Af-
rican atmosphere. prevalent there. and
that he believes that the establish
ment of Negro hospital here would
be against the best interests o. the
Woman's College.
Dave Allen, chairman If the county
board of revenue stated that he Is
opposed to the plan.
A resolution introduced by Mr.. Thor
ington placing the meeting on records
as opposed to the Negro hospital es-
tablishment, carried unanimously.
The matter of securing a white
hospital establishment. carried unani-
mOusly.
The matter of securing a white
hospital, If possible and of leaning
the memorial Hospital to the Govern
ment advanced by General r. p.
Steiner who also was among those
to speak against the idea of Negro
institution. General Steiner's sugges-
ton was heartily supported by DR..
Welch and all others present, and DR..
Welch was authorized to take the
matter up with the U. S. Public Health
service and with representatives in
Congress.
Congressman Tyson was notified Of
the action of the meeting and of the
new plan originated concerning the
Memorial Hospital