The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-11-02
WORDS UNCoMPLIMENTARl
Father Coughlin Criticized for Frequent Use of Term,
 ''Darkies"
Waterbury Conn.
 Nov. l, leS6.

waterbury Conn.
 Nov. l. lsS6. Editor of The Democrat:
 wish to raise by voice In pro. test over the speech Father Cough lin made the same night that Gov ernor Landon spoke in Philadelphia.
 Negro editors and leaders have been asking for Father Coughlin to make public his attitude on the negro, in his social justice plan, but he has always evaded this issue, un- til this speech In question.
 Now I have no quarrel with the Father, for I admire q man who has the courage of his convictions. I have gotten some satisfaction from his "Union" at various intervals and enjoyed reading them, not because agreed with the movement, as 1t was to observe how Q man does when he does the unusual. I have listened to many of his talks and believe he is in earnest, insofar as his real intentions are, which his program does not reveal but which students of affairs readily appraise. This is aS 1t should be. I tell my friends that politics cannot interest me until . decided stand is taken on the race question. I tell Father Coughlin his movement could never impress the negro be- cause it does not Include him, only in . general way.
 Father Coughlin says: "I am ask ed just where do I stand on the negro question" (speaking particu- lariy of the south. He said there wasn't anything to expect that: "A iaborer is worthy of his hire" not SO much said In words but c lot In thought, and I began to exult in his sympathieS for my people, feeling that some of our "Big Folks, had misjudged him. But he kicked tho bucket over when he began to dissect the bibli- col phrase he had recently uttered. and from then on every time he alluded to my people he called them "Darkies" (with emphasis) stop. ped counting the number of times ho said 1t, for l became quite cha. grined. Surely the Father, . man of affairs, must know the petitions of protest to various radio stations, the negroes have made, for the insult. ing remarks as well aS songs which help keep in the minds of white, people, (who do not stop and think, ike the aboiitionisD that all neg roes are iiliterates and for the most part, worthy of no concern.
 Amos m Andy have profited by this protest and arc now giving you programs whatever the negro is willing to listen to. {.
 But lot me make short this tirade on tho honorable Father Coughiin by saying that for . man of his cd. ucation, and one must be to be Q Priest, as I consider them the acme of the clerics, he does not show much intelligence. For one good word from . big man can help the cause of thousands, while one bad one can retard the progress of Q million.
 To my mind Father Coughlin ex- ceeds his rights, not as Q citizen, but as a Priest when he indulges in politics while wearing the cloth. It is too much for me to know why the heads of the church have not silenced him long ago, or allowed him ample opportunity to go about his cause, without benefit of cler- gy."
 I have a great reverence for the Catholic church, for years ago when l was fired with ambition, 1t was Q rich Catholic family who wanted to educate me, but prevail ing circumstances overruled the op- portunity, which was never to come again. I say this by way of inci- dence that no reflection on the church Is intended. I am aiming di- rectly at Father Coughlin, for his uncalled for reflection upon my people. I hope he will at his earliest convenience; revamp the word "Dark!es" to "Negro" or "Colored" or "Afro-American". In concluding may I use this couplet written by . philosopher of other days:
 For forms of Government. let fools contest what's best adminis- tered, Is best.
 CLINTON HAZEL.