davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
tOLOhED JUDGE
Masons Will Meet
In Philadelphia

Philadelphia The Fifty-seyenth
annual Session OF the United Su-
preme Council. Ancient and Ac-
cepted Scottish Rite Masons prince
nan Affiliation) will meet in their
'athedral in this City May 9 ana
10 Thirty third degree Nasons
from most OF the northern states
VIII be In attendance.
Problems concerning the Scottish
kfe bodies will be discussed and
legislation for the various bodies
VIII be considered. This meeting is
me tenth university OF the dedi-
cation Of their Cathedral.
On he evening OF MAY .. a
smoker will be given and The mem
bers Of the class elevated 10 the
thiriy third degree at the time of
he dedication of the Cathedral
VIII BE- guests Of honor This class
IS known as the David Leary
Class being named after the first
Negro Scottish Rite Mason in
America.
This being the triennial session
The election OF officers for a three
year period will be held at this
session.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

Carolina. were admitted to the bar.
This was the first instance in the
history OF the United States. or
any other country, where colored
men received law education in a
university solely from instruc-
tions from one OF their race.
Judge Straker left South Car
Dina in 1887, finding II impos-
sible to practice his profession
with profit and advantage. coming
TO Detroit where he rose TO dis
tinction as a lawyer.
AT the time Judge Straker was
a candidate for the Circuit Court
Commissioner. he was endorsed by
every prominent lawyer in the
city, including men like Henry NJ.
Duffield and Judge George S. Hos
mer
In the years after he had left
the bench he successfully prac-
ticed his profession. engaging in
some OF the outstanding cases OF
that time. He also was forever on
the alert to Illustrate any attempt
on the parts OF whites to curtail
any OF the civil rights OF the col
ored residents Of the town, or the
state.
Because of his peculiar accent.
he was dubbed THE Black Irish
man" by his intimate friends.
Following brilliant career as
practicing attorney and Circuit
Court Commissioner, Judge Strak-
er died In 1908.
Joseph A. Craigen, deputy labor
commissioner, has a position SINH
lar to the one occupied by Judge
Straker. The only difference is
that Straker was elected. and
Craigen was appointed by the gov
ernor.
"A coIoRKD JUDGE
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
NOTED SOCIAL
WORKER WILL
DECLAIM HERE
Miss Thyra Edwards
Will Be Speaker
For Scyades


The Scyades. group of six
study clubs. will presen; Miss
Thyra J Edwards social worker
trade union organizer. lecturer
and traveller as he principal
speaker al their annual banquet
which will be held AT Franklin
Community settlement. Thursda,
evening. May II The banquet Is
scheduled 10 start al eight O'Clock
Miss Edwards has only recently
returned from a trip to Spain
where she studied the conditions
IN that country which has been
split asunder by civil strife.
However. that was not Miss Ed
wards first trip to Europe. She
has been conducting seminars 10
Europe. making Investigations in
such current movements as low
cost housing. co-operatives. social
legislation, and the problems OF
national minorities. o onia
peoples and various races in re-
lation TO their respective govern
ments.
She has also lectured in the
schools and civic organizations in
Europe In this country She has
conducted seminars al Kentucky
State. and Industrial College,
Prairie View College. Tuskegee'
institute. Alabama State Teachers
College; and has lectured al Fysk
University. Antioch College. VIII
Derforce University. for the Ameri-
can League Against War and Fas-
cism' The Women's Economic Conn
cii OF the Brotherhood OF Sleeping
ar Porters. The League OF Women
oters, the Women's International
League for Peace and Freedom
and many others.
She has been teacher and So
cal worker in Houston. Texas a
teacher In the Gary public school
system an agent OF the Board OF
Childrens Guardians and director
OF me Lake County Children's
Rome. both of Gary. Ind. More re-
Gently she has been assistant sun
ervlsor on a housing project OF
the Federal Public Works Admin
istration, and subsequently, as
sistan' supervisor OF one OF the
district offices Of the Cook County
bureau OF Public Welfare Al
present she is member OF The
women Today. and In 1886 was
foreign correspondent for that
magazine She is the national
chairman Of the Committee on
Women's Work of the National
Negro Congress
Miss Edwards spoke here three
years ago as guest speaker for
me Elliotorian Business Women's
Club
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

+ sent an Investigator to the
scene who reported 10 the board OF
directors and whose findings were
published in The Crisis for
November. 1917 The y. s. A. c. p
also employed local white at
torney 70 defend the men on
December H. 1917. thirteen men,
bers 81 the oath Infantry were
summarily executed. Later sixteen
Others We're condemned TO die.
Thsreupon The association gamer
ed 1000 signatures to petition
which was presented 10 President
Wilson on February ~, 1918. pro-
testing against further executions
without review by the President
Following the presentation Of this
petition. on September 8. President
wilson after review committed
ten death sentences. and affirmed
six. the six men being subsequent
~ executed In 1921. the Associa-
tion gathered 10000 signatures TO
"A petition which was presented
20 President Harding. asking for
pardon for the colored soldiers
still in prison. As consequence,
several life sentences were reduc-
I'd 20 terms OF fifteen years, making
i've Of the men eligible for release.
Sow. twenty one years after the
Riu' the last soldier has been re-
leased
II GOLORED JUDGE
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

The conference has f0urfold
program, to consider the mutual
problem of youth throughout the
state; 10 strengthen the cooperate
efforts toward success OF the ac-
tiyities OF the association; to train
youth for democracy; and TO
build a stronger state program OF
action.
J. T. Caswell. assistant PROBES
sor OF history and political
science at Michigan State College,
will deliver an address on youth
In Democracy" at the afternoon
session. Saturday. Group discus
sions on Juvenile delinquency and
crime. the threatening war, the
discrimination OF Negroes in the
army. unemployment and indus
trial relations, religious intolerance
and race prejudice. reduced aid TO
students in college, and the ballot,
will be led by Attorney LeBron
Simmons. Edward Swan. Miss
Louise Blackman. Miss Pearl Wal
ker. John Simmons, and Gloster
Current
Attorney Simmons will speak on
Negro Youth And Their Prob
lens over station WIN Satur-
day evenings
Albert Thompson will be the
principal speaker at the youth
and senior banquet Saturday even
ing. He will talk on "Echos From
The Youth Conferences" The mass
meeting will be held Sunday after
noon.
AlS sessions will be held at the
George r. Collins AME Church,
, 1917 North Pine street. and the
Central Temple Community House.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
TRADE GROUPS
WILL SPONSOR
FIFTH EXHIBIT
Available Space F.,
100 Booths Will
Be Prepared

Fred A. Allen. proprietor !, >.
preme Linen Supply and I.au,S Sa'
and chairman of the Booster, c,'
OF the Booker T. Washington T,s 's0
Association. announces Ina, ~. ~uv
nuai exhibit OF the Trade assoa ~'''
ton will be held al roras, c,
al Forest and Hastings street Inn" N.Y.
6 to ~. ''' June
This will be the fifth exhu,,
the kind sponsored bv ~ =.
Trade Association. and All 80 sa'
chants and business people 90 !.
race In Greater Detroit are n. -,
TO cooperate and arrange 10 >
cure booths. ST.
Members OF the Boosters Chm :,
clude Fred A. Allen, charms. ~
William Porter. secretary NJ u
ry Pope, A. N Lake. and r "
Penn. "u w.
The Exhibit Committee for ia.
-. ~ Ahtoine Y. VI. C.
ias' Thursday night. at which ,,n :"
'he Following committee was a~
pointed w. C. woodson chs ~
man OF publicity: Walter J. F,e,a.
chairman Of Evening Program.
mrs' vivian Nash. Chairman =,
beauticians Group. Chairmen ,or
the Prize Committee, House co W.
mittee. and Afternoon Prosram
committee will be named later
Exhibit space will be availa,,.
ior more than 100 busInas.
concerns. Mr.. Porter is in charge
or selling this space.
Other members OF the Exhlhi,
Committee who are working on.
Enthusiastically are: Mrs. prizes,
Sheldon Wright, L. c. Blount IL
Theus, Edward Baker. Mrs MaIloy
Miss Crockett. b. r. Talbot. The
committee will meet Every Thurs
day night at the Y. M C. A.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
YOUTH GROUPS.
HAS FOURFOLD
.CONFAB PLANS
Delegates Convene
For Two Days In
State Capital

Indications that the ninth quar-
terly conference of the Michigan
National Association for the Adj
vancement Of colored People will
attract large delegation OF
youths was evidenced in the heavy
demand for reservations from
youth councils throughout the
state. The conference will convene
in Lansing Saturday and continue
through Sunday.
According 10 Gloster b. Current,
state president Of the Youth Coun-
ell. large delegations from De-
troit. Grand Rapids. Port Huron,
Muskegon. Kalamazoo. Flint. and
Pontiac will attend the confer
onCe
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
Demand Hearing On Bills To
Lessen Army Discrimination

III. X. 1864: names the units of
the Regular Army and states: "No-
thing in this Act shall be constru-
ed as discriminating against the
appointment of Negroes as officers
or enlisted men in the various es-
adjustments as outlined"
II. r. l0165: covers the appoint
ment OF cadets to the United States
Military Academy, 1.-TWO of whom
each year shall be Of the Negro
race until there shall be an aggre-
gate of eight such appointments Of
Negro cadets"
II. r. 1876: specifics the orga-
nization OF the Army In time OF
peace and provides that one divi-
sion shall consist OF enlisted Ne
gro men"
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
PRESS GROUP
DINNER GUESTS
Sumeracki Employees
Entertains Club

Members Of the Fortune Press
Club were the dinner guests Of
the colored employees OF Jacob
Sumeracki. Wayne County Urea
surer. Friday afternoon at Brown
Bomber Chicken Shack.
Mr. Sumeracki explained the
policy OF this office. Russ ]. Cow
ans, president OF the Fortune
Press Club. responded. Senator
Charles G. Diggs. also spoke.
Among those present were: Pet
err Casey, Emanuel A. Paperno,
Leroy G. White. Marlowe Craw-
ford. Robert H. Crump. John l..
Cowling, Miss Johnnie Mae Nc
Conico. Miss Julia Hunton. Mrs.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
Oddfellows Will
Observe Annual
Services May 8

The Oddfellows and House
hold Of Ruth OF Hamtramck
viii turn out for their annual
THANKSGIVING Day service.
sunday May s. at 3 p. m. at
Allen Temple 4 VI F. Church.
Marston and Cameron streets
Rex Matter Crider viii deliver
ne message Music will be
rendered By the Mems Chorus
~ Alien Temple
The public is cordially in
yited 10 attend his service
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30
WINS FREEDOM
AFTER BATTLE
OF Fl YEAR s.
Thirteen Executed
After Race Riot
In Houston

Kansas City. No SfeWAr, W
Phillips, the last of the Houston
Martyrs the colored soldiers who
were imprisoned because 81 their
resentment against the treatment
accorded them by Houston Texas,
citizens during the war was freed
from Leavenworth p-ni,en,iary
April 10.
Phillips. everjoyed AZ his release.
sent ths following telegram 10
Walter White y A 4 G. p sec
rotary. in New York City
Just freed this morning Am
everjoyed and my appreciation
knowns no bounds VIII write later
Thanks a million
Pledge Redeemed
IL is a coincidence that Phillips
should be sending his good news
from Kansas City FOR the cam
paign TO release these men was the
high point OF the annual confer
ence OF the y A A. G. P hel
here In 1923 A feature Of the con
ference was pilgrimage ~ ali the
delegates 10 Leavenworth prison.
near here, 10 visit the men and
pledge them support until every
one was out from behind the bars.
This week that pledge was re-
deemed.
The ~ A. A. G thus ends rs
long continued and steady cam
paign for the pardon or parole OF
the men whom all colored people
regard as martyrs but whom the
law branded as rioters The assoc
citation never ceased activity with
each new president and secretary
OF war. Philips would have been
paroled years ago except that he
escaped and vas free but hunt
ID man for five wears He finally
gave himself up and returned TO
prison so ne could win a parole
and enjoy his freedom in peace
His escape counted against his re-
cord and therefore he was the las,
70 be released
Riot In 1911
The Houston riot resulted IN
1917 wher the cath Infantry wer-|
franssorred from California 70
Pouston during the World War
The Texas. and particularly the
houston police force. resented the
presence of Negro soldiers Insults
and persecution were heaped npon
the men whenever they came toll
town from camp and The police
force disregarded the military p0-
lice and arrested and beat up sol
diers on the slightest proyocation
FINELY. the anger OF the army
men reached the boiling point and
some OF them went 20 Houston un-
der arms and a miniature pitched
battle ensued
There are SUI many disputes
today over what took place and
who was TO blame The record
and newspaper accounts indicate
that many OF he white officers
over the colored soldiers ,ympa-I
thized deeply with hem And asa
everything pos~in'" within he
army code 20 help them Bu' the
higher command was he.'.le
In 1917, immediately following
the Houston rlnf The N a. a. @.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

D. Augustus Straker Was Elected
Court Commissioner Back In 1888
BY Russ J. Cowans


Nlniles. before the citizens OF the
hen somnolent city had given q
thought to automobile production
ON large scale, colored man
was elevated 20 The position OF
Circuit Court Commissioner by the
electorate Of WAYNE County. His
name wa- D. Augustus Straker-
and he served from 1898 TO 1896
Straker who Was candidate
on the Republican ticket led the
TWO successful candidates with a
total Of 26.ss9 voJcs And this was
back IN the days when the colored
population was less than two thou
sand
Brilliant Lawyer
Bul Judge Straker had estab-
lished himself in Detroit as one
Of the most brilliant lawyers in the
miidlewest His keen legal mind.
supported by a fine academic
background, had enabled him to
win the respect and confidence OF
lawyers throughout The country.
As striking illustration OF the
respect with which he was held.
IL might be pointed out that he
received testimonials from ex-
Governor Richardson and ex-Sena-
tor Wade Hampton. of North Caro-
lima. where he had formerly lived.
both testifying to his qualifica-
lions.
In 1890 Judge Straker. as coun-
sci for William A. Ferguson, had
won one Of the greatest legal bat
ties in the history of Detroit IL
was the celebrated case against
Edward G. Giles. white saloon and
restaurant owner who had refused
10 serve Ferguson and friend on
the evening OF August Is. 1889
The lower court ruled against
Straker. but the case was carried
TO the Supreme Court and the YER
diet OF the lower court reversed;
established the right OF Negroes
10 enjoy all Civil rights in all pub
lie places The case is used by
lawyers today as precedent in
all civil rights actions.
Born In Barbados
Judge Straker was born In the
Island Of Barbados in 1912 His
father died when he was quite
young. bur he was able 10 com
plete the course at Central High
School in the island. He subse-
quently studied Latin French.
science and philosophy under pri-
vate tutors.
In iis67. while preparing TO en-
ter one Of the, Inns in England. he
accepted an invitation to come 10
America and help in the educa-
ton OF the thousands OF former
slaves. He settled in Louisville. Ky.
He later entered Howard Uni
versity. completing the course in
1871.
In 1881 he was appointed special
inspector of customs and as as
sistant to General r. d. Elliott.
the special agent of the United
States Treasury under Sherman.
in South Carolina. The death of
Garfield terminated this
office, and he returned to the prac-
tice OF his profession.
First Dean OF Law
A short time later he accepted
the Chair of Common Law Profess
sor and Dean OF Law School at AL
len University. Three classes. com
prising nine young men after hav-
ing been examined in the presence
OF the Supreme Court of South
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

= coLoRrD JrDcE-
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1938-04-30

Florence NJ. Gregg. Miss Gloria
Northcross. Robert Bradley. Fer
ris Cole. Miss Maude Adams. Rol.
10 5. Vest. Ulysses w. Boykin. Os-
car Green. Mckinley Carey. Mrs.
Geneva Casey. Miss Louise Single
ton. Langford p. James. and Ed
ward A Baker.
Evening star., 1938-07-18
DIR. POND ARRIVES
FOR OBJECTIVE
DC. TAX SURVEY
New York Economist Here to
Take Charge of Joint
Committees Study.
DISTRICT BUILDING
PARLEY OPENS WORK
No Comment Made on Whether
Probe Will Cover D. Gu. S.
Fiscal Relations.

Dr. Chester Pond, New York econo-
mist, announced today he wants to
make completely objective ap-
proach" to the study Of Washingtons
tax structure, as he arrived at the
Capitol to take charge of the survey
for the Joint Committee on Internal
Revenue Taxation.
Colin F. STAN, the joint commit
tees national tax expert, under whose
supervision the local investigation will
be conducted, added that Dr. Pond
will study the District revenue situa-
tion de novo."
Il have at the moment no comment
to make except that am trying to ap-
proach the problem as effectively as
possible" said DR.. Pond, who is as
sistant director Of the Bureau Of Re-
search and Statistics of the New York
State Department Of Taxation and
Finance. Il want to spend some time
studying the present system and how
it operates After that I will be in
a better position to take up what
should be considered for the future"
Mum on d. Gu. S. Relations.
In response to questions regarding
his work for the Jacobs Fiscal Rela-
tions Committee in 1886. DR.. Pond
explained that he was on the techni-
cal staff in fact-flnding capacity.
He was not member of the commits
tee. The conclusions and recon-
mendations in the Jacobs report were
discarded by the congressional COM
mittees in drafting the subsequent
District appropriation bill.
Dr. Pond refrained from any ex-
preston Of opinion as to whether the
study would include fiscal relations
between the Federal and District gov.
ernments or be confined to the scope
Of local forms of taxation, pointing
out that he has not yet conferred
with local officials or the Citizens
Advisory Committee appointed by the
Commissioners.
Farley Launches Work.
The first step in launching the in.
quiry was a conference at the District
Building this afternoon, attended by
Chairman King of the Senate Dis
trict Committee. DR.. Fond, the local
Advisory Committee and District Of.
flcials.
DR.. Pond will make his headquarters
in the Senate District Committee
room in the Capitol. The tax study
was ordered by Congress when 1t
passed several months aeo anothsr
temporary $5.100000 District tax bill
to balance the city's budget for the
coming fiscal year. 1t was the sec
ond time in two years emergency
taxes had to be levied to meet the
Districts share of the cost of main
tanning the National Capital. with the
Federal share remaining UNCHANGED
at the s5ooo,ooo annual lump-sum
figure.
Evening star., 1938-07-18
COWBOY FIREMEN GIVE
ACT FOR YOUNGSTERS
Children at tuberculosis Camp
to See Wild West Show
Tonight.

Youngsters enjoying Bald Eagle
tuberculosis camp will be provided
their weekly treat from the Fire De-
partment tonight, when Cowboy Fire
man" Billy Gee of No. 10 Engine
Company and his troupe stage their
antics of the Wild West.
These programs, presented weekly
for the benefit of the children at the
camp, were begun this year under the
leadership of Capt r. E. Oden OF No.
Is Engine Company. They are to be
given every Monday from to pm.
through August 20.
I'VE just figured this would be a
good way to give the kiddies at the
camp little diversion and entertain
ment," Capt. Oden said this after
noon. I'VE plan to have several talks
on fire prevention and a number of
musical programs during the summer"
Cowboy Billy" will show the young
sters how the cowboys work and play
He will be accompanied by a group of
musicians who will play and sing
tunes Of the West.
Evening star., 1938-07-18
CULL|NANE HELD
BY GRAND Jury
Former c. u. Pitcher Is
Indicted for MansIaughter
in Stabbing.

A manslaughter indictment was re-
turned by the District grand jury to-
day against John ]. Cullinane, "a,
one-time Catholic University and
sandlot baseball star, charged with the
fatal stabbing, June 20, Of Angelo
Pappas, 20, former 118-pound District
A. A. U. boxing champion
Pappas, who lived at 1909 G street
NE. was stabbed in the chest with a
butcher knife at the Shamrock Grill,
80l Third street NV, and died q
short time later in Sibley Hospital.
Two Were Close Friends.
Testimony at the inquest in the
case showed the two were close friends,
had been drinking beer together prior
to an argument that eliminated in
Pappas' death.
Pappas is reported to have struck
Cullinane and been elected from the
restaurant by a friend. When he
forced his way back in. he was con-
fronted by Cullinane, who had armed
himself with knife from the kitchen.
The stabbing occurred during an en-
suing tussle.
Cullinane. who operates the grill
where the fight took place, lives at 800
Third street NV.
Other Indictments.
Thirty-eight other indictments we're
reported by the grand jury today. The
others indicted and the charges
against them included:
John A. Hooking, non-support;
Richard F. Mccoy, Joseph Lane,
Maurice NJ Hawkins. Paul L. john
son and Maurice Middleton. joy-rid-
ing; Charles R. Boone, HOUSEKEEPING
Ulysses B. Washington, HOUSEKEEPING
and larceny: James A. Westray
Charles Reynolds. Clarence Harrison,
George j. Calavetinos, James Nc
Gowan, William F. McCracken, Rachel
Harper and Alvin 1. Harpern, grand
larceny; Abe Madeoy and Richard A.
Jennings, assault with intent to COM
NIT robbery:
Samuel Prather. Columbus Mar
shall, Henry Neal, Theodore l. Davis
Thomas Marshall, Morris Kapplean,
Russell E. Young, Lawrence Mavro-
mats, Robert Davis. Asbury Williams
Mary Williams and Clarence Harri-
son. robbery; Albert Kirk and Robert
Kirk, rape; George K. Flynn. Lacey
L. Armstrong, Hade Threat, Clay
ton Threat, Cecil Fisher. Lawrence
L. Hawkins, William H. Day and Will
liam Frazier, assault with dangerous
weapon.
Jacob Voronof1, violation Liquor Tax
Act: Edward M. Donaldson. violation
National Motor Vehicle Theft Act;
Meyer johnson. Isaac Banks and Ed.
ward w. Crist. gaming: Burnett Camp
bell and Alice Dodson, forgery; Al
bert Goblin, larceny after trust
The grand jury refused to indict
Elizabeth B. Willis and Lottie Payne
charged with assault with a danger
GUS weapon. and Shellie Jones, charged
with forgery.
Evening star., 1938-07-18
25O Put Finishing g Touches
On Cars for Derby Saturday
Boys to Try Out Racers This afternoon
From, Noon to Pm. Along
New Hampshire Arenue.

With only five days to go. more than
$50 boys in the Greater Washington
area today sped finishing touches on
their coaster cars in preparation for
the Soap Box Derby sponsored by The
Star and the American Legion. The
derby will be run all day Saturday
over course on New Hampshire
avenue NE. between the B. g. O.
Railroad bridge and Eastern avenue
Under police supervision, scores Of
these boys were to try out their racers
this afternoon from noon until 4
pm. with automobile traffic rerouted
around the course during these hours.
Instructions Out Tomorrow.
Detailed instructions for Fridays
final inspection and Saturdays derby
will be mailed to the boys tomorrow,
Derby Director o. c. Holleran an
nounced
Mr.. Holleran said it was quite
possible that far more than $50 boys
will run in the race. approximately
400 boys in Washington and nearby
Maryland and Virginia have entered
the competition, and thus far We have
received 200 postal cards on which as
many boys have designated the day
they expect to finish building racers
This indicates at least $50 OF them will
be in the running"
The director outlined plans for the
derby yesterday in an early morning
broadcast over Station WMAL. On