The Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1931-1952, 1938-08-26
EDITORIAL

Two years ago Earl Maxwell State Senator from Rem
ton introduced mscegenaon bill in the upper state house
The bill withdrawn in committee and never voted upon
Since that time there been many conflicting stories
to how that bill killed. and also the part played in the
withdrawal by certain individuals and organizations In
mary be said that the concerted endeavos of ndd
uas and organizations demonstrating organized
against such nearious un-American legislation
contributing factors in its final demise.
Jack Sylvester incumbent legislator from the 37th dis
fct which incidentally has the largest Negro vote of any
district in the state credited in the Seattle Star with
making the statement Il merit in the bill Several days
later at meeting he questioned about the state
ment by Reverend John R. Harris and editor John o. Lewis
He then claimed that he had been msquoted but refused to
send statement to the Seattle Star retracng the at
rbuted to him. His he said he felt would hurt
him politically However, several days later at Olympia he
did try be of the committee that called relative
TO having the bill withdrawn.
After the failure of meeting held at the Baptist
church to coordinate feasible plan combat the BILL the
Union Chapter of the W. c. F. Youth Section which ninety
percent Negro youths took the initiative called meet
ing and organized to Olympia carrying
entfve representing sixteen organizations of
types, Unions Fraernal Orders Social Clubs Political
Clubs, etc. Herman Moore the chairman of the deega
ton and Alex Irwin in charge of transportation This dele
cation met in Olympia by the Senators and Representa-
ves of the 3h 35h 33rd and several other districts Rep
resentatves H. c. Armstrong Mike Smith, Paul Thomas,
A. Lou Chon and Jack Sylvester did what they could to
make the committee comfortable and to hearing
the BILL Senators Judson Shorett of the 3h and the late
James Murphy of the 33d district their assistance
The committee escorted to the Bridges and there
editor John O. Lewis chosen make keynote adj
dress.
Senator Ferryman of Spokane chairman Of the rules
committee, interrupted the speaker with the exclamation II
did not realize the Importance of holding the bill in commit
ee is courtesy to Senator to let his bill and let
1t be voted down; but sorry-ust wait minute
Senator Ferryman then called Lieutenant Governor Vic My
who had shown the committee every consideration and
after whispered consultation they departed from the
to return after ten minutes with the original of the bill
formally withdrawn The Lieutenant Governor placed the
original bill the table and said IT give you this bill
for the property of the State of Washington but make
this committee custodian of it until send for it, This was
the signal for cheers that shook the raters that
moment was the bill formally withdrawn, Notwithstanding
statements of individuals organizations the contrary
We again about to elect members the State Leg
sature Negroes let make that those we help
to send to Olympia besides meeting the requirements will
maintain policy of fairness towards the Negro When
candidates speak before you arise question them
directly their stand discriminatory legislation If YOU
hear them the air their ad the paper write them
letter to ascertain their position send the answer to
the Enterprise-we will publish it.