davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
THE GREAT LINCOLN

We pay tribute today to one of the tallesthgure
in our memory a man who lowered over his times
and changed the course of American history. The
long. qaunt Lincoln went his lonely way amid the
eers and bes of the opposition and built out of these
several states an ndivisible union The fact that 1t
took Civil War to accomplish his objective and the
CONSEQUENT emancipation of the Negro did in no
wise deter him or alter his resolve. He was great
man because he had great idea and the courage and
determination to follow it through There could be
no compromise. He saw what was to be done and he
did it.
of all the virtues ascribed to Lincoln, this quality
of firm resolution in the face of overwhelming oppo
stion is perhaps the least common among our heroes
To seize the truth and to hang on to 1t IN storm;
unswerved and often, perhaps unmlndtu OF the dan-
gers of his course calls for rare courage 10 have
honest convictions and to have the courage to 1--we
up to them is the crying need of our own time We
have statesmen without convictions without even
rational point of view and with no courage at all.
Leaders in our own racial group betray the same
weakness by almost every other act and in every word
We have leaders who are always the first to pay
tribute to Lincoln but the last to emulate his
virtues We refer to white leadership as well as
those of our own group The Republican party, which
considers itself the lawful heirs of the Lincoln ira
dition has been for the last few years classic ex-
ample of this mournful inadequacy. The rock upon
which all the ships break is that concept which we
call social justice" This concept Lincoln had, and
all of the true sons of democracy must have, regard
less of their RaSy utilization.
The great Lincoln pointed out highway for ma
tonal progress whereby this goal of social justice
and true democracy might be reached and those who
followed him made every conceivable detour Today
his name is still used in vain. The status of the
Negro in American life is testimony enough that
our statesmen have concept of social justice, they
have no convictions in this regard and very possibly
courage to do anything about it if they did When
we reflect upon the pussyfooting leadership of our
own time is there little wonder that we cherish the
memory of that great American, Abraham Lincoln?
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
Church OF Cod

Two new members were added to
the membership OF the Church Of
God last Sunday as Elder T. D.
McGhee spoke from the text found
in the third chapter Of Titus. sew
enth verse.
Baptismal ceremonies were held
last Sunday afternoon at the Peo-
Piles Baptist church. Twenty were
immersed. Night services found
tie pastor again preaching and one
member joining the church.
Tuesday evening, Feb. IA. the
Willing Workers will render a spe-
cial program at the church to which
all are invited Mrs. Ida Keen
is chairman OF the program commit
tee; Mrs. Elizabeth Fort, president
of the club
The church is located at the cor
ner of Jos. Campau and Gratiot
avenues, Mrs. jamie Hair, scribe.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

against those who opposed strikes
and advocated arbitration; those
who believed in a militant labor
front as against those who believed
that labor unions should be only
societies for cultural development;
those who believed in open warfare
as against those who believed in
organizing as secret orders with
mutual aid benefits; those who be-
ifeved in labor forming political
carty as against those who were
opposed TO the formation OF political
parties, and some even for labor
&c take part in politics in any man.
ner whatsoever.
We further have discussed how
cut OF this amalgam of opinion
among labor. the National Labor
Union was born and developed, and
row out of the National Labor
Union the Knights of Labor sprang
and also developed into a; big ard
healthy child OF the National Labor
Union and even survived the parent
organization.
But the Knights OF Labor in prin-
ciple did not believe in the craft
onion; therefore, there was dis
sension even within its own ranks.
IS many partizans of the craft union
we're also members of the Knights
Of Labor. and gradually began to
form a disgruntled and dissatisfied
faction within the order. Eventually
they formed the Amalgamated
Labor Union. as a split from the
Knights Of Labor.
On August 2, 1881. representatives
from the Amalgamated Labor
Union, the Knights of Industry, and
other trades unions who favored the
craft type of labor organization, met
in Terre Haute, Ind, apparently for
conferences with the purpose Of es-
tablishing an annual labor congress;
but, in reality, the purpose was to
form new labor organization with
the craft union as its basis OF organi-
zation. to supplant the knights OF
Labor. They took the position that
only the members OF certain craft
rad the right to determine its ac-
tons and policies for its own bene-
fits and protection.
After much wrangling and ar
guments pro and con the attempt
to form a new order completely
apart from the Knights of Labor
was defeated, because many of the
representatives. while they were
willing to form an annual confer
ence or congress to discuss and
iron out their difficulties and differ
ences, still they were not willing to
go so far as to split labor any fur
Their. They were willing to stick
only to the announced purposes Of
the call and no other.
But the moving spirits Of the new
movement were not to be defeated
so easily, and new call was sent
out by the conference, calling for
convention in Pittsburgh in No
vember of the same year. At this
last convention they organized the
Federation Of Organized Trades and
L5bor Unions OF the United States
and Canada. On December 8, 1886
this organization merged with other
labor unions changing its name to
the present name Of American Fed
! Grafton of Labor, deciding at a later
conference to ante-date the change
- name to the original date of 1888!
Thus was born the American Fed
GRAFTON Of Labor Of the present day
Throughout the years Of its opera
ton and existence up until the
recent organization and establish
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

Ever start out bright and early
in the morning with your hopes all
Fingered up, expecting to land
Lice, juicy application for a good
starter-only to have the first num-
Der on your list drop a 200-pound
chunk of ice on your ardor?
OF course you have. That's one OF
Tie misfortunes Of the brave.
Some Of the big leagues with
highest batting averages walk up to
the bat with three men on bases, no
outs and eight innings to go. fully
expecting to line out a circuit
then fan the first one that comes
over the plate and have to stand for
the joshing jeers of 10000 rooters.
Do these professionals lay down
the bat and side off TO the bench
with their hopes all shattered when
that crash comes-do they get sore
at the pitcher and sling the bat at
his bean just because he put one
over. on them?
No. They close their ears to the
bowling masses, quickly forget the
foozle, step right up to the plate
with renewed determination and
he bright and hopeful thought that
lit only takes one to hit it,"
Otherwise they would have re-
r1ained in the class of bush
leaguers and semi-pros.
The chilly mitt in the early dawn
# a business day cannot possibly
change the selling value of your
proposition-nor can 1t change you
without your own consent
Can you afford to carry a load
Of ice around all day just because
the first fellow you see hands out
the package as a morning greeting?
Yielding to encouragement will
not use up any application blank.
When the day happens TO start of
with ore OF those cool receptions
Just hold a quick communion with
yourself and make up your mind
that the fellow who rules his own
spirit and refuses to take the count
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
The writer's thoughts do necessarily represent the views
and opinions Of this paper.

n.ent OF the Congress OF Industrial
Organizations tcIO), which we will
take up in our next instalment the
American Federation OF Labor has
had a practically monopolistie con-
troll of the labor market Of America,
specially the skilled and semi
skilled labor market, through the
control OF the shop and the control
OF apprenticeship. In this type Of
federation, since each national or
International union is sovereign
within its domain and controls the
course Of its craft or trade, the
closed shop" gave to the A. F. OF L
exclusive control OF employment
opportunities, and the control of
apprenticeship regulated the num-
Der OF individuals that should be
admitted yearly to learn a trade or
occupation. and in this manner the
labor market was easily manipu-
lated by the labor organizations in
accordance with the law Of supply
ard demand.
Another factor that made the
A. F. of L. strong throughout the
years the shreWd course it
took with reference to politics. II
took a middle course On one hand.
Il has resisted consistently the strong
temptation to make a political party
cut of labor; and, on the other, it
hasn't abst7 med from politics alto
gether 1t Jartered and traded the
labor vote with the existing political
parties. to the profit and benefit Of
iabor, and has used political parties
as "cats paws" to pull its "chestnuts
cut Of the fire. This course has
been due largely to the genial brains.
shrewd wits, and strong character
Of the late Samuel Gompers. its
n ost well known leader.
X X X VI
NEGRO HISTORY CLASSES. I'M
der the auspices Of the Negro Ma
tionalist Society. are being con-
Quoted personally by Atty. Ramon
A. Martinez, every Monday night at
s o'clock. at the Y.M.C.A. on Eliz-
abeth near st. Antoine. No admis-
sion charge. The last period Of the
evening will be dedicated TO a round
table conference on current events,
including the present European war,
and how It may affect the Negro
world. Everybody is invited.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
Letters To The Editor

To the Edito.:
am a constant reader Of this
paper and all-etheF weeklies by
our people. | think we have very
intelligent staff OF workers. While
our papers are radiating intelli-
gence. when in the name of heaven
will our 80 called leaders learn
to attend to their affairs privately?
Recently | attended one Of the
noon day luncheons, which repre-
sent one of our leading organiza-
tons and to my surprise there was
the mayor and part. if not all of the
common council. Mr.. Editor would
you be surprised to know that these
diplomats" shot their biggest
guns" and thus exposed all of our
business. OF course we have none
now. Remember the old maxim
"everybody's business, is nobody's
business" Our leaders absolutely
lack visionary leadership. They
completely ignore the advice of
those they term as the common
herd" and they themselves tend to
exploit the rest of US knowingly or
unknowingly as dc the other race.
If they knew the meaning Of civil
liberties and justice toward their
own people they would think more
along constructive lines and leave
the other race out Of our business
meetings.
When the other race meets to
formulate plans and make laws, are
we invited to come in and take
part? No. a thousand times no.
How many blacks are there? Not
one is there and they are not want
ed. Our leaders are so advanced
in false intelligence that the ma
jority of them think white. Such
thinking is detrimental to them.
The consequences are that the fol-
lowers suffer because those leaders
are confused and the little fellow is
criticized for his right to express his
opinion. hope for the day to come
when l can attend a gathering of
our people and we as nation will
be able to make and listen to
speeches without having to refer
to our people as race or creed but
only as Americans.
Dear brothers, when we invite the
other group to our meetings which
was the case l have reference to, 1t
proves we are still unable to handle
our own affairs intelligently and
shows us up as ignorant, whether
we appreciate this fact or not it is
true. truth may be crushed to the
earth but it will rise again" | Won
der how many of US read the elo-
uuent speech Of our Congressman
Arthur W. Mitchell? He spoke on
the passing of the anti-lynching
bill.
Business people, are we too in
telligent to face facts Wake up!'
Isn't 76 years long enough to wear
green glasses and be fed straw? If
YOU want your European brother
to visit your meetings have him at
tend your meetings as you attend
his, only socially and he does not
want you then When he is per-
mitted to attend your meetings you
are setting yourself back FIVE years
more and giving him 4 stick to
crack your head with. Think this
over and stop having such lunch
cons. Leaders do more concrete
thinking. You will better your con-
ditions and as a result qualify to the
extent that you will be sought after
and not worked against.
A Subscriber
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
w E, THE NEGRO
BY VIM. L. SHERRILL
President Afro-Amercan Institute and Federated
Firesde Croups

charitableness. When you seek to
grab from another that which is
his, you have diverted the course
of world harmony into confusion
and discord, and that persisted in
logically and scientifically results
in strife and wars.
X X X
It is difficult for us to understand
the reasoning Of certain group OF
our leaders who build up success
full practice or business from the
Negro residents Of one section OF the
city and then use the wealth extract
ed from their own people to pur-
chase expensive homes among
white neighbors, anywhere to be
away from the centers of Negro
population.
So long as determinations are
abroad in our country. so long as
human injustice abounds in our
land. so long as sentiment is so
weak in favor Of universal broth
erhood and the barbaric deeds we
note against the weaker. group,
America will fail to rise to the
heights which for her are easily at
tainable.
The biggest job that leaders OF
Negro people have is to make Ne
groes think well OF themselves and
the African blood which flows in
their veins. We need nothing so
badly as we need pride and race
confidence. We need men in posi-
tons where they can be an inspira-
ton to those OF US and our chill
dren who lack confidence. There
are Negroes silly enough to believe
that Negroes have never been and
done certain things for which they
are given credit; that Negroes can.
not fill certain positions or achieve
certain goals. These errors Of the
Negro mind must be destroyed.
X Il 4
II you must be condemned. le
others do it. You be your own bes
friend, and booster Refuse to ad
nit yourself defeated until there Il
not even the remotest ray Of hop,
for success. Stand by yourself
Bolster your own courage. Bit,
down on your lip and tighten you
belt-then go after it again believ
ing in yourself. As long as you
breathe-hope.
X 4 X
Freedom has brought 10 us reSpon
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

show the strug-
gle OF opinions
between the va
rious factions
within the labor
ranks: T h Sc
who believed in
craft unions as
against tn ose
who were op-
posed TO crafts
as the basis OF
1rga n ia ton:
those who be-
lieved in strikes
as a weapon in
labor disputes as
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
Observing -.
POLITICS and
POLITICIANS
By VIM. L. SHERRILL
Associate Editor
JOHN L. LEWIS
HITLER
LARGEST EMPLOYER
POLITICAL CHISELERS

II you recall. two weeks ago we
expressed doubt OF John L. Lewis
ability to deliver the CLIO. vote to
any other candidate il Mr., Roosevelt
decides on third term. And in spite
Of Mr.. Lewis explosions we are still
in doubt. The only thing which
stopped the convention OF United
Minte Workers from adopting a
third-term resolution was John L.
Lewis open attack on the New Deal.
the President and the third term.
This is easily understood when one
studies the resolution adopted. 1t can
be clearly seen as a compromise
between Lewis and his followers.
Mr.. Lewis succeeded in having the
question of political action in the
coming presidential campaign re-
ferred to the executive committee
but not until he had been forced
to accept the proviso that the COM
mittee's action should be "predi-
Gated on the basis Of the Democratic
party being united on liberal candi-
dates. on liberal principles. on lib
eral platform for the consummation
of the New Deal legislative pro-
gram" Hence this was an indirect
endorsement of the New Deal pro-
gram. It shows that the clio. wilt
not be easily rallied TO the support
Of democratic conservatives.
Forty-seven third-term resolutions
which were to be presented by the
representatives of-union locals
went into the waste basket when
the compromise resolution was
adopted. But not until these repre-
sentatives had taken the floor and
informed the convention that their
locals were not in accord with Mr..
Lewis blast against ,>4- President
and the New Deal. Wnen we view
this backstage drama, we become
doubtful OF John L. Lewis ability
to deliver the CLIO. vote to any
other candidate if F,D.R. chooses
to run.
Folding his manuscript into the
shape Of a Bible and holding his
hand in a prayer-like attitude Hitler
gave an imitation of Chamberlain.
the British premier, in his speech
last Tuesday before $4,000 cheering
Nazis. The crowd roared with
laughter as he called the British
premier a "psalm-singing. Bible
carrying hypocrite,"
X X X
We read in the United States news
that our Uncle Sam employs more
help than any single industry in the
country. The United States to be
exact has 932,654 employees on its
payroll. Add this to those employed
in the legislative and judicial
branches-the millions on relief,
farmers and contractors and we
readily see that government trend
is toward specialization and CEN
tralized government
X X X
It is just about the time that the
political chiselers and parasites be-
gin looking ahead and visualizing
the pickings before them. They can
see the shekels rolling in and fancy
themselves all aboard for the big
show. They visualize themselves as
leaders OF a mythical host and will
knock on the door of political as
pirants with their boosted leader
ship and actually shake some OF
them down. Such as these are the
weights which hold the Negro down
politically These are they which
should be scorned and repudiated
at every turn.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10


future hold in
store for a peo-
pie or a nation
where a great
part OF it is
perm lite d TO
subject millions
OF its people to
all types Of per-
secution and in
justices? As a
nation, we will
survive. II every
iota of southern
hiuotry and tho
mockery Of JUS
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

be secured from the ushers or at
the rectory at any time for those
who need them during lent,
Scriptures for the week: St. John
5;l4; St John 1890; Ash Wednesday.
Gen. 3;l9; St. Matthew 3.s; Rom.
1910; St. Peter 3:11.
Sunday will be communion Sum
day for the Holy Name Men and
Boys. Every man and boy is asked
to attend mass at $50 a. m. and go
to communion in a body The Boy
Scouts will march with the men
from the school bearing the banner.
After communion breakfast will be
served in the school hall. A pro-
gram will be rendered for the
Fathers and sens. Mrs. Carruthers
will sponsor the breakfast.
There will be Stations Of the
Cross every Sunday evening dur
ing Lent. All socials and dances
will be eliminated during Lent.
The barn dance sponsored by the
Ladies Auxiliary Friday night
proved to be a success.
NOTES
Mrs Mcdonald OF Pasadena ave-
nue. has improved and was able
to attend mass on Sunday. Daniel
Ford has recovered and is now seen
in his place in the choir. Mrs. Nc
Gill who was slightly injured a
week ago when she fell on the slip
perry pavement is improved.
YOUNG PEOPLES
DRAMATIC CLUB
The Young Peoples Dramatic and
Social club of st. Peter Claver held
the regular weekly meeting in the
school hall Sunday at IL noon, with
the president, Jean Williams, pre-
siding. This group will be appear
ing with DR. Owens in a series of
Catholic lectures throughout the
city soon. Come and hear them.
They will be represented at the
Birdhurst Community center, Fri
day night.
DINNER GUEST
Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Baker Of Mel
rose avenue had as their dinner
guests Sunday Mr.. and Mrs. David
MeGill and baby Irene. A pleasant
evening was spent after dinner.
THIS AND THAT
see that Cupid has cast another
dart and John Bruse has won the
heart of charming Susie Hall.
Did you notice that Evelyn 10
seph is now wearing that diamond
of Irwin Moore? Everyone is con-
tended to wait until Lent is past be-
fore that beautiful church wedding.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
NEGRO ECONOMICS"

Up TO now, in our brief review
n the history Of organized labor in
America, we have attempted to
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

iice, democracy and freedom is
wiped from the face OF the nation
Or we will perish as corrupted and
cancerous bodies do perish when
no remedy is found or used for its
ills.
When we observe how these good
white people" Of the south treat the
Negro we can but wonder sometime
what has the Negro does to the
white man OF the South. He GER
tainly has not robbed him OF la
Dor. cheated or exploited him. Meth
er has he lynched and burned him
at the stake-these are the evils
perpetrated against the Negro by
the white South. Then why hate the
Negro? Why refuse him equal
chances for education and economic
advancement Is it fear that the
Negro may really possess abilities
that will enable him to far out-strip
his white brother If granted faE
competition!
X X 4
The thing which makes one man
hate another without cause is ig-
norance. Intelligence or even Just
plain common sense. would make
one know that hate harms the hater
not the hated, and that every other
man has the same right to life, lib
erty and the pursuit of happiness.
When this right is denied because Of
superior brute force then it is quite
evident that education is greatly
needed.
4 4 X
After all, world troubles are the
outcome of greed. passion and I'M
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

Dear Sir:
Enclosed you will find a report
from a committee that interviewed
Senator William Bradley, Wednes-
day. Jan. 81.
For nearly four years the Negroes
OF the West side have been trying
TO see Senator William Bradley OF
he fifth senatorial district. A COM
mittee was appointed by Deputy
Sheriff Eugene Carey, president Of
the West Side Young Democratic
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

sibilities. When white folks owned
Negroes-they took care OF their
problems because these Negroes
represented a cash investment and
so much profit, Being free how
ever, our problems are our own.
They must now be taken care Of by
Negro men-themselves-if Negro
men are to continue owning them
selves.
X X y
Remember-the men in all ages
who have questioned, challenged,
denied or attacked the existing or
der OF things-and who have spoken
out against popular nations and
Current Truths" have supplied the
yeast which set the settled thought
Of the masses fermenting.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

because Of an unpleasant incident
will eventually prove invincible in
his purpose.
The biggest game that was ever
pulled off has a part Of its record a
lot Of fouls" fans" and "foozles."
There's always plenty Of stalling.
slipping and skidding to keep US in
the dumps but there is also enough
faith, hope and optimism to supply
The universe-it only depends on
the slant you get on life and bust
ness.
The point is, that your mental
attitude is in your own keeping.
and that attitude determines largely
the quality Of your success.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10

After all, world troubles are the
outcome Of greed, passion and un-
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-02-10
THIS AND THAT
What Is Life Insurance?

(Vice-President and Secretary Of the Western Union
Mutual Insurance Co..