The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1940-08-10


of the fine tribute paid the
Negro in an address in Sc
dalia, Mo-, June 10 by Harry
s. Truman, junior senator of
Missouri. Because of the ex-
cellence of the tribute the
following excerpts from the
address were published in
the July % issue of the Con-
gressional Record at the re-
quest of Lewis B. Scwellen-
bach. Senator from the State
of Washington:
History Is but one long record OF
the gigantic struggle labor has
waged for its true vindication and
right reward. But new wave OF
feeling. saturated with the spirit
of The Declaration OF Independence,
which looks upon the poor with
sympathetic eyes. is passing over
our country. A heightened concep-
iion OF the worth and dignity OF
human life Is taking Irresistible
hold upon all sections OF society.
Man Is no longer a breathing robot.
hut living spirit endowed with
the highest and hottest OF powers.
capable OF touching the heavens IN
inspiration and desire.
And when we speak OF man and
his labor. at least in this country
and. more particularly. in this 10
cality We must consider the prob
lem OF our Negro population and
bend our every effort that, at least
under the law. they may claim
their heritage OF our our Bill OF
Rights to life, liberty. and the
pursuit OF happiness Their social
life. viii. naturally. remain their
own, but as freemen they must
have their equality before law.
The relation OF colored and white
4 people in this community and this
state IS one that should be given
our interest and attention. We all
desire TO see proper and helpful
relations exist between all classes
( or people. Certainly there should
be no Injustice, no contemptuous or
+ unfair treatment allotted by any
+ class 70 any other class. Most Of
all. The stronger group should not
impose upon the weaker obnoxious
conditions or situations In all
matters OF progress and welfare. OF
economic opportunity and equal
rights before law. Negroes deserve
every aid and protection.
believe IN the brotherhood Of
man; not merely The brotherhood
OF white men hut the brotherhood
OF all men before law. I believe IN
the Constitution and the Declare
ton OF independence. In giving 10
the Negroes the rights that are
theirs, We are only acting in accord
with our ideals OF true democ-
racy. II any class or race can be
permanently set apart from. or
pushed down below. the rest in
political and civil rights, so may
any other class or race when II
shall incur the displeasure OF It's
more powerful associates. and we
may say farewell 10 the principles
on which We count our safety.
During the World War the need
OF men for an Army and for war
industries brought more and more
OF the Negroes from rural areas TO
me cities. In the years past, lynch
Ing and mob violence. lack OF
schools, and countless other equally
unfair conditions. FASTENED the
progress OF the Negro from the
country 10 the city. In these cen
ters the Negroes have never had
much choice I'm regard 10 work or
anything else BY aud large. they
work mainly az unsliled laborcrs
and domestic servants. They have
been forced 10 live in segregated
slums. neglected by the authorities.
Negroes have been preyed upon by
all types OF exploiters. from the
installment salesman OF clothing.
/, pianos. and furniture to the ven
doris OF vice. The majority OF our
Negro people find hut cold comfort
in shantles and tenements. Surely.
as freemen, they are entitled to
something better than this.
Fortunately, with somewhat bet
ter chances for education, the Ne