davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Denies Negro
Passengers Are
Into Car
Must Move To
Jim Grow Coach
At Dixie Line

NEW YORK CITY--(S N 81
Colored passengers leaving New
York for the South, especially on
the new streamline trains with
reserved coach seats, are not
forced to accept" seats in thu
coach which becomes a jim crow
car as soon as the train leaves
Washington, d. G
This was the assertion of c.. G.
Pennington, Passenger railroad
agent of the Pennsylvaia railroad
in reply to many inquiries ano
complaints made to him by the
NAACP.
Mr.. Pennington stated that
ticket agent at the Pennsylvania
station here (Which handles all
traffic out of New York for the
Southeastern states) were instruct
ed to explain to a colored pur-
chaser that if he did not buy
seat in Coach No. (on most of
the reserved-seat trains the Jim
crow coach is usually No u he
would have to change at Washing
ton.
"Once this is explained" Mr..
Pennington said, "the passenger
may or may not choose to buy a
seat In that coach. If he buys out
side that coach he must change at
Washington because beginning at
the Virginia line. the state segre~
cation laws go into effect -
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Barber Goes On Rampage
Takes Poison-KiIls Wife

MEMPHIS, Tenn.-(SNS)-
Too much Intoxicating liquor
and murderous jealousy combined
to cause husband, Robert Wood
son. barber, who worked in q shop
at the corner of Ellison and Park
way, to kill his estranged wife Mrs.
Ellen Woodson, 20, and terrorize
her family with a pistol last Thurs
day night at his wife's parents
home, 1640 Gill Street.
Woodson, a 3O-year old baroer,
mad been separated from his wife
about a week before the tragedy.
The couple had been married a lit
tie over a year.
According to witnesses, last We'd
nesday night he went to his wife's
fathers home, and persuaded her
10 accompany him to his residence.
He was unable to get her to
consent to come back to him. Mrs.
Woodson returned to her fathers
home. Woodson went with her.
The husband renewed his pleas fol
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Contend State
Primary Is
Closed Bodv
Case Has Been
dn Court Since
Last January

FORT WORTH, Tex (SNS) -
An early decision can be expected
in the Texas white primary" case
for which brief will be filed in
the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals,
November 13, the NAACP an
nounced this week. If favorable
decision is reached 1t will wipe out
one big obstacle in the way of full
reimbursement for Negro Ameri-
cans, the NAACP declared.
The case has been in court since
last January when Sidney Hasgett
of Houston. a qualified voter, filed
a complain ca charges that he
was denied the right to vote in the
primary election of Democratic par
ty August Is, 1910. Hasgett is suing
for $1,000 damages and Judgment
declaring that he had the right to
vote. Defendants are election
Judges Warner and Blackburn of
che 10th precinct.
The case was first heard in April
before the u. S. District Court,
Southern District of Texas, when
both parties agreed that the elec-
ton judges did deny Hasgett the
privilege of voting because of his
color. No decision was reached at
this time, but Judge T. M. Kennerly
asked for the briefs and transcripts
of the testimony to study before
making a decision.
The new action is an appeal based
on the decision which was returned
against Hasgett. <
Thurgood Marshall, special coun-
sci for the NAACP. and w. j. Dur
ham Of Sherman, Texas, are attor-
neys for Hasgett. They state that
the question involved is whether or
noU the Democratic primary in
Texas is state action within the
meaning Of the Fifteenth Amend
ment to the Constitution. Since the
Democratic party is in control in
the state, victory of a candidate in
its primary is tantamount to elec-
ton.
The defendants maintain that
the primary is private or closed"
institution and not state action,
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08

his wife to come back to him. She
refused.
Woodson is then said to have
mixed a potion of iodine and other
poisons He apparently lost con-
troll of himself completely after
drinking the poison. He left the
home of his mother-in-law.
Later he returned, and demand
ed to be allowed to enter Upon
receiving a refusal, he broke the
door down and forced an entrance.
The house was dark. Woodson call
ed for his wife, and receiving no
answer from her, went into his
mother in-law's bedroom and
placed a pistol barrel against her
side. She begged him not to kill
her. Her husband, Woodson's
father-in-law, attempted to remon-
strate with the enraged man, and
received for an answer a shot in
the hand.
Woodson is now In the prison
Tor his wife, Ellen. He located her
In bed next to her young brother.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Chu Berry Dies From
Auto Accident Injuries

CONNEAUT, O.-(ANP)-Leo,
"Chu" Berry. world famous teno,
saXophone star with Cab Calloway's
band in recent years, died Thurs
day in Brown Memorial hospital
from head injuries received Monday
when the car he was driving struck
a concrete bridge abutment near
here.
Generally recognized in hot jazz
circles as second only to Coleman
Hawkins on his instrument, he came
into prominence in the middle
1905 with the rise in popularity
OF swing. A college graduate from
West Virginia, he was given the
designation of "Chu" from his way
OF working the saXophone mouth
piece between his lips on a hot cho-
rus, much in the manner of a per-
son chewing.
When the song, christopher
Columbus" swept the nation back
IN 1886 as the current swing craze
started, Berry helped put it over as
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08

member of Fletcher Henderson's
band when broadcasting nightly
rom the old Grand Terrace in Chi
cago. His phenomenal playing over
national radio hookup with Hen
derson brought huge additions to
an audience that previously had
consisted mainly of longtime fol-
lowers of hot jazz.
Berry later joined Cabs band
when the hi-de-ho king few years
ago made a serious effort to i'm
prove his organization and since
then was one of Call0way's favor
ite soloists, his work going over big
with the jitterbugs. He maze many
phonograph records with the Gallo
way band as well as with many all
star units of Negro and white mu-
sicianS.
He is the second outstanding COL
ored musician to die in recent
months. Ferdinand "Ielly Roll"
Morton, famed pianist aid COM
poser, passed away in Los Angeles
several weeks ago.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Twelve Burned
ToDeafh In
Montc|air Fire
Seven Others
Injured When
Oil Stove Bursts

MONTCLAIR, N. j. - (SNSD 49,
Twelve members of a colored fam
lily were burned to death and at
least sever others injured Tuesday
night when an oil stove set fire
to a two-and-a-half story frame
building.
Fire Chief John Graham said a
lighted stove being carried down
a flight Of stairs by Rudolph Dur
ham fell and exploded The
flames blocked doorways, leaving
only windows as exits.
Ten of the victims were children
Assistant County Medical Examiner
George w. Olcott, Jr., said his ex-
animation showed that several
were engulfed by flames while
asleep in beds on the upper floors.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08

She begged him not to kill her
He placed the pistol against the
young brother and threatened to
kill him. His wife'G pleadings stop
ped him. He then grasped her by
the hand and led her from the
house with him.
When he reached the street. he
placed the pistol near her face and
shot her between the eyes. She
cied instantly.
Woodso mis- new in the prison
ward CT John CASTOR Hospital,
suffering from the effects of the
Self-administered poison He will
be charged with murder following
his recovery.
His father-in-law fEr. Oliver,
was also held in jail as a material
witness.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs.
WoodSon had not been completed
late Sunday evening.
1t was not disclosed why the
Woodsons separated.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
BY EMORY 0. JACKSON

CLANTON, Ala.-(SNS)-Four OF
the II persons who died of burns
suffered four miles south of here
Sunday night when a loaded bus
burst into flames after crashing a
bridge have been positively identi-
fled as Negroes.
Their names were given as:
Julian Jones, Jr., 10, Dothan, Ala
bama; Mrs. Lille Stinson, Birming-
ham, Alabama; Walter w. John
son, Birmingham, Alabama, and
Amanda Truly, Birmingham, Ala
bama.
All bodies with the exception of
two, both believed white, have been
Identified
Three of the colored survivors es-
ti1nated that 10 or more Negroes
were on the bus at the time of the
accident, although only seven have
been accounted for.
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Terry, of Bir-
mingham, who suffered slight
burns, were released Wednesday
from a hospital. Robert Taylor, al
so Of Birmingham, is still confined
to bed
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Military Police Prospects
Interviewed AT Fort Braoo

FORT BRAGG, N.C.-(ANP)--
Several soldiers of units stationed
here were given interviews by two
captains of the military police de-
tachment. It was the general
opinion of the soldiers who were
interviewed that authorization of
full-time Negro military police had
materialized. Those who were in
terviewed were asked questions
concerning past experience, edu-
cation and physical conditions.
Several of those who were recon-
mended on their past experience
with civilian police forces refused
TO be listed until they were allow
ed to make arrest of white law
breakers who may be apprehended.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Negro Judge Is
Named In Calf.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.-(ANP)--
California had its first Negro
Judge this week when Gov. Cul
bert l.. Olson named Atty. Edwin
court to replace one of the mu-
nicipal judges elevated to the su.
pericr court.
Immediate approval from the
entire community and city at large
greeted the appointment from
those who had long agreed thai
l os Angeles should follow the leac
of other large American cities ir
naming a Negro tc the bench. Co.
incidentally all agreed that the
new Jurlst is a man of exceptional
CONTINUED on Back Pape)
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08

is in command of the entire post
since the recert transfer of Col.
Charles E. Elliot, who was in CON-
mand on the might of terror. !"
Col. Parker warned the entire per-
sonnel of Fort Bragg's MP force
against unnecessary brutality that
had been practiced during the
reign of Col. Elliot.
Rumors among the enlisted Ne
gro soldiers we're that those who
were selected to be regular military
police would be given training that
all whites were given. 1t is believ-
ed that the selection would be COM
nleted by Nov. l, at which time all
troops stationed at Fort Bragg will
be paid.
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Men Accepted
To Be Given
Full Training

Officers making the interviews
failed to comment on this subject.
In the past when Negro MP'i'
were used on paydays, they were
ordered not to arrest any white
soldiers Some of those who were
given those instructions did not
abide by them and were released.
Two weeks ago, a meeting was
called by Col. E. P. Parker, who
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
OUT ON BOND

.(Continued on Back Page)
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
TWO Men GIVE
CONFLICTING
TESTIMONY
Testified In
Yellow Dog
Policy Trial

DETROIT-(ANP) - Cir.
cult Judge Earl E. Pugsley
sentenced Louis Spann, OPP
orator of Central Detective
agency to Is days in the
county jail Wednesday after
he had been cited for con-
tempt of court Tuesday. A
witness at the trial Of former
Mayor Richard w. Reading
and 63 others charged with
conspiring to operate the
S10,000,O00 numbers racket,
Spann was convicted of CIV
ing testimony which conflict.
ed with that he had made
before the grand jury.
He admitted that his agency act
ed as guards while large sums Of
money were taken daily to the
bank from the Watson Investment
company. When confronted with
the grand jury testimony he had
made, Spann denied that he had
hired by Watson to guard the
money for the Yellow Dog policy
Wheel and claimed he did not know
anything about policy houses.
Also arrested with Spann was
Alex Willis, self admitted former
pickup man for the Big -Four policy
syndicate, who contradicted his
former testimony before the grand
jury. Willis told Chester p. O'Hara,
special prosecutor, when confronted
with the testimony that metal tags
issued pickup men were to be shown
police when they were arrested, that
that's what you wanted me to
say"
OUT ON BOND
Named in a perjury warrant rec
commended Tuesday by Julian O.
Mcintosh, chief assistant prosecu-
tor, Clinton Woooson was arrested
after testifying last Wednesday, and
is to be arraigned before Judge
Pugsley later. The warrant charged
Woodson testified before the grand
jury in December, 1889, that he
and Charles Mosley, then engaged
in the policy racket, had paid money
to police officers and members Of
the prosecutors office for protec-
ton. In his testimony, Woodson de-
MED this. He is now out on $4,000
The Phoenix index., 1941-11-08
Outline Steps
Taken To Aid
Race Workers
Pamphlet Is
Issued by Labor
Division, OPM

WASHINGTON, D. C.--(S N 81
How President Roosevelt and the
Office of Production Management
are seeking to secure full partici-
patton of all American minority
groups in the national defense
program is explained in 19-page
pamphlet, "Mlnorities in Defense"
released today by the Labor Divi-
sion of OPM
The pamphlet outlines steps TAX
en- since July II, 1910, to end de-
fense discrimination, and describes
the functions and duties of the
Presidents Committee on Fair Em-
ployment Practice, the Negro Ehn-
ployment and Training Branch,
and the Minority Groups Branch
of the Labor Division Of OPM.
RECEIVES COMPLAINTS
According 70 the pamphlet. the
Committee on Fair Employment
Ftactica r)o,eiives all complaints
of defense discrimination and in
vestigates them through the field
staffs of the Negro Employment
end training, and the Minority
Groups Branches of OPM. If
neither Branch is able to adjust
:, complaint, the case is then GER
'tified to the COFEP for further
action and redress.
In addition to serving as Board
of Appeals to the two OPM
Branches, the Committee Cd deals
with the problem of discrimina-
tion in government service; (2)
maintains contact with contracting
agencies of the Government con-
corning enforcement and non-dis-
elimination clauses in defense
contracts; 60, establishes con-
tact with state and local agencies
on discrimination in employment
and coordirk tes their prhgramS
and "a maintains contacts with
minorities organizations and with
other organizations and key indi-
vidllalS.
The Negro Employment and
Training Branch, whose chief and
staff members serve on Federal
and Regional Labor Supply Com
mittees in nine cities, broadens
job opportunities for coIored
workers through I'd systematic
visits to industrial employers;
90 regular surveys of training
facilities, and 30 constant con-
tact with the Bureau and Employ
ment Security and local offices of
the United States Employment
Service to secure the placement of
Negro workers through approved
governmental agencies
SEEK INTEGRATION
Similarly the chief and staff
members Of the Minority Groups
Branch, which is concerned with
the problems of all racial minority
groups including the physically
handicapped) other than Negroes,
serve on Federal and Regional
Labor Supply Committees and seek
the integration of members OF
these groups into the defense ef-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21

starvation offensive aimed at, ports through which flow the supplies on which Britain depends for life. Para chute flares, incendiafy bombs, then explosive bombs, then a long rain of incendiary and explosive bombs mixed had crashed on the city for hours.
 Pursuing their usual routine the first German raiders arrived just after dusk and dropped flares. Then the rain of fire and explosive bombs continued until after midnight.
 Most of the fire bombs were put out by veritable army of thousands of trained neighborhood fire parties, including housewives and shop girls as well as business men and clerks.
 Rescuers At Work
 Rescue parties went into action at once fOl remained on the job dur ing the entire raid. They were work ing still today as the homeless wan- dered about the filtered streets, car- rying their possessions in dust cov- cred suit cases or grimy sheets. Many of them did not know wheth- CT members of their own families were dead or alive.
 The anti-aircraft gun fire was heavier than during any previous raid. Despite 1t, hundreds of Ger man planes flew low over the city, dropping bombs on residential and business areas. -
 The death toll increased steadily as rescue squads dug out more bodies.
 Tn my street a neighbor Edward Kirke ran out to help fire bomb fighters when incendiary bombs fell across from his home. He had hardly got out of doors before an explosive bomb scored @ direct hit on his house. Six persons ran out unhurt, six more were trapped inside. Two bodies were taken out. Kirke's wife and two women friends, who had taken shelter beneath a stairway, were inside. They were believed dead under the crushed stairs.
 A high explosive bomb fell in the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21
BRIDGEPORT HAD
 TWO-ALARM FIRE
Four-Story Downtown Building, Near Depot Is
 Badly Gutted &

Bridgeport, Conn, March 2l.- Damage was estimated at $l65, 900 today in 8 two-alarm fire which swept four-story downtown build ing last night. Bremen battled the blaze for more than four hours be- fore 1t was brought under control. The fire was close to the railroad station, and IS passenger trains and three freight trains were delayed nearly two hours.
 The fire centered in the building known as the Wren-McMahon bus mess block. Stocks of several busi- ness establishments occupying the building were destroyed.
 The fire followed by only a few hours another major blaze at Rock vile, where the old Opera House building occupied by' the Rockville Journal was destroyed in a $90,000 fire.
 The Journal failed to publish for the first time in B years.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21
NEW ARMAMENT TO
 COST FOUR BILLION
(Continued from Page i)

 The recommended bill was $39,- 342, 2,043 below the total of $4,ll3,. l53,0l7 recommended by President Roosevelt.
 Biggest individual item of the bill was $1 900 ,000,004 for 3,600 army bombers, including 1,200 heavy bombers of the four-engine type, and 2,400 medium bombers of the two-engine type.
 The planes are to be produced at aircraft assembly plants being built at Omaha, Kansas City, Kan, Tulsa, and Fort Worth. Already funds have been provided for the factories and for initial orders placed with sub-contractors.
 The 3,600 bonbers are in addi- ton to the army,s 18,000 plane pro- gram for this year, which already had been approved and financed ex- cept for l,425 planes deferred be. ferred because of increased airplane costs and lack of enough productive facilities. The money for these ,425 planes-1,l ,l50 medium bombers and 275 transport planes-alSo Is pro- vided in the bill. It represents $343, ,288, LAO of the total.
 Another fund of $63 100000 was contributed toward the total esti- mated deficiency of $137, ,207, ,6l9 cre- ated by increased airplane costs.
 Long Range Bomber
 "The long range bomber repre- snt,tS the hackhone of tho air de. fense of the United States and these planes will be a valuable addition to our air forces" the committee reported.
 Other big items included:
 $97l, ,769,114 cash for critical items under the deferred munitions pro- gram, which will substantially com plete" procurement of equipment for 2,00O, 900 men-double the pres- ent size of the rapidly expanding army.
 $291 ,89O, 900 cash and contract au- thority of $576, ,396 GOO to create new productive capacity, not only for planes but for equipment of an army of 100000 men.
 $379.859.700 to pay the additional cost incident to maintaining and training the increased army.
 $l4,267, 900 for east coast defenseS of which $2,26l 900 will go for bat teries in Puerto Rico, submarine mine shore installations. and other defense requirements of the Panama Canal and the Philippines.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21
2.OOO TIRED MEN
 AWAITED TRAIN
They Crowded Hartford Station, Long After Mid-
 night, to Meet Wives

Hartford, Conn.,, March 2l.--(UP) Two thousand worried-looking men crowded the railroad station early today, waiting, waiting. &5
 They marched up and down, smok- ing cigarettes. Small groups gath- cred and low-voiced discussions went on. IA,
 All watched the clock. Midnight came and passed.
 A stranger, seeing this vast as- semblage in a small railroad station far past midnight, probably would guess that some great catastrophe had occurred, some holocaust, some tragedy.
 It was true. ...
 The train carrying 200 wives back from New York where they had gone to attend the flower show was near ly two hours late.
 The men-their husabnds - were pretty sore about the whole thing. There was little sleep In the old town last night.
 P. s. A big fire at Bridgeport held up the train.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21
British Retake Town

Nairobi, Kenka, March 2l-(UP) British troops have retaken Har- geisha, main point between Ber- bera, British Somaliland and Ethio- pia, Q South African headquarters comnlurique said today.
 Hargeisha was main headquar- ters for the British Somaliliand camel corps before 1t was taken by Italians last August. It also has an air field and trading post and is Q control point on roads between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Italians who fled from Berbera when Brit ish recaptured 1t were concentrated at Hargeisha.
 The communique today said that Hargeisha was recaptured by the British Thursday morning. With the position back in British hands the threat of an Italian flanking movement against empire forces at- tacking Harar, following their seiz- tire of Jigpiga, has been removed.
 "Our trops occupied Hargeisa on the morning of Thursday" the com- munique said. Operations to join up with forces from Berbera are pro- ceeding."
 The communique indicated that Hargeisa was taken not by the troops which recaptured Berbera but by column moving into Somaliland from Ethiopia following British oc- cupation of Jigjiga.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-21
Three Members Have
 Resigned Cabinet
(Continued from Page )

proud Serb elements when they learned that the government was ready to reach an agreement With Germany.
 News of the governments decision was just beginning to seep through to the man in the street when the resignations were offered.
 Cubriloyic is leader of the Serb peasant party. Budisavlovic Is leader of the Serb Independent Democratic party. Lonstantinovic is also q Serb.
 It was learned that at last nights cabinet meeting, with l9 ministers present, 10. including all Croats, and also foreign Minister Alexander Cin- car r-Markovitch. voted for an aeree- ment with Germany. The three men who offered their resignations to- day voted against 1t. Five abstained, including Premier Cvetkovitch and two Slovenes.
 There appeared to be at least a possibility that this action might act as spark in the explosive Jugo- slav atmosphere.
 Powerful Opposition
 Large factions in Jugoslavia, in- cluding powerful army clements most of the peasantry and the bulk of the Serbian population, oppose any deal with Germany. Croat elements-the most power | ful in the cabinet of Premier Ora. gisha Cvetkovitch - generally sup. ported closer relations with Ger. many while the Slovenes were talk ing a middle course.
 The split in the country was dis closed by a cabinet vote on the proposed "compromise" with Ger many. The three Serbian members voted against the deal, 10 Croat members, including Foreign Minister Alexander Cincar -Markovltch, voted for 1t and five, including two Slovenes and the premier, abstained from voting.
 According to reports the compro-