davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The people's voice., 1944-03-24
THE ISSUE BECOMES CLEARER

the slogans used in the war over ideas
in America.
We are all observing columns. radio
talks, pamphlets and political speeches
using such slogans as "For God and
Country" "Save the American Way
Maintain Free Enterprise" and "Vic
tory and Peace" There is nothing
wrong with the sentiment expressed
in any of these slogans. But in this
battle of ideas, willing as we are to
view and evaluate all sides and an
giles, we are not going to be engulfed
by slogans. We want to want crit
ical and honest evaluation of the con-
nection between the slogan and the
objective sought. We are not pre-
pared to let slogans lead us away
from our examination of real issues.
Now, just what is the American
way? Is individualism, free enter
prise, or capitalism the essential es-
sence of the principles upon which
American Democracy was founded?
Has God ordained that the mainte-
nance of individualism is the first
requirement? What special connec-
tion is there between say, Free En-
terprise" and Gods ordinances or
1.-THE promotion of the best interests
of America?
Free enterprise" is the more ac-
ceptable substitute for the term lais-
sez faire and individualism taught by
Adam Smith, the apostle of the doc
trine that the chief concern of govern
ment was the protection of the state
against foreign enemies; the mainte-
nance of highways, waterways, and |
harbors; the promotion of commerce
and the maintenance of safe trade |
routes, etc.
LET every man be Free" says Adam
Smith," in using his skill, ingenuity,
and intelligence in competition with
other men in acquiring the natural
resources of the land, the coal, the
forests, the iron, and the land Thus
will industry be developed. Thus
will the best interests of the state be
The pecuniary self inter-
7oI VI CdCH iidlFiuudl, IL SifOn lI00
play, would lead to the optimum satis- I
action of human wants is another d;
way of saying the same Under this
doctrine of doing business, our great {
Industries and the development of the {
rontier were accomplished. Il
None could deny the tremendous !
timulus provided. Under no other {
ystem, it is believed, could develop G
nent have pushed ahead so fast and q
o far. And progress and wealth, and
dvantage were not limited to a few 7
ich. Thousands, yes, millions of poor 7
were given chance to t
wn homes, gain the right to vote
nd hold office, and thus became par
cipating citizens in the Great Ex- Il
eriment" in Democracy. il
But America and her industries and v
ocial life have changed vastly since f
ioneer days. 1t is very questionable il
the general welfare is any longer
ependent entirely on the right to t,
cquire the natural resources by in e
Maybe this general well s.
re is just as much dependent on "
lie manner that the industrial ma o.
The people's voice., 1944-03-24
CONTINUED from Page one)

up to nine. Apparently either nine is
considered to be the maximum possi-
Bile size of family in the south, or
there is a desire to encourage popula-
is made for any number in the family
above nine. However, it is admitted
that the members dues failed by
$4,000 year to cover their expenses,
the deficit being made up by the fees
charged for services rendered to non
members
Of recent years the medical associa-
tions themselves in a number of states
have instituted prepaid system for
medical and surgical services. They
The people's voice., 1944-03-24

Editors Note: The Voice will
present series of articles by Mr..
Peterson, state secretary of the
Farmers Union on the present world
condition and the issues involved.
The fourth article follows.)
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

Inquiry revealed the family had
occupied fine mansion on Sixth
Street in the quiet luxury and seClu.
sion which had distinguished their
indianapolis residence There about
a year, they had suddenly moved
away, leaving no new address.
Tips picked up from a ncighbor
here, tradesman there, led him 10
Covington, Ky, Hartford, Conn, Fall
River Mass, where the trail ended.
Discouraged, Murray returned to
Canada whore he got one OF the most
amazing breaks in police history
Leaving the depot in Toronto he
glimpsed young man hurryiug down
the street.
There could be no mistake. It was
Johnnie Johnson!
Murray was after the youth like
a flash, but lost him in a crowd.
Murray secuted the ncighborhOod
and learned that family OF nine
had recently moved into an imposing
brick house lie watched the house.
THEN on the morning Of June II,
1880, he saw Mr.. Johnson, mctiCu-
lousy attired, hurry out. Murray
trailed him 10 the station and from
there on the same train TO Mark
ham, where Mr.. Johnson spent the
forenoon in bars, spending freely
Shortly after noon he did some i'm.
cidental shopping and returned on
the train TO Toronto. Murray stepped
off behind him and said:
How do you do, Mr. Johnson? I
am John w. MURRAY"
"Yes?" Edwin Johnson looked
puzzled.
1--WE been anxious TO meet YOU
Murray said, "and your family. ]
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

ever engraved" Murray took John
sons arm. You're arrested for coun-
terfciting.'
Johnson protested innocence, but
Murray had entered every bar and
shop visited by the man and in each
had picked up a crooked bill, and a
search OF him netted several hun
drcd dollars more.
The next day Johnson conducted
Murray and Detective John HOdgins
to some woods on the outskirts OF
Toronto and directed the officers to
dig at the base of an ancient elm.
As they spadcd up the earth, he
wrung his hands, begging them not
to injure the plates.
The plates wrapped in oilcloth and
watcrprOOfcd in bccsWaX, numbered
all the counterfeit Canadian notes
and the American five.
lie remained unconsolable until
Murray told him he had not been
betrayed by the morning spree, but
by the too-perfect American bill.
Johnson's face lighted in triumph.
That's the one bill I didn't en-.
grave Hill did it,"
Murray wired the U. S. Secret
Service, and John Hill, living near
Albany. was arrested.
Edwin Johnson, facing the fall
ASsizcs in Toronto, freely confessed
he had etched the Canadian money.
His wife, he said, carried out the
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

business end selling the currenc
to Showers"
His two daughters he had traine
In forging Treasury signatures. tn
boys had learned the engraving art.
Once a year the bills were printed
then the plates hidden for future us,
the presses broken up in the cellar
Hill was Johnson's only partne.
and he expressed bitter regret
having trusted him with the Amer
can s. bill.
WITH Johnson safely behind bar
w Tom was arrested in Erie, Pa
with phony bills in a hollow cane.
Johnnie and Charlie were soon
the tolls, caught with similar Cancl
Dave and Elijah We're arrested lateI
Menfolk in Jail. Mrs. Johnson an
her daughters, who had fled Canad|
settled in Detroit Soon counterfol
American bills began TO appear. Il
August y, 1898, L. S. Governme
agents walked in on the JOhnScl
ladies at a McGraw Avenue. maneigl
Search OF the house disclosed a
panel secreting $4,000 in bogus
bills.
Taken TO Washington, mother a
daughters were sent 10 a big hou
from which they could not move.
Thus ended perhaps the most asto
ishing criminal family on record. |
King Ed died in prison.
THE AMERICAN WEEK.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13


then Chicago. Later, the trail led TO
indianapolis
Many leading citizens recalled that
the Johnson family had arrived there
shortly after the Civil War and oc-
cupied a fine mansion.
There were Mr.. and Mrs. Edwin
Johnson, two beautiful daughters and
five handsome sons. Mr.. Johnson,
of English extraction, was a man Of
distinguished bearing, tail, courteous,
gentle. Mrs. JOhnson's manner was
equally patrician Daughters Annie
and Jessie were both lovely and lady
like. Johnnie, Tom, Charlie, Elijah
and David Henry seemed TO be good,
average American boys
Edwin Johnson maintained an Of
flee downtown, contributed generous
~ TO civic welfare agencies, His wife
gave no teas or dinner parties.
The girls, declining innumcrablc in
vitations, spent their evenings at
home apparently studying and in
Scribing beautiful scrolls.
The boys had private tutors John
ME and Tom, the eldest liked 10 drive
a fast rig or stroll about town, fash
ionably attiTed and swinging canes,
but they seldom entertained or sought
out the local girls.
Guests at the mansion consisted
only of an occasional caller unknown
to the ncighborhood.
Then as suddenly as they had APP
pcared, the family vanished.
The detective, undetcrrcd, cast
about until he ran across a business
man who recalled hearing from a
friend who had encountered Edwin
Johnson in Cincinnati. Ohio.
Murray entrained for Cincinnati.
III February IL, 1914
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

That Canada
stuff looks like Pete
Mccarthy" said one.
But Pctc's locked up.
Maybe it, PrusSian
Mike Ulrich or Old
John Hill"
Murray found that
PruSSim Mike was be-
hind bars. He could
not locate Hill, but was
satisfied he couldn't
have done the Cana
dian bills, although
the American five re-.
Semblcd his delicate
handiwork.
Then he heard an
other whisper.
How about King
Ed Johnson? He's the
worlds best engraver. "
From the Secret Ser
vice Murray learned
that an ED Johnson"
had been acquitted of
a counterfeit charge
during the Civil War.
Aided by Govern
mcnt authorities, he
was a bic to trace
johnson tO Detroit
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

- ATtLY in 1850 Canadian banks were on the
- verge of panic from a deuge of bogus money
- described as the most dangerous counterfeit
ever put in circulation"
Only by accident had one OF them, a U. S. s.
bill, been detected by a Washington Treasury man.
It's artistry was too perfect.
Soon dozen marvellous counterfeits of Cana
dian currency also detected until the Govern
ment estimated million dollars in bad money
was in circulation throughout the Dominion
John w. Murray, Canada's foremost detective
rushed TO Washington, but neither Treasury nor
secret Service men could give him any clue as 10
the identity of the counterleiter. Then ne went to
see cNpcrt cnnraNnrs
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-02-13

Once a Year, King
Ed" and His Amazing
Family Struck Off
Enough of That Too
Perfect Currency to
Keep Them in Their
Peculiar style of
Luxury.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Charge Police
inundated 3
Girl Visitors

In what many onlookcrs described
o. "A deliberate attempt 10 provoke
race riot. two patrolmen from the
Garfield Station. sough; to iniimi-
date two young girls Sunday NJ ght
as they were leaving Ebenezer
AME. church, Willis and Brush
streets. after attending the Search
For-Talent contest sponsored by the
Michigan Chronicle.
The two girls. Misses Margcry
Long. 20, and Ocie Hall. 81, both OF
Chicago. were with Earl Jones. 20.
SOC Smith street. when they were
AccoSted by the two officers who
had all GIFTED from a scout car at
Garfield and Brush streets II was
few minutes before y.
Approaching the girls, one Of the
officers asked: Are you white
girls" and when they said they arc
colored, the officer demanded their
names
Jones. an employee OF the DSR.
then spoke up and told the officers
tina, the girls are from Chicago and
were visiting him He was COM
PEELED TO show hrs registration card.
After the policemen could not
find any reason for arresting the
youngsters who are members of
Marvin Dupre's Victorian Choir.
they order them to get off the
corner"
1T was one Of tho worst attempts
TO intlmidate people that I've ever
seen, said Dupre who was with the
young singers
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
National Youth Congress
Ends Ninth Annual Meet

The annual National Youth Con-
gres OF the Churches of God n
Christ Inc, closed its annual con-
ference at the State Temple. $500
Elmwood street. Wednesday night
with the annual election OF officers
The sessions OF the Congress
opened June -. with more than
900 delegates from various sections
OF the country attending Bishop
O. I. Jones, Philadelphia. is national
president of the Congress which
was organized in Memphis nine
years ago by Bishop C. H. Mason.
senior bishop. The Congress was an
outgrowth Of the Young Peoples
Willing Workers. an organization
that had its inception in 1918 The
objective of Congress : religious
education.
According % Elder p L. Locket.
state president and host to the Con-
greSs. there are approximately 10000
members 90
Bishop Mason. foUnoer Of the
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Harry McAlpin
Wins Award For
Good Reporting

WASHINGTON. DC. tNNPA)-
The first annual award for OUT
standing reporting. sponsored by
the Capital Press club of this city.
was made last week 10 Harry Nc
Alpin. White House correspondent
and chief Of the Washington news
bureau OF the Negro Newspaper
Publishers association Drew Pear
son, noted columnist who served as
acting chairman Of the awards COM
mittce. presented the certificate to
Mr. McAlpin
The occasion was marked by tho
first annual dinner of the press
club. at which Marshall Field III.
was the principal speaker. He
lauded the Negro press for the very
fine job il is doing. and urged IL 10
broaden its scope Of news treatment
even more 10 include the struggle
for freedom and democracy
throughout the world He cited the
white press for It's fiilure 10 include
news OF the progress and partici-
patton of Negroes in the war.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
NAACP Not To
WithdrawFron,
Housing Battle
(NAACP News Release,

Atty. Willis M Graves. chairman
Of the Legal Redress committee Of
the Detroit Branch OF the NAACP.
announced that the suit against the
Federal Governments action at
Willow Run and other projects for
discriminating against Negro war
workers will not be withdrawn The
opening of the units at Willow Run
to Negro war workers does not alter
the case that existed when Howard
Flowers applied for housing in
February and was denied by FPHA
officials because of his color. Mem
bers Of the Legal committee are:
Atty Elvin L. Davenport Robert
Evans. and Francis Dent.
Negroes are still being denied
housing in other projects in the
Detroit area due 10 the discrimina-
tory policies OF the FPHA. accord
ing 10 the NAACP. A review Of the
NAACP action in the Willow Run
matter shows that the association
contended since 1912 for the open
ing OF the units TO all workers re-
sardleSs OF race, creed or color.
Southern congressman. particularly
Joe Starpes OF Alabama. threatened
10 cut FPHA appropriation IL a
policy OF mixed occupancy was fol-
lowed Herbert Emmerich. then
Commissioner OF FPHA, capitulaied
10 these threats and promised that
there would DC no mixed housing in
federally administered projects.
A committee from the NAACP
and other groups advised Sherwood
Reeder IN l943. that such a policy
would extend segregation and dis
elimination in Mich gan. Reeder
was urged 10 open the projects to
all workers
In February. l943. the Federal
Housing Authority issued a policy
stating that the FPHA re-affirmed
It's J,m-crow policies based on pro-
poruonate needs OF both Negroes
and whites A delegation from
the NAACP and unions went TO
WASHINGTON for conference with
Emmcrich on March 2. l943. Mr.
Emmcrich was opposed TO any
change IN the Willow Run program.
Failing To change the attitudes Of
officials of the FPHA. the association
filed SUIT for dcclaratory judgment
in behalf Of Howard Flowers. a
Negro war worker. who was denied
a home IN the Willow Run project
February. 1914
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01

Churches OF God in Christ, Inc. has
served ~ years as head OF the flock.
and mex; year the Youth Congress
VIII sponsor golden jubilee IN
honor Of his 80 years OF service.
Thursday was devoted TO intro
ducilon Of bishops oy Bishop Jones.
the presentation Of outstanding
women officials. and the principal
sermon by Elder W. J. Taylor OF
Los Angeles
Friday was Michigan Day" with
reports from various state presi-
dents Mary Elizabeth Taylor. De-
trot. gave the main address. Prather
HouSer. executive secretary. St An
tome YMCA. and Gloster Current,
executive secretary, Detroit Branch
NAACP, were introduced
The annual sermon was gwen by
Bishop Jones. ard reports OF the
state work was given Monday An
open forum on various problems Of
modem Christian youth consumed
most Of the conference Tuesday.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Gertrude Wilson Wins
Chronicle | alent Contest
BY CHARLES WARTMAN

Miss Gertrude Wilson OF 523
Troworidge street. proved 10 be
the class OF II contestants, who sang
IN the finals Of the Search For
Talent contest al Ebenezer AME
church. Willis al Brush streets. last
Sunday night.
The Search For-Talent contest.
sponsored by the Michigan Chron-
icle. brought together the best of
amateur talent in the city OF De-
trolt and awakened many 10 the
very tne voices that the city affords
The IL contestants for the finals
were chosen from so or more hope
fulS who were sudltioned June 81
Al no stage Of the contest was il
easy 10 determine Just who was
superior. so evenly matched were
the participants.
In the finals. Miss Wilson received
81 points while Mack Shumake of
the Dupre Victorian choir. received
30 points for second place William
Ross was given third place with
20 points
While the quality OF Miss Will
son NblCC WIS uDQueSllOneQ Wnen
she sang her solo number. her solo
work with the Robert Nolan choir
in the Ode To America" estab-
lshed without question the fact that
hers was a talent OF unusual quality.
Much OF the credit for the ap-
pearance Of Mack Shumskc must be
given TO the members Of the Dupre
choir, who wrote 10 his draft board
asking that his induction be post
poned long enough 10 permit him
TO sing in the final OF the Chronicle
contest
Over five hundred music lovers.
friends and relatives Of the contest
ants heard. what Bishop Babcr in
his remarks called. the greatest
array Of amateur talent that he had
ever heard on one stage IN Detroit.
The fine work that Mr. and Mrs.
Clement T. Mills did as directors of
tho contest was more than evident
in the fine showing that all con-
testants made in the finals and the
- See CONTEST. Pare 2
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
CT Rights Bill
Hampered With
States Rights
BY CHARLES wARTMAN

The Congress of the United States
gave its approval last week to the
G.I. Bill Of Rights which gave broad
benefits 10 the veterans of this war.
The bill guaranteed World War II
veterans So weeks of unemployment
compensation. college training.
loans, and disqualification.
Rep. Rankin, who previously had
been accused by members of CON-
greSs Of holding the bill in commit
tee because Of his unwillingness TO
give Negro veterans of his state. the
benefits provided. is the sponsor OF
the compromise bill.
There is a serious question as 20
the actual benefits which certain
veterans will receive in certain
parts Of the country. For example
the bill provides that single veterans
may draw $50 per month and mar
ried veterans may draw SIS per
month in addition 10 $500 a year
tuition fees while completing their
education or vocational training. at
any institution of their choice. sub
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Police Clear
Lucille Burns
In Murder Case

Excusable by citizen was the
way police listed the fatal stabbing
last week OF Mary Allen Tucker.
70. OF 1928 Chestnut street who died
following an alteration while on
the street near 100 Orleans with
Lucille Burns. "a. Of l543 Sherman
street
Police say the two women argued
over Jimmie Jones OF l735 Chene
street. the reported boy friends of
the slain woman. whom police say
was married.
Mrs. Tucker died from the effects
OF stab wound 10 the left lung.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Fourteen Year. old Boy browns
FALLS IN RIVER
WHILE SHOWING
TO BOYS
Boat Capsizes AS He
Attempts To Save
Himself

Henry Spence. IA. 1927 Bruce
street. was drowned Sunday when
he fell from a boat while catching
frogs at the foot OF Crane street.
The body was recovered short
time later.
Henry. according 10 friends. was
showing the frogs TO some Of his
friends on shore when he fell into
the water Although he was a good
swimmer. police believe he was un-
able 10 extricate himself from the
heavy seaweed at the bottom OF the
river.
He was student at Montieth
school, and would have graduated
IN January. He was also a member
OF the safety patrol and an air raid
messenger. In addition, Henry was
a member OF the baseball team, and
held membership "a The ST An.
'2'Ps !, sssnss :. !. y: !,
father. wh0 srt divorced. and three
sisters.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
OPEN 300 UNITS
AT WILLOW run;
BUILD | 900 MORE
1928 Homes To Be Opened
During Next Six
Months

Cutting through red tape and ig-
noring the queer attitude OF the De-
troit Housing Commission, the Ma
tional Housing Agency moved swift
ly last week TO ease the dangerous
housing shortage among war work.
ers in the metropolitan area OF
Detroit.
The MIA announced Saturday
shats~ new i00o-sAnik project Wm b
under construction shortly and that
vacancies At the Willow Run hous-
ing development would be opened
to Negroes within fortnight
STILL JIM CROW
Although Negroes will be admit
ted 10 Willow Run housing. the
FPHA has not changed its policy of
segregation and the Norwayne prof.
ect will still be hly-white despite
many vacancies there. The NAACP
announced also that its suit against
the FPHA for refusing housing TO
Henry Flowers. a Bomber plant war
worker was not affected by the re-
cent decision 10 drop the bars in one
area of Willow Run.
Principal blame for Jim Crow
policies which have created an ar
tlficial shortage Of housing available
10 Negroes was placed on the city
administration which stands on a
lily-white neighborhood platform.
The full text of the announcement
made by the MIA Saturday is re-
printed below:
Announcement OF a program de-
signed 10 relieve war housing re-
quirements OF families of Negro war
workers in the Detroit area was
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-07-01
Elect Delegates
To Annual NAACP|
NJ ct In Chicago

The Detroit Branch NAACP
Will be represented by six dele
gates TO the annual conference IN
Chicago. July 1916, DR.. J J.
McClendon announced The
delegates are: S. G Gibbons.
Jane ellison. Mrs. l. w. Tyrrell.
Mrs. Margaret Nance. Dr. J. J.
McClendon, and Gloster B Cur
rent
Several local unions Of the
UAW-ClO are sending fraiernal
delegates. Among those going to
represent the trade unions are:
Shelton Tapes. Local No. 900,
Prince Clark and Nike Fagin.
Local No ?: Henry Evans. Local
No 400, Local 7.