Evening star., 1945-08-17
Letters to The Star
Keeping the SEGREGATION Debate
on a Hish and Fair Plane


appreciation to The Star for its ex-
editorial presentation of the complex
segregation problem which the District
of Columbia Recreation Board now has
under consideration. Especial commen-
dation Is due Herman F. Schaden
for his recent series of articles on this
subject containing a clear explanation
of the difficulties involved. A genuine
public service has been rendered by The
Star in making this unbiased, factual
statement available to its readers.
1t is particularly important that all
discussions of matter as delicate as
this should be kept on high and dig
nified plane. Unprejudiced and dispas-
sionate thinking by all those concerned
Is a prime necessity If we are to promote
a more harmonious understanding be-
tween the races and establish a firm
foundation for truly effective race rela-
tions.
On an issue so controversial as this,
no policy could possibly meet with the
unqualified approval OF all those af-
fected. Many individuals have failed to
consider the legal, practical and tradi-
while others refuse to recognize any
justification for allowing citizens to reg
ulate their own pattern of social and
recreational activities. How these op-
posing views may be reconciled and ra-
tionalized presents problem worthy of
the very best thought and Judgment of
which we are capable. Vicious criticism
and charges against the motives and
ideologies Of Recreation Board members
can do nothing but divert their atten-
ton from studying the fundamental
principles involved in order to defend
themselves from such untrue and ILL
hammered personal attacks. 1t is to be
hoped that writer's and speakers in the
future will be guided by the logical and
intelligent approach which The Star has
pursued before making further allega-
tions concerning the attitude of the
board and its members. The implica-
tions of every statement should be
weighed beforehand in recognition Of
the serious and far-reaching aspects Of
unreliable or distorted representations
May remind our citizens that the
board came into being only three years
ago under trying wartime conditions
which have seriously handicapped the
expansion and improvement of facilities
and programs? Nevertheless, we have
been fortunately successful in develop
ing many new areas, augmenting per-
ov,l 1or ~ ~ 70
vinced the Commissioners and Congress
as to the value of our programs and
policies that our annual appropriation
has almost tripled since the boards
inception. Board members serve with
out compensation or reward except for
the qualification which comes from
rendering service for the benefit of their
fellow citizens. The only appreciation
which such public servants expect or
desire for their contribution to the well
fare of the community is recognition
on the part of their neighbors that they
are performing their duties in what
they believe to be the best interests of
all concerned.
In the enduring peace which we hope
has just begun, the Recreation Board
and Department will require the utmost
cooperation and support Of every citi-
zen and organization in Washington
in its efforts to establish here the
most outstanding recreation system in
America. HARRY S. WENDER,
Chairman District OF Columbia Recre-
alton Board.
To the Editor of Tie Star:
The Citizens Committee Against Seq
regation in Recreation, and its SO afhl-
lated organizations representing con-
servatively $4,000 persons wish to ex-
press sincere appreciation to The WASH
ington Evening Star for the splendid
public service which The Star has rem
dered in bringing to the reading public
true and unbiased account of the
controversy between the District Board
of Recreation and our committee.
Herman F. Schaden of your staff
has done a scholarly and professional
job of getting the truth and reporting it
in the true tradition of good journalism
without bias, coloring or slanting. We
oPPASSAoSS pAAAo, cAA0 VIC eQhC od1 SdSC W
the people on the story as told in and
by The Star.
Our position is clear and precise We
raise the issue: Has the District of CO.
lupbia Board of Recreation the right,
legally or morally, to restrain colored
and white citizens of these United States
from using our public recreational facil-
tiles of the District of Columbia and the
United States for public play on a
mutual and voluntary basis? We have
no desire to direct the policies of the
Recreation Board. We do not wish to
disjoint or reorganize the board. We
wish simply to let our citizens follow
their own unhampered desires in the
selection of the place where they wish
to play and the person or persons with
whom they wish to play. The present
rule of the Recreation Board prohibits
this. We regard the rule as dangerous
and undemocratic and our purpose is
to have this rule rescinded.
The position of your paper is consist
ent with progressive thinking in the
field of public affairs. In a recent
pamphlet issued by the American Coun-
Gil on Race Relations great stress is
placed upon the tremendous power
which the press has in directing public
thinking and improving race relations.
We believe that your paper, The Star,
has taken the lead in this field in our
community. We are sincerely apprecia-
tive of your fortnight stand.
U. SIMPSON TATE,
Secretary Treasurer,