St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1948-04-16

EDO you think Randolph was
justified in making this statement
DO you think the Negro would
be justified in carrying out this
plan?
DO you think that a segregated
armed forces is necessary, wise, OF
that il serves the best interest of
the country and its peoplel
Interest Very High
Sixty-seven people were talked
to, and interest in the question was
surprisingly high. Only one was
not familiar with, and had not
thought about, Randolph's state
ment. This is n summary Of the
answers:
IAN contacted believed there
exists or probably is" a reason
for complaint.
Sixty-four thought segregation
impractical, detrimental and in
compatible with American prin-
ciples and advocated abolishing it.
Three thought there were
either practical, physical or moral
justification for a segregated armed
forces.
What may or may not be signifi-
cant is the fact that Of the 81
people making strong statements
against segregation in the armed
forces, less than a fourth were will
ing to be quoted on the matter,
The following quotes, however,
give an accurate cross section OF
the opinions:
GEORGE A. HINES, former
skipper Of a Navy subchaser, U.
Of M. graduate student in political
science: 1.-THE complaint is par
TALLY justified. Without a doubt
there was discrimination in the
Navy. Specifically, many Negroes
were not permitted to perform any
services other than Of a mental ma
ture. However, no man, though
deprived Of his rights, can refuse
to assist his country in an emer-
gency. To condone such would be
to admit that certain groups are
free to commit acts Of treason. As
for segregation and discrimination,
II Is inconceivable that It can be
permitted in the armed forces
where men fight to preserve the
nation. II would be the last place
where one would expect TO find it."
PETE JESNESS, an ex-soldier
Of St. Paul: ~ know from first
hand that Mr.. Randolph is justified.
The Negro has been loyal for hun
dreds Of years and doubt that he
can get so aroused as to refuse to
fight. However, a change in the
set-up should be made before they
are allowed TO ask him 10 fight"
JERRY C. HENDERSON, 2642
Central Ave. N. E., Minneapolis:
"No. Such action would not be
justified. We all live in the same
country and we have TO do the best
we can. There should be no segre-
CATION; it's against the principles
Of our country. But think the
issue shouldn't be brought up any
more than necessary"
JOSEPH ROVITZSKY, 159 N.
st. Adams, st. Paul: Sure the
Negro is justified. l was in south
ern camps during the last war.
White men never did KIP duty; Ne
groes did that. White men never
sprayed bitches for malaria control
at Camp Plauche; Negroes did that.
Dispensary doctors ridiculed the
Negroes just as IL they all were
expected to go out and get some
venereal disease. Colored soldiers
got the worst in recreation and en-
tertainment. saw one integrated
USO-in Sacramento-and every
thing went along swell. Sure he
is justified"
PHILLIP CARLSON, former
Navy officer, Minneapolis: "Pm
not sure about the right to refuse,
but Of one thing | am sure. II they
left the segregation out Of it, we'd
be a heck of a lot better off,"
MELVIN GOLDsTEIN, janitor,
1923 Morgan, Minneapolis: "Tm
against a Jim Crow law. l believe
in live and let live. I guess segre-
cation might be good in some
places, though. Like Africa. The
colored fellas would be better fight
ers because they could stand more
Of the heat"
BILLY CARLSON, FORMER SOL
der, Excelsior, Minnesota: ITO
end segregation would answer the
whole question. spent the last
four years in the army and speak
just as a citizen and a CT. II they
ended segregation they would get
cooperation all the way through"
ELMER JOHNSON, $40 Second
Ave. N. E., Minneapolis: II don't
see why colored fellas should OBJ
ject to having their own units. I'm
not against the colored people, but
| think they should be able to get
along in their own units whether
at work or at war"
! GEORGE W. MARSHFIELD, st,