Evening star., 1949-07-06
- Letters to The Star
Readers Debate Segregation
At SWimming Pools

Readers Debate Segregation
At Swimming Pools a@@'
To the Editor Of The Star:
would like to congratulate you on the
fine editorials on racial problems in our
Nations Capitals pools. The editorials
bring out the true facts about the good
points of segregation. This practice has
allowed the two races to live together in
harmony and peace for many years. The
rash act Of Mr.. Krug on the problem of
bi-racial play has been enough proof that
our section Of the country Is not ready for
farfetched liberalism In the racial question.
Let us hope that more people will be as
alert and foresee the results Of these racial
acts of very mistaken man. PAR.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The recent fare-ups in Washington over
the swimming pools can be blamed largely
on the press. In this instance, your paper
together with all of the local papers have
always advocated segregation. This ex-
pressed opinion is that of only one segment
OF the public. 1t was given with complete
disregard for the total public, and for the
fact that any official act of segregation is
contrary to the United States Constitution.
(Note your editorial of July 2, 1949D
Under title of Mr. Krug Acts Wisely"
you stated that the Recreation Board lin
sisted, and rightly so, that it could not and
would not participate in the program at
the swimming pools unless segregation was
maintained" To uphold and indorse an
agency in such undemocratic actions as
being correct is bad. to say the least The
influence which you have on the public
should have been used to help the public
strengthen its respect for the rights Of
others; that in Washington, the Nations
hoy in fHnr Y,l IN
the United States, the program Of the
Federal Government should be upheld, If for
no other reason than to help this Govern
ment maintain its position as leader in
democracy and a respector of the rights
Of all nations and peoples.
Says Board Has "Antiquated Ideas"
Recreation is personal matter-a volun-
tary act One is not forced to use the
facilities OF the District that offer recreation
The Recreation Board never should have
had any such bylaw to maintain segrega-
ton; 1t would not have had. If the press
had not used It's influence in having the
board stated with persons of antiquated
ideas.
1t is also stated in your editorial of July
2 that Mr.. Krug in his turn. will hand
over to the local agency, without any strings
attached. all of the functions now exercised
by the Interior Department with respect to
the District recreational facilities =. This
would be In keeping with the intent Of the
law creating the Recreation Board"
wish to call your attention to the bloody
Civil War which was fought to preserve the
Union and establish laws intent to give all
men full freedom. But. the papers Of the
South 1ncensed at losing the war, used their
columns to instill in the Southerners hatred
against the Negroes, with the false idea that
10 push the Negroes down would lift the
whites up. Need elaborate further?
Opposes Recreation Board Control,
The proposed plan of the Interior Depart
ment, which is to give the Recreation Board
control over all recreational facilities In the
District. seems to be a poor solution of the
problem. A few reasons indicating this point
follow: The Recreation Board never has
assumed responsibility for its segregation
policy. 1t has lodged the issue and blamed
its policy Of segregation upon the Board of
Education, the National Capital Park and
Planning Commission. and now, upon the
welfare Of the public; "a, the board claimed
that 1t could not abolish It's bylaws relating
to segregation Sudden change) (3) the
board admits that its personnel is not
trained to conduct q program of integrated
play; 90 with complete disregard for public
Sa1ety 1t withdrew its guards from the pools,
thereby breaking its contract with the In
terror Department.; (O the actions of the
board indirectly caused agitation at the
pools (there are those who believe that the
board absolutely directed it,: 60 to retract
a forward step is tantamount to acknowl-
edglng defeat. Such a move can be used
as an excuse Tor not taking forward step
again. GARDNER L, BISHOP
President, the Consolidated Parent Group.