Evening star., 1949-01-22
Ewing Lauds Dawson,
Urges Race Problems
Be Settled Gradually

The gradual settlement of diff
cult and complex racial problems
was advocated last night by Federal
Security Administrator Ewing
An address prepared by Mr.. Ewing
was read at a banquet honoring Rep
resentative Dawson, Democrat, of
Illinois, the first Negro to head a
regular committee of Congress. Mr..
Ewing was unable to attend the
affair because of illness. The ad-
dress was read by his son, James D.
Ewing.
More than 1900 persons attended
the testimonial dinner in the Interior
Department Auditorium. Another
200 or so had to be turned away
because of lack of space.
True, our society is full of con-
tradictions - contradictions between
facts and IDEALS Mr.. Ewing wrote
But here tonight we are celebrating
at least one realization of our ideal.
Sketches Career.
The FSA chief described Mr.
Dawson's career as one that makes
us thrill to our American democ-
racy," with it's equality Of oTpor-
tunity." 1t spoke of Mr.. Dawson S
grandparents as being slaves, and
of how he earned his way through
college and law school to achieve
his position of eminence as chair
man of the powerful House Com
mittee on Expenditures in the
executive department. He was ap-
pointed earlier this week.
"Mr. Dawson's comprehension of
national affairs and his ability to
cope with the complexities of legis-
lative responsibilities have earned
him the confidence of his col
leagues" Mr.. Ewing wrote. He has
been resourceful, intelligent. pleas
ant, humble and concerned for all
mankind. Mr.. Dawson has shown
us that we are moving toward our
American dream of equality and op-
portunity for all"
The administrators speech re-
vealed certain discriminatory prac-
tices" had been discovered in the
FSA Offices in Baltimore. but that
this situation has been cleaned
Iup quietly and without publicity.
Tribute From Lucas.
Another tribute to Mr. Dawson
came from Senate Majority Leader
Lucas, his friend for many years
In extending his praise to the Negro
representative, Senator Lucas added
The word of Harry Truman on
civil rights is my platform"
House Majority Leader McCor-
mack termed Mr.. Dawson "a gentle
man, great American and a great
legislator.
Beneficial things will be the
natural consequences of his chair
manship." Mr.. Mccormack added
Others who spoke were Attorney
General Clark and Representative
Helen Gahagan Douglas, Democrat
of California.
Mr. Dawson was presented with
a testimonial plaque, which stated
in part: You epitomize the ire
pressible demand of Negroes and the
colored peoples of the world for the
responsibilities and privileges OF
f1rst-class citizenship. BY years OF
example and precept, you have
taught us the fruitful discipline OF
the loyal soldier in the political
ranks and helped us to win the
rewards of organized effort
Chapman Is Host.
John P. Davis, publisher of the
magazine. Our World, made the
presentation.
AS a special tribute to Mr.. Dawson
and President Truman, Noble Sissle
and Eubie Blake, producers of the
musical comedy Shuttle Along
about Is years ago, played and sang
I'm Just Wild About Harry" which
came from the production.
Oscar L. Chapman, Undersecretary
of the Interior, was official host
DR.. Marshall L. Shepard, District
Recorder of Deeds, presided. The
banquet was sponsored by the Ma
tional Citizens Committee of which
DR.. Shepard is chairman.