The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1950-07-22
portrait of michigan
a study IN contrasts


a study in contrasts
McHcATs KALEIDoscopIc social and ef TO-
history has fashioned al anv histories rather
than one single sharply defined history us pae~
the national scene nocal changes that
make Michigan at to-days point In Its deveiopmen'
fascinating study of compexy ana p;ch liberal ira
dition This claim can be easily subsantiaed .s
Michigan admitted to the ono Offensive against
slavery that continued until the Civil Mar Anu
sentiment became strong that ~ any social ideals
ht formed the basis for founding of the Republican
Party under the oaks in Jackson Mensan was "a drawn
from Free Soldiers radical Wings and radical DEMO
Gratis The Democratic Party as then
a position of moderation in the interests o. piese S
of harmony within the Union , 80 .h F,c
Michigan citizens answered the passage OF tne Ice
1--WE HsV 20 b cause Of Negro liberation The Under
ground Railway was established with Detro0 seiS's
aS I'll little town of Marshall Michigan, which stands
TODAY on II S Highway No H. attracted nauon-wviioe
1 sd HE family to escape into Canada. The Fed
eral District Court rendered verdict ana me Q,
295oO against the Abotonsts which was paio OUT u
voluntary contributions of the citizens .,
Just inside the Evergreen Cemetery IN MuSkegon
stands ten foot ao TO he Man With the
Branded Hand" Walker was arrested or falso s Ing
slaves to freedom convicted oy psndsS On his hand
In 1855 Republican Legislature passed law 'has
ATTORNEYS defenQ
fugitive slaves Another law forbade the use OF county
jails for Imprisonment Of fugitive slaves -
This period in Michigans history was marked o.
its stupid economic shortsghtedness Prodga IN ils
of its rich natural resources Michigan $1,000 ou
gloriously its respect Tor human vaiues ana inc ue
TO-DAY TO-DAY NEGROES CANNOT LIVE in owossO Mid.
land or Alphena servants and cannot purchase
homes regardless of their financial ability Dearborn,
Crosse Ponte Crosse Isle.
Hundreds of acres of land in urban communities
carry color status Segregation and discrimination have
social sanction political responsibility and frequently
Civil Rights Statute that guarantees equality of
in places of public accommodation is flag
ranty violated with mpunty due to indifferent spotty
WHEN THE wANToN WASTE of natural resources
brought about spread unemployment and economic
depression Michigan bravey to meet the challenge
Inventive genius and industrial engineering skill turned
motor capitol of the world and Michigan rural
for tourists and pleasure seekers. Agricultural
areas were converted to profitable crops.
But this period of positive achievement
of social retrogresson Michgsn reaped harvest of
poisonous weeds of racial and religious hatred and
persecution of labor.
1888 Detroit citizens rioed to prevent the arrest
of fugitive slaves In 1913 Detroit citizens rioed to pre-
vent Negroes from exercising their rights Of American
Tus s. T Ea w cTY Which ns given tho
people the great gift of mobility through the
and supendous production of automobiles denies its
mlnorltles freedom of movement from the confines of
the city's sums.
The, political heritage given by the men of high
the Republican Party and who furnished nucleus for
the National Republican Party has been debased by
their descendants today who deny equality of job OPP
portunity to Michigan Negro citizens
But the portrait of Michigan is fascinating COM
binaton of light and shadow Citizens of goodwill who
respect the liberal tradition by their courageous
ing efforts In the trade unions religious civic and
political organizations producing impressive results
which foreshadow further progress
The DEMOCRATIC PARTY under its present lead
ership has emerged the Liberal Party but il is the
minority party in Michigan and its concentrated in
urban centers An archaic system of apportionment of
the state legislature results in MISREPRESENTATION of
residents of urban centers thereby prevents the
minority party from transatng into action the will of
liberal forces - NO.
-, The Republican Party which has majority in the
Michigan legislature drawn primarily from the rural
areas has representation completely dsproportonate
TO Its numerical strength The Republican Party neither