Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-09

Mf. WlIllamS. Df. b
the District community as a whole and
not to any particular racial segment
thereof.
James Deane'S news story on Page
of the issue of The Star carrying
your editorial dates Mrs Butchers
campaign" from the boards meeting
Of September Is. Actually it began
officially when she became a board
member on July / last. Her first off,
cial voting action within minutes after
taking her oath filled those of us who
were Immediately involved with anx-
iouS forebodings as to her future
board activities. It was she who cast
the tie-breaking vote QeSs than an
hour after being sworn i'm on an is
sue Involving the transfer of the
Noyes Elementary School from Division
! to Division q which she was not
qualified to pass upon because Of her
complete unfamiliarity with the facts.
1t Is interesting to note that, under
the same circumstances, the other new
member Or. Roland F. Kirks) de-
clined to cast q vote.
Mrs. Butchers repeated attacks on
the position taken by the corporation
counsel in the pending segregation
case have been a distinct shock to
thoughtful citizens. although to those
Of us who witnessed her debut" on
July they came as no surprise ques-
ton the propriety of such attacks on
the existing school laws, as interpreted
by duly constituted authority, by a
person in non-policy making position
who is sworn to uphold and administer
such laws. Mrs. Butcher apr emily is
determined to exploit any weakness Of
the existing dual system in an effort to
destroy it, despite the fact that in so
doing. she would at the same time deal
the cause of full indignation" cher
alleged ultimate goaD a devastating
setback
The board meetings are not rightly
to be used as a sounding board for
Mrs. Butchers private convictions. If
she must exhibit her crusading spirit
she should have declined to accept ap-
polntment to the board. Not having so
declined, and having demonstrated be-
yond all doubt that she has no intention
of making reasonable efforts to admin
lister the existing laws to the best in
terests of the entire District commune
ty, the only alternative consistent with
the common good is for her to resign
or be removed from the board at the
earliest possible time.
Irrespective of the outcome of the
pending case in the Supreme Court
affecting the Districts school system
whether We continue our present dual
system or establish a completely inte-
grated system-one fact is clear: If we
are to curb the rapid exodus of white
residents to the outlying areas. and
at the same time effect a reduction in
the rate of migration to the District of
Negroes from other areas to a degree
consistent with the ability Of our Dis
trict institutions and economy to as
simulate them, We must have among
other things. Board of Education
composed entirely of capable and re-
sponsible residents who are dedicated
to serve the interests Of the District of
Columbia as whole.
r. N. Shoemaker
"Of Dubious Wisdom" touches a SEN
sltive spot. Most white people are
unaware of the unbelievable complex
ity of issues involved. 1 believe most
reasonable, intelligent persons of either
color want honestly to end segregation.
Most OF us think in terms of white
people resisting indignation. It is diff
cult to realize that there are Negroes
who do not want segregation ended.
Segregation has been with us since
the first slaves were imported. From
its beginning there have been Negroes
privileged by virtue Of position, au-
thority or professional training to ben
eft from the degradation of members
OF their own race. They still profit
at the expense of their brethren. 1t
Is not likely they will do anything
reasonable to help end segregation.
They will distort issues and inflame
the tempers of reasonable men on
both sides.
1t appears customary procedure to
launch vindictive attacks upon the
motives of other Negroes who seek
reasonable methods and to threaten
them with professional and social os-
tracism from their own race. Col.
Hamilton and Mr.. Williams are indeed
to be commended for their courageous
stand. Roland Bieren, M. ID,
The announcement of the National
Association for the Advancement of
Colored People that they have publicly
requested the resignation Of two colored
School Board members, Col. West
Hamilton and Wesley Williams, as not