Evening star., 1954-01-11
Negro Rally
Hears Leaders
In Maryland
McKeIdin, Mohoney
And Byrd Among
Several Speakers
BY The Assoeioted Press

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BALTIMORE, Jan. 11.-Mary-
lands Republican governor and
two Democrats who want his job
shared the speakers platform
here yesterday for a Negro rally
celebrating the 91st anniversary
of Lincoln'S Emancipation
Proclamation.
Gov. McKeldin and DR.. H. c.
Byrd and George p. Mahoney,
both of whom are seeking<Demo-
cratic nomination for governor,
were among more than half a
dozen political figures making
brief speeches. All three had
something to say about helping
the Negro. They were invited by
Willard w. Allen, grand master
of Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Ma.
sonic group which sponsored the
gathering in the Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
They were preceded to the lee
tern by DR.. Mordecai johnson,
president of Howard University,
who told the audience that race
segregation must stop in the
South and fair employment prac-
tices must prevail. Taking note
of the politicos around him, both
Republican and Democratic. DR..
johnson said that no candidate
could feel assured Of the Negro
vote.
Must Promise Voters.
Candidates in order to obtain
the Negro vote" he said. must
promise to work for the end Of
segregation in every public in
stitution-sc chools. swimming
pools. hotels and railroads. Can
didates must assure Negroes they
will work to give colored per-
sons equal opportunities to work
in every field with the whites.
I'VE must ask candidates
where they stand, ask them
these questions. If the answer
is no. vote him down. If the
answer is yes support him
whatever party he belongs to-"
he added.
Gov. McKeldin told the group
there must be only lone citizen
ship" and said the racial COM
mission he had appointed had
obtained admittance Of Negroes
to Ford'S Theater in Baltimore.
He said the group is now work.
ing on hotels. restaurants and
other public places.
Proud Of Church Action.
He said he was proud of steps
churches were taking toward
elimination of racial lines and
added: I'VE are making prog
ress. so count your blessings and
see what God has DONE"
DR.. Byrd, up next, said Me-
groes must be given opportuni-
ties to prepare themselves in the
arts and skills. He said he be-
lieves the Negro is entitled to
equal opportunity under law"
and promised to work for these
goals.
Mr.. Mahoney ignored DR..
Byrd'S remarks, but called Gov.
McKeldin'S speech splendid.
He did not shadow box, but
talked from the shoulder and
has acted that way as Cover
nor" Mr.. Mahoney said.
Cites Catholic Moves.
Mr.. Mahoney noted a remark
by DR.. johnson earlier that the
Catholic Church was working to
end segregation and said: I'm
glad I'm on his side as a Roman
Catholic"
Other brief speeches were
made by Senator Butler, Repub-
lican. of Maryland: Representa-.
tive Fariedel, Democrat. of Mary
land: State Senator Harry T.
Phoebus. Republican. of Somer.
set and Delegate Samuel Hop
kins, Republicn. of Baltimore.
Mr.. Phoebus praised Somerset
County as a land of tolerance
and invited several hundred of
you to be the guests of Mrs.
Phoebus and myself in Annap-
oils in February when the Legis-
lature is in session..
Mr.. Hopkins ursed the group
to put several prominent Ne
groes" on the legislative ticket in
the fourth district at the next
State election.
Senator Butler was the only
orator who failed to use the
microphone and his remarks
went unheard by newsmer and a
great many of the audience.
Mr.. Friedel told the group: II
hope I can vote for a bill for you
in Congress"