Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1955-10-14

Ierc are nine members on tho
Iseland's appointment by tho
commission was vigorously criti-
ciscd cditoriaily by the SpoKES-
MAN and RECORDER papers on
Oct, 7, m n political plum" and
influenced by Gov, rrccman's de-
sire that Leland be appointed,
The criticism by the two papers
which aro independent politically
and who have generally supported
DrL candidates, created a sen.
aation which hit all the news SER
vice wires. radio and the daily
prras all over the state.
The papers. admitting that they
thought the Job should have gone
TO n qualified Negro. also cduciz.
ed Leland for his performance m
executive secretary OF the Mime
apolis Mayors Council and his
work nA executive secretary OF tho
Minneapolis F'Ep commission,
Accomplishments MI
The papers called Leland'a "re-
cord Of accomplishment In ending
Job discrimination In Minneapolis
m practically nil"
They chiticized the Minneapolis
FOR allowing Leland
10 neRiec, his duties m director
while holding q part time Job
teaching school. while drawing
down salary Of s7,0so for doing
practically nothing. adding.
There was absolutely no excuse
for man who was doing no little
being allowed 10 work on two
jobs"
Forced To Resign
Leland ths papsr stated. had
been forced 10 resign ms admins.
trative head OF tho Mayors Coun.
ell. Leland told the Minneapolis
TRIBUNE that his resignation
was not forced. but occurred over
differences on financial matters.
In reply 10 the papers charge
tina, the Minneapolis FEIAc under
his dictatorship had not accom-
piished anything, Leland told the
TRIBUNE that this was not true
and cited gains In minority group
since he assumed the
FEPc post. tsse editorial, Truth
~ tho Matter" page ~.
Crates statement Tuesday was
the second he had made since he
told the Minneapolis TRIBUNE
that he had not been In
fIueneed by political conaidsra-
tons In the selection 81 an ~xecu-
tive secretary.
lie said some Of tho other com"
mission members had also ON.
preAaed themselves In tho same
Cratic also told this paper
that he thought he was express
ing the conosnsua Of opinion of
the entire commission, but also
that he had not been authorized 10
make such n statement
Papers Say appointment
Justified"
The Twin city OBSERVER and
Tho ~, Paul SUN. Republican Ne
pro wseklicH published in the Twin
Cities by Milton fGusl Williams,
praised the selection Of Leland M
Justified These two papers Hug-
Restcd Leland M n prospect for
Tho executive ascretaryHhip In
April following tho signing Of the
P'ErC measure
Praise Spokesman and Recorder
Position
Aeanyhlle hundreds ~ Mime
aoiana Negro and white. praised
The stand ~ the RPOKESMAN
and RECORDER papers Two Of
The leading Negro pastors In St
Paul called the papers stand.
frank and courageous.
Letters received ON the issue
10 date arc nine 10 one In favor
" the papers contention that u
luaIned Negro should have re-
scived the top job.
A major ~. Paul merchant told
: reporter for the paper he felt
That the commission made It's
,eIectlon too hurriodly. lie also
,ald he thought the job should
have gone 10 n qualified Negro
4 nericnn citizen.
A Minneapolis industrialist. en-
DIoycr ~ Negro labor. said he was
that qualified Ne
gro did not receive the appoint
nent. lie said he agreed with the
SPOKESMAN and RECORDER
hat there were five Negro
American applicants who are head
md shoulders above Leland In re-
ord Of performances.
One Minneapolis Negro-Ameri
can woman complained In q
letter 10 the paper that u should
have attacked Leland's poor re-