Newspapers / The Carolina Times (Durham, … / June 8, 1957, edition 1 / Page 2
Part of The Carolina Times (Durham, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
PAGE TWO THE CAROLINA TIMES SATUBDAlf. JUNE 8. 19S7 •mi SHINING RAYS OF HOPE From the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Chicago last week, there have come two bright and shining rays of hope that all is not lost in the South, in spite of. events that have recently happened in this section of the country. First, the convention unanimously endorsed a report of its Chris tian Liff Commission which called for an end of resistance to integration of races. It de manded that law enforcement agencies bring to justice those who perpetrate violence against Negroes in the cause of segregation." Second, the trustees of Southeastern Bap tist Theological Seminary at Wake Forest, in attendance at the convention, voted to admit qualified Negro students, starting in the fall of 1958. With about 25 of the seminary’s 30 trustees present there was not a disenting vote. Said the report of the Christian Life Com mission: “This commbsion protests the vio lence in all its ugly forms that is being used against the Negro people in the cur rent segregation issue or at any other time. In recognition of the Negro’s rights as a citizen of these United States we call upon the law enforcement agencies of local, state and national govern ments to protect him, irrespective of his position or culture from lawless attacks upon his person or property. “We believe our nation cannot long endure these lawless attaclcs made upon the person and property of free citizens in contempt of the law and the courts of justice. We, therefore, call upon the law enforcement officers of community, state and nation to bring to legal justice the perpetrators of these crimes, regardless of their position or influence in the com- . munity.” Said the conunission further: “Discriminatory laws are futile, Jim Crow laws cannot solve the race prob lem. The road toward solution will be found when we find the reason why they are enacted and tackle those reasons.” These are strong words and strong actions They go beyond the high sounding and per functory resolutions often taken by South ern religious groups on the race question. The impact upon southern thinking is bound to weaken the influence of such anti-Negro organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan, the White Citizens Council and others. The Bap tists have outrun other southern religious or ganizations and should be congratulated for taking such a forward and courageous step. TRIAL BY FURY INSTEAD OF TRIAL BY JURY The trial of two white men in Montgomery, Alabama for the bombing of a Negro church and their subsequent acquittal was indeed a trial by fury ratiicr than a trial by jury. The verdict, rendered by the jury of 12 white men, brought a ringing applause from the crowded courtroom after justice had once again been lynched in defense of white supremacy. The verdict of not guilty comes at a time when North Carolina’s Senator Sam J. Ervin—the “J” is not for Jim Crow—is waging the fight of iiis liie to uphold the rights of southerners to keep their heels on the necics of Negroes and screaming about protecting the right of trial by jury. It is probably the greatest blow in behalf of civil rights that has been struck in a long time and if advocates of civil rights legislation in Con gress did not have sufficient ammunition for their congressional guns before, they have It now. Before the eyes of the nation and th^ iiw, ifcit ut imuwm I proved concmsively that where the rights ofi Negroes are concerned, a trial by jury in the South is more often a trial by fury. When men of any race in Alabama, or any othem southern state, can be set scott free after bombing a church and have it applaud- Mby spectators In a courtroom, there Is cer tainly little hope that a Negro charged with an offense against a white man can obtain a fair trial in such a place. Senator Ervin and other advocates of white supremacy in Con gress will probably exert all kinds of pres sure behind the scenes on Alabama to secure a verdict of guilty in the other trial of one of the defendants for bombing another church and a taxicab stand. Whether they will be successful will depend entirely on their ability to get it over to the stupid whites in Montgomery that they are not only aiding in the cause of federal civil rights. legislation but are holding this country up before the eyes of the world as the very poorest example of democracy. So far as Negroes are con cerned the verdict may yet turn out to be a blessing in disguise. What the state of Alabama has actually said to all hoodlums within its borders is that you can bomb Negro churches, homes and other property and the courts of this state will protect you. That is what the de fense attorneys meant when they appealed to the jury for a verdict that would give en couragement to “every white man, every white woman and every white child in the South who is looking to you to preserve our sacred traditions.” What traditions we pray? The traditions to embark upon a reign of terror against Ne groes, the like of which there has never be- loro till! Duwtll. 'II Hi AHT more ^mbings Id jNagro wiu’chra and homi o!fcur, resulting in the death of their oc cupants, you can charge it up to the 12 “tried and true” fiuymen of that Alabama court, who obeyed the defense attorneys’ demands and preserved the “sacred traditions” of the South, giving new hope to the Ku Klux the White Citizens Council and other law less elements. Thus we find that lynchings, mpb violence and terrorism have been moved from the courthouse lawn to the courtroom where they are done under the protection of the court and in the name of justice. Thus we find the perpetrators no longer the ignorant hood lums but members of the court, such as the judges, the jurymen and the counsel for the defense. ! WE NISH THm "GOOD LUCK" THE CHURCH LAGS BEHIND From our colleges and universities throughout the land, young men and wo men by the thousands are graduating after having spent the allotted time to meet the academic standards required. Probably, without a doubt, most of this horde of pri vileged youth face the new world into which they go with eagerness and high hopes and confident of their abilities to meet the chal lenge of life successfully. Some of them have no reason to feel otherwise, because already thy are assured of positions, and these with salaries which would have seem fabulous to the graduates of a generation ago. But regardless *as to the mood of these graduates, they will find themselves, with few exceptions, if any, facing a world that will test their moral stamina and the spiritual fibre of their souls to the utmost. They will find that life is no bed of roses, with it’s roads to success smoothly paved, it’s prizes hang ing like tropical fruit to be easily grasped, and its victories a conspiracy planned for their benefit. In fact, they will find them selves in a world of hard reality, in which competition is fierce, in which the battle of life is often waged with no quarter given and the jungle law—the survival of the fittest— tias not been repealed by civilization. In such a world, painful disillusionment may be their t . 4 iiklAil This writer has noted with more than pass ing interest many of the admonitions given by the season’s commencent speakers. They have advised these young graduates to be non conformists, to dare to be the odd man, to be unfraid to walk alone, to challenge the status quo, entrenched interests, the opinion of the majority, to face life with unflinching courage, holding to their convictions and re fusing to compromise their ideals and the sense of right and justice. Such advice has been timely and justifiably given. It is the boUftden duty of those hear ing it to adopt it as a practical program to which they will cleave. For, as the future leaders of meq and the torch bearers of civilization, they can afford tp do no other thing. Their own ultimate good and the sal- (Please turn to page Seven) Editor's Note: Tbe Editorial printed below appeared ia a re cent Issue of THl CALL, a weekljr, published In Kansas City, Kansas. One of the tragic factors in the de-segregation process has been the failure ol the church to exert leadership at a time when practical Christianity is most needed. During the past few years, the church lias been long resolutions and tiigh-sound- ing phrases, but short on per formance. Almost every important na tional church denomination lias issued proclamations setting forth belief in and adherence to the principle of universal bro therhood. They exhort tluit “God recognizes no race” and that “All men are brothers." But, unfortunately, these pro nouncements are not binding upon local churches and local congregations. Churches, it seems, can engage in un-Chris tian practices and at the same time call thetnwlves Christian. It has just come to our at tention that the Rev. Earl T. Sturgess has resigned as pastor of the Southeast Presbyterian church. He is leaving the church he has served for seven years because of Session, the official body of the church, has gone on record as opposing the opening of its membership to all people and the participation of both races in the church’s activities. This action was taken in spite of the fact that the community around the church has taken on an interracial character in the last few years. The Session not only has voted to keep the membership ‘all-white" but recently Issued a ruling that if the church is to conduct a Daily Vacation Church School this summer it must be for white children only. This was the “straw" that broke the camel's back as far as the Rev. Mr. Sturgess was concerned. A Bible school, where children are taught the principles of JCsus, was to be restricted to the white follow ers of Christ only. For the past three years, the Rev. Mr. Sturgess has been try ing to develop - an interracial ch. He has sought to teing abour^*un^ltafRding dift will among? Negro and wnlte neighlsors. As the neighborhood changed, the minister wanted his church to keep in step with the times and to serve the com munity around it, regardless of race. Il^e Rev. Mr. Sturgess urged white residents of the area not to move away because some of God's children with darker skins were moving in. He spear headed a “My Home Is Not'For Sale" campaign which gained national recognition about two years ago. His aim was to make interracial neighborhoods a liv ing reality and to halt the pat tern by which white families scurried from a block once a Negro family moved in. The Rev. Mr. Sturgess’ plan had a good effect. Although the signs now have virtually dis appeared and many white families have moved away, the eastside neighborhood in which he worked has not made a com plete change-over as some other areas have. As he proceeds with his plan to make his church a truly com munity one, taking into its membership and into activities all who would come, the Rev. Mr. Sturgess found that many of his members and alK>\it liaU of Ills official board were not with him in spirit. When called upon to put into practice the Christian principle that all men are brothers, the good laymen of Southeast Presbyterian found themselves hesitating. When the question was put squarely before them, they adopted a resolution stating that Southeast Presbyterian “is not yet ready for a mixed member ship.” That was last February. The Rev. Mr. Sturgess was dis couraged and disillusioned but he continued to work with his flock. One note of encourage ment came in the fact that the resolution carried by only one vote. Seven men were for it, six against. There was always the hope that the thinking of one man might be changed. Two months latei*- came the vote on the Church school. This time the vote was 7 to 4. With this, the Rev. Mr. Sturgess de cided that he could no longer serve a congregation whose principles and ideals were so far from his own and so out of step with the pronouncements of tlie general Presbyterian church. The Rev Mr. Sturgess set atiout to develop a community church to serve the people In the area, regardless of their race. He wanted his congrega tion not only to follow the trend toward integration but to step out and lead the community in interracial living. Unable after three years to get his congregation and his governing body to accept his program, the Rev. Mr. Saurgess is resigning and Southeast Pres byterian is depriving itself of an able religious leader.- Southeast Presbyterian, lo cated at 36th and Indiana, is an ideal location for an interracial community church. It is housed in a building with excellent facilities. It is to be regretted that its membership finds it so difficult to operate in accor dance with Ciuristion principles. Although we realize how dif ficult the situation must have been for him during these last few trying years, we regret to see the Rev. Mr. Sturgess leave tiie Southeast area. Perhaps in ' pEi fq|iy monr~mo«tba^.lie could have broken through the iron curtain of resistance. We certainly hope that he will not be lost to the Kansas City community. This city needs within Its. ministry more men like him who are willing to stand' up and light lor thetr principles, who can translate the Christian philosophy into daily living and will sacrifice security and personal comfort for ideals. So many ministers faU to speak out vigorously from their pulpits for fear ot offending large givers on the trustee board.. The Rev. Mr. Sturgess puts principle above monetary gains. The members of Southeast Presbyterian should hang their heads in shame if they let the Rev. Mr. Sturgess leave. His resignation should awaken them to their duty as Christians and as American-citizens. If they are worthy to be called Christians, they will refuse to accept the resignation of their pastor and move immediately to change the policies which caused him to tender it. 'CiyJI Rights Legislation Will Remove The Filth In Our Own Bockyqrd/^ CLEAN ii X saiiaiA "I CO FISHING" By BEVEBEHO HAROLD BOLAND Paator, Monnt Gilead Baptist Church “Peter said to them I go fish* lng...tbey say we also go with thee.” John 21:3. Peter was very impatient in the way of God and holy conse cration. He is all too human. We are often like that too. We are too prone to discouragement and to forsake the ways of Christ. We leave the way ol Holy Adventure for the unim- partant tilings ol life. We lack steadfastness lo we turn back to tt»e ol dlile.'^ too easily we '^se'slght oft Christ. iBtus we often say wiiM Peter...“I GO FISHING..." Lpng since had ho and the rest ol them been called from the old way with Its nets, boats and ttie sea. And yet we see the leader, the -man with-the keys,, ready to for sake the path of holy consecra tion. He returns to the old life. They go fishing, but it was a miserable night of futility and failure. They disobeyed the will and the wishes of the Clu:ist. How can we succeed when we go contrary to the Master’s will? He goes fishing while the Good News of the Master must wait. Are you off fishing some place and holding up the work of Clurist the Savior? How lOng^ will you squander your God- given gifts on the side shows of life, while the important busi ness of the Christ is held up? "Peter said to them I go fish ing..." Beware of the spiritual and moral pitfalls of impati- enee. Bow often we go fishing while worthwhile causes are stranded? Too many of us be come imconcemed, careless and irresponsible amid the crying needs of men. Some gooi cause must wait. Why? We who have the reins of responsibility and leadership..^GO FISHING.. The lost need salvation. The heavy laden need relief and release. The sick need healing. And where are we. With Peter we say.." go fishing...” Too many go fishing when we cannot have our way—our seUlsh and pride ful way. How can you have God’s peace and blessing if you go fishing when he needs you most? ~^Put Jesus Into your business and keep him there. He ia the secret of success. Leave iiim out and you are doomed to misery and failure. We get tired of waiting and go fishing. Stand unwearied in the unfolding of God’s plans. God’s plan may not work out according to your final sche dule. God’s plan may iiot work out in a day. God’s plan nuiy be deferred, but it cannot be de feated. Let us through faith and the indwelling power of Ocd’s spirit await the fulfi’'mcnt of God’s plan. Let us be faithful knowing our “LABORS IN THE LORD ARE NOT IN TAXNT The impatient often lose the wonder and richness of the heavenly vision in making a de cision to..GO FISHING..Let us follow the lead of God in tasks of holy consecration. By Robert Spivaek Watch on the Potomac INVITING THE UNDOTAKEK- CAROLINA TIMES ^ IVIAIN OFFICE — 436 EAST PETTIOBEW STREET Phones 5-0671 anil 2-2tl| — Dnrkam, North Car«Una Published At Durham, Ntrth Carolina Every Saturday By THE UNITED PUBLISHERS, Inc. Entered as second ckua matter at the Post Office at Durham, North Carolina un der the Act of March 3,1879. L. E. AUSTIN, Publithtr ChATHAN ROSS, Editor JESSE ORAY, Advertising Mgr. M. E. JOHNSON, CoiitrolI«r ^VINSTON-SALEM OFFICE — 364 N, CHUBCH ST. — PBONE 5-086t MRS. VELMA H0PK1NM, Manager SUBftOMPTlON BATES •3 00 Om Yaar T«i Ceuta Sfa^la Copy |2 00^” Months $4.00 — Foreign CountrlM. Pdrit ^ comrs. jut yw If®;"- CewtMy of I. r. OeodricN Sofa Drivar LMftM £ i iza^ Conflict Of Interest There’s a lot more than meets the eye in the departure of Sec retary ol the Ti^sury George M. Humphrey from the Presi dent’s cabinet. Shortly before announcing his resignation Humptu-ey was becoming in volved in a hot controversy that threatened to “curl" his hair. It all started a few weeics ago when Humplwey told Sen. Byrd ol Virginia that he did not like those fast tax write-offs that many big business companies were receiving from the Federal government. Humphrey spoke as if he were shocked at the preferred treatment lieing given the Idaho Power Co., the recent beneficiary of a $65,000,000 write-off granted by the Office ol Defense Mobilization. Now it turns out that several companies in which Humphrey has retained a substantial fi nancial interest have themselves received tax write-offs in excess of one billion dollars in the last seven years. The disclosures of the quick tax write-off were made in an ODM letter to Sen. Matthew M. Neely, West Virginia Demo crat, recovering from a liip in jury at Bethesda Naval Hospi tal. Neely asked Sen. Wayne Morse to present tiie data to the Senate which he did. On May 8 Humpluey told the he felt the tax write-off pro gram “adds to inflation, gives favored companies an unfair ad- vanta^ over competitors, and by holding back revenue post pones the day of tax reduction." In the period from 1950 through AprU 11, 1957, it de velops, the Hanna-associated companies were granted 410 tax write-off certificates. Altogether there were worth $1,021,813,000. When Humplurey was up for confirmation he got idd-glove treatment from the Senate Fi nance Committee. It was quite different from the rough hand ling suffered by his colleague Secretary of Defense Ciiarles Wilson, Humpiurey said he was going to retain his stocks and he was permitted to do so. He did resign Ills varioiis directorships and also quit as president of the M.A. Hanna Co. of Cleveland, a giant holding company. Humphrey said he would maintain iiis financial ties to the M. A. Hanna Co., Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Co., Hanna Coal and Ore Corp., and the Na tional Steel Corp., ol which he now becomes top man. ‘ What Hie Write-Offs Are Worth To get some idea ol what’s in volved in a rapid tax write-oM you might compare it with tbe rate at which you are permitted to amortize the cost of yoiu" home or place of business. De preciation on most homes now runs from 20 to 30 years. On office buildings it’s about the Senate -Finance Ctommlttae that .same. But the comnanies which enjoy the rapid amortization can charge oH aU depreciation in five years. Zn the case of tbe latter ttuee companies in which Humphrey retained stock, this is what they got in the way ol write-offs: National Steel Corp $77,856,00 Hanna Coal and Ore Corp. $13,- 779,000 Pittsbitfgh Consol. Coal Co. $1,- 629,000. Another Hanna-assoclatedCo., Iron'Ore Co. of Canada received a write-off totalling $83,438,000. Civil Rights And Civil Wrongs There is & great fiurore in the Senate these days about the so- called "jury trial amendment" to the Eisenhower civil rights legislation. Many people who have refused to temporize with any impairment of our constitu tional liberties are asking if the ■ Dixie demagogues may not have a point. Does the proposed legis- > iation deprive a man ol the right to trial by jtuy? The legal answer is that In federal cases involving con tempt of court the accused Is usually tried before the judge against whom he is said to be in contempt. The American Civil Liberties Union now makes another point in a carefully prepared memo; “While there is always need to guard vigilantly against the misuse of government imwer... there is also need to prevent weakening of the power of our courts to upliold the law of the lan^ .Tha ri^ht of -equal traat> ment under law is fiitally un dermined when community acn- timent blocics the enfbreement ol law."
The Carolina Times (Durham, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
June 8, 1957, edition 1
2
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75