New York Amsterdam News — 1963-00-00206

10 • THE AMSTERDAM NEWS, Sat, MarcR 30, 1963 Practical Joker? am Nates S C. B. POWELL President Sc Editor P. M. H. Savory, Secy-Treas. - J. L. Hicks, Executing Editor W. K. BmI. Comptroller; K A. Wall. Advortiatnj Director; C. M Jackaoa. Circulation Director; J. H Walker, City Editor; J. W. Wade. Claaaifled Adver Uatnj llanafer; D. Sheppard. Brooklyn Manager. Published weekly by the Powell-Savory Corporation at 2340 Eighth Ave., N. Y. Telephone ACademy 2-7800. Brooklyn office, 1251 Bedford Avenue. Telephone ULster 7-2500. Mall aubecriptioo rates: 1 year *7.00 — 0 mos . MOO Editorials Stupid Statement How stupid can a school superintendent be? We can’t pinpoint an answer to that one but Dr. Carl T. Hansen, Superintendent of schools in Wash­ ington, D.C., qualified for a Summa Cum Laude de­ gree in stupidity recently when he recommended that the crisis in Washington, D.C.’s schools be solved by expelling the incorrigibles and administering cor­ poral punishment to the unruly. Amsterdam News columnist Poppy Cannon White very ably dealt with Dr. Hansen’s nonsense in her column of March 23rd. Mrs. White took her readers back 25 years ago to P. S. 24 on East 128th St. in Harlem where Mrs. Vernon Ayers was principal for 25 years. She asked Mrs. Ayers, who is now 78, to com­ ment on Dr. Hansen’s suggestions. We believe that Mrs. Ayers’ statement as quoted by Poppy White is a classic answer to those who suggest such folly as Dr. Hansen has suggested. “Corporal punishment,” said Mrs. Ayers, “is not the answer”. “These children have already been beaten enough. That’s the trouble with them. Instead of instilling a sense of obligation, a beating often releases a boy from any feeling that he has to act differently. He feels that by taking the beating he has paid the price. “I used to say to them, ‘1 won’t let you grow up like that’, and even the ones that were the hardest to reach would listen to me and know that I cared what happened to them”. After these remarks Mrs. Ayers put the finishing touches on her masterpiece saying “these people in Washington didn’t realize what problems they were piling up for themselves through all those years of segregation, unemployment, inferior education and humiliation. Now they are confronted with the end results. Obviously they don’t know what to do about it”. Mrs. Ayers said more, much more. She went on to point out that there was one boy in her school who was bad in the morning but was strangely different and good in the afternoon after the school lunch. Mrs. Ayers took the trouble to investigate and she found that the boy seldom had anything to eat at night or in the-morning and that when he came to school the little fellow was just plain hungry. The more we heard about Mrs. Ayers the happier we were that she had been a principal in New York and the more we began to yearn for more principals like her in Harlem today. These are the kinds of educators we need, not only in Harlem, but in all of New York. More principals like Mrs. Ayers and less super- intendents like Dr. Hansen will bring us much nearer to the solution of the problems of our youth. Yon Can Help Five years ago, New York City passed a law which became history. It was called the Sharkey- Brown-Isaacs or Fair Housing Practices Law. At that time, many well meaning people thought that it was too early for such a law—that New York City was not yet “READY”. Today, the City Commission on Human Rights which enforces this law knows that 75% of all com­ plaints received by that Commission will be resolved successfully. This is a good return. But CCHR knows that miracles cannot be accomplished overnight. We are joining the City Commission in a cele­ bration of Fair Housing Practices Month during April. We are joining in the belief that all Americans believe that discrimination should not be based on color or religion. This is a tall order, but we believe that New Yorkers like a challenge. History predicts that in the future we New Yorkers must live in a multi-racial society. Write today to City Commission on Human Rights, 80 Lafayette Street, New York 13. Tell your church or organization about the Fair Housing Practices Law . . . Sponsor a discussion on this subject . . . Give all New Yorkers a chance to find the housing of their choice. You may have reservations ... but be willing to discuss the subject. That is all we as Americans can expect from one another. TAXATION The Tax Collector By R. J. MEADDOUGH The tax collector, or, officially, Revenue Officer, is one of three types of investigating officials of the Internal Revenue Service with which -the general public may come in contact. The other twp are the Special Agents, who deal with intelligence or Alcohol and Tobacco, and the Revenue Agents, who conduct field and office audits, dispens/income tax information, or handle estate and gift taxes. The Revenue Officer (RO)_in simp­ lest terms—is responsible for obtaining payment of delinquent taxes and se­ curing delinquent returns. To achieve these ends, he has the authority to levy on salaries, bank accounts and safety deposit boxes; to attach real and per- Meaddough sonal property by a federal tax lien; to auction such property for the satisfaction of federal taxes; to serve federal summonses in order to obtain informa­ tion; and to arrange financial settlements and part- payment agreements where appropriate. Most RO’s make field visits to various individual, business, and corporation taxpayers in performing their jobs. In Pairs Since Harlem is considered a dangerous area, along with the lower east side and Hell’s Kitchen, RO’s are allowed to pair up when performing their duties in these three areas, due to the high crime statistics attributed to these areas. Of course, there are three kinds of untruths: lies, damn lies, and statistics. The taxpayer and his non-payment of taxes come to the RO for final solution. As a professional repre­ sentative of the Internal Revenue Service, it is his job to collect the taxes due one way or another. His procedures are set, and he impartially selects the best one to do the job. Sometimes, unfortunately, personal considera­ tions influence his work, and the taxpayer must pro­ tect himself from harm. One RO, for example, dis­ likes going to Harlem because he can’t stand the smell. He also feels that people live that way because they choose to. Another RO is afraid of Harlem. It is a source of pride to him that he closes his cases "without ever going near them,” and a Group Supervisor thinks that being in Harlem after 3 o’clock is suicidal. Naturally, such attitudes distort the administra­ tion of the tax laws, yet it is injpossible to pinpoint prejudice because at this point of tax collection the taxpayer is always wrong. Helpful Hints In dealing with Revenue Officers, keep the fol- points in mind: 1. The RO is required to show his credentials to tax­ payers; if he refuses, have nothing to di with him, for he is not an IRS representative. When he shows you his credentials (no badge; two cards, including a picture and a number), make a note of it. Should there be any misunderstanding, you can easily identify the individual. Also remember that the RO has the authority—within limits—to use his discretion on his tax cases. His job is to get the money, and his judgment will be sup­ ported, right or wrong. 2. By cooperating with the RO, by answering letters promptly, by filling out financial statements as quickly and as accnrately as possible, the RO may be influenced into granting you more time or convenience to ease the pain of what amounts to a substantial loss. If, on the other hand, you feel that your case has been poorly handled, or if you have a real grievance, don’t hesitate to write your District Director and complain loudly about your state of affairs. You may not get a answer; you may get no answer at all, but bet assured that, somewhere, an investigation will begin and, if necessary, corrective action will be taken. honorably discharged all three of democracy for generations, companies from the army. But things are different today. A large scale Congressional in- Like Jefferson, Lincoln and vestigation was begun and while Roosevelt during their times, It lasted for several years, with prPs. Kennedy has spoken out increasing pressure from the Ne­ with words of great wisdom in gro community throughout the the presence of our lawmakers. nation, Theodore Roosevelt did The President has. once again. not reverse his decision. I wonder if it would be possible to place a note in your news­ paper stating that I am anxious to find anybody who has any information about the Brcfons- ville case, especially those with first-hand knowledge I am, of course, most Interested in locat­ ing anyone who was in one of the three companies (A,B,C, of the 25th Infantry) stationed out­ side of Brownsville, Texas, on Aug. 13, 1906 I would like to be able to set the record strqfght to bring justice, however belat­ ed, to those troops involved. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Ann J. Lane 210 W. 107th St New York 2S, N.Y advised Congress to bring into reality the principles of our dem- ocratic form of government He has also demonstrated his loyality to the foundation of our Constitution. Thus, he 'under­ stands that one of our great defeats, in our defense against Communism, derives from the practice of prejudice and dis­ crimination within our own bord­ ers. Even fools blinded by selfishness ran comprehend this liberal way of life. Nevertheless, they must first be told by their representa­ tives that such a way of life would complete our democratic foundation of freedom. Painful to say, this has not been so in the past. Civil Rights In fact, if we recall, wr would find that the situation was just 1 the opposite. Many of the repre- Sir: This is in reference President Kennedy's recent pro­ posals to Congress for a stronger civil rights legislation. Some­ thing we must think about, and something we must do. Yet, the only way to face it, Is to look deep within the truth. Years ago, it was easy for Congress to bypass those bills which were put before them to improve civil rights The rights that would bring together, into brotherhood, a great conflict which has divided our foundation to sentatives (both federal and state I and local officials used discrimination as their platform, knowing truly that it was in con­ flict with the basis of the Con­ stitution. Is this a fair and just means of showing other nations that we are the leaders of the free world? Indeed not. Therefore, we should put forth all efforts in purifying this great wrong which separates our people. John W Howell So. Oxons Park. N. Y. People In Action A Letter To Meredith By DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. JR. Judging by the newspapers in the last two weeks, it would be easy to assume that James Mere­ dith is no longer a student at the University of Mississippi. Actu­ ally, he still is, but unfortunately, the old adage holds true, “it’s bad news that makes the headlines.” The mobs are gone, the sound and fury has died, the rabid element of the student body disci­ plined — and be­ cause the newspap­ ers no longer report the day by day activity of the first Negro to crack the solid wall of Mississip­ pi’s segregation barrier, we are tempted to forget too quickly that James Meredith’s ordeal drags on. DR. KING What ordeal? The ordeal of lone­ liness. The ordeal of representing every Negro in America. This is a tremendous burden that James Meredith carries while at the very same moment he has the day by day consideration of the primary purpose for his presence at “Old Miss” — securing an education. The very presence of troops create an atmosphere of tension. Six of eight U. S. Marshals con­ tinually on hand could not possibly be conducive to study and con­ centration. Most of all, James Meredith is a human being and the basic human spirit feeds on the responses of other humans. This is almost non-existent at Ox­ ford. Some who have tried to be de­ cent — not even companionable — have been driven from the Univer­ sity by various pressures. There still smoulders in much of the stu­ dent body the historical and de­ generate rejection of James Mere­ dith as a man. The psychic violence of hostile stares and silent taunts; the ab­ sence of dinner talk and the “Good Mornings” and the “How ’ya making outs,” compound to make an almost impossible task, more difficult. I wonder some­ times upon what spiritual food the soul of James Meredith feeds. A Symbol Now each of us — every Negro in America — and in a sense every white person too, must recognize that James Meredith is there "for me.” He is a symbol of self-re­ spect and dignity; he underscores our concept of the basic worth of the human personality; his pre­ sence demonstrates the inexora­ ble course democracy must take if it is to survive; thusly we ought to find some way to share his bur­ den or make it more bearable. Pray for him, yes. Send him money, not especially. More im­ portant, touch his humanity — and your own — by expressing to him in your own personal way how much you appreciate his heroism, or that you hope he is doing well in his studies, or in what ways his example will make it better for the next generation of youngsters in Mississippi and the nation. Write whatever you will, but write to this noble American who is helping to turn our history in a new and creative direction. If we could produce a flow of letters from across our nation, whether he will be able to read each one not immediately, it will witness for him and for you that some­ body cared enough to share the loneliness and the burden of an­ other human. Oh yes, his address: Mr. James Meredith The University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi Pulse Of New York’s Public The Amsterdam News welcomes letters on either side of any subject. It U preferred that letters not exceed 250 words and then must ba signed. Names will be withheld on reguest. No letters can ba returned. AU must be addressed to the tditor. Another Side ed Mr. Rappaport to proceed to Nobodv Caret Borough Hail Welfare Center and 7 Sir: The Association of Jewish Employees — Department of Wel­ fare wishes to protest the “news item” entitled “Blame Direc­ tor for Strike”, which appeared in the March 16 issue of The Amsterdam News. to Instruct the group who refus­ ed to work to return to their jobs, and that their continued refusal to do so would subject them to disciplinary action. These individuals again refused to re­ turn to work. It is a statement based on an alleged anonymous letter signed “Members, Local 371 AFL-CIO”, which happens to be a forgery and has been rejected by the President of the union, as you indicated in the news item. Michael M. Rappaport, Direc­ tor of the Bureau of Public As­ sistance in the Department of Welfare, is a career employee with 30 years of service, who rose from the ranks to attain his present position through merit. A founder of Local 371, he is Chairman of the Board of Trus­ tees of the Association of Jewish Employees, the spiritual organ­ ization of the Jewish staff of tne Department of Welfare. The As­ sociation is part of the Council of Jewish Organizations in Civil Service, affiliated with the New York Board of Rabbis. He is a responsible talented, dedicated, and respected civil servant. Now, what are the facts con­ cerning the wildcat strike in Borough Hall Welfare Center in Brooklyn? At the beginning of the working day on Feb. 28, a group of employees in that wel­ fare center gathered together in a room and refused to perform the duties of their Jobs. This was an illegal stoppage of work by a group of employees, and not by a recognized labor organ ization. The Director of the Wel­ fare Center asked the group to disband, since they were con­ ducting an Illegal demonstration on the premises. Despite three such requests, they refused to do so. After the sitdown of this group of employ ees in the Brooklyn office, this was communicated to Central Of flee at 250 Church Street, in Manhattan. Commissioner Dumpson direct Mr. Rappaport left the Bor­ ough Hall office and returned to Central Office to report to Com missioner Dumpson. The Com­ missioner immediately exercis­ ed his authority by disciplinary action against the individuals in­ volved in this unauthorized and illegal stoppage of work. This irresponsible group who were being paid to meet the ur­ gent needs and service require­ ments of the unfortunate mem­ bers of our community who are in need of public assistance, callously neglected their sworn duties. As a result, hundreds of public assistance recipients were unable to obtain the services they urgently required. Therefore, it seems less than fair for a responsible newspaper to print a completely fabricated and prejudiced version of Mr. Rappaport’s role in the illegal stoppage, based on an anony­ mous statement by some person or persons, whoever falsified the source of the ‘ letter”. A retrac­ tion by your newspaper is in or­ der. Sol Perens, President Take A Stand Sir: It is my personal delight and sincere pleasure in forward­ ing "Muhammad Speaks” April issue to you I consider you one of the com­ munity leaders, thus to ask you on whose side you "stand” in our struggles for human rights’ Are you for Muhammad or against him? Almighty God, Allah bless you, if you are, if not, may A1 mighty God, Allah have mercy on you. S. Solomon, New York, N Y Sir: In reading your paper I noted that sometime ago you and your staff made quite a com­ ment concerning Mr. Hulan Jacks request for a pension. This I think is quite wonderful that peo­ ple are concerned about one an other in this day and time. However, I am not writing to comment on your ability to see the wrongs and rights of our fel- lowman, but I am writing you for somewhat similar reasons. I am writing your office be­ cause I, and everyone else, knows that a great injustice has been and is being done. You say to whom has this been done? Well, I am sorry to say, but It is being done to me. I will attempt to give you the full picture as explicit and brief as possible for I know that you are quite busy but all others 1 have turned to seem to turn a deaf ear. I am a veteran of more that 18 years of honorable service and have been trying to keep my family together until J could re­ tire. However, things became out­ rageous that I was advised to finish my tour and come home and try and settle my wife’s mind and her escapades. This I did and was out of service less than two weeks when my wife left home leaving me to care for my five children. I was advisd by my neigh­ bors that the Family Courts would help me in this matter so I sought asistance from the Chil­ dren’s Courts. I was given cus­ tody of the children during the holidays, but as soon a the holi­ days were over my wife and her lawyer said that she wanted the children and the home and that I was not able to support her or the children and the court ordered me out of the home and told my wife to move back home which she has not done. Instead, she has one of her friends living there and since her husband does not send her any more money, my wife is now asking the court to make me pay support. My home needs repairs and the children are not being properly cared for, but each time I ask for assistance in trying to pro­ vide my children with heat and hot water, I am, told that they will be given thee things in due time even though these things should never have occurred. These are only some of the things that are happening, but I have sought assistance from the courts, the Assemblymen the Welfare, the Health Dept. and the Governor, and all are quite un­ concerned at this time. I can understand that all men are supposed to be created equal but now I am beginning to won­ der if the United States Govern ment hasn't been keeping me dis­ illusioned for these past years. I am hoping that someone can at least see my reason for want­ ing my children, simply because I love them and I am not in anyway coaching them or threat­ ening them at all. Any advice or assistance in helping me regain my children will be deeply appreciated. James E. Hancock So. Ozone Park, N.Y. Information Please Sir: I am writing a book on the Brownsville, Texas, race riot of 1906. At the time, three com­ panies of Negro troops were sta­ tioned just outside of Browns­ ville. One night a group of men en­ tered the town and fired hun­ dreds of bullets into the homes of several residents. Although all of the soldiers vehemently denied any part in the shooting, and although no evidence was ever found to incriminate any lndi vidual soldier, the U. S. Army, the white Brownsville com munlty, the white national press and President Theodore Roose velt assumed some of the troops were responsible. Roosevelt, ang ry that none of the men would confess or implicate a friend, dis- Untitled Document file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Administrator/Desktop/hello.html2/18/2007 11:01:03 AMThomas M. Tryniski 309 South 4th Street Fulton New York 13069 www.fultonhistory.com