New York Amsterdam News — 1963-00-00851

/lie f; 1 iJ 10 • N. Y AMSTERDAM NEWS, Sat, Oct 12, l! NKWYORK Amsterdam Netos 3 C. B. POWELL President St Editor P. M. H. Savory, Secy-Trees. • J. L. Hicks, Executive Editor W. K. Be«t. Comptroller, K. A. Walt Dbetajr Advertising Uractor; Warren Jackson. Circulation Managua; J. H. Walter. CM? Uteri J. W. Wade. Classified Advertising Manager; D. Published weekly by the Powell-Savory Corporation at 2340 Eighth Ave., N. Y. Telephone ACademy J-7800. Brooklyn office, 1251 Bedford Avenue. Telephone ULster 7-2500. Man aubarrtpttoa ra 1 year 17.ee — g MW Fair Business ? Commissioner Robert Moses has once again de­ molished his critics—this time over the issue of cut- rate prices for school children attending the World’s Fair. Queens City Counoilmen Seymour Boyers and Edward Sadowsky have criticized Mr. Moses along with thousands of New Yorkers for Mr. Moses’ re­ fusal to let the school children into the Fair at re­ duced prices. Moses says it’s bad business. Mr. Boyer and Mr. Sadowsky, however, made the fatal mistake of being reckless with the truth and in so doing they came within focus and range of the hair-triggered sights of Bob Moses and, in typical Moses fashion, he proceeded to let them have it with both barrels. In their criticism of Moses, Boyers and Sadowsky said, among other things, that the city was spending $120 million to build and improve the expressways and parkways leading to the Fair. Bob Moses came up with the facts. The facts are:*“The city is not spending one cent on the $120 million road network. The Federal gov­ ernment is spending 90 per cent of the $120 million and the state 10 per cent, except in one instance where it is 50 per cent Federal and 50 per cent state.” In typical Moses fashion, Moses went on to de­ molish all the other charges made by the two coun- cilmen and when he was finished two more of his critics lay in the dust where so many others have fallen. Moses says that to allow the school children to come in at a reduced rate would be bad business at the Fair and there is no doubt, after witnessing the demolishment of his critics, that the facts actually are all on Mr. Moses’ side. But we would like to go beyond the facts and sug­ gest to Mr. Moses that, while it might be, monetarily, bad business from the standpoint of the Fair to let the kids in at cut-rate prices, it would be good busi­ ness from the standpoint of our children to do just that. They are, after all, children. We repeat—the facts are on Bob Moses’ side. But we would like to remind Commissioner Moses that the facts were also on his side at the only time in our memory when he lost a public battle. And that was the time he and his bulldozers got all tangled up in Central Park with a group of mothers and their little babies. It is pretty hard to win a fight against a mother and her child—even when you are a Bob Moses'. No Supermen! There is no place in the government of the city of New York for supermen—and that goes for black supermen as well as white supermen. That’s why we hope Mayor Wagner will promptly and firmly slap down Commissioner Walter Ford, his Water Board chairman, in Mr. Ford’s sophomoric attempt to play superman by defying the Mayor’s request to make a racial survey of the personnel of his Water Department. Mr. Ford is a Negro. As such he is thoroughly familiar with the racial imbalance of Negroes in our city government and he knows as well as anyone else that the Mayor’s study is aimed at finding the areas of greatest imbalance so that they can be corrected. But instead of complying with the request as others have, Mr. Ford comes up with some mealy mouthed statement that such a racial count will “disturb” the members of his Department. He also mouthed a lot of other garbage about it being “wrong” and “illegal” to make such a study, but it all adds up to some left handed defiance of the May­ or’s order. The true fact is that such a count In Mr. Ford’s department will show that he has hired fewer Negroes than most of the other departments in the city. The fact that Mr. Ford is a Negro should make no difference here. We hope the Mayor will promptly make him fall In line. Onr Nhn Approach The Amsterdam News is not a charter member of the Anti-Mme. Ngo Dinh Nhu Club. We can't quite understand the criticism being hurled at tbe press of the nation for giving this lady a forum from which to speak and for reporting the things she says to the American people. To hear some of our loud-mouthed Congressmen talk, one would think that the American people are afraid to let her talk, and that if she is allowed to folk she is going to change the entire American way of life—for the worse. We don’t feel that way and we don’t believe the American people feel that way. The American people, in the past, have survived the oratory of Khrushchev, Castro, Nasser, and Or­ ville Faubus just to mention a few, and more recently we have listened painfully to Bull Connor, Governor Wallace and Ross Barnett. But we have survived—and we think we can sur­ vive anything Mme. Nhu has to say. We say let her speak. We don’t know what she Is going to say—but one thing is certain— She will certainly be more pleasing to look at than Governor Ross Barnett! Lis Is Justice? People In Action Great Day For Negro By DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. JR. New divisive forces are at work in our community. In the mad quest to conquer us by dividing us white people are working through some Negroes who will sell their race for a few dollars and cents. We must make it clear that we never intend to go back to the days when all of our efforts were paralyzed b y t h e nagging virus of di­ vision. We never intend to go back to the KINO days when the white community could pick our leaders for us and give them a few measly handouts to keep their mouths shut. We never intend to go back to the days when our children suffered discrimination because of our neg­ ligence, and our own lives were inflicted with a lack of self respect because of our complacency. We have gone too far now to turn back. We must, above all, continue the struggle on the highest level of dignity and discipline. We have given to the world a marvelous demonstration of the power of nonviolence. We must not turn our backs on this creative meth­ od. We must keep it at the center of this movement. The days ahead will be difficult. As victories for civil rights mount in the federal courts, the angry passions and deep prejudices of the diehards will be further aroused. These persons will do all within their power to provoke us and make us angry. But we must not retaliate with external physi­ cal violence or internal violence of spirit. We must not allow ourselves to become bitter. As we continue the struggle for our freedom we will be persecuted, abused and called bad names. But we must go on with the faith that unearned suf­ fering is redemptive, and love is the most durable power in all the world. I am convinced that Jesus was right when he uttered in words lifted to cosmic proportions: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” Great Hour This Is a great hour for the Ne­ gro. To become the instruments of a great idea is a privilege that history gives only occasionally. As I tried to say in Stride Toward Freedom: “It may even be possi­ ble for the Negro, through adher­ ence to nonviolence, so to chal­ lenge the nations of the world that they will seriously seek an alter­ native to war and destruction. In a day when Sputniks and explorers dash through outer space and guided ballistic mis­ siles are carving highways of death through the stratosphere, nobody can win a war. Today the choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or non­ existence. TheNegro may be God's appeal to this age—an age drifting rapidly to its doom. The eternal appeal takes the form of a warning: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.” We must continue to look to a bright future. I know many are asking, when will that future ful­ fill itself? When will our suffering in this righteous struggle come to an end? When will the desolate valleys of oppression be trans­ formed into sun-lit paths of jus­ tice’ When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the noctural bosom of this lonely night, and plucked from weary souls the chains of fear and the manacles of death? I must confess that I cannot give you the exact date. But I have no doubt that the midnight of injustice will give way to the daybreak of freedom. My faith in the future does not grow out of a weak and uncertain thought. My faith grows out of a deep and patient trust in God, Who for righteousness, and Whose matchless power is a fit contrast to the sordid weakness of man. d You And The World The Enigma Of DeGaulle J?' ** I So far, every bombihell that de Gaulle has hurled against the United Nations, the North Atlantic Alliance, and the “Anglo Saxon” world has produced only mild reaction in Washington. It seems that the Administra­ tion is continually expecting a real clarification of de Gaulle’s position. Until now, the enigma-has been com­ plete. What is he aiming at? What ac­ tually is his “great design”? Repeatedly, de Gaulle has asserted the desire of France for independence from both giants, the United States and the Soviet Union. “France must deter­ mine her own destiny” he declared not later than a week ago. Amsterdam NEWS jreatiXC He distrusts the American commit­ ment in Western Europe more than he does communist propaganda. Hence, his fierce cam­ paign against American insistence to assure the Eu­ ropean defense through the North Atlantic Treaty Or­ ganization. Addressing a French crowd, de Gaulle asked: 1 “Whether we will turn over to the Anglo Saxons all our chances of life and all our chances of death and certainly all our economic possibilities of tomorrow? “We have decided,” he continued, — “without in any way renouncing our Western allies — to have as they do, the means to defend ourselves.” His position is then clear. France will continue to build her own atomic defense. Although purely sym­ bolical and political, this, independent course causes a grave disunity within NATO, all the more disturbing at a time when the atomic powers have signed a partial test ban treaty. De Gaulle’s furious thirst for “independence’’ as well as his dream that France should play the role of “arbiter” between antagonistic nations do not fit in the modern world. Gaullist nationalism is doomed unless it is integrated in a strong unified Europe. Actually the original scheme of de Gaulle included the creation of a European “Third Force” counter­ balancing the American and Soviet powers. Indeed, Europe with its resources, its dynamism could be the Great Power to be treated as an equal partner in NATO. DeGaulle has proclaimed that the United States does not have the divine right of war and peace. “If Eu­ ropean countries depend on the American protection against an eventual Soviet aggression, they are not allies but satellites,” he argues. Mistake However the Gdullist Europe does not include Britian. and there lies the fatal mistake. He refused the British entrance into the Common Market. The unforgiveable fault was Britain’s “spe­ cial relationship” with tbeir all too powerful American cousins. Instead de Gaulle bet on Germany. The gamble will not pay off, for Germany depends on the United States much more than the British do. Proof can be seen in the fact that any announcement of a partial withdrawal of Americah troops from West­ ern Germany produces panic in Bonn. Also the other members of the Common Market (Italy, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium) have frowned on the special Franco-German Friendship, as well as they have opposed de Gaulle’s pretension to French hegemony in Europe. De Gaulle has ignored hostility and dissatisfaction from the French themselves apd from his European neighbors to lead France to a splendid isolation. He now views France’s independence as an inter­ national duly. Pulse Of New York's Public His theory seems to be that France can set an example to other nations and prove to them that It is possible to live free from excessive Soviet or American The Amsterdam News welcomes letters on either side of any subject It It preferred that letters not exceed 2S0 words and they influence. It explains his intervention in South \ ietnam an(j hjg interest in South America, which he will visit must be signed. Names will be withheld on request. No letters can be returned. AH must be addressed to the Editor. next year. Bus Drivers Sir: We haive a lot of men and women coming from other places to work here in New York. I want to say it Is a shame the treatment some of these people get from the bus drivers when they ask for directions. On a couple of occasions, the answer and look I got from the bus driv­ er was enough to sever my head from my shoulders. But I mult say that we do have a couple of bus drivers — one on Q44 and one of Q9 —'who are ry courteous and helpful. I think they are the most and that they should have some kind of recognition. Give them their flowers while they live. Name withheld Jamaica, N.Y. P.S. I hope this will an courage other bus drivers to be as nice as these. From Alabama Sir; The Dothan Colored News Bulletin has asked me to get them a list of Negro newspapers Do you have such a list? Ia there one in Kansas City. The Star? Is it Kansas City, Kansas? Or Missouri'’ Our group, a writers’ club, is working with others .In Alabama, white and colored, to try to help a sorry situation. I will appreciate a list of Mg- gro papers, please. I think we ought io drop aQ mention of such things as integration and segregation and concentrate on 'Rights and Unions." Because people are split over integration, etc But everybody is for rights. And, integration and segrega­ tion wilt not be problems, when all Americans have equal rights. It we will concentrate atrtetly on rights, and unions, we can at­ tract great numbers of support­ ers. But we weaken our position with such side issues as integra-1 tion. When we have equal rights for all Americans, discrimination will wane and die, and leave no mourners. Senator Goldwater is the num­ ber one threat to freedom in this country. Go over his speeches, see for yourself who Goldwater is ‘‘catering lavishly *to.‘‘ Listening to Goldwater, with his fanatic look and radical words gives me a cold chill of horror. Goldwater is Hitler reincarnat­ ed! Good luck, Mr. Hicks, Give our regards to Mrs. L. . M. G. Marsh Dothan, Ala. Let's Face It Sir As a man thlnketh so Is he! Does anyone know how Adam Clayton Powell thipks? Forgiving Adam's mistakes since wa all make them, we bow from the waist re his achievements, but let’s face it there's time for a change. A man must continue to ehra his wages. The automatic vote for Adam ia no more. Where he once had the loudest voice. Is now many new voices ringing out loud and clear; voices that cannot be bought at the largest political price. The Whites never trusted Adam and now it’s very evident that the Blacks can’t. Pretty soon the Puerto Ricans won’t. Adam has the reputation for being disloyal to friends and family. The people In Harlem are a new breed, fired by new leaders truly dedicated to a better world for their children and not ne­ cessarily Interested In any poli­ tical gain. Compare the moral records if need be of Rev. M, L. King to those of Rev, A. C. Powell. King’s flock is world-wide and Powell's flock once Abys­ sinia's fold is now qeestlonlng this man's stand on many issues.,point and you and I tioth know it. The once meek trusting masses There is a thin stratum of light- he hypnotized are nowscekingas- skinned Netp-oes at the very top surances elsewhere. Watching of the Negro burgeots who are Adam squirm and flit from one making life miserable for all the decision to another should be In- Negroes beneath them. There is a sprinkling of dark - skinned Ne­ teresting. groes In that bourgeois who are I doing the same thing (such as Name withheld on request. We Thank You Dawson*. These facts must and will be told. - - YKW NYC Against Boycott Sir: Every Jew I talk to, thinks that Christmas Boycott Is wrong. I wonder why? Congressman Adam Clayton Powell keeps his knife in the back of the whites, and every once In a while he does the twist. Sir: You say that "sometimes wh.te people confuse you." May I say that most of the time your writings confuse me. It isn’t ao much what you say but how you say it. Does that style you have adopted help sell the paper or is it yrtur own natural way of speak­ ing? Certainly as the Executive Editor of the \msterdam News, one would think you’d write in a manner to help the less edu­ cated Negro, learn and under­ stand better English, instead you write as a real . , .you know what. I have already sent Jackie Ro­ binson a personal letter express log admiration for the wonderful columns he gives us every week in your newspaper. I say thank God that Jackie writes as an educated American which he is Please note that I do not say as an educated Negro. I also enjoy very much Dr. and Mrs. Powell’s travel writings. Mrs. Jean Simon / R Decatur Street Brooklyn, N. Y Sir: Jackie Robinson, you may rest assured that I shall tell who It Is and was. This Includes, of course the opening of Sol Sing­ er's restaurant in Harlem des- olte an organized, unified Negro opposition to it at the grass roots Sirs Come to think of It, thero >*vel Thus were our people Is something that stinks to high nu.he<1 further into the bottom­ heaven about the Hulan Jack Adam Clayton Powell trials. Something Rotten? less pit of the Harlem slum! Jack hired a Negro attorney and was convicted and dismissed from his position. Powell hired a white attorney and got off practically acotfree How come? My position hasn't changed Jackie Robinson Is right on that Our Negro leaders, except for two or three — stink! Right now four of the best are Martin Luther King, Adam Clayton Pow­ ell, Elijah, Muhammed and James Farmer. Most of these men have avoided mud slinging Rut Powell has lately become embroiled in these hash matches “France, mistress of herself” may “sustain the courage” of new countries. But most of them realize that an independent line in International Affairs does not pay. The African’s goal is the unification of Africa. France’s future is linked to the future of Europe. Nobody, not even de Gaulle, can change the course __________ _______ of history._____________ ' because of his political ascendan- one season's gifts for their own cv His assuming the chairman freedom! ship of the House Labor and Education Committee increased the white man’s attacks on Pow­ ell. This Is a powerful position for an American Negro. Naturally the white man is doing every­ thing he can to tear Powell down. Apparently the white man has succeeded in beguiling a few of our people on this very point. You can talk to your friends about freedom for another hun­ dred years. All talk and no ac­ tion makes Jack no better otl. There Is no better way to act than to use the power of tbe dollar. If America’s businessmen wanted (o end discrimination, they could. Here's a chance to show them that they'd better end discrimin­ ation or face losing the one thing they live for — money. Eugene Wetxel Long Island City. From Bermuda Sir: I am a young Bermudian Negro student. To makt' a long story short, J am inquiring about your paper the "Amsterdam." Sir: Mr. Roy Wilkins of the NAACP says he will not back the boycott on Christmas shop­ ping because the boycott would deprive Negro children of. “the annual Joys of a Christmas tree and toys." Does Mr. Wilkins expect free­ dom without any sacrifice? • Something for nothing.) 100 years ago Englishmen walk­ ed off their Jobs rather than handle confederacy cotton. They and their white children went hungry for the freedom of total strangers (America’s slaves). And now the grandsons of those slaves won't deprive their chil­ dren of one Christmas tree and Would you kindly respond to this note by writing me back and stating the coat of your paper If mailed to me every week. There was one atore oyer here that was an agent for the Ams­ terdam News. However, for rea­ sons unknown, the proprietor stopped purchasihg. Write me back real soon. George Burehere St. George, Bermuda Editor’s Note; Reader Burch- ere has been informed of our yearly subscription rate and our scouts are now out to determine what happened to tbe "proprietor who stopped purchasing" tbe Am­ sterdam News. . • »v- I If the white Jesus, the white folks taught us about, on the white plantations, allows the whites to malm and slaughter us — that white Jesus must be the God of the white folks, and he must be prejudiced. Grant that, by running off to Puerto Rico all the time, Pow­ ell poses a minor problem for himself in that respect. Still, Powell has done more for us than any other Negro politician. That is a fact. > Dr. Revresbo New York City Donald W. Anderson Corona <58, N. Y. Negro Leaders On Boycott 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