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142 THE CRISIS our publishing the names of the new officers and committees. We are sure that the results of their work, which will appear throughout the year in THE CRISIS, will justify the confidence of the branches in their choice of representatives. Prize Contest -- Returns from the Prize Contest are so late in reaching us that it has been decided to postpone publishing the results until next month. Albuquerque, with the aid of the Civic League, has prevented "The Birth of a Nation" from being shown. The Branch has also been successful in having abbreviations used to indicate race omitted from the city directory. Baltimore--The case of Maryland vs. Jackson, involving the segregation ordinance, which the Branch has fought in various forms since its introduction several years ago, has been argued and is now awaiting decision in the Maryland Court of Appeals. At a public meeting held at Sparrows Point on November 23rd a number of new members were enrolled. Cleveland has been successful in compelling a restaurant keeper to take down discriminatory signs. Columbus--As the result of a prosecution conducted by the Branch a patrolman has lost his position. This man, Thomas E. Dunn, was found guilty of beating an old colored man whom he was attempting to arrest. Another patrolman, named Tiller, who, it was alleged, assisted in the arrest, was suspended with Dunn pending investigation. Testimony brought out that Dunn was the aggressor, Tiller having merely tried to dissuade him. The discharged officer is the same man who was suspended for trying to arrest the Tyler boys without a warrant, another case handled by the Branch, an account of which is given in THE CRISIS for November. Des Moines--Nearly seven hundred persons were present at the entertainment given by Mr. E. R. Hall in the name of the Association, the proceeds of which have been devoted to increasing the circulation of THE CRISIS among white people of prominence. The entertainment consisted of a two-act comedy, "The Rainbow Kimona," under the direction of Miss Ferne Allen; a one-act sketch, entitled, "When the Worm Turns," and musical selections. All the young people played their parts exceptionally well. January 1st will be observed by the Branch as Emancipation Day, with Attorney-General Cosson as the chief speaker. District of Columbia--The following abstracts from letters to the President of this Branch speak for themselves: "I am sure you will be glad to know that I have received my appointment in the ------- Bureau. I shall always remember and be grateful for your kind interest in my appointment." "Some time ago I took the civil service examination for skilled laborer. I made an average of 93.82 and the number of persons whose names were ahead of me on the register established from this examination was eleven. In June, before going away for the summer, I inquired of the Civil Service Commission and was told that fifty persons had been appointed from this register. The appointment clerk told me that nothing could be done, as I had not been selected from the names certified. "I was discouraged and gave up in despair. I mentioned the matter to my pastor, who asked me to let him take my papers, saying he would see the President of the District of Columbia Branch. I gladly consented. That was the first week in November. On November 11th my pastor called with a note from you and accompanied me to the ------- Bureau, where I saw the Director. He read the note, summoned his secretary and directed him to take me to the appointment clerk. On November 19th I was called to work and am now at work. "I now realize I am under great obligations to the N. A. A. C. P., and to you personally. I thank you heartily, and expect to join the Association, which is helping so wonderfully to aid those who have no influence. I never knew the value of such an organization until now. I shall be glad to be of whatever service I may be to the Association." Kansas City, Kansas, is co-operating with the Spring Valley Colored Im- GO! 143 provement Association in opposing the efforts of the Linwood Improvement Association (white) to force a number of colored families to move from the district which lies immediately next to the section occupied by the Linwood Association. Peoria includes among its officers and executive committee some of the best known people in the city. Although very recently chartered, it has held a series of public meetings which have been well attended and is now endeavoring to pass an ordinance which will prohibit photo-plays likely to cause race friction. Pittsburgh -- Two meetings which aroused wide interest in the work of the N. A. A. C. P. were held by the Branch in the Metropolitan Baptist Church, the largest church of that denomination on the North Side, the Rev. W. K. Brown, pastor, and in the Trinity A. M. E. Church, the Rev. G. A. Henderson, pastor. Providence -- Undismayed by their failure to keep "The Birth of a Nation" from showing in their city, the Providence Branch is taking fresh hold of their work with redoubled energy. In fighting the photo-play they had a more difficult situation to meet than any other Branch, not only foes without, but an enemy within. They handled the situation with an uncompromising vigor which promises well for the success of their work in the future. The A. M. E. Zion Church where the Branch held a Brotherhood meeting on November 28th, was crowded to the doors. Mr. Rolfe Colbleigh, Assistant Editor of the Congregationalist, and Prof. William Pickens, Dean of Morgan College, were the chief speakers. Quincy heard the well-known colored violinist, Prof. Joseph H. Douglass, at their mass meeting on Sunday, November 28th. Topeka--The six weeks' fight which this Branch waged against "The Birth of a Nation," and in which they had the co-operation of the white Ministerial Union and the Governor of the State, was successful as is indicated by a letter from Governor Capper. Trenton is securing encouraging results from a publicity campaign they are carrying on through letters addressed to the press and to owners of hotels, restaurants and theaters, protesting against discrimination. GO! By LUCIAN B. WATKINS Suggested by the victory of Howard P. Drew. He heard the starting signal-word and ran; The lightning of his will through muscles fleet Became the pinions of his flying feet! As speeds the flash of thought, with him began Strong racers fired with the faith, "I can!"-- Great hearts high-steamed to reach the judgment-seat The final goal and palm of victory sweet, Each there to give his measure as a man! He Won! Go! Let us each take heed and run, Run with our gifts eternal and make known The hope we feel, caught from the beacon sun; The faith we find in many a midnight moan. Drew ran his race-- outstripped the world--and won. Now we resolve, O God, to win our own!
