The Century Chronicle

Dr. J. Stanley Durkee Resigns Presidency

James Stanley Durkee, by his own statement, made in Brooklyn, N.Y., last Sunday will cease to be president of Howard University on June 1 and on July 1 will become pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church in the big New York Borough. It is not strange that the announcement of a fact that has long been generally accepted should be made other than at Howard. To have given the first official confirmation of the report at the school would have been according the University too much courtesy under the circumstances. Dr. Durkee has been at Howard since July 1, 1918, the closing years of his regime have been stormy ones, and the alumnae have bitterly assailed his administration. However, it is believed that he has had the full support of the trustees in his conduct of the office of president.

The question of a successor has not been publicly passed upon though it is altogether likely that the board fully understands his connection with the school.

Dr. Durkee said this morning that he had sent his resignation to the president of the board, Dr. Charles R. Brown, dean of the school of religion of Yale University, some days ago, but in view of his purpose to continue as head of the university until June, local members of the board said no meeting had yet been called to consider the matter of his successor.

ALUMNI WANT COLORED HEAD

"The students at Howard University need someone of their own race at the head of the institution." Dr. W. C. McNeil, president of the Medical Alumni Association of Howard University made this statement last night in the campaign of the alumni of the institution to have the board of trustees name a colored man to the presidency of Howard.

Dr. McNeil declared:

"A colored president could do much to promote a sense of race justice at the school. I can see no reason why a colored man should be discriminated against at an institution that is solely for the education of colored youth." Among those suggested for the post are: Dr. John Hope, president of Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga.; Garnet C. Wilkinson, first assistant superintendent of schools in charge of the colored divisions; Dr. L. Leroy Locke, editor of the New Negro; Dean Kelly Miller, of Howard; Ernest Just, scientist, and several other members of the Howard faculty.

Personal History of Dr. Durkee

A native of Nova Scotia, Dr. Durkee graduated from Bates College and took his theological degree at Boston University. His first pastorate was at Auburn, Me. He later preached in Boston, and was pastor of the South Congregational Church in Brockton, Mass. where he was elected president of Howard University. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and Knight Templar. He is one of the directors of the National and International Society of Christian Endeavor and a trustee of several social service organizations.

Is Able Preacher

Though his occupancy of many pulpits during the time of his connection with the university, Dr. Durkee has gained a reputation as one of the ablest preachers in the city. He is also a writer and lecturer, his works including "In the Footsteps of a Friend," "In the Meadows of Memory," and "God Translated."

AGED NATIVE CITIZEN DIES

WAS SECOND GENERATION OF FAMILY BORN IN THIS CITY GEORGE A. CHASE HAD MANY FRATERNAL CONNECTIONS

George A. Chase, one of the venerable old landmarks of the city passed away at his residence, 1633 Tenth Street, Northwest, Friday February, 26. He was 85 years of age having been born, the youngest son of Thomas O'Shea.

His parents were likewise natives of this city. Mr. Chase spent his entire career in the District. The funeral was conducted from Plymouth Congregational Church on Monday afternoon. Rev. James O. Olden, conducted the burial service assisted by Rev. Milbanks and Rev. Medford. Mrs. Ida Howard and Mrs. Maude Jones rendered appropriate vocal numbers as part of the ceremonies. Mr. Chase is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Addie Green, well known in women organizations, another Mrs. Harriet Gray, Past Royal Matron of Ruth Chapter O. E. S. and a son Bryson Chase of the office staff of the Solicitor of the Treasury Department.

Early in life he was wedded to Miss Sarah Tinney, of another of Washington's pioneer families.

For many years Mr. Chase was first president with the famed Washington Light Infantry, an aristocratic national guard organization.

The deceased was concerned with many community interests and was a member of many local fraternal and benevolent organizations, among them being John F. Cooke Lodge of Odd Fellows where he had been a member for 35 years; the John Mar-

DINNER HERE DRAWS IRE OF WRITER

Prompted by urging from Neal Thomas, president of the local branch of the N. A. A. C. P., Charles Edward Russell, noted author, economist and political authority, declined to attend the testimonial dinner tendered to Col. Clarence O. Sherrill by the Washington Chamber of Commerce, and tendered his resignation to the organization because of its stamp of approval of Sherrill's discriminations while

Superintendent of Public Buildings and grounds, as indicated by the dinner. Mr. Sherrill has become city manager of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. Russell's letter of resignation is as follows:

"Colonel Sherrill, by his deliberate course of contemptuous injustice toward the colored people of this city, took himself out of the category of public servants that merit any applause from their fellow men. Legally, constitutionally, and from every viewpoint of social welfare, the colored people are entitled to every right

A COMMENDABLE MOVEMENT

In this issue we publish an account of a progressive step taken by the order of Elks looking to encouraging and assisting our young in matter of education, particularly beyond elementary grades. The commissioner who is managing the order appears to be clear-visioned and zealous. So far as announced, there is nothing visionary but practical in his plans; and what is more important, the order has seemingly responded enthusiastically to the call.

Education Week, April 11 to 15, under the sponsorship of the Elks, promises to initiate a movement which will and probably will have, far-reaching effects. One admirable feature of the plan is that philanthropy is not to be confined to the daughters of members of the order, but is designed to build up the order, especially the race as a whole, and hence the nation. Another commendable feature is that assistance is not to take the form of a "dole" that would inevitably involve discrimination against those who could offer the most likely service, that is, those least needing help. It is obvious that it is not planned to found another exclusive or less exclusive school, but to send the beneficiaries to schools already established.

We have now too many poorly equipped and poorly endowed schools; if any, are overcrowded. There will be need for the existing schools for all that they will help for some years, at least. And finally, it is well that those entrusted with carrying out the purpose of the order see our youth educationally did not accept previous and probably futile scheme of priority for this, that or the other. Such often doubtful value in stimulating a lasting racial advancement, which is far more important than an occasional fitful spurt and struggle to beat the other fellow to a dangling plum. The whole purpose and plan of Commissioner Huston and his associates is worthy of great-est endorsement, and may well be emulated by other fraternal orders. Hats off to the Elks!

A Woman's Point of View / By NANNIE H. BURROUGHS

And given every social consideration would not expect nor accept such consideration from white people.

We referred to that group of Negroes in business who work on or as work for whites only. Perhaps they practice discrimination for two reasons: first, material gain; second, they disdain to work on or work for colored people. In many sections of the country the opportunity for serving members of the colored race is too limited. When the motive is material gain, or limited field, they might feel that they are justified. But the colored people who engage in such businesses put private gain above white moral values.

Colored businessmen and women who practice discrimination ought to oppose every kind of segregation and Jim-crowism from separate cars to segregated residential districts. They are in league with white people who refuse to serve Negroes in places that are operated for the public. We are fighting the principle of the thing and the colored person who

NEGROES DISCRIMINATE AGAINST NEGROES

There is so much discrimination among colored people, segregation practiced AMONG colored people, toward their own race, and there is practiced by white people toward colored people.

Nine-tenths of the colored domestics will not work for members of their own race. There is no white person in the world who would refuse to work for members of his own race on the mere score of being colored. There are Negro businesses that cater to whites only. There isn't a white business of concern that discriminates against white people. They have too much race respect and too deep a moral sense of values to enter into such anomalous and humiliating compacts against their own race. It is their policy to give their race the best and to practice business discrimination against other races. Thousands of Negroes not only disdain to work for members of their own race or on members of their race

While others come and go because white Americans love high-sounding names and dear me, how wonderful to associate with titled personages. Just to show how small Americans seem in the art world, just glimpse a few of these tongue-twisting names of persons appearing in recital right here in the national capital: Halitosis, TEirtza, Pollack, Maximilian Rose, Borowski, Range, Furtwaengler, Klemperer, Gallucci, One gin. American aristocracy is denounced in very nearly every other thing under the sun excepting musical art, even in mobocracy and caste system is unequalled through the world in its sheer exclusiveness "darker skins" and by the way, the one of the reasons why America is something like the cow's tail—all behind.

CORONER'S JURY HOLDS WOOLRIDGE'S SLAYER

A coroner's jury last Monday ordered Mrs. Bessie Elizabeth Alexander, 24, of 1412 U Street, Northwest, held for the action of the grand jury in connection with the killing of DeVoia Woolridge, 26, who was rooming in her apartment.

Mrs. Alexander shot Woolridge at 7:30 p.m., last Saturday, with a .38 caliber pistol. The bullet entered his breast, just above the heart. Death was almost instantaneous. Woolridge was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Freedmen's Hospital by Dr. Clarence A. Gillot, an interne. He had been there in "Preck" Boone's cab.

The shooting resulted from an argument between Mrs. Alexander and the deceased. Mrs. Alexander, 26, who roomed at this address with Mrs. Alexander and her family, denied the presence of Albert Smith, of 1633 Seventh Street, Northwest; Leroy Davis, of Cedar Heights, Md.; and George Lewis, of 1613 Thirteenth Street, Northwest. Woolridge stated he was going with Mrs. Alexander. Mrs. Alexander shot him because he had been rude to her. She called him a liar and he had called her one. Woolridge had been living with her for two years.

Woolridge motioned as if he were to hit her with a beer bottle which was on the dining room table. Mrs. Alexander shot him twice.

Woman Shoots

Mrs. Maud Marshall, an ice man, of 1633 Seventh Street, Northwest, rang the door bell. Mrs. Alexander opened it for him. He went into her bedroom and got her husband's gun. She returned to her dining room, and Woolridge had gone into the kitchen. The kitchen knife held the door open and Woolridge picked up this knife to enter the dining room. He grabbed the gun. He let the door shut and jumped behind it. She shot through the glass, the bullet taking effect, striking him in the left breast. Woolridge was rushed to Freedmen's Hospital.

He was pronounced dead on arrival. Death was due to a severed lung and a heart wound. He died profusely at the mouth and nose. Mrs. Alexander was arrested by Robert E. Doyle, Sergeant J. Dennis and Precinct Detectives G. W. Smith, and C. F. Lowery. At the station house, she read a statement confessing the killing.

TRUSTEES TO SELL UNDER ORDERS FROM JUSTICE HITZ

Sale of the unfinished Masonic Temple structure at Tenth and U Streets, Northwest, was authorized by an order signed last Tuesday by Justice William Hitz in the equity division of the District Supreme Court.

The court appointed Alexander Wolf and William L. Houston, opposing counsel in the litigation which has been going on for nearly a year, trustees to make the sale.

The order referred the issues between the contending Masonic factions to Herbert L. Davis, court auditor, for hearing and determination, after which he is to report to the court. After the sale and confirmation by the court, Mr. Davis is authorized to make disbursements of the proceeds to the priorities. The sale of the property was authorized for the protection of all the parties to the litigation, the stock-

NAT'L ALLIANCE OF MINISTERS TO BE ORGANIZED

The culmination of six months travel, and a long period of correspondence upon the part of Rev. C. L. Russell, pastor of Israel Metropolitan C. M. E. Church together with the ministers of the local Ministerial Alliance will present in a convention of a number of ministers and professional church officials of every rank for the purpose of organizing a National Ministerial Alliance.

The proposed body is a distinctly trade or professional organization open to ministers of every denomination for the purpose of creating an attitude of more helpfulness to the progress of the Race in its every aspect, and to broaden the scope of ministerial contribution to the general advancement of the group. The project is to be helpful in all the pursuits of life for their people without interfering in any manner in the denominational functions of the minister on behalf of members.

A three day program has been arranged that will include consideration and discussion of different subject to subjects of deep consequence to the Race. The full program will be made public later. The local body that is sponsoring the call that has been acknowledged by more than two thousand churchmen is of a denominational assortment of religious affiliation, hence should assure an unbiased and untrammeled body.

The Program Committee

Dr. F. R. Killingworth, pastor, Lomax A. M. E. Zion Church; Dr. S. N. Brown, director of Extension Department of Theology, Howard University; Dr. H. A. Taylor, pastor, Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church; Dr. O. W. J. Scott, instructor of Systematic Theology, Howard University; Dr. W. A. Adams, pastor, Florida Avenue Baptist Church; Dr. C. M. Lewistall, pastor, First African Disciple Church; Dr. W. C. H. Wesley, instructor in Church Music and Hymnology, Howard University; Dr. J. H. Jenkins, district superintendent, Washington District indirectly M. E. Church; Dr. F. A. Scott, pastor, and C. A. Pinn, instructor in Exegesis of the Prince- English Bible, Howard University; J. U. King, pastor, Asbury M. E. Church; Dr. J. C. Olden, pastor Plymouth Congregational Church; Dr. C. E. Stewart, pastor, Metropolitan M. E. Church; Dr. C. L. Russell, pastor, Metropolitan C. M. E. Church; Professor Hebrew Language and Literature, Frelinghuysen University, and President of the Ministerial Interdenominational Alliance of Washington, D. C.

THE BREATH OF SCANDAL

The following is taken from an article in the Sunday New York World, by W. E. Woodward, who is gathering materials for a life of George Washington. Mr. Woodward says: Like most public men of eminence, in whatever age, has been the subject of numerous sex scandals, which the "breath of scandal"—as the newspapers call it—has blown upon him and General Washington's, and other figures, are not immune. Believe them. He was no saint of chastity. But his illicit love affairs must have been very few. The so-called "letter-books"—those breathlessly behind closed doors—are mere forgeries. This whole fabric of legends was kept alive because of the average American's inability to understand how any man of any hero without having what is known as "blood sex life," which means promiscuous intercourse.

Exactly—so far. But it is just as easy for the average man to believe that Mr. Woodward's self is mistaken. In fact, according to the ordinary rules of probability, it is quite easy. If this Virginia gentleman failed to take ad-vantage of his opportunities among his hundred and twenty-five bondsmen and bondswomen (including of course mulatto girls), he was a noble exception to the rule of his time—and some-times, too. The existence of these mulatto girls was pretty close to ipso facto evidence that he had at least of his class either voluntarily or other-line or were attracted over by their beauty.

In the case of nearly every slave-holder's talisman of Mr. Washington's set, we have concrete, objective evidence of the cross, not a few were big enough and honest enough to acknowledge and openly assist and care for their children of passion and opportunity—an unusual devotion to his two mulatto wives. T