Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
Quite an excitement was occasioned, about dark this afternoon, by the sudden movement of All the troops of all arms stationed in the immediate vicinity of the city towards the several bridges across the Potomac. The streets and hotels were immediately filled with a variety of wild and absurd rumors. The infantry columns filled the streets and avenues, the artillery and cavalry shook the earth with their heavy tramp, activity was everywhere, and although wondering at the sudden summons, all pressed eagerly on to action. Upon reaching the river side, the commander of each regiment was interrogated by an officer of the staff of General Wadsworth, commanding the division, as to the condition of his regiment, and was informed that he had been called out by order of the Secretary of War, to ascertain with what promptness the troops here could be put in motion, prepared for action. The precision and promptness of the response to this call were particularly gratifying. It manifested the readiness of the whole division upon any emergency.
The Act of Emancipation in the District of Columbia has been consummated. President Lincoln has approved the action of Congress, and given his official signature to the measure. To-day there is not a slave in the capital of the Republic. The long desired hour has arrived, when, as a nation, the United States is not the supporter of the institution of human slavery.
The Senate bill for this purpose is now in the House Committee of the Whole. It went there necessarily, as it contains an appropriation of money. Under the rules, it will require time, patience, and tactics to give it a deliverance, but its opponents can only postpone its final passage, which is certain.
The vote, 45 to 93, upon Mr. Vallandigham’s motion to summarily reject the bill, presents some features which are gratifying, and some which are not so.
COOLIDGE PERMITS IT!
How Our Men And Women Are Insulted In the Government’s Departments—Will the Self and Race-Respecting Negro Press of This Country Continue to Stand for This Sort of Thing?
(Special to The Gazette.)
Washington, D. C., Oct. 4, 1924.—There is more segregation in Washington today under President Coolidge than there has ever been since the Civil War. The beginnings of segregation were under President Taft. It was greatly extended, under President Wilson; increased, still further, under President Harding; and reached its zenith under President Coolidge. For instance, the largest of our parks President Wilson never troubled, but the present administration has found time and desire to introduce it even there.
To many people, segregation is a Democratic scheme of insult, but such is not the case. Mr. Taft introduced it in the bureau of engraving. He segregated the census-takers in this city in 1910, restricting white workers to white people, and black to black, often duplicating work as most blocks had white and black residents. And, worst of all, announced in his official capacity that Negroes should not hold office where white people complained. Segregation, then, is a Republican institution and not a Democratic one. It was begun by Republicans, and carried on to its all-embracing extent by Republicans!
Other Maryland Cities, Including Rockville, Suffer Tie-Ups
BALTIMORE, Md., January 2.—Almost complete paralysis of local transportation facilities marked the opening of Baltimore’s business hours today, due to snow which began falling last night and was continuing heavily this forenoon.
Stores, offices and manufacturing plants reported insufficient arrivals of workers to permit of even a semblance of ordinary operation.
The railroads reported no serious delays to either suburban or through trains north and south, as yet.