The Greenwood Commonwealth from Greenwood, Mississippi • Page 1

"7 he atest Ne as In The Delia'' n. VOLUME 48 NUMBER 232 GREENWOOD, LEFLORE COUNTY, MISS MONDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 1, 1964 FIVE CENTS O' A t. of Archives Vser i War Mem- 'Co-ip. Jackson, 1H a cTTj t3) ILL Seeks Injunction To Prevent Law From Being Enforced op Secret Talks Opan Today Florida Ruling On Bible Reading Turned Down On Sourness! As ian Crisis sippi Legislature." He said the 24th amendment to the Constitution provides that payment of a poll tax is not re First Class of LPNs Graduate Left to right, Mrs. Mabel T.

Atkinson, director of nursing service at the Greenwood Leflore Hospital; Mary Clements, Mrs. Sara Moss, Mrs. Fauline Brown, Mrs. Gladys Lamb, Mrs. Sara Ulrey, Mrs.

Vallie O'Neal, Mrs. Ethel Cooper, Mrs. Effie Ray and Mrs. Eunice Horton, R.N., class (Photo by Les Lamb) First Practical military moves as a guerrilla counter-offensive. Official American quarters now tend to consider the problems of Laos and South Viet Nam in tandem rather than separately as targets of the same Communist threat facing all of Southeast Asia.

Since Pathet Lao forces in Laos began a spring push several weeks ago, there has been a noticeable hardening of U.S. official thinking on North Viet Nam. North Viet' Nam is supplying men, arms and equipment to insurgents in both Laos and South Viet Nam. Looming behind North Viet Nam is Communist China. The United States has been trying to get across the point that it intends to stay in Southeast Asia that it will never withdraw while nations there want its help.

It also has been trying, through the medium of official statements, to bring home to the North Vietnamese that they are asking for trouble by continuing to support Communist rebellions in neighboring countries, nsfield Plans CI otiire -Petition JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Attorneys for two Hattiesburg Negroes filed a federal court suit today attacking the constitutionality of a recently passed state law setting up election requirements. The lawyers said under the law persons seeking to vote. and who have not paid a poll tax, are 'required to obtain a receipt showing non-payment of poll tax." Also, they said, such receipt must be obtained ten days before any 19S4 election. Bruce C.

Waltzer of New Orleans filed the suit on behalf of Victoria Gray and Ceola both of Forrest County. Gray is a candidate for the Senate seat held by Sen. John Stennis, D-Miss. Waltzer said Ceola Wallace is a registered voter of Mississip pi and has not paid any poll tax, nor has she received any re ceipt showing that she has not made such payment. 'We maintain if she still has to show requirements to vote in a federal election, it is a violation of the 24th he said.

He said a three-judge federal panel this past Saturday struck down a law almost similar to this one passed by the Missis- 'To file Earlier, spokesmen for opposing camps in the long battle over civil rights agreed that the measure had been "watered down" bv the package of amendments. Sen. Jacob K. Javits, an ardent civil rights advocate, said "There is no question that the bill has been somewhat wa tered down" but added that it also had been strengthened in some respects. Sen.

John Sparkman, one of the Southern opponents, said "There may be some wa tering down effect in these amendments, but even with them it is a bad bill and we Southern senators are against the bill in its entirety and still hone to kill it in its entirety. The comments came as the Senate began its fourth month, 13th week and 67th session on consideration of the antidis crimination measure passed by the House early in March. Javits and Sparkman spoke out in programs recorded for radio and television use in tneir home states. Javits predicted a show down vote before June 15 on the ei fort to limit Senate debate and force voting on the measure. He forecast Senate passage before the end of this month.

Today's session was expected to be low key, because senators are straggling back from the three-day Memorial Day recess. 1 DIHW ii'WWT. Saturday HONOLULU (AP) Top U.S. strategists opened secret talks on Communist-plagued Southeast Asia today as the shaky coalition appeared to be falling apart. The virtual pullout of the pro-Communist Pathet Lao from a patched-up coalition with Laotian neutralists and rightists deepened the crisis atmosphere surrounding the talks.

Just about every key American official oncerned with Southeast Asia was present for the two-day conference behind closed doors at Pacific Com mand headquarters overlooking Pearl Harbor. Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge flew in from Saigon Sunday and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara arrived from Washington twelve hours later. McNamara called the meeting 'particularly timely" in view of increases in tempo and intensity of communist aggression in Southeast Asia. He charged that Communist North Viet Nam is directing attacks in both Laos and South Viet Nam.

Lodge declared the situation in South Viet Nam Is certainly not hopeless. The officials arranged to begin a day-long session early this morning. The final decision maker-President Johnson waited in Washington for recommendations that could lead to military pressures against Communist North Viet Nam, source of much of the trouble in Laos and South Viet Nam. Any decision involving military moves would mark a significant turn 4 in U.S. policy, which so far has avoided such action against North Viet Nam.

It was understood that U.S. officials have been considering seriously a variety of possible pressures, ranging from demonstrations of strength outside North Viet Nam to more direct Alfred Elliott Lions Speaker Alfred Elliott, director of the parks and playgrounds in the city, spoke to the Lions Club Friday, pointing out the increased need for recreation facilities. Elliott told the Lions that with the increased population and the increase in the number of leisure hours the demand on recreational facilities has become very great. Using a drawing, he reviewed some of the city's plans for this summer and their long range plans for the recreation programs in the city. WASHINGTON (AP)-Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield of Montana told the Senate today he hoped to file next Saturday a petition for limiting debate on the civil rights bill.

"One hour after we meet Tuesday, we would be prepared to vote on a cloture," he said. Just a few minutes earlier, before conferring on the floor '-ith Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen of Illinois, Mans-iieid had told reporters he hoped to do this next Monday. lie announced, his new. intention after conversations with Dirksen on the floor and in response to a question from Dirksen when he intended to file the petition.

Mansfield referred to a petition for cloture, or debate limitation, which must be signed by at least 16 senators, and then voted upon within-two days. To be effective, the move must win support of two-thirds of the Senate, or 67 if all are present and voting. Each senator then would be limited to one hour's debate on the bill and all with more than 200 now pending. Mansfield said he expects no Senate voting this week on the bill although lengthy sessions are planned to explain the package of amendments introduced last week as. a substitute or the House-passed bill.

quired as condition for voting ia federal elections, including a primary election. 'We're not trying to interfera with tomorrow's primary. We simply want this law declared unconstitutional," he said. Waltzer said the enactment of the statute involved was given 'little public notice and indeed did not come to the attenion of the plaintiffs or any of the larga numbers of peopla concerned until May As a result, he said, Negro registrants who registered without payment of the poll tax have not obtained the receipts of non-payment specified in the new state law. "The statute was enacted fof the purpose, and is designed to achieve the result, Waltzer charged, 'of preventing persons who have registered without payment of a poll tax, most of whom are Negroes, from voting." Waltzer asked the federal court to issue a permanent injunction from enforcing the law and also to stop the state from preventing any.

person from voting in Tuesday's Democratis primary. The suit also asked that a three -judge federal panel bo called 'immediately to hear and determine what procedure! should be followed in connection with the suit and the state law." New High In. Traffic Deaths By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Traffic accidents killed 429 persons throughout the nation during the 78-hour weekend: of Memorial Day. The deaths occurred between 6 p.m. Thursday and midnight Sunday, local times.

The weekend toll was only slightly more than an actual nonholiday weekend tally in mid-May this year. It was within the bracket of the National Safety Council's estimate cf 410 to 490 traffic deaths. Nevertheless, the fatal record was a high for a three-day Memorial Day period. The previous record was 371 in 1U58. Probably, safety experts said, a great increase in the number of cars in use, and in miles traveled, accounted for last weekend's total.

The heaviest toll was Sunday as millions of motorists jammed highways headed for home after outings. Reports indicate nearly 150 persons were killed in traffic accidents in the final 24 hours of the holiday period, holiday period totaled 16 while 40 persons drowTied. Traffic fatalities during the holiday period compared to 418 traffic deaths during a nonholiday weekend of 78 hours, from 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14 to midnight Sunday, May 17. The Associated Press survey for the nonholiday period also showed 23 deaths in boating accidents and 73 persons drowned, a total of 514.

Boating deaths during the holiday period totaled 13 while 41 persons drowed. The record high traffic death toll for any Memorial Day holiday period was 462 in a four-day observance in 1961. Last Memorial Day was a one-day observance and there were 153 deaths on the highways. Service Held Sunday Fc: ElhlMs Funeral services were held Sunday for Elbert Ellis Walls, who died Friday in a Booneville hospital. Reb.

B. C. Thornton officiated at the services from the Church of God. Interment was at the Evergreen Cemetery in Carrollton. Mr.

Walls was 74. He was a native of Pontotoc and had farmed 30 years prior to his retirement. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Minnie Walls of Booneville; three step-daughters; one five sons, Kenneth Walls, E. O.

Walls, D. M. Walls, all of Greenwood; R. R. Walls cf New Orleans and Joe Walls of Pascagoula; three daughters, Mrs.

Ruby Dubois of Pascagoula, Mrs. Hilda Scarantino cf Colorado Springs, and Mrs. Jean Earnhart of Tucson, thirty three grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were S. D.

Walls, Dewight Walls, Russell Walls, Jimmy Meagher, Roger Floyd and It. E. Chapman. Nursing Class Graduates Eight In a candlelight service the first class of the Greenwood School of Licensed Practical Nurses received their pins and caps at graduation exercises held at the Church of the Nativity. The Reverend J.

Eade Anderson, minister of the First Presbyterian Church, delivered the invocation. Thomas Askew, hospital administrator, extended a welcome. Mrs. Shirley Fountain, organist, accompanied Harry Horton, minister of music who sang two selections. Mrs.

Fountain played the processional and recessional for the class. Judge Charles Pollard deliv ered the graduation address, and diplomas were presented by Dr. W. B. Dribben.

In a candelight service, Mrs. Mabel T. Atkinson, director of nursing service, and Mrs. Eunice Horton, class- instructor, presented the caps and pins to the graduates. Mrs.

Gladys Lamb received a special pin as honor graduate recognized for "her outstanding pre-clinical and clinical The ten-month program was climaxed with the ceremony in which the nurses received the coveted lamp of Florence Nightingale, the symbol of nursing throughout the world. A reception was held in the Nativity Hall with Miss Faye Campbell and Mrs. Marilyn Barnhill in charge. A blue and white color theme was used with Miss Mary Lee Ray, Miss Louise Sellers and Miss Rosa Mims assisting in serving. Members of the advisory committee for the class and school are Thomas Askew, Mrs.

Sally Montgomery, Mrs. Rena Davenport, Albert King, Mrs. Mable Atkinson, Mrs. Eunice Horton, Rev. Eade Anderson, L.

C. Spencer, Stanley Sanders and Dr. John Woffard. Supreme Cour Alabama Hulin WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court struck down today an Alabama court order barring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from operating in that state. Justice John M.

Harlan delivered the unanimous decision. In litigation that began in 1956, Auxiliary Police Meeting Tonight Grady Gilmore, public relations director of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, will speak tonight at a meeting of the Greenwood Auxiliary Police at 7:30 p.m. at the City Hall. Law enforcement officers and auxiliary police from this area will be admitted to the meeting upon proper identification. The auxiliary's "Black Maria" riot bus will be parked in front of the City Hall for inspection from 6:00 p.m.

on. The Weather CLOUDY WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme court overturned today a Florida court decision that upheld Bible reading and recitation of the Lord's Prayer in Miami public schools. The tribunal cited its 1963 decision in a similar case from Abington Township in Pennsylvania. In the Abington case, and also in a case from Maryland, the Supreme Court, last year, held that required Bible reading and prayer exercises are unconstitutional. County Voters Cast Ballots On Three Races Leflore County voters will the polls tomorrow and cast their ballots in three Democratic Primary elections.

Appearing on the ballot will be the race between Senator John C. Stennis, incumbent, and Victoria Jackson Gray, a Negro. Congressman Jamie L. Whitten, who two years ago defeated Frank Smith: when their Congressional districts were merged, will also have opposition from a Negro woman. Fannie Lou Hammer will be on the ballot running against Whitten.

In the other race, incumbent Norman C. Brewer, seeking reelection to the Levee Commission for the Yazoo and Mississippi Delta District will face L. S. Poindexter who was defeated last fall when he sought reelection as a member of the Board of Supervisors. Election officials reminded all voters this morning that poll tax receipts will be required for the Levee Commission only.

v. Voting places have been set up in Minter City, Sunnysiae, Schlater, Shellmound, Southwest Greenwood, Southeast Greenwood, Northeast Greenwood, North Itta Bena, Money, East North Greenwood, West North Greenwood, North West Greenwood, Sidon, Morgan City and Swiftown. The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. LOYALTY LAW KNOCKED OUT WASHINGTON (AP) The rvmrt struck down to- OUpVUlV day two Washington state laws requiring tnat au suue employes take loyalty oaths.

Justice Byron R. White, delivering the court's decision, said the laws were "unconstitutionally vague." rites Down On ilAACP the Montgomery County (Ala.) Circuit Court on Dec. 29, 1961 permanently enjoined NAACP from conducting intrastate business in the state. The ban was on the ground the NAACP had failed to register as a foreign out-of-state corporation. Alabama's Supreme Court on Feb.

28, 1963 affirmed the Circuit Court order, considering the merits of the case. The State Supreme Court said this was necessary because the NAACP had failed to satisfy rules as to the manner in which law briefs should raise assignments of error. The NAACP appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, contending it had been deprived of constitutional freedom of association, and due process and equal protection or law. The state in reply said the NAACP had been given full opportunity to be heard in Alabama courts and now presented nothing of a federal nature for action by the U.S.

Supreme Court. In upholding the NAACP contentions, Harlan said, 'The judgment below must be reversed." He noted that, in view cf the long history of the case, the Supreme Court had been asked to formulate a decree for entry in the Alabama courts to assure the NAACP 's right to conduct activities in Alabama without further delay. Harlan said such a course was within the power of the Supreme Court, but that the high triou nal's justices preferred to follow usual practice and send the case back to the Alabama Supreme Court for entry cf a prompt i decree. Instructor. State JACKSON, Miss.

(AP) This state's Democrats pick nominees for one U. S. Senate seat and four U. S. House spots in Tuesday's primary.

Four Negroes are among those opposing the incumbents. Only the winner in the 4th Congressional District will face Republican opposition in the November general election. Rep. Arthur Winstead of Philadelphia also has two Democratic foes. 'We don't expect to win," a spkoesman for the Negro candidate said.

The Negro said they entered the race to demonstrate that their race is interested in Fifteen Violent Deaths In State By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Mississippi counted 15 violent deaths over the long Memorial Day weekend with 10 coming in highway accidents. Three other persons burned to death, one drowned and one was shot. The holiday period began Thursday at 6 p.m. and ended at midnight Sunday. Four persons died in a flaming highway crash Sunday afternoon near Durant.

The victims were identified as Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hardee of Jackson; their son, whose first name was not established; and Henry Cain of Kosciusko.

Mrs. Ima Tucker May, 37-year-old Duffy resident, was killed in a car-truck collision at Meridian Sunday. Another Meridian accident, which occurred Saturday night, claimed the life of Mrs. John C. Diaz a 21-year-old expectant mother.

Frank James Brach, an 8-year-old Negro, was killed Friday when struck by an auto near his home at Avalon in Carroll County. James M. Garrett, 26, of Benton, died Friday night in a two-car collision west of Clarksdale. Anthony Balta, a 21-year-old airman stationed at Keesler Air Force Base at Biloxi, was fatally injured Friday night near Wiggins when is motorcycle was in collision with a truck. Bobby Joe Cordell, an 18-year-old Greenville resident, died Thursday in a traffic accident in Greenville.

Three persons burned to death in a house fire near Fayette late Saturday night. The victims, all Negroes, were 83-year-old Sam Knight; 73-year-old Lizia Sin gton and 5-year-old Lams Banks. Bobby Wood, a 14-year-old Memphis boy, drowned Saturday while swimming at the beach at Sardis Dam. Emmitt Williamson, 34, was shot to death during an altercation in a rooming house at Ty-lertown Sunday. Police charged Leon Duncan with murder in connection with the shooting.

Den Mothers Honored By Cubmasfers Five Cub Scout Den Mothers were honored recently when they were presented Den Mother's Keys by their Cub-xnasters for serving for two or more years as Den Mothers. Receiving keys were Mrs. W. E. Galey and Mrs.

T. B. Wig-ley, presented them by Henry Flautt. Mrs. J.

B. Bishop of Pack 40 was presented her key by V. P. Chamblee, and Mrs. Jesss E.

Barefoot and Mrs. W. H. Bouchillon of Pack 118 received their awards from C. B.

Vilson. These Den Mothers meet weekly in their homes with 8 to 10 boys in an Active Club pro-pram working on themes, crafts nd games prepared by the Den tlothers. Ballot Voters uesday politics and could be a strong voice if allowed to vote. Victoria Jackson Gray, a Hattiesburg Negro, is challenging Sen. John C.

Stennis of De-Kalb. The woman has stumped the state, sometimes drawing large crowds at political rallies. She claimed her husband lost his job after she entered the race. Stennis has done little campaigning. He has remained in Washington, joining other Southerners in fighting the civil rights bill in the Senate.

Rep. William O. Colmer of Pascagoula, dean of the states congressional delegation, faces the most serious challenge. Edward H. Kyahat, 53-year-old Moss Point banker, has waged a vigorous campaign against Colmer.

Also opposing Colmer are Ben Walley, 43, a Leakesville attorney; and the Rev. John Cameron, 31, -a Hattiesburg Negro minister. Winstead is opposed by Tom Dunn, a Meridian lawyer, and J. O. Hollis of Carthage in the primary.

The winner will meet Prentiss Walker, a Mize Republican, in the general election. Fannie Lou a Ruleville Negro, is opposing Rep. Jamie Whitten of Charleston. She also claims her husband lost his job because of her political activity. Rep.

John Bell Williams of Raymond faces J. M. Houston, 74, a retired Vicksburg- Negro furniture dealer. Neither have campaigned actively. Rep.

Thomas G. Abernethy of Okolona was not opposed for re-nomination or re-election. Five state Supreme Court seats are also at stake in the primary balloting. None of the Democrats have GOP opposition. Justices Robert Gillespie of Meridian and Tom P.

Brady of Brookhaven were unopposed Brady seeks to serve out the term of the late Justice Olney Arrington of Hazlehurst. Brady was appointed to the tribunal by then Gov. Ross Barnett when Arrington died last year. Chancery Judge Stokes Roberts of Jackson was unopposed for the seat held by Chief Justice Percy Lee of Forrest, who is retiring. Chancellor William of Pontotoc was also without opposition for the seat held by retiring Justice T.

II. McElroy of Oxford. The only contest comes in the Southern District where Justice Robert Lee Jones of Brookhaven is opposed by Circuit Judge Lunsford Casey of Laurel. vices Held Funeral services were held yesterday from the Sidon Methodist Church for Harry Hayes Harrell, 71-year-old retired gin-ner who died Saturday. Services were conducted by Rev.

W. S. McAlIily, Rev. R. V.

Nanney and Rev. J. D. Clark. Interment was in Sidon Cemetery.

Wilson and Knight Funeral Home was in charge. Mr. Harrell had been a resident of Sidon for 23 years. He was formerly employed by Savage Cleaners in Greenwood. Survivors were bis wife, Mrs.

May Kelly Harrell of Sidon; one son, Warren Harrell of Jackson; one daughter, Mrs. Lillian Taylor of Jackson; a half brother, Bernard Harrell of Houston, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers, were James Hooper, Basil King, J. H. Flem-mins, J.

W. Duke. D. I. Smith, J.

B. Hathcock, Fred Conner, Lawrence Walker, Byron Kelly and Stanny Sanders. Honorary pallbearers were Hugh Warren, Harvey Harris, Paul Conner, T. U. Black, and N.

C. Stephenson. Ser For H. iSi St. John's Church Bums MortT9irc St.

John's Methodist Church observed the greatest day in its ten-year history Sunday night when a nots burning service was held, marking the end of all property indebtedness. The church was founded in 1934 with 203 charter members and today they have 616 members and property valued at $225,000.. Taking part in the ceremonies were, left to right, Van Elliott, Dr. J. C.

Pegucs and W. V. Stokes, pastor of the church. MISSISSIPPI: Partly cloudy and cos! this afterncn. Fair and cool tonight with lows in Tuesday, partly clsudy and mild with highs in 70s.

"MPERATUilE Today: Max. 75, Min. LI Sunrise 4:51 Sunsst 7:05 River Stage 19.23 Rainfall Last 24 Hrs..