Paragraphics [Current?] News [And] Opinion [(By X. Mabie?] Wright) Read the Leaders. Our N[illegible]pers. Samue[illegible] Down The Sign. Bol[illegible] Be Ours Again. Af[illegible]ham, Salesman. [illegible] Post Office. A lady frustrat-[illegible] use she didn't know where to [illegible] small package. Look up, look down, look to the [right?], and to the left. There are signs in public places for the information of the public. Use your eyes; there's help in a look. The White House, it is said, has the [highest?] respect for the racial newspapers of the country. They are read there in large numbers to get a slant on Negro sentiment. When brother Cannon of New Jersey says that we can only hope to better our political status through organized leadership, he hits the nail [illegible] on the head. And the leaders should be loyal to followers, and the followers should [illegible] loyal to the leaers, and all should [keep?] their eyes on the pole star of the Best Interests of All and heave and [illegible]ll together. To which scores of the so-called [illegible]aders and hundreds of the so-thought [illegible]llowers answer "Amen," but go and [illegible] just the opposite. [illegible]hat keeps the wandering in the itical Sini[illegible]eude race leaders, listening to the [illegible] of Personal Gain and Destinction [illegible]eeping us out of Canaan. [illegible]Conners [illegible]ory. He con[illegible] Personality [illegible]hould have made [illegible]egro labor. Consen[illegible]th the customary ex[illegible] down as a well-[illegible]bor. [illegible]hups, he had his [illegible]e all of his subordin-[illegible] as he thought [illegible]e given him to exor[illegible]untry wide prejudice [illegible]ed labor. [illegible] let us hope that Mr. [illegible]hat he could. [illegible]ere are around about [illegible] Labor Unions with [illegible]00 [members?]. [illegible]oley, Ok[illegible] colored [illegible]rn: White [illegible] on You [illegible] ve made [illegible] owns in [illegible] inhos[illegible]akening [illegible]un Go [illegible] please [illegible] t? [illegible] to Sir [illegible] going [illegible]groes. [illegible] Af-[illegible] The [illegible] race [illegible] of [illegible] we [illegible] his [illegible] or [illegible]
Roland Hayes Thrills GREAT OVATION GIVEN NOTED TENOR ON SECOND APPEARANCE AT MACAULEY'S SUNDAY - WHITE, COLORED PAY HIM HIGHEST TRIBUTE (By Genevieve M. Reuben) "I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me because I am black, because the sun bath looked upon me."--Songs of Solomon, 1:5-6.
"Be proud my Race in mind and soul!
Thy name is writ on glory's scroll in characters of fire. 
High mid the clouds of Fame's bright shy.
Thy blazoned bannered folds now fly
And Truth (qualification, publicity and opportunity) shall lift them higher."
--Apology to Paul Laurence Dunbar.
"We as a Race must QUALIFY and really deliver by doing things. Then nothing else matters. All else will be alright."
Roland Hayes.
Louisville was again honored by the presence of the esteemed and famed son, last Sunday and music lovers of all Races and walks of life rubbed arm to arm and shoulder to shoulder at the box office of the Macauley's Theater and crowded the house to listen to the sweet strains which fell from the lips of Mr. Roland Hayes, the noted Negro soloist of the Symphony Orchestra, Boston.
Fully three hundred white people took advantage of the offer of seats on the stage at a special price as their last and only hope to hear the noted singer. Among them were many of the exclusive circle of Louisville such as Judge Lafan Allen and family, the Heverins, Professor and Mrs. Wadsworth Provantee, former classmate; Proffessor Arthur Hubbard of Boston instructor.
The main floor and the boxes were packed beyond standing room with white patrons. It is well that the balcony and gallery were reserved for Colored Americans as more than enough whites were turned away to crowd them.
Race Loyal
The Colored Americans of Louisville turned out enmasse and filled the upper floors in their effort to show their loyal appreciation for the genius and attainments of Mr. Hayes. Space does not permit the naming of the hundreds of the elite who were present. Ministers left their pulpits; clubs adjourned or postponed their meetings; doctors, photographers, beauty culturists and other professional and commercial people left their offices and establishments to feast beneath the scintilant vibrations which exuberated from the throat of Roland Hayes.
It was more than an hour before the stated time for the performance to begin, when the properly gowned and groomed white and colored patrons made their appearance at the theater. Even though they had purchased their tickets several days previous to make sure, they came early. Not a person on either floor was improperly dressed, and strict decorum prevailed throughout.
Reigns Supreme
The audience was thrilled by the mere appearance of Mr. Roland Hayes and his accompanist, Mr. William Lawrence of Boston, and was extremely demonstrative by their prolonged applauds. His first number, "Adelaide" by Beethoven, was more than sufficient to satisfy any who might have been present out of curiosity.
We could not dare to sit as critic over such a perfect voice; nor attempt to discribe the artistic culture and bearings of Mr. Roland Hayes. For it is said, in his art and profession, he is supreme. Regardless whether he sang "Nacht and Traume," by Schubert in German; "Omar Khayyam" by Santoliquido in Persian, or "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" a Negro spiritual by Lawrence Brown, his enunciation, articulation and tones were always clear and distinct. He sings with an ease that is divine.
God Given Powers
Critics all over the world in the several countries where he has sung, refuse to give him Racial classification; but consider him as a vocal artist. Professor Arthur Hubbard, who gave him his final training said: "I have made many great men but these are three very great ones: Roland Hayes, Wadsworth Provantee, vocal instructor of Louisville and Chas. Hacket. But I never really made Roland Hayes. God gave him a great heart and a great head." It was gleaned from the tenure of Professor Hubbards conversation that he was almost want to say Mr. Roland Hayes was the greatest of the three greatest musicians he had made.
In commenting upon the concert, Professor Hubbard said, Mr. Roland Hayes made perfect, full high "C" and "B" flat in two or three of the oprettic numbers he rendered.
In the words of Mrs. J. H. Speed, Louisville philanthropist and music patroness, "Didn't we have a wonderful time this afternoon? Oh! He is so poised. Just like himself." One white woman said,"Those spirituals reminded me of the old days down in New Orleans."
Gives Interview.
As Mr. Hayes finished the last strains of his special enchores, his many friends and admirers flocked upon the stage to greet him. In an interview obtained by the representative of the Louisville Leader, Kentuckys' Greatest Weekly, it was discovered that Mr. Roland Hayes is still that same full hearted conventional fellow, it is said that he was when he was just plain Hayes around Louisville some years ago. His grip and hearty hand shake are full of cordiality and sincerity, which makes one feel, "Well I am only a man for a' that."
His foreign associations and constant use of foreign languages in his singing, has given him an accent which is extremely becoming and which (Continued on page 8)
New Year's Gift To Old Leader Subscribers; Per Copy Sale Increased 500 In December. Among the hundreds of city subscribers to The Leader are many who have received the paper several years, but failed to pay the renewal subscription as it has become due. Some therefore owe for 3, 4 and 5 years. These persons are to receive a receipt in full as a New Year's gift. That is if they will pay at the office or to the Leader Collector the $2.00 due for 1924, before March 1, and promise to pay $2.00 for 1925 before the year is out. To Put Names in Paper There are those among our readers who pay the boy for the daily papers every Monday morning, but have either completely ignored the many appeals thru The Leader columns, the letters and cards mailed or have allowed the matter to slip their attention For fear that the above proposition might not claim the attention of all, if there are any who owe for more than one year who fail to make some kind of response before March first, after that date their names and the amount they owe will be published in The Leader until it is noticed by them. The Per Copy Sales Those who finally arrive at a conclusion that they don't want their own newspaper should first pay what they owe, then call the office and have it stopped, or refuse to take it from the mail man. The Leader's weekly 5 cents per copy sale in the city increased 500 in December over the previous month. Much attention is being turned toward these loyal readers who pay the nickel each week, and the January sale is erpected to show a still greated increase.
W. L. Powell and Son Sam Pass Away Mr. W. L. Powell, 73 years old, a pioneer citizen, well-known, passed into the great beyond Saturday morning, December 20th. Mr. Powell had been ill for several months, but did not take to his bed until seven weeks before his death. Realizing the seriousness of his illness he sent for his son, Sam Powell, 45, who had not been seen since he left the city several years ago. The reply came that he would come under certain conditions. A day of so after Mr. Powell died a telegram came that Sam had died in a hospital at Newark, N. J., and the body would be shipped here. The body is on the way to Louisville as The Leader goes to press. Mr. W. L. Powell was one of Louisville's most worthy citizens. He lived in the home owned by him at 720 So. 16th. He was in the employ of the Stewart Dry Goods Company for 50 years. He lived in such a way as to gain the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He was a loyal and faithful officer and member of Broadway Temple A. M. E. Zion Church, where his funeral services were held last Tuesday afternoon. His remains were laid to rest in the Eastern Cemetery. He leaves a son, Herbert, other relatives and many friends to mourn his death.
Mrs. Rosa Merriweather, teacher in the Hopkinsville schools, returned home Wednesday after spending the holidays in the city the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Long and other relatives.
Cary Lewis Wins In Annual Essay Contest Louisville High School Graduate Wins Over Able Contestants Chicago, Ill., Dec. 29 - The Fifteenth Annual Essay Contest was held Sunday, December 21st, at Wendell Phillips High School, 39th and Prairie Ave. The subject this year was "The Negro's Contribution to the Solution of the Present Day World Problems." Those entering the contest were: C. W. Powell of the Hi-Art Music and Dramatic Club; Miss Ethel Burgess of the Sunday Forum, Institutional Church; Mrs. Mamie Mason Higgins of St. Mark's Lyceum, and Cary B. Lewis of the University Society. This was a prize-winner's contest, and only those who had won prizes previously were eligible. The contestants read some very excellent papers, showing deep thought, splendid composition, and excellency in delivery. Wins Second Prize The second prize was awarded to Mrs. Mamie Mason Higgins, which was a diamond ring. Mrs. Higgins had won the prize in 1919, under the subject, "The New Negro and What He Should Contend for at the Hand of the American People." The first prize, which was a larger diamond ring, was won by Cary B. Lewis. Mr. Lewis won a prize in 1911, under the subject of "negro Authors and Their Contributions to the World's Literature," and in 1914 he won with the subject, "What is the Best Solution of the Race Problem in the United States of America?" Very brilliant musical selections were rendered at the contest by Mme. Anita Patti Brown, Miss Lowell V. Derrick and Mr. Harrison Emmanuel. The essay contest was founded by B. W. Fitts in 1910 and has been a big success every year. Note: Mr. Lewis hails from Louisville, Ky. He is a graduate from the Central High School.
GIBSON TO PLEAD SELF-DEFENSE IN MURDER CASE Wallace Gibson, 28, 818 S. Preston St, who has been incarcerated on a charge of murder for the killing of murder for the killing of Carl Regenauer, 34, white, supposedly in a liquor transaction, will enter a plea of self-defense when he is arraigned before the grand jury to answer the indictment, it is said. According to a statement given The Leader representative, Gibson with Ben Smith, alias Wilson, 28, 918 [Speckert?] Avenue, Theodore Puckett, [23?], 724 Speckert Avenue and Sellers Davis, 22, Newberg Roard, who are held to the grand jury on $1,000 bonds each with him on accessory to murder charges, were out on the Eighteenth Street Road driving toward town when the car in which Regenauer was riding attempted to crowd Gibson's car off the road. It is said that Gibson thought he had only punctured a tire on the other car, when it stopped, and never knew the difference until he read in the papers that he was being sought for murder. Waited For Officers. It is said, that Gibson exclaimed to his aged mother, "Oh mama, I have killed a man and I did not know it." It is averred that he waited at his home until the officers came, and that it was not necessary for them to break in the door, as was stated in a local daily, as the mother readily responded to their first knock and willingly admitted them into the little home. Told Brother Also It is alleged that Gibsons brother was working out on the Eighteenth Street Road at the time, and requested Gibson to go out with him; but he explained that "some white fellows got after" him and he punctured a tire on their car and did not want to go back out there. A ttorneys Lamb, Smith and Huffaker are representing the defendants.
EDITOR'S CAR WRECKED SKIDS OVER DEEP EMBANKMENT; OCCUPANTS ESCAPE WHAT LOOKED LIKE SURE DEATH LADIES PINNED UNDER CAR RUSHED TO CITY The editor of The Leader and the occupants of his car, Mrs. Mildred Duncan, Mrs. Louise Shakespeare Brown, and Messrs. Henry and Sylvester Jones miraculously escaped death when his Hudson skidded and left the road for a steep embankment thirty miles from Bardstown last Monday night about 11:30 That all came out without serious [injury?] is more than any one is able to understand. Out of town for the second trip for treatment and rest is indespensible to the betterment of his present condition the editor returned to the city the first of last week for the holidays. Having accepted the management of the Williams Singers' engagements in this territory, which includes Bardstown, he losing sight of his illness, and breaking his rule' against night driving consented to make a trip to Bardstown last Monday evening that he might accomodate the author, Mrs. L.H. Jones, and others who were to appear in her beautiful drama "Life" to be presented that night after three successful engagements here in the city. Although a cold and icy day from the recent snow, no trouble was experienced by any of the other drivers of the other cars en route to Bardstown. On the return, however, in connection with going down the hills that were driven up to Bardstown the ice was more compact and slippery. The editor left for home fifteen minutes ahead of the others. About seven miles from Bradstown the steepest and most dangerous hill was reached. The minute the front wheels of the car reached the top of this hill going down, skidding took place. The attempt to catch the skid did no good and under its own control it swerved and went over the embankment, steep a plenty on the left but on the right the steepest on the Bardstown Road. The car turning over and more, landing with its wheels in the air, the body, top and all glass doors and windows smashed to pieces, the wearing apparel used by the characters in the play was torn into threads. The crash at the bottom found the editor crouched, head down, with hands about the wheel. The men quickly working themselves out gave hasty attention to the two ladies who were calling for help. Found Stretched Under Car Mrs. Brown was found stretched out completely under the car, her face upwards, but in a hollow part that seemed to have been [provided?] for her to fall for protection against any part of the car that might crush her to death. The men momentarily endowed with the strength of lions raised the car, gradually pulling her out. Mrs. Duncan whose leg was pinned under a part of the car fainted when released. By this time the other cars carrying Rev. and Mrs. E.W. Jones, Messrs. Chas. [Preston?], George Duncan, husband of Mrs. Duncan, George Wise, Miss Elizabeth McElroy and others arrived. The ladies were rushed to Louisville for medical attention. After a thorough examination it was found that Mrs. Brown was only bruised about the breast, and Mrs. Duncan about the leg. Mrs. Duncan's hair was cut as if bobbed by a hair expert but there was not a [scratch?] about her head or face. Both [ladies however?] were left somewhat nervous from the shock. The editor through extremely nervous from the outset only suffered soreness about the body and [limbs?] from the effects of the crash. The automobiles driven by Rev. E.W. Jones, Rev. John Hunt, and Herbert Gibbs, all narrowly escaped trouble at the same point where the editor's car left the road. Each of them skidded, one turning completely around, almost at the point of going over the embankment. Loss Around $800 The body of the editor's new Hudson Coach was crashed to pieces. All fenders were put completely out of commission, with other damaged parts. In consideration of a new body at a cost of $575.00, an estimate of $800 is put on the damage. The insurance carried does not cover this kind of accident.
Who Knows Where James Ralston Is? $5.00 REWARD OFFERED FOR LOCATION OF JAMES RALSTON Five dollars will be given any one who knows where James Ralston is, and will so inform the Leader office. In a speech before the agents of the Domestic Life Insurance Co., a Saturday morning in September, at which time a campaign for subscriptions to The Leader was launched among insurance agents of the city, the editor interested James Ralston, a young man, pretty well known in Louisville, who had just begun work with the Domestic as a special representative. Ralston was given several subscription blanks on that morning, and within the next week he called at The Leader office and secured more blanks from the office clerk, claiming he had secured more than thirty subscriptions to the paper up to that time. Failed To Make Report The campaign among agents came to a close withing two weeks after the start. On the night of the close Ralston did not show up. The next day a hunt was started for him but he could not be found. His relatives reported a few days ago that he had left the city, and they did not know where. Many Complaints [Up?] to this time The Leader office is receiving complaints from those who paid Ralston for three, six, and twelve months subscriptions, and even though the office received no money from Ralston. The Leader is being mailed to the persons who subscribed from him the full time of the period called for. We show that we want to do the right thing when we send the paper on just as soon as a complaint is made, and we know from whom he got subscription and money. Want All To Get Paper If all those who subscribed from Ralston had read the note at the bottom of the receipt, urging them to call The Leader office if paper was not received in 15 days, all would have gotten the paper immediately. There would not have been any delay, even though Ralston reported to us neither name of persons who subscribed from him nor the money.