OFFICER BEN LEBER KILLS EDDIE MILES. \ __

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Aver Whiskey Cause Tragedy—Winesses Testify. - *

(Special by John Mitchell, Jr.)

Eddie Miles, colored, was shot and killed between the hours of 12 and 1

o’clock Sunday morning by Officer

Leber, who was attempting- to arrest him upon the charge of reckless driv-

ing. Miles’ car crashed into a wagon of a white farmer. It is alleged that he ran away from the scene of the

accident, where no one was injured. When cornered by Officer B. 0. Leber, he got the upper hand of the police- man, took his club from him and be-

gan belaboring him with it, causing a slight wound in the officer’s head

and on his finger. Miles was slightly taller than the officer, but of slender | build.

Reaches His Revolver.

The policeman succeeded in reach- ing his revolver and, although Miles was on top of him, pulled the trigger, the bullet entering the colored man’s

breast and puncturing the heart, caus- ing almost instant death. Eddie Miles

* lived down at Antioch on the River

Road and is said to have been intoxi-

cated. His funeral took place Wed- nesday at Gilfield Baptist Church in Charles City County. Funeral Direc-

tor R. C. Scott had charge of the re- mains. Coroner James M. W hitfield

held an inquest in the City Hall last Tuesday. The white witnesses testi-

fied as follows: Henry Barlow—I live at 2519 P Street, and work for the American Can Company. On October 29th, about 11:4£ P. M., while I was-

standing on the corner of Twenty-fifth and P Street, I saw Police Officer

I.^ber running after a colored man on P Street.

Milea Killed.

They ran into an alley. The officer

fired his pistol in the air while on P

Street. I heard him shoot twice in

the alley. I went to Twenty-sixth Street and turned toward Broad

Street. When I reached the field on

Twenty-sixth Street I saw- the officer and the Negro wrestling. As I went

to them, I saw the Negro fall and Mr.

Leber asked me to call the ambulance, because he was hurt. Before the am-

bulance arrived, some detectives came b.nd took the Negro to the hospital in

an automobile with Mr. Leber. While

they were wrestling, I saw the Negro hit Mr. Leber with his (Leber’s) club. When I first saw them in the field, they were lying on the ground, the

, Negro on top of Mr. Leber.

Got a Flash Light.

James E. Throckmorton said: I live

at 1>07 N. Twenty-sixth Street, and ■work for the Union Envelope Com-

pany, Sixth and Cary Streets. After-

wards, I heard three shots. I went

to my front door and saw1 Mr. Leber

and the Negro wrestling. They were

lying on the ground, the Negro on Mr.

Leber, beating him with Mr. Leber’s

club. I went back into the house and

got a flash light. When I came out

they were getting up. The Negro was still beating Mr. Leber and I heard the pistol tire. They were right to-

gether. As soon as Mr. Leber shot the

Negro fell backward. As soon as he

, shot, Mr. Leber hollow'ed for an am- bulance. Mr. Leber’s head had been

cut by the blows from the club and I

his face was bruised.

Killing Justifiable.

Coroner Whitfield decided that

Officer Ben Leber shot Eddie Miles in

self-defense. He went over to the

Police Court where Judge John L.

Ingram, after hearing the evidence

and the report, discharged Officer

. Leber from custody.

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BADLY INJURED

Tom Page, brother of Mrs. Lucy Cross, was knocked down by a truck on his way to work at Whitlock’s To-

bacco Factory, Friday morning, Octo- ber 28th, at about 7 o’clock. Junius

Williams, colored, was arrested for

careless and reckless driving. The

witnesses are Tom Page and J. G.

Hanna. The accident occurred at

Twenty-fifth and Cary Streets. All

of the lower part of Mr. Page’s mouth f was cut and torn to pieces. The flesh

on his right hand was torn and in-

jured in the palm. Fortunately no

bones were broken. His right side was also injured. He was removed to St.

Philips Hospital and from there car- ried to his home at 904 N. Thirty- second Street, where he has been

steadi’y improving. Junius Williams is the owner of the

ruck that did the damage and the

■ase will be heard by Judge Ingram as soon as the injured man is well

enough to appear in court.

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FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Otis Rice Close to Electric Chair Life Imprisonment Meted. ; .-Hi

Otis Rice, who murdered Susie

Yancey in the presence of a police officer, who was abdut to execute a warrant on him for having threat eued her i-fe, narrowly escaped the electric chair in the Hustings Court of this ctt/» Judge W. Kirk Mathews presiding. Upon his plea of guilty, lie was ■’cnvicted of murder in the hrst degree and sentenced to life

imprisonment.

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FULTON NOTES

A program was rendered by the young people of Calvary last Sunday. Calvary has always given the young people a chance. Our pastor has returned from

Hampton, Ya., where he conducted a

ten-day meeting. There were several

conversions. Tomorrow at 11:30 A. M., the pas-

tor will fill the pulpit. Subject, “Searching For the Church.”

3:30 P. M. Come but to our Com- munion services, and have a great time.

Last Sunday morning the Rev. C. B. Jefferson preached at the Union

Baptist Church, South Richmond, and at the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church at night.

Let us not forget Shiloh Baptist Church, the little Church in the Yal-

I ley. Beginning tomorrow morning and

lasting through the entire week, we | expect to have a great time in Zion. ) The Dr. Miton Sparks, known as

Prophet Sparks, of New York, will

conduct the services. Come and hear j the Gospel. The Fulton Lily Beneficial Society,

No. 1, Inc., is in a prosperous condi-

tion. It has nearly a thousand dol-

lars to her credit, after paying out $937.08. This report ends October 31, 1927. After the auditing, the Execu- tive Board, consisting of Revs. G. W.

Coleman, C. B. Jefferson, A. D. Daniel, John Robinson, John Twyne and Mrs. Carrie Carter, partook of the many good things prepared, for them by Mr. and Mrs. Charles-Terrell.

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ENTERTAINED JUDGE COBB. I

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After the Judge Cobb lecture at

Ebenezer Baptist Church last Sunday n ght, the following business and

professional men repaired to “Rest Haven” the beautiful suburban home

of Dr. and Mrs. Stokes, on Brook

Road, where they sat down to a ®ve course dinner, which was in charge

of Caterers Joseph Smith and Walter Scott: W. F. Denny, Toastmaster; Dr.

W. H. Stokes and Mrs. Ora Brown

Siokes, h'o?r and hostess; Prof. C.

T. Russel! Dr. John W. Barco, Dr.

A. A. Tennant, R. C. Mitchell,

Atty. S. W. Robinson, Jr, A. C. | Clark, Atty. C. A. McKenzie, Atty. 1

H. M. Green, Dr. S. Roane, Dr.

George Whife. N. Smith, Dr. J. M.

G. Ramsey, Dr. Leon Reid, Dr. A. Bowles, Atty- E- C. Burke, Atty. J. R. Pollard. B. A. Cephas, Geo,

L. Branch, Prof. R. W. Logan, ,

Chris Foster, Prof. M. M. Fisher, i

John T. Taylor, Dr. D. A. Ferguson Y7. D. Joces. C. B. Gilpin, Dr. J.

H. Blackwell, Dr. Joseph Early Toasts were made to the Judge,

who responded in a vein that drew his hearers to him. Mrs. C. Alverta

Gilpin charmed the dinner guests', with renditions of “Macushla,” and “I Hear You Calling Me”. Mrs.

Atlanta Brofwn Lipscomb was her

accompanist for the first selection.

The Stokes’ electric baby grand ac companied the last solo. All left after having enjoyed the

day and unanimously voting Mrs.

Stokes a charming hostess. 1

You need not worry. Go to the Mosque | and get more than your money’s worth. You will receive considera- tion and your own good conduct will J return to you many fold. The pro- gram may be seen elsewhere.

I Don Lanning, musical comedy star

and one of the most popular enter-

tainers ever to play the Richmond

stage, will be a special feature on the new program which will open Monday at the Mosque, Laurel and Main Streets. Through special arrange- ments by Harry Bernstein, general manager, Lanning, who headed his own company here for two seasons, has been booked direct from New

York, where he has just completed a

most successful engagement at the ex- clusive Club Richman, operated by Harry Richman, late star of George White’s Scandals. Don Lanning is an established favorite here and his re-

turn undoubtedly will prove of uncom- mon interest to theatergoers.

The DeMaroes, with their “Shiek

Orchestra,” is another headline stage presentation to be given at the Mosque next week. Last season these noted

dancers registered emphatic hits at

the Hippodrome and the famous Kit Kat Club, in London, Eng., and at Les Ambassadeurs, Paris. The act is re-

ported as one of the smartest on the New York boards this season. The

DeMaroes, it was said, are dancers of unusal artistry and their orchestra

will provide a colorful musical setting. Chief Caupolican, acknowledged as

the greatest of American Indian sing- ers and possessing a baritone voice of remarkable volume and admirable

quality, will be heard in recital. Chief

Caupolican is reported recently to

have signed a contract to appear later this season with the Philadelphia Civic Opera, a circumstance attesting to artistic ability. He is a full blooded Indian. “The Cat and the Canary,” one. of

the most thrilling of mystery plays and acclaimed as one of the most ab-

sorbingly interesting motion picture of the year, will be the feature on the

screen the first three days of the week, with a variety of supplemental attrac- tions. “The Cat and the Canary” is

conceded to be John Willard’s best

play, narrating in gripping fashion

the* story of a haunted house. In its

adaption to the screen many effects

impossible to the stage have been ob- tained. For next Thursday, Friday and Saturday the hilarious comedy of an ingenious “card sharp’s” adven-1 tures among the conservative element of a small community will be disclosed i

in “Alias the Deacon.” There will be I

a complete change of musical numbers !

on Thursday. This second bill of the MosqUe

promises a well-rounded and diversi- fied program of entertainment rang- ing from nimble comedy to fine music.

You have to eat and Mr. Edward

Srewart knows it. He is running a

hoaWi .restart by selldpg you the "pick of the market” at reasonable prices. Eat his groceries and you save medical expense and dp- away with prescriptions for medicine.

It’s a large establishment and the Johnsons know' how to look after it aud render service. Call Madison

686 and get a speedy reply. They can furaisn anything from a cheap casket to u metallic one. They have

the latest style equipment. Don’t

forget that.

You may run upstairs or come

down, but you will surely land in

the right place at .the Mosque. Show

your appreciation of the greatest place of amusement in this country. You can take your friend or your

family. You will surely be happy when you leave there.

Go where you get goods at low

prices, good service and something over the value of the money you pay. You can do this at the L. F. M.

store, Broad Street, between Third

and Fourth Streets.

MR. JONES SPEAKS

Editor' of the Planet. Sir: The people who read articles writ-

ten by the undersigned and published in the Forum of the News Leader, will recall that recently about one- half of the Negro clubs in this city were criticised because they were not doing anything that would justify their existence. The writer wishes now to criticize the other haif of the

■same clubs, the half that are trying to put something over. They are ciiticized for not doing enough; for not doing all or even half that they are capable of doing. Clubs like indi-

viduals should give to our community and to our group the very best that in them lie. More than this cannot be expected, less will not suffice.-

It is reported that the largej^and more influential clubs; thfi. c.ubs

which are recognized as the leading organizations, have upon their roster the names of not more than two-

thirds of the qualified voters that

they should have. It is claimed that other clubs which more nearly ap-

proach the ones above in influence and numbers, have a much smaller list of qualified voters to their credit. According to the number of colored clubs, and according to their mem-

bership they ought to number quali- fied voters by the thousand instead of by the hundred. One is disappointed to learn of the small number of Ne- gro club members who actually vote.

Dancing Versus Voting. Now, if all the club men had been

as willing and as eager to qualify and vote, as some of their number have been to dance, to put on card parties and to engage in other social pleasures; if they had all pursued life’s more serious and helpful ways, there would have been no conflict in the Common Council because the name of a faithful old Negro janitor ap- peared among the names of employees on the A rent’s Library pay roll. Think of it, four public officials of this city balked at paying an old col- ored man $15.00 per week for labor performed. But what else can -be ex- pected from ward politicians, when we leave all the voting to be done by them and by their friends?

< Compliments Bestowed

It is desired in this connection to pay a high tribute of respect, honor and appreciation to Mrs. Maggie L. Walker, Mrs. Ora B. Stokes and Mrs. Lizzie L. Stannard because of their wonderful influence among colored

women; and because of their marvel- ous efficiency in the management of the respective organizations which I

they control. All of these noted wom- en are resourceful and clever church i workers who have accomplished much j in their several denominations. Too

high a value cannot be placed upon ,

the activities of these leading colored women.

Crying Need The crying need of the hour is for

more efficient organizations and for j more trained leaders among the worn-' en of bur race. We need the wonder- ( ful influence of the above named wom-

en and others, not only in fraternal orders; not alone in the church work, but we need their assistance and co-

operation in the effort to induce the masses of our people to become in- terested in Democratic politics and in i

the race of Democratic candidates for

Mayor. Colored women should no

longer be content to remain in the j background of politics. Since they j have the right to vote, they should by | all means exercise that right. They should be as proud of membership in a woman’s political club, as of mem- bership in the church. And voting in a Democratic primary should be con- sidered a religious duty.

Two Greatest Forces

Since the Negro pulpit and Negro press represent the two greatest forces for good in our group, they should get squarely behind this poli- tical movement and make it the

largest in point of interest and num- bers of any previous movement ever

inaugurated by the colored people of

JUDGE COBBS SPEAKS

The Washington Jurist Charms Richmond Audience—Protec-

tion for All 'Citizens. **

Richmond. In conclusion I wish to

compliment Rev. W. H. Stokes, Ph.

D., upon the wisest and most im-

portant innovation ever made in a

colored church. And that is upon his I plan of having an open forunj in Ebenezer Baptist Church. Not only will this forum be open for debate

upon the religious questions of the

day, but we are advised it will be

open for the discussion of racial and educational matters; and for the dis- semination of information upon State- wide and national issues, by the most outstanding leaders of the Negro race whom the church proposes to bring here. I

THEODORE W. JONES, !

1401 W. Leigh St.

■jOl. L CASE DISMISSED

The case of J. Andrew Bowler, Jr., charged with attempting to bribe two

boys, employees of the Appeals Pi’ess, to secure advance copies of the bar examination papers, in which ex-

amination be was to take part, was heard Wednesday, November 2nd, on the continuance granted by Judge •John L. Ingrahm, in order for him to ! consider a motion to quash made by j his able attorney, Alfred E. Cohen. The prosecution was conducted by At-, torney Edward T. Haynes, counsel for the Board of Law Examiners. Judge i

Ingram, after reading the authorities, I

rul$d that the offense committed was not specifically covered by the statute and the case was dismissed.

In support of his contention, at-

torney cited many authorities in this and other States and said: '

“Section 4767 Code Va. 1919 re

qu'res some act to be done to con

stitute a»v attempt to commit a

crime. Mere words do not constitute j an act. •• 1 “There is not an American - case

which holds that an offer, of money to another for the purpose of accom

plishing a common law or statutory crime is an attempt towards the

commission of such crime. On the contrary, there are numerous cases in the Courts of last resort in the Lnited States which hold that prom ises of reward by mere words do

not constitute an attempt. “Our Supreme Court in the case

of Hicks v- Commonwealth 86 Va. 223 so kj/dq and its holding has

the approval of the North Carolina Court in State v. Addor 183 N. CL

p. 687” ;

Mrs. Maude C. Preston Johnson I located her relatives here by the pub- lication in The Planet last week. Mr.

George E. Preston, of Wall Street

Club, was one of the relatives and has written to her.

Lawyer C. A. McKenzie was taken rick at his office Tuesday and is now confined tf his residence in Garden

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City.

Mr. Thomas Berry of 210 E. 17th St. SouthsJd6, who has been sick for the past nine weeks is convalescing - I

Information given seems to indicate that it will be quite a tug to get Rev. C. M. Long to Richmond.

PLANET PRIZE WINNER GETS HUDSON COACH.

A consignment of different styles Hudson cars reached the Hudson- Essex Agency here last week and were j unloaded Thursday, October 28th. On '

Friday, the Hudson Standard Super- I Six Sedan was exhibited in the colored I section of this city with the placards calling attention that it was the first prize in The Planet Contest. James A. C. Johnson, the winner of the car, occupied the seat by the chauffeur, while John Mitchell, Jr., and R. C. Mitchell sat on the back seat. Com- ment on all sides showed the popu- larity of the venture. The Essex car is expected this week from the fac-

tory at Detroit. Photographs of the winners are being made by the

Brown’s at the exepnse of The Planet.

MRS. GERTRUDE L. WASHINGTON

After a long and painfull illness, Mrs. Gertrude L. Washington, wife

of Deacon A. Washington, passed away Thursday, October 27th, at her

residence, North Fifth Street. Her funeral took place Saturday,

October 29th, at 2 P. M., from the

Second Baptist Church, with Rev.

Joseph Arrington officiating. Her last

comment voiced ber appreciation of

her husband’s efforts to help her. She was one of the most influential ladies in the city in church and fraternal j society work and the sorrowing fam- j i!y received expressions of sympathy on every hand. Funeral Director A. |

D. Price had charge of the remains. (

Embalmer J. H. Robinson has re-

turned to the city and is again at his old post with Funeral Director A. D. j Price.

The First Baptist Church raised

over $2,200 Sunday before last. The

church improvement will cost approxi- mately $7,000.00.

BIN FORD—MA NNING.

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius J. Man j ning wish to announce the marriage t

of their daughter, Ruth Gladys, to

Mr. Willie L. Binfoflrd.

Reception November 17, at 1108

N. 33rd Street. 8:30 to 12 P. M. Friends invited. No cards.

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. \ | Morris1 White, who wag shot three

times October 27, is still living. j

PELL DOWN SHAFT.

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Rosa Ferguson, a washwoman, fell down an elevator shaft at the Rich mond Hotel and was killed. Her

tody was found on top of the ele

vator. N> one seems to know just how the accident occurred, as the elevator boy had just carried her

up to the fourth floor.

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ATTORNEY ENGLISH WINS CASE

Charles Smith, who was tried for the murder of W. H. Branch and

the jury disagreed, won a nolle

prosequi this week. Attorney Edgar L. English, who had skillfully handled the case, secured his dis missal. ’**'!

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Ye?„ you need a shave, a hair-cut and a massage. Your wife and

daughter like the bobbing fad and want the latest adornment In this

respect. Tonsorial Artist J. C. Cooper is the man for the Job. A

few steps from Leigh Street on

Erook Avenue and you are at his

emporium.

When Funeral Director R. C. Scoftt get* a message, he is immed- iately there for service. He has

handled some of the finest lobs in this locality and is constantly add-

ing to hit* stock. His offllce equip- ment is exceptionally fine and exren sjve. NVv furniture has beer, in-

ilalied and it is in keeping with tbs decorations. He can take orders a

thousand miles away and respond t

instantly. .|

Funeral Director C. S. Cunning- ham talk3 very little, but his fine v-ork speaks a great deal. When you lose your life on the Southside be is thera to look after what Is left and (he family will be pleased j to have him look after the remains. Embalmei and Funeral Director H. j L. Minor is on this side to give

Mrs. Ora B. Stokes, the popular Grand Shepherd of the Improved Order of Shepherds and Daughters of Bethlehem, scored heavily last Sunday night at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, when she was the presiding genius at the great address delivered by Judge James A. Cobb, of the Municipal Court of the District of Columbia, and said to be one of the only two colored

judges in this country, who preside in , a court of record. Judge Cobb was introduced in a most pleasing manner by Attorney H. M. Green, of this city.

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Tribute to Planet.

i Judge Cobb was accorded a prac- tical ovation as he arose to address

1 an audience that filled this spaciora i church from the pulpit to the dours. I During his preliminary remarks- he I stated that he had read the Richmond' Planet w'hen he was a boy and he paid, a glowing tribute to John Mitchell,.

I Jr., its editor. Then he proceeded to discuss “Citizenship.” He showed himself a master in the discussion of

constitutional law. He analyzed Jef- ferson’s “famous declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident thai-

all men are created equal.” He ex-

plained that the fundamental prin- ciple underlying this was an equality of opportunity.

The Right to Protection. I

He dwelt upon the right and the duty of the government to protect the life of its citizens, even within the boundaries of a State. He explained the delicate, intricate machinery of

governmental action within harmony with that of the State, yet producing results as would protect the inalien- able rights of all citizens. He Ita-

i pressed upon the colored people of act- ing in such a manner in their con-

duct, living and attitude toward the government as to emphasize the neces-

' sity of the government's according all of the protection, to which they are entitled under the Constitution and he dwelt upon the reciprocal relationship of the Negro and the government.

Thank* Extended.

For thirty-five minutes he engaged in a legal discussion and explanation that would have done credit to any jurist in the land and concluded in the midst of restrained applause.

Attorney James T. Carter extended to him the thanks of the organization in well chosen words. Rev. J. J. Carter announced the notices, and Rev. William H. Stokes announced the benediction. The choir, under the

leadership of W. D. Jones, had sung to the satisfaction of everybody pres- ent, and the multitude passed out

voicing praise of the great legal de- liverance by one of the ablest legal minds in the Race today.

HINES—ALLEN

.. .Mrs. Kate White wishes to announce the marriage of her daughter, Nannie B. Allen, to Mr. J. A. Hines, which took place Sunday, October 30, 1927, at 7 P. M., at 402 West Clay Street. The ceremony was solemnized by Rev. W. H. Stokes. Reception Tuesday, November 15th, at 609 S. Randolph Street, from 8:30 to 11:30. Friends invited. No cards.

You may live in Richmond or you may live in the country, but wherever you reside you will save money by buy- ing at the L. F. M. store, formerly known as Weisberger’s, Broad Street between Third and Fourth Streets.

They all come out smiling. The cause was their astonishment at the

bargains they secured in the L. F. M. store. You pay cash and you pay less.

We thank our subscribers who are

paying us. The money is needed to

meet pressing obligations.