Atlanta Daily World

In Atlanta to secure the signatures of 100,000 Atlantians to a petition to President Roosevelt as Commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy for new trials for the 50 colored sailors, accused of mutiny at Port Chicago. Edgar G. Brown, Director, National Negro Council, with headquarters at Washington, addressed a large number of group meetings, insurance agency forces, and institutes here Tuesday and Wednesday.

In an interview at the World Office just prior to his departure for Indianapolis, Indiana where he is scheduled to address a session of AME Bishops' Council now in session. Mr. Brown expressed elation by Atlantians in business, professional and educational circles.

Addressing a session of the National Baptist Executive Board currently meeting in Atlanta. Mr. Brown told the large gathering that the 35-day trial amassed over a thousand pages of testimony and that over 50 witnesses for the defense developed the following facts.

"That the accused seamen denied the charge of mutiny, conspiracy, and concerted action with intent to usurp, or override superior military authority: that the seamen on trial were survivors of the tragic explosion of last July which cost the lives of 323 men the majority of whom were Negroes: that they were victims of fear of further danger or explosion, that they had been suffering from shock, together with a number of other startling facts, including the story of more than half of the seamen being assigned to details after the Port Chicago explosion to clean up what was left of their comrades in baskets, an arm, a leg, a head, or a torso.

MANY SIGNATURES SECURED-
A levy of high-ranking Baptist leaders attending the Board meeting, together with Atlanta's educators, professionals and business men affixed their signatures. Prominent among these included from the Baptists were: Dr. D. V. Jemison, President of the National Baptist Convention; Mrs. S. W. LeFlore, President of the National Baptist Convention, Women's Division: Dr. M. L. Nabrit, Memphis, Tenn.; Rev. T. S. Boone, Detroit; A. L. Boon, Cleveland, Ohio: E. Arlington Wilson, St. Louis: R. G. Andrews, Indianapolis: William H. Borders, city; Ernest C. Estell, Dallas, Tex.; I. S. Powell, Bainbridge, Ga.: Shaw, Dayton, Ohio: Dr. B. E. Mays, city: Revs. Roland Smith, city: Perkins, Cleveland, Ohio: Leonard Carr, Philadelphia: Henry McCray, Philadelphia; Drs. J. L. Horace, Chicago; W. H. Jernigan, Washington: S. W. Walker, city: and Mesdames J. C. Mapp, Chicago: A. McClent, Arkansas; H. M. Gibbs, Montgomery, and Messrs. Charles Greene and G. E. DeLorme, city; John L. Webb, Hot Springs, Ark. and others.

Mr. Brown since coming here has addressed the agency forces of the Afro-American, Atlanta Life, North Pilgrim Health, and other units. He has set 10,000 signatures as his goal here and through Messrs. Freeman and Kendrix there is an assurance that they will be obtained in Atlanta. Jessie R. Beavers presided over a recent youth session and aid has been promised in the project.

One million signatures is the goal set for the nation, Mr. Brown told the World before departing from the city.