Atlanta Daily World

WASHINGTON DC NNPA Senator Sheridan Downey, Democrat of California last week recommended to President Truman the appointment of Dr. John Alexander Somerville of Los Angeles as Governor of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Somerville is particularly fitted for the Governorship by birth, training and experience," Senator Downey told the President in the letter urging his appointment.

A native of Jamaica, Dr. Somerville went to California shortly after 1900, graduated from college and became an American citizen. Senator Downey said he was informed that Dr. Somerville was the first colored person to receive a diploma from the University of Southern California not only from the College of Dentistry but from all of its other colleges and departments, and was the first to pass the State Dental Board. He passed the board and was practicing dentistry six months before he received his diploma.

Recently Mayor Fletcher Bowron of Los Angeles appointed Dr. Somerville a member of the Los Angeles Police Commission.

In his letter to the President recommending Dr. Somerville's appointment, Senator Downey said: "Through the years Dr. Somerville has maintained a keen interest in the welfare of the people in the islands which lie off our southeastern border. He is familiar with their problems and I am sure his appointment would be warmly supported by the people whom he would serve as Governor. Dr. Somerville is widely known and respected in California and I can assure you that his selection would be approved by those who know him as a man of fine professional attainment and an active, distinguished citizen of the community."

Senator Downey telegraphed Dr. Somerville informing him of his recommendation and commending him on the many fine recommendations which have come to me in your behalf and with which I personally am happy to join."