Minneapolis Spokesman

White Minister Is First On Trial For Albany Pilgrimage

Albany, Ga. (ANP) - A white Chicago minister went on trial here last week as one of the first of 75 anti-segregationists to face charges stemming from a demonstration last Aug. 28.

The Rev. Alan B. Anderson, 27, completing his doctorate at the University of Chicago, received notice of his trial earlier in the week and flew here from Chicago.

Before leaving, he said: "I am grateful that my case is being called, and that the questions of law and enforcement raised by our arrests can be raised in the courts."

"The newspapers are filled with stories on the military struggle against communism in Cuba, but in this country we must not forget the importance of our moral struggle."

Anderson was with a 75-member interreligious delegation from Chicago and New York City arrested while praying in front of the Albany city hall. He has been charged with disorderly conduct, blocking the sidewalk, and disobeying an officer. Anderson and 10 others fasted for 6 days in jail before their release.

The Rev. Martin Luther King, anti-segregation leader, told Anderson by phone last week that Anderson will be on trial for 1,200 others "who have dared to exercise constitutional rights in Albany."