Treatment of Negro Discussed at Hearing

Charges of Mrs. Rosa L. Ward at Armory Are Considered – Attorney is Satisfied

Mrs. Rosa L. Ward of 181A Williams street, who has entered a complaint of mistreatment at Springfield Armory and raised the issue of the general treatment of Negroes at the plant, appeared yesterday afternoon with Morris M. Cruze, head of the industrial relations department. She was accompanied by her husband, Rev. M. N. Ward, and her counsel, Irwin T. Dorch of 110 Tremont street, Boston. The conference was confined to the particular allegations made by Mrs. Ward and developed the fact that certain differences had arisen between her and the foreman of her section. These will be investigated further. At the end of the interview, Mr. Dorch expressed satisfaction with the hearing accorded, a hearing that had twice been postponed at his request.

The conference followed routine Armory procedure as established by regulations. When differences by employees and supervisors cannot be satisfactorily settled within the shops, the employee has the right to appeal to the head of the industrial relations department who conducts an impartial investigation and makes a recommendation to the commanding officer. Decision in the present case will await further inquiry into the fact.