Editor Mitchell in Georgia
September 23, 1899
Summary
Mitchell speaks of his struggles while on a train in Georgia, as he overcomes “many threats” on his travels.
Transcription
HIS EXPERIENCE WITH A TRAIN CONDUCTOR.
Ordered From a Pullman Sleeping Car.
HE REFUSED TO OBEY THE DEMAND.
Many Threats, But He is Not Molested.
We left Richmond by way of the superb Seaboard Air Line of which the capable Mr. L. S. Allen is General Passenger Agent. A few moments later we were well on our way to Jacksonville, Florida. We did not notice any of the discrimination of which so much has been written until we reached Atlanta.
On the Pullman sleeper we met Mr. C. E. Johnson of Washington, who, as porter gave satisfaction to the patrons. Later we found the veteran divine and race advocate, Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D. He was glad to see us and proceeded to a discussion of the great questions affecting the race.
Seated in his study, with the broad expanse of adjoining lots, all belonging to the A.M.F. Church was the distinguished advocate of emigration.
A few moments later, Col. W. A. Pledger arrived with a carriage at whose hands we were favored with a most pleasurable drive.
THE CONDUCTOR’S DEMAND.
The porter, Mr. C. A. Ward, made down our bed. As we sat there, a tall stern-looking conductor entered and called out, “Tickets.” We complied with his request, when he blurted out, “Don’t you know that it is against the laws of Georgia for you to ride in a car with white people?”
We replied, “I am an inter-state passenger and am not subject to the local restrictions in Georgia.”
The conductor said: “Well, you better go in the other car if you do not want trouble. You will certainly have trouble if you stay in here, and it will be at your own risk.” We made no reply.
Shortly afterwards, the Pullman conductor took our tickets and checked them up and in a few moments we went to bed, expecting every minute to be in the trouble of which he had spoken and determined to resist the attempts of lawless parties to deprive us of our rights as an inter-state passenger.
From that time onward, we slept as peacefully as though we were resting upon the soil of old Virginia.
Ordered From a Pullman Sleeping Car.
HE REFUSED TO OBEY THE DEMAND.
Many Threats, But He is Not Molested.
We left Richmond by way of the superb Seaboard Air Line of which the capable Mr. L. S. Allen is General Passenger Agent. A few moments later we were well on our way to Jacksonville, Florida. We did not notice any of the discrimination of which so much has been written until we reached Atlanta.
On the Pullman sleeper we met Mr. C. E. Johnson of Washington, who, as porter gave satisfaction to the patrons. Later we found the veteran divine and race advocate, Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D. He was glad to see us and proceeded to a discussion of the great questions affecting the race.
Seated in his study, with the broad expanse of adjoining lots, all belonging to the A.M.F. Church was the distinguished advocate of emigration.
A few moments later, Col. W. A. Pledger arrived with a carriage at whose hands we were favored with a most pleasurable drive.
THE CONDUCTOR’S DEMAND.
The porter, Mr. C. A. Ward, made down our bed. As we sat there, a tall stern-looking conductor entered and called out, “Tickets.” We complied with his request, when he blurted out, “Don’t you know that it is against the laws of Georgia for you to ride in a car with white people?”
We replied, “I am an inter-state passenger and am not subject to the local restrictions in Georgia.”
The conductor said: “Well, you better go in the other car if you do not want trouble. You will certainly have trouble if you stay in here, and it will be at your own risk.” We made no reply.
Shortly afterwards, the Pullman conductor took our tickets and checked them up and in a few moments we went to bed, expecting every minute to be in the trouble of which he had spoken and determined to resist the attempts of lawless parties to deprive us of our rights as an inter-state passenger.
From that time onward, we slept as peacefully as though we were resting upon the soil of old Virginia.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Elias Sturim
Citation
“Editor Mitchell in Georgia,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed March 15, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1718.