February, 1938, 1938

Papers related to the 4th Annual Convention, held at Little Rock, Ark., from Feb. 25 to 27, include: the call and applications for delegates' credentials; instructions to the delegates; the convention program; STFU Constitution and By-Laws as revised by the convention; a typescript of the convention proceedings; "The Southern Tenant Farmers' Union in 1937", a report by H.L. Mitchell; and "One Bread, One Body", a play in three scenes by Lee Hays and Dan Burnett. All of these items are filed under the date of Feb. 25. In addition to the correspondence concerning the convention, there is a frequent exchange of letters between the STFU and Harriet Young of the WDL, planning for National Sharecroppers Week. There is some discussion of the Cross County wild-cat movement at the beginning of the month, including a detailed report from local leader Myrtle Lawrence (7). A new problem developed in Jefferson County, Ark., where STFU officials Claude Williams, Leon Turner, and E.B. McKinney attempted to reorganize the union in violation of STFU procedure. In this connection, see especially the report from J.W. Dillard (13) and Mitchell to Leon Turner (28). Finally, there is a reply from WPA on STFU complaints of union members refused relief work (24) and documents concerning three union members in the FSA program evicted from their homes (23)