Riding On

Like sponges soaking up water, the jails of Mississippi continue to absorb Freedom Riders. Arriving in two waves last week, another 23 bus riders were met by police at Jackson terminals, quietly arrested for breach of the peace and politely popped into jail. Their arrest brought the total so far to 164, all of whom have been convicted, except for one who was dismissed as a juvenile. Four of the 163 paid fines of $200 and were released, another 55 are free on $500 bond. Four others are in Jackson City jail, 20 are in Hinds county jail, 80 are in maximum security at the Parchman State Penitentiary.

Confronted by these statistics, Negro leaders met last week in Jackson to discuss breaking off the attack. Worrying them more than arrests was the extent to which the Southern charge of "outside agitation" rang true. In what had gained momentum as a Southern Negro movement, 22 arrested Freedom Riders came from California, 13 from Illinois, others from Minnesota, Idaho, Wyoming and New Hampshire. Nevertheless, after three hours of discussion, the group voted to continue the movement. Whatever the caliber of the riders, their efforts were showing results of a sort. Jackson last week announced cancellation of a scheduled tax cut because the freedom rides have cost the city an extra $250,000.

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