One-Time Segregationist Makes Gallant About-Face

--Before dying, Sen. James O. Eastland of Mississippi, at one time a fierce segregationist, sealed his reconciliation with black activist Aaron Henry with a letter of praise and $500 for civil rights. Democrat Eastland, who died last Feb. 19 at 81, gained great legislative influence during his 36 years in the Senate. And he used his power vigorously against civil rights bills that eventually were passed over his protests in the mid-1960s. However, his views softened in later years, according to Henry, who has fought on the other side of the emotional battle during his 25 years as head of the Mississippi chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People. In a letter released Thursday in Washington by longtime civil rights lawyer Joseph L. Rauh Jr., Eastland told Henry: “Thousands of Americans have been helped by your gallant, dedicated and persistent leadership that has made recognition of a life that includes all mankind possible. I personally thank you for helping me to see the whole picture.” Rauh said a check for $500 to the Mississippi NAACP was enclosed. The letter was signed “Jim.”

--Amid deafening volleys of muskets in the dawn, people in coonskin caps and other period dress extinguished 188 candles at the Alamo in San Antonio to commemorate the deaths of the defenders of the Spanish mission 150 years ago. About 1,000 history buffs and other spectators watched the reenactment of the dawn attack by 4,000 Mexican soldiers. All 188 Alamo defenders were killed in the bloody battle, which ended a 13-day siege. The Texas army defeated the Mexican forces 47 days later at San Jacinto and Texas became a republic. It joined the United States nine years later, in 1845.

--When two men saw a crowd chasing U.S. bills blowing along a Dallas roadway, they went straight to the source--a white plastic bag still containing $11,049. Francisco Morales, 18, and Jose Maraz, 39, ignored the small change and grabbed the bag, which the pair turned over to the police. “I’m surprised (they turned it in),” police Lt. Joe Dunn said. “I guess we’re just cynical in this business.” Morales and Maraz will be allowed to keep the money if no one claims it within 60 days. Police suspect the money was involved in a drug deal, and they doubt the owner will want to claim it.