Microfilm Reel 231, File 152a, "Segregation"

GALLIVAN, Rep. James A., October 19, 1914.

Encloses letter from William Monroe Trotter asking that arangements be made for a delegation, representing the National Independent League of Colored Men, to call upon the President for the purpose of protesting against the segregation of colored employees in the Treasury Department.

See 152

152a

84897

WALSH, Governor David I., Boston, Mass. October 26, 1914.

On behalf of the International Independent Political Equal Rights League asks that arrangements be made for Rev. Byron Gunner to see the President in regard to race segregation.

Protests against race segregetion.

See 152.

152a

84898

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE NOV 12 1914 RECEIVED]

Ackgd 11/12/14

254 W. Broadway, So. Boston, Mass., Nov. 11, 1914.

152a

Hon. Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, White House Washington, D. C.

Your Excellency:

I have just learned that on Thursday at 11 A. M. a delegation of colored citizens are to be given an audience with Your Excellency. I understand that they desire to protest against segregation based on race prejudice. I have been asked by a representative body of colored men in Boston to say to you that they are anxious that if said segregation exists in the departments of the Government that if be abolished. I join with them in this request in order that the reputation for justice and equality of our National Democratic party may be maintained. I agree with Governor Walsh of our state that if there is any condition existing in Washington or elsewhere that could be interpreted as discriminating against our colored population, it should be ended and with him I agree that "every effort should be made by our government to have all our people fully realize that they enjoy equal rights and equal privileges."

Yours very truly, James A. Gallivan 12th Massachusetts.

84899

TELEGRAM

[stamp: ACK'D NOV 12 1914 J.A.K]

850am 12th

4 WU JM 157 NL

Philadelphia,Pa., Nov. 11,1914.

The President, Washington, D.C.

152a

Honored Sir:

Unavoidly circumstances make it inpracticable for me to join the delegation as field secretary of the Constitution League of the United States who are to present a memorial to you on Thursday, November 12th instant, invoking your intervention against the segregation of goverment employees at Washington or elsewhere on the ground of race or color. I respectfully submit that such segregation violates the spirit and letter of the Constitution of the United States, forces hardships and degredations on colored employees, undermines civilization, is subversive of American institutions, contravenes every principle of righteousness and justice and is a shameless reproach to our christian religion. Segregation represents not the ideals of freedom but the ideals of slavery. We pray that you, as the christian President of this free and christian nation, will use your great powers which are more than amply sufficient to remove this foul blot from our civilization.

Wm. A. Sinclair, Field Secretary, Constitution League.

84900

Wash D. C. Nov 12th 1914

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE NOV 13 1914 RECEIVED]

152a

To His Excellency Hon. Woodrow Wilson

Dear Sir

I see that a colored Delegation called on you today. I am glad you gave them a reprimand. The delegations don't amount to any thing it only tends to create prejudice. It my people would stop having so many mass meetings and passing resolution they would be better off and get more. I know my people I am now 67 years old and been in public life since the war. And I have studied my people well. our Association are now preparing a call of a national [burgess?] at Jersey City N. J. in Sept. 1915 and raise issues on address to the colored voters of the County and set forth our reason why you should be re-elected.