Woodrow Wilson Papers Microfilm Reels

1251 South 18th Street PHILADELPHIA. PA, March 17,1913.

President Woodrow Wilson, The White House.

Dear Mr. President:-

I have hesitated long before writing you this letter: Because I do not wish to so frequently intrude upon your time; because I have written you in much the same strain before; because I fear that my discussion of the subject here mentioned may border on presumption; and, most of all, because I fear that the motives which prompt me may be largely misconstrued. Were my interests, and your interests and those of the third party, alone at stake, I could easily yield to my natural impulse to be silent. But, alas!the situation is one which must inevitably effect, for better or worse, the attitude of the public toward the Negro race for years and years to come.

I allude to the situation disclosed by the enclosed editorial from the Richmond, Va., Planet, in which is published certain correspondence purporting to have passed between yourself and Bishop Alexander Walters. I have marked the most salient points in this editorial to relieve you of the necessity of reading it through The writer of this editorial is Mr. John Mitchell, Jr., the noted Negro banker; and while his mode of expression may be crude and grotesque, he is widely recognized as one of the most conservative and level-headed Negroes in this country. You will observe that he here takes almost the identical position that I have taken in several letters to you; namely, that nothing but consternation and confusion can come from your every act and utterance favorable to the Negro being flaunted before the public, especially in matters involving their appointments to office or your defending their civi1 and political interests.

It is significant that these ebulitions of Bishop Walters are being noted chiefly, if not solely, by the Southern press. We know that it is from this section that the most open and unyielding hostility to Negro recognition must be expected. At your first failure to please a certain element of that section (with no thought of detracting from the many noble men and women of the South) these thoughtless utterances of Bishop Walters may be resurected and distorted and made to plague and embarrass you and discredit the Negro to an extent which will make it not only impossible for you to execute your good intentions relative to that race, but also curtail your ability to carry out the other great measures which you have in view.

I reiterate again and again that the good intentions of Bishop Walters are not to be impugned. But he has given abundant evidence, as I wrote you relative to his demand upon Democratic lead-

83418

President Wilson 2.

ers that they publicly promise to obliterate all laws and customs in the South not favorable to the Negro, as a bid for Negro votes, that he is utterly lacking in a sense of proportion, and in the ability to weigh the logical effects upon the public of his public demands and utterances. Its seems most obvious to me that whatever you may do for the Negro in the way of repelling the onslaughts against his civil and political interests or in granting him political recognition, should be done with the least possible fanfare, especially by Negroes themselves, unless every anti-Negro force in the country is to be turned against both them and yourself.

I can speak all the more freely on this matter, because I have no political favors to ask either for myself or for my friends. Indeed, under present strained conditions, 1 care little about Federal appointments for Negroes generally, except to the extent that your attitude toward them in this connection might be taken by the public to reflect just friendliness or unjust hostility. I might easily make all of these suggestions to Bishop Walters, and thus save you annoyance over these more or less petty affairs, but for the fact that I know he would regard it as an impertinence on my part, and assume that his exalted position, if nothing more, makes him the best possible judge, especially among Negroes, as to their highest interests in this connection.

I therefore implore you, President Wilson, for your own good and for the good of my poor race, already crushed and bleeding beneath the scourge of avowed enimies and blundering friends, to find some way of curbing these outbursts of Bishop Walters, before he forces open flood-gates of vituperation and vilification from which it will take the Negro and the nation countless years to recover.

Your humble servant,

J. S. Stemons

83419

THE RICHMOND PLANET, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

[column 1] [image: THE PLANET]

Published every Saturday by JOHN MITCHELL, JR., at 811 N. Fourth Street, Richmond, Va. _______________________________________ JOHN MITCHELL, JR., . . . EDITOR _______________________________________ All communications intended for publication should be sent so as to reach us by Wednesday. _________________________________________ TERMS IN ADVANCE One Copy, per year . . . . . . . . . $1.50 One Copy, eight months . . . . . 1.00 One Copy, six months . . . . . . . . . 80 One Copy, four months . . . . . . . . 50 One Copy, three months . . . . . . . 40 Single Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .05 ____________________________________________ ADVERTISING RATES. For one inch, one insertion . . . . . . . . . . . $.50 For one inch, each subsequent insertion . .49 For two inches, three months . . . . . . . . . 6.60 For two inches, six months . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 For two inches, nine months . . . . . . . . .14.08 For two inches, twelve months . . . . . . . 20.00 Marriage and Funeral Notices, one inch . .50 Standing and Transient Notices, per line . 10 ___________________________________________ POSTAGE STAMPS OF A HIGHER DENOMINATION THAN TWO CENTS NOT RECEIVED ON SUBSCRIPTIONS. _____________________________________________ THE PLANET is issued weekly. The subscription price is $1.50, per year, in advance.

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RENEWALS, ETC.—If you do not want THE PLANET continued for another year after your subscription has run out, you then notify us by Postal Card to discontinue it. The courts have decided that subscribers to newspapers who do act order their paper discontinued at the expiration of time for which it has been paid are held liable for the payment of the subscription up to date when the order the paper discontinued.

COMMUNICATIONS—When writing to us to renew your subscription or to discontinue your paper, you should give your name and address in full, otherwise we cannot add your name on our books.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS—In order to change [?] ___________________________________________ Entered at the Post Office at Richmond, Va., as second-class matter. ___________________________________________ SATURDAY ............ MARCH 8, 1913 __________________________________________ [column 2]

THE PRESIDENT AN [THE OFFICE?] SEEKERS

President Woodrow Wilson has been elected and inaugurated. The following statement issued from the White House will be read with interest and will no doubt cause "cold shivers" down the spinal columns of many of the faithful:

"The President regrets that he is obliged to announce that he deems it his duty to decline to see applicants for office in person, except when he himself invites the interview. It is his purpose and desire to devote his attention very earnestly and very constantly to the business of goveernment and the large questions of policy affecting the whole nation and he knows from his experience as governor of New Jersey (where it fell to him to make innumerable appointments) that the greater part both of his time and of his energy will be spent in personal interviews with candidates unless he an [?] invariable rule in the matter. It is his intention to deal with appointments through the heads of the several executive departments."—White House statement.

The office-seekers will now proceed to swarm through the offices of the several executive departments. The evident conclusion is that if they find the greatest part of both the time and energies devoted to personal interviews with the office-seekers it will be all right.

This action would seem to [br?] the distinguished Bishop Walters from the White House and to suggest to Chief Wood that he will best promote the peace of the Chief Executive of the nation by remaining in New York. There is a loop-hole though for Bishop Walters. He can go to the White House when President Wilson invites the interview.

In light of the recently published correspondence of President Wilson with the distinguished clerical political chieftain, who can doubt but what he will be invited?

It may be that the invitation to Bishop Walters may not reach him until next Fall, but this will give him and his family time to become familiar with Washington, although he may have been "fagged out" by the importunities of the office-seeker long before that time.

He may find too that his religous duties may call him to his circuit and he may keep going his rounds until he recuperates sufficiently to stand another bombardment at the hands of his political supporters and seekers after office. Bishop Walters now has our sympathy and six months hence he will be entitled to the commiseration of the public.

He is not a seeker after office for himself but for others. In [?] ble that he must devoted his [?] voice and hypnotic smile upon the heads of the several executive departments? It would seem so.

[column 3]

New York Democracy is unalterably opposed to political dictatorship on the part of any other man. It takes the position that autonomy is of the very essence of Democracy, and openly announces that it will make a most determined fight not only to maintain inviolate its own autonomy but to establish the principle that the Colored Democratic organization in the several States shall be the sole authoritative agencies for the intermediation with the part on behalf of individuals.

The New York leaders assert that Bishop Walters and his friends are proposing that the Democratic Party shall treat with the Negro precisely as the Republican Party treated with him, namely: through the agency of designated colored leaders, and not selected by the Negro himself. The fatal defects of such a system were plainly manifest during the last campaign. The Republican party was unable to effectively to reach the great bulk of Negro voters, simply becuase it had to rely on men, who were, in the last analysis, merely agents of the party, and not regularly chosen and accredited leaders of the race.

This is strong language, but it is made stronger. Here it is:

The New York organization, then, as it maintains, is fighting for the vital principle that colored men in the Democratic party shall have the right to select their own leaders, and not be compelled to accept leaders designated for them. Although Bishop Walters enjoys the title of President of the National Colored Democratic League, the New York Democrats contend that he has never received the authoritative indorsement of colored Democrats for leadership, in the sense of Dictatorship.

The New York Democracy further contends that there is no satisfactory evidence that the Bishop was ever elected to the League; or, if he ever was nominally elected, the body of which elected him was not representative, and lacked authority, being improperly and inadequately called, and composed for the most part of the Bishop's personal friends and dependents in Washington, D. C.: many of whom do not possess the elective franchise, or, if they possess it, either do not exercise it, or have no influence in the communities where they legally reside.

It is true that there was no general election held at the Baltimore convention of the League; and it is said that the Bishop refused to submit to one.

This then is the beginning of a long and bitter fight among the colored contingent of the Democratic Party. It will not be many weeks before this unpalatable dish of dissention will be served to President Woodrow Wilson. Will he recognize as absolute the dictatorship of Bishop Alexander Walters or will he adopt the democratic policy as outlined by the New York Colored Democracy?

There is middle ground though. Will he call in council that elusive, diplomatic, "right side up with care" Dr. Booker T. Washington as the least of three evils, or will he exclaim in disgust, "The plague upon both houses"?

BISHOP WALTER'S BLUNDER

It is reported from Washington that the Democrats, composed of cit-

[column 4]

January 17, 1913. "My dear Bishop Walters: "I have made it an absolute rule not to indicate what I am going to do about appointments because I am not now making promises of any kind, but I am sure you will not yourself feel uneasy after the general assurance I have taken pleasure in giving you from time to time. "Sincerely yours, "WOODROW WILSON."

The second, dated December 21, 1912, reads: "My dear Bishop Walters: "I read your letter of December 17, and the suggestions you quote Congressman Burleson as making with great interest. You may be sure that these matters will have my most earnest and friendly consideration. "Cordially and sincerely, "WOODROW WILSON."

The first is as follows: "My dear Bishop Walters: "It is a matter of general disappointment to me that I shall not be able to be present at your meeting on Saturday night, but insasmuch as I have cancelled every possible engagement in view of the distressing assault on Mr. Roosevelt, I do not feel that I can properly add others. I am fulfilling only those to which I have been bound by many weeks.

"It would afford me pleasure to be present, because there are certain things I want to say. I hope that it seems superfluous to those who know me, but to those who do not know me perhaps it is unnecessary for me to assure my colored fellow-citizens of my earnest wish to see justice done them in every matter and not mere grudging justice, but justice executed with liberality and cordial good feeling. Every guarantee of our law, every principle of our Constitution commands this, and our sympathies should make it easy.

"The colored people of the United States have made extraordinary progress toward self-support and usefulness, and ought to be encouraged in every possible and proper way. My sympathy with them is of long standing, and I want to assure them through you that should I become President of the United States they may count on me for absolutely fair dealing and for everything I can assist in advancing their race in the United States. "Cordially and sincerely yours, "WOODROW WILSON."

Bishop Alexander Walters may "know his business," but to our mind, this is the first tactical mistake and political blunder. He has done three things: Attracted the attention of every Negro-hater in Washington and in the country and thereby enlisted their bitter opposition to the political preferment of the colored leaders; drawn to himself a horde of political office-seekers, who desire the ear of the President, and embarrassed the Chief Executive of the nation in his desire to accord fair treatment to the representatives of one of the kindliest race of people on the face of the globe.

Bishop Walters was evidently in good humor, for he is quoted as saying:

"Mr. Wilson is just filled with good will for everybody," said Bishop Walters to The Times-Dispatch representative. "We are confident that he will treat us fairly. If he should make any changes, I feel there is more than a chance of securing the appointment of some good colored men to government service. Dr. Peter J. Smith I hope to have appointed deputy registrar of the treasury, if any change should be made in that office. It is now filled by a colored man. In fact, the registrar

[column 5] in favor of the things which tend toward uplift, improvement and advancement of my people," by requesting him to give advice in the premises.

That advice will either "spell" the elevation of friends of Dr. Washington to political office or the enunciation of the well known Washington doctrine that colored men should leave politics alone and not aspire to political office.

We are of the opinion that Bishop Walters has hindered his case rather than helped it by his publication of the Wilson letters at this time.

With reference to Dr. Washington, we are of the opinion that he has helped his case rather than hindered it by his timely deliverances at Nashville, Tenn. We did not need to be told that President Woodrow Wilson was a friend of Negro education. His whole life shows that. He might make the statement with reference to hundreds and thousands of white Democratic educators in the Southern States.

As the matter now stands, Bishop Walters declares that President Wilson is the friend of the Negro Democratic politician and Dr. Washington declares that President Wilson is the friend of Negro education. We expect to see both of these great leaders in a grapple for recognition and influence at the White House.

We shall be able to hear and see Bishop Walters as the struggle goes on, but as for Dr. Washington, he will work behind a masked battery and only the manner and method of his fighting will disclose the identity of the leader behind the breastworks. ________________________________________ NOTICE.

It hs been found necessary to buy and properly equip the home for homeless and dependent Colored children located at 1513 Taylor street, known as the Working Woman's Industrial Home and Day Nursery, that moved from 516 Third street in July 1910. In order to make the Home perpetual and purchase it, we must appeal to the generaous public for help.

All interested in this work can help by contributing freely through the Mite Boxes and envelopes already distributed which will be called for by a committee wearing a badge containing the words "Children's Home." Contributions can be sent directly to Mrs. J. Calvin Stewart, 1031 West Grace streets, who is the Treasurer of the Building Fund.

No fund can be too small to help. Please do not give money to anyone except those soliciting and wearing the "Children's Home" badge. This work is approved by Gov. Mann, Mayor Ainslie, Dr. J. T. Mastin, Rev. James Buchanan, Judge Richardson and a Committee of Ladies. The work is also endorsed by the Colored Ministers' Conference of the City.

The following compose the [?] Committee for soliciting Funds:

Mrs. Rebeker Violet Crawford, Manager of the Home; Mrs. Adelaide G. Thompson, Mrs. Mattie Hewin, Mrs. Harriet Page, Mrs. H. R. John son, Mrs. Anna Hunter.

Will you be one of the two thousand to contribute $1 or more? If so, please forward it to Mrs. J. C. Stewart, 1031 West Grace street.

We thank the Public School Children for $65 as an offering. We have heading our colored invividual contribution list. Dr. R. E. Jones, $5.00 and Mr. Nelson Williams, $2. WHO WILL BE NEXT.

We cannot be responsible for money sent in letters in any other way than one of the four ways mentioned above. If you send your money in any other way, you must do it at your own risk.

RENEWALS, ETC.—If you do not want THE PLANET continued for another year after your subscription has run out, you then notify us by Postal Card to discontinue it. The courts have decided that subscribers to newspapers who do act order their paper discontinued at the expiration of time for which it has been paid are held liable for the payment of the subscription up to date when the order the paper discontinued.

COMMUNICATIONS—When writing to us to renew your subscription or to discontinue your paper, you should give your name and address in full, otherwise we cannot add your name on our books.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS—In order to change [?] ___________________________________________ Entered at the Post Office at Richmond, Va., as second-class matter. ___________________________________________ SATURDAY ............ MARCH 8, 1913 __________________________________________

[column 2] and his family time to become familiar with Washington, although he may have been "fagged out" by the importunities of the office-seeker long before that time.

He may find too that his religous duties may call him to his circuit and he may keep going his rounds until he recuperates sufficiently to stand another bombardment at the hands of his political supporters and seekers after office. Bishop Walters now has our sympathy and six months hence he will be entitled to the commiseration of the public.

He is not a seeker after office for himself but for others. In [?] ble that he must devoted his [?] voice and hypnotic smile upon the heads of the several executive departments? It would seem so.

[column 3] This then is the beginning of a long and bitter fight among the colored contingent of the Democratic Party. It will not be many weeks before this unpalatable dish of dissention will be served to President Woodrow Wilson. Will he recognize as absolute the dictatorship of Bishop Alexander Walters or will he adopt the democratic policy as outlined by the New York Colored Democracy?

There is middle ground though. Will he call in council that elusive, diplomatic, "right side up with care" Dr. Booker T. Washington as the least of three evils, or will he exclaim in disgust, "The plague upon both houses"?

BISHOP WALTER'S BLUNDER

It is reported from Washington that the Democrats, composed of citizens of color are jubilant over the outlook: They believe that President Wilson will oust colored Republicans from office and will install colored Democrats in their places. The telegraphic report to the Richmond, Va. Times-Dispatch is as follows:

Washington, February 27—Local leaders of the colored race are elated over reports current here today that Peter J. Smith, a colored chiropodist originally from Boston, Mass. will be appointed deputy registrar of the treasury in Washington.

Autographed letters from President-elect Wilson to Bishop Alexander Walters, colored, of New York, president of the Colored Democratic National League indicate that the colored race will receive greater recognition from the Wilson administration than from any other in the past.

In order to be near the White House, Bishop Walters has moved his family to Washington and established headquarters at the home of Bishop J. W. Smith, colored, at 1309 R. Street, N. W. He anounced today that he will remain here indefinitely after the new President is inaugurated, and that he intends to get in touch with the executive as soon as the latter can find time to consider appointments.

This sounds "mighty good" to the average colored Democrat, but to our way of thinking it indicates that there are "breakers ahead" for the colored Democratic pilgrims, who have journeyed to Washington with the hope that they may receive favorable consideration at the hands of the distinguished pedagogue, who has been so recently elevated to the presidency of the nation.

The report says further:

The Bishop today proudly exhibited three letters bearing Presidentelect Wilson's signature and written on New Jersey State House letter paper. The next contains anteelection assurances of Mr. Wilson's good will toward the colored race. The second acknowledges receipt of suggestions from the Bishop, while the third was sent in especial reference to an invitation to a meeting of aspiring colored citizens submitted by the Bishop.

The letters as published are as follows:

[column 4] and political blunder. He has done three things: Attracted the attention of every Negro-hater in Washington and the country and thereby enlisted their bitter opposition to the political preferment of the colored leaders; drawn to himself a horde of political office-seekers, who desire the ear of the President, and embarrassed the Chief Executive of the nation in his desire to accord fair treatment to the representatives of one of the kindliest races of people on the face of the globe.

Bishop Walters was evidently in good humor for he is quoted as saying:

"Mr. Wilson is just filled with good will for everybody," said Bishop Walters to the Times-Dispatch representative. "We are confident that he will treat us fairly. If he should make any changes, I feel there is more than a chance of securing the appointment of some good colored men to the government service. Dr. Peter J. Smith I hope to have appointed deputy registrar of the treasury, if any change should be made in that office. It is now filled by a colored man. In fact, the registrar is also a colored man. Both are Republicans, appointed by Mr. Taft. I think Dr. Smith is a Howard graduate. I am not positive. But he is one of our league organizers."

It would seem then that Bishop Walters has openly and smilingly undertaken the job of naming all of the colored leaders who are to be considered by President Wilson as applicants for governmental positions, In this, he will receive the condemnation for failure to "land" coveted positions, instead of either the President or the white Democratic bosses in the respective States.

We look with interest of the time when Bishop Alexander Walters' popularity among the rank and file of his Democratic colleagues will wane like the rays of the setting sun. Already there are "growls" loud and deep and remarks that are unprintable emanating from Chief Wood of New York.

In the meantime, we see or think we see the signs of return of the Dr. Booker T. Washington regime as political referee if we are to accredit the following remark from the distinguished, but wiley chieftan:

Nashville, Tenn., Matrch 1—Booker T. Washington, the colored educator, in Nashville today enroute to the State of Washington, where he will conduct a speaking tour, discussed the attitude of President-elect Woodrow Wilson to the colored race. He said:

"Mr. Wilson is in favor of the things which tend toward the uplift improvement and advancement of my people, and at his hands we have nothing to fear. My belief is that the next President of the United States is one of the best friends of Negro education that has ever occupied the presidential chair."

We take this to mean that Dr. Washington can "come back" when President Woodrow Wilson has become "sick and tired" of the "whole bunch" of office-seekers named by Bishop Walters and the feeling of disgust has been intensified by the attacks made upon the distinguished Bishop by the rank and file of his own colored Democractic organization then he will demonstrate to Dr. Washington's satisfaction that he "is

[column 5]

All interested in this work can help by contributing freely through the Mite Boxes and envelopes already distributed which will be called for by a committee wearing a badge containing the words "Children's Home." Contributions can be sent directly to Mrs. J. Calvin Stewart, 1031 West Grace streets, who is the Treasurer of the Building Fund.

No fund can be too small to help. Please do not give money to anyone except those soliciting and wearing the "Children's Home" badge. This work is approved by Gov. Mann, Mayor Ainslie, Dr. J. T. Mastin, Rev. James Buchanan, Judge Richardson and a Committee of Ladies. The work is also endorsed by the Colored Ministers' Conference of the City.

The following compose the [?] Committee for soliciting Funds:

Mrs. Rebeker Violet Crawford, Manager of the Home; Mrs. Adelaide G. Thompson, Mrs. Mattie Hewin, Mrs. Harriet Page, Mrs. H. R. John son, Mrs. Anna Hunter.

Will you be one of the two thousand to contribute $1 or more? If so, please forward it to Mrs. J. C. Stewart, 1031 West Grace street.

We thank the Public School Children for $65 as an offering. We have heading our colored invividual contribution list. Dr. R. E. Jones, $5.00 and Mr. Nelson Williams, $2. WHO WILL BE NEXT.

All interested in this work can help by contributing freely

JURGEN'S SON

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[image of head of hair]

We are the largest manufacturers of colored peoples hair. We make wigs, switches, braids, transformations and all styles of hair that can comb the same as your own hair.

We also sell straightening combs, hair nets and cut hair by the pound. Our prices are lower than those quoted elsewhere. Send two cent stamp and we will send you abosolutely free our Illustrated Catalog. Agents Wanted.

HUMANIA HAIR COMPANY. Dept. D. 23 Duane St., N. Y. City

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE MAR [?] 1913 RECEIVED]

[right margin: handwritten note [?] 3/20/13 Extracts [?] A. [?]

Mr. Tumulty Private Secy to the President Washington D. C.

Dear Sir:

Reputable Colord men of this Country were startled and blushed for shame where they read the list of Colored men Bishap Walters filed at the White House for appointment. Nearly every one of them has a shady past. James Ross recommended for Minister to Liberia has been a dive keeper. Frank Wheaton recommended for the same place, deserted his wife and family for a white woman of questionible sharacter. Frank Warren also recommended is married

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to a white woman and is personon non grata both to his own race and the whites as a consequence. Napoleon Marshall who the Bishop has asked to be sent to Haiti has had no visible means of support for seven years. Peter Smith recommended for Asst Registrar of the Treasury is a corn doctor who is too lazy to pair corns. Mr Langston slated for the same place is a wife desirter. Fountain Byton who wants to be an Asst District Atty here has had a police Court fine and he aint more than a Coummon police Court lawyer. Look up the record of each man and you will be surprised that a preacher would want to imposed such men upon a Christian President. The Race his had clean men to represent them in office. It requires clean men to help our progress. It was wrong for Bishop Walters to impose such men on a Christian President.

Respectfully O.B. Carter New York 18 W. 67th St.

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[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE MAR 29 1913 RECEIVED]

Washington, D.C.

March 21th,

33

To His Excelency, Woodrew Wilson President of the United States,

152

Most Honored Sir.

I leave my race my Partie and my Country and believ you will better the future of my people and build up a strong force of Negro Democracy If you will give the race more small places and less big ones not reduceing the present revenue that is now comeing to the race by, appointments,. This new method would help our Churches our forms, Schools and all others Institutions of our race. And bring about a better feeling beteen the two races that must live together in this Country.

May the Angel of peace guide you in this matter,

Yours Most Truly

Rev. L. C. Moore. Oldest Negro Democrat

802 F St N. W;

83423

(Tune: Higher Ground)

Wilson's on the White House way, New votes he's gaining every day; In him we are very confident, That he will be our President.

CHORUS

Then lift him up by your hand and help the people in this land, A better man can not be found To lead us up where we can stand.

Our rent and living are very high, Wilson will relieve you and I Make him President, we'11 try, Then the G. O. P. will surely die.

CHORUS--

Now boys, I'll tell what's best to do, Wake up the sleepers on the way, That they may go and vote with you and elect this great man of the day.

CHORUS--

83424

Recved 3/24/15 152 [stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE MAR 24 1913 RECEIVED]

March 22/1913

His Excellency Woodrow Wilson President United States Washington D. C.

Mor Prisident- The enclosed clipping from the Jackson (Miss) News, written by a Negro, [?] to commended I that I have thought its perusal would interest you His utterances are intelligent, dignified and [?], and to [them?] that without distinctions of race or class, that the people trust you, should [?] you for the right.

I trust you will accept this communication in the spirit intended.

Very Respectfully E. S. [Sy]

83425

tion, save itself, since the history of mankind began.

(1) The first thought that gives Mr. Wilson pre-eminence in my estimation is the character of his religious convictions. He is a Christian gentleman from every viewpoint as I see it. His attitude of reticence between his election and inauguration, the brevity and significance of his inaugural address each and all bespeak a deep sense of culture. One expresstion in his inaugural paper sounded more like an inspiration than statecraft. It ran thus: "We came not to destroy but to restore." More than eighteen centuries ago the King of kings said in reference to Moses' law. "I came not to destroy the law but to fulfill," or words to that effect.

One noted churchman used this worthy tribute in his sermon not long since: "There was more practical Christianity in Wilson's Inaugural than in three-fourths of the sermons preached in America today."

Mr. Wilson's latitude and longitude of religious vision stands intensely exemplified in the personnel of his cabinet. I must digress far enough to pay the highest tribute to Mr. Wm J. Bryan, the eminent statesman and churchman. My eyes had the pleasure of falling on a newspaper article a few days ago in which church forces are hungering after spiritual instruction from his masterful intellect. One account said Mr. Bryan is wanted to conduct the largest Sunday school class in the world at Washington. Vice-President Marshall is known to be a man of deep religious convictions and activity. These principles are my ideals and have been objects of research on my part ever since these men came into national prominence.

(2) Next to religious fervor stands magnanimity. President Wilson has been in office less than a month, but has conclusively shown himself to be a magnanimous man. His policies are laid out along lines of broadness. Even the humblest man is made to feel already that he is part and parcel of the social and industrial life. He is the first president for more than Fifty years whose policies or attitude in some way have not contained some declaration or suggestion as food for sentimentalists to play on the race question in America. It cannot be said that the whole country is tired of the subject at all. This is onee among the first things the rabble reading class looks for through the daily press. Many no doubt would give a young fortune to see it.

Many republican presidents have shown their weakness in this idea more than anywhere else. It used to be a nuisance to pick up a daily paper and read such headlinesas these: "President A or B takes a rap at Mr. Negro;" Mr. Negro Not Wanted," etc. etc. It is evident now that selfish interests were the ends sought, although some good was intended and accomplished.

(3) After contesting the principles of our government planted at Plymouth Rock in 1620, Jamestown 1609 and organized under Gen. George Washington in 1789, the country has at last decided to return to its first faith—Christian government. This conclusion is to be accredited to the perseverance of the Christian forces and is a kind of spiritual evolution. America is fast living down her silly ideals. The civil war is viewed by the best minds as a sad, avoidable misfortune; slavery is condemned by all sections of the country: race hatred is the only lingering relic and it is most acute between the uncultured of both races. Much, however, is expected by way of improvement where the people have a great model at the head of affairs. We all have noticed the activity of animal life on certain balmy days in spring and summer—the penetrating rays of the sun seem to be a motive power. So is the life of humanity in their social and industrial affairs while under just and broad rulership.

My definition of the word "progressive" stripped of its political verbiage, means this: Let every right idea that is at present launched continue and receive encouragement. Produce all other ideas that will secure the best service by either augmenting the old or wholly absorbing them.

Again, it remains for the united forces of Christlanity to demonstrate whether our president is a product of the American church or one born out of season, like some prophet of old. If he is a product, then he will be supported as a son of Christianity.

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ate the act. The sun of civilization is too high up the intellectual horizon.

Very truly,

MASON A. WHITFIELD. Jackson, Miss.