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June 28, 1913

152

[stamp]
THE WHITE HOUSE
JUL 3 - 1913
RECEIVED

Hon. Joseph P. Tumulty,
Secretary to The President.

Sir:

In accordance with a resolution adopted at a recent meeting of
colored democrats in session at our National Headquarters, we beg to re-
spectfully transmit the following statement and request concerning members
of our Race who are sincerely interested in the welfare and continued suc-
cess of the Democratic Party, and many of whom have been active in organiz-
ing and maintaining clubs for promulgating the ideals of Democracy and
zealous in promoting the growth and triumph of the Democratic Party; ea-
pecially in the East and West, our organizations have rendered valuable
service to our leaders.

Heretofore the masses of colored voters have been almost unani-
mously misled by designing politicians professing the Republican faith, and
who, with naught but selfish ends in view, have resorted to hypocritical
methods calculated to prejudice the colored people against their best in-
terests and against their best friends. In contending against this
party of superficial ideals and misrepresentation, we have met stubborn re-sistance especially on the part of members of our own Race, many of whom
(like Ephraim) are joined to their idol - the Republican Party, and (until
properly enlightened and impressed) will remain the victims of its deceit.
Our patriotic mission has been, (and will continue to be) - to bring
about a proper conception of Democratic principles, policies, and ideals,
on the part of members of our Race, and at least a rational division of their
vote among the two leading political parties of our country. To this
worthy end, we feel it not improper to respectfully ask your hearty and
definite cooperation, for it is conceded that from 20 to 30% of of the colored vote was won to the Wilson-Marshall standard in the recent campaign
through the diligent efforts of conscientious colored democrats who helped
materially in bringing about the election of our present administration.

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