892

[stamp]
THE WHITE HOUSE
SEP 21 1913
RECEIVED

1013 Sutter Ave,
Brooklyn Borough, N. Y. City,
September 22, 1913.

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

152

Mr. President:—

We represent an organization formed in New York,
about ten years ago composed of colored men of experience from
all portions of the country, for the purpose of liberating the
colored race from troubles kept alive through appeals to race sus-
picions and prejudice. As the plan of the federal government in ap-
pointing a few negroes to public office, during the past forty years
has been purely one of sentiment, especially since they have been
well paid for services in every election, may we not most humbly
beg the President to substitute this action by helping millions,
through assisting us in the work of establishing confidence and
peace between the races, especially throughout rural sections of
the South to the end that no class of man, black or white, shall
be longer allowed, for selfish ends, to play upon the fears and
weakness of the colored race, nor white men have just cause on any
portion of this continent to appeal to the passion of whites against
the colored race; but that each race may, under God, strive to do
what is right and just, always strictly observing the boundary line
of absolute social independence.

If it should be the pleasure of the President to as-
sist us in this work, we would be glad to present some practical
plans for his most distinguished consideration.

Respectfully,

John B. Syphax
Peter W. [?]
Thomas S.P. Miller M.D.

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