899

Oct. 20, 1913.

152a

[stamp]
ACK'D
OCT 22 1913
J.A.K.

President Woodrow Wilson
Washington, D.C.

DearSir:-

May I write you a letter of expostulation and brotherly entreaty
concerning the segregation of colored employes now in progress in the U.S.
Government offices in Washington. I have greatly rejoiced in the Christian
courage which you have shown in your defense of the people against those who
prey upon them financially. It is sound and far sighted public policy, but
I have been glad to believe that your aims were based on your view of the e-
quality of man before God.

The matter of racial segregation in the offices seems to me of far
more fundamental importance than tarifs and currency reforms. Your course
in the one case encourages me to write you concerning the other, since 1 am
convinced that you have been moved by no party or sectional clamor, but by
honest, though as it seems to me, mistaken, convictions.

Without discussing the fact that our general government should know
no color or racial lines, permit me to call your attention to the fact that
the demand for such separation is founded on the spirit of caste, which is
directly contrary to the spirit and teachings of Jesus.

There is little or no racial repugnance in the South. The North
knows far more of that. The southern man of wealth does not hesitate to

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