1072

[stanp: ACK'D
APR 21 1916
T.M.H.]

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE
APR 21 1915
RECEIVED]

152

April, 19, 1915.

My Dear Sir:-

Information has come to me from many prominent members
of my race, some of whom are identified with the National Colored
Democratic League, that President Wilsons is of the opinion that it
is now too late to placate the colored race and to win their
support to the National Democratic Party in the 1916 campaign, by
making a few, appointments of colored men. I do not know whether
this information is well founded or not; at any rate I have sought
to discourage any belief in the minds of these men that the Presi-
dent ever entertained such opinions.

Having resided in Illinois for a mmber of years before
going to Oklahoma, I am well acquainted with many prominent colored
men here as well as in Indiana and Ohio in which States I hope to
do the greater part of my Work dirung the 1916 campaign and I have
constantly kept in touch with them. Many of them do not regard
this administration as being hostile to the colored race, nor look
upon the President's attitude towards us with disparagement. Those
of us who do the work, the real leaders who mold sentiment, are
yet hopeful that the administration will see the wisdom of ap-
pointing a few worthy colored men to positions, if for no other
reason than to furnish us with a reasonable argiment to make to
members of our race for their support in the ensuing National campaign.

We know that it is not too late, we understand ourselves
and our race. I will be greatly pleased if you will call the Presi
dents attention to this letter.

Thanking you in advance, I am yours
very truly,

Adam E. Patterson

Hon. J. Tumulty
Sec'y to President - Wash D. C.

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