1114

Buffalo, N. Y. March 24, 1916

Hon. Joseph P. Tumulty,
Secretary to the President,
Executive Mansion,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

Having been Chairman of the National Negro
Democratic Bureau, Chicago Headquarters, during the 1912
campaign, and having had full charge of the campaigns of
1896, 1904 and 1908, each time under direct supervision
of the National Democratic Committee, emboldens me to ad-
dress you as a Democrat. In so doing, Mr. Secretary, I
pray that my racial connections may not be a barrier to your consideration
of this appeal and I promise you, Sir, to lay aside whatever personal am-
bitions I may have had, if some of my race who have rendered yeoman ser-
vice to the Democratic party, are recognized.

For several years, we have with patience,
awaited the will of the administration, to reward some loyal Colored
Democrats. It appears however that these men are without leaders to plead
their cause. We have been satisfied in a measure to leave our destinies
in the hands of the President, and under the leadership of Bishop Walters,
believing him to be the one in whom the Administration had full confidence.
Taking the Bishop’s statements and reviewing personal letters that were
published as emanating from the President, warranted us in leaving him as
far as race leadership, our spokesman.

James A. Ross

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