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Ackgd
11/16/14

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE
NOV 16 1914
RECEIVED]

152a

Rome. Georgia. November 13th, 1914.

Hon. Joseph P. Tumulty.

Dear Sir: Kindly permit me to say a word regarding the ill bred
and delusive statements of the colored delagation to whom the
President accorded an interview yesterday. I know these people,
they are mercenary creatures, without civic or social integrity,
and intent solely on self aggrandizement. Lest a similar incident
may occur in executive experience, it may be well to advise you
that there is no such thing as personal leadership among the
colored people of the north, despite all that the self consti-
tuted colored political vandals may say to the contrary. Nor are
there any colored democrats in that section among the sober
minded self respecting negroes. This fact is clearly demonstra-
ble by the most common inspection of the type of negroes who
besieged the democratic head quarters in 1912, in search of fi-
nancial aid. Do not be misled by the pretentions of these people.
all of whom are ever ready to sell their votes to the highest
bidder. As for the author of this untoward incident, it is but
the simple truth to say that while he is a person of some edu-
cation, he has an unappeasable craving for notoriety, and I fear
is sadly wanting in common sense. I heartily approve of the
well deserved rebuke the President administered to his visitors
and sincerely trust he may be free from such annoyances in the
future.

With sincere respect, I beg to remain.

very truly yours.

Wm. Hannibal Thomas.

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