Microfilm Reel 229, File 152, "African Americans"

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All the microfilm scans concerning file number 152, "African Americans," on reel 229 from the Executive Office files of the Woodrow Wilson Papers, series 4 in the Library of Congress finding aid.

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Recved 3/24/15 152 [stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE MAR 24 1913 RECEIVED]

March 22/1913

His Excellency Woodrow Wilson President United States Washington D. C.

Mor Prisident- The enclosed clipping from the Jackson (Miss) News, written by a Negro, [?] to commended I that I have thought its perusal would interest you His utterances are intelligent, dignified and [?], and to [them?] that without distinctions of race or class, that the people trust you, should [?] you for the right.

I trust you will accept this communication in the spirit intended.

Very Respectfully E. S. [Sy]

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A Negro's Estimate of President Wilson

[column 1] Editor Daily News:—Please permit me to trespass upon your space far enough to express my honest conviction of the greatest man elevated to the presidency since George Washington. This estimate is not based on his political affiliation in any sense, for the average politician, like the average man of religious creed, follows it for the loaves and fish. Selfish ambition has fourished in all ages of th world, but God has always reserved a faithful remnant upon which He can depend to usher in new dispensations. Political parties ar ebut and may be made to operate for good or bad. Much depends upon the man ner of man at the helm of the ship of state.

In paying homage to a person it is but natural to seize some special virtue or characteristic and lasso it about with our best words of commendation. Various minds choose various ideals in a great man. Not a few would fail to choose wealth, fame and popular praise. These things have held the center of the stage so long in our national life till their silence at this juncture seems painfully conspicuous

Solomon of old was a great King but "Behold a greater than Solomon is here." For Solomon ruled a great pagan civilization, but our subject presides over the greatest civilization, save itself, since the history of mankind began.

(1) The frst thought that gives Mr. Wilson pre-eminence in my estimation is the character of his religious convictions. He is a Christian gentleman from every viewpoint as I see It. His attitude of reticence between his election and inauguration, the brevity and significance of his inaugural address each and all bespeak a deep sense of culture. One expression in his inaugural paper sounded more like an inspiration than state craft. It ran thus: We came not to destroy but to restore. More than eighteen centuries ago the King of kings said in reference to Moses' law, "I came not to destroy the law but to fulfill," or words to that effect.

One noted churchman used this worthy tribute in his sermon not long since: "There was more practical Christianity in Wilsons inaugural than in three-fourths of the sermons preached in Amertea today."

Mr. Wilson's latitude and longitude of religious vision stands intensely exemplified in the personnel of his cabinet. 1 must digress far enough to pay the highest tribute to Mr. Wm. J. Bryan, the eminent statesman and churchman. My eyes had the pleasure of falling on a newspaper article a few days ago in which church forces are hungering after spiritual instruction from his masterful intellect. The account said Mr. Bryan is wanted to conduct the largest Sunday school class in the world at Washington. Vice-President Marshall is known to be a man of deep religious convictions and activity. These principles are my ideals and have been objects of research on my part ever since these men came into national prominence.

(2) Next to religious fervor stands magnanimity. President Wilson has been in office less than a month, but has conclusively shown himself to be a magnanimous man. His policies are laid out along lines of broadness. Even the humblest man is made to feel already that he is part and parcel of the social and industriat life. He is the first president for more than fifty years whose policies or attitude in some way have not contained some declaration or suggestion as food for sentimentalists to play on the race question in America. It cannot be said that the whole country is tired of the subject at all. This is onee among the first things the rabble reading class looks for through the daily press. Many no doubt would give a young fortune to see it.

Many republican presidents have shown their weakness in this idea more than anywhere else. It used to be a nuisance to pick up a daily paper and read such headtines as these:

"President A or B takes a rap at Mr. Negro;" "Mr. Negro Not Wanted." etc., etc. It is evident now that selfish interests were the ends sought, although some good was intended and accomplished.

(3) After contesting the principles of our government planted at Plymouth Rock in 1820, Jamestown 1609 and organized under Gen. George Washington in 1789, the country has at last decided to return to its first faith—Christian government. This rather than as politian. This idea in itself will prove a panacea for all the unspeakable amazement already that characterizes the old school of thinkers. Many a one has already asked what manner of man is the president. We have never seen things on this order before. We really expected a general reversal of the machine of state. The secret: Our president is a Christian; behold he prayeth.

The action of the American people in the United States is elevating the presidency under Mr. Wilson or a man of his calibre, breeds a spirit of confidence and security. They have becgun sound thinking. Under this influence time will modify sentiment and consequently change options. Mr. Lincoln no doubt was inspired with the optimism of this fact when he remarked to a political opponent while discussing the popular measure of that day: "You may change the Missouri compromise, you may change the constitution of the United States, but you cannot change the moral constitution of man." Men share rights and privileges in the light of right hearts and minds. This is the prinicpal reason no thoughtful negro believes the ar amendments will ever be tampered with. The Wilsons, Bryans and other great lights of this Christian age would never give credence to such actions. The church would be sure to repudiate the act. The sun of civilization is too high up the Intellectual horizon.

Very truly, MASON A. WHITFIELD.

Jackson, Miss

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tion, save itself, since the history of mankind began.

(1) The first thought that gives Mr. Wilson pre-eminence in my estimation is the character of his religious convictions. He is a Christian gentleman from every viewpoint as I see it. His attitude of reticence between his election and inauguration, the brevity and significance of his inaugural address each and all bespeak a deep sense of culture. One expresstion in his inaugural paper sounded more like an inspiration than statecraft. It ran thus: "We came not to destroy but to restore." More than eighteen centuries ago the King of kings said in reference to Moses' law. "I came not to destroy the law but to fulfill," or words to that effect.

One noted churchman used this worthy tribute in his sermon not long since: "There was more practical Christianity in Wilson's Inaugural than in three-fourths of the sermons preached in America today."

Mr. Wilson's latitude and longitude of religious vision stands intensely exemplified in the personnel of his cabinet. I must digress far enough to pay the highest tribute to Mr. Wm J. Bryan, the eminent statesman and churchman. My eyes had the pleasure of falling on a newspaper article a few days ago in which church forces are hungering after spiritual instruction from his masterful intellect. One account said Mr. Bryan is wanted to conduct the largest Sunday school class in the world at Washington. Vice-President Marshall is known to be a man of deep religious convictions and activity. These principles are my ideals and have been objects of research on my part ever since these men came into national prominence.

(2) Next to religious fervor stands magnanimity. President Wilson has been in office less than a month, but has conclusively shown himself to be a magnanimous man. His policies are laid out along lines of broadness. Even the humblest man is made to feel already that he is part and parcel of the social and industrial life. He is the first president for more than Fifty years whose policies or attitude in some way have not contained some declaration or suggestion as food for sentimentalists to play on the race question in America. It cannot be said that the whole country is tired of the subject at all. This is onee among the first things the rabble reading class looks for through the daily press. Many no doubt would give a young fortune to see it.

Many republican presidents have shown their weakness in this idea more than anywhere else. It used to be a nuisance to pick up a daily paper and read such headlinesas these: "President A or B takes a rap at Mr. Negro;" Mr. Negro Not Wanted," etc. etc. It is evident now that selfish interests were the ends sought, although some good was intended and accomplished.

(3) After contesting the principles of our government planted at Plymouth Rock in 1620, Jamestown 1609 and organized under Gen. George Washington in 1789, the country has at last decided to return to its first faith—Christian government. This conclusion is to be accredited to the perseverance of the Christian forces and is a kind of spiritual evolution. America is fast living down her silly ideals. The civil war is viewed by the best minds as a sad, avoidable misfortune; slavery is condemned by all sections of the country: race hatred is the only lingering relic and it is most acute between the uncultured of both races. Much, however, is expected by way of improvement where the people have a great model at the head of affairs. We all have noticed the activity of animal life on certain balmy days in spring and summer—the penetrating rays of the sun seem to be a motive power. So is the life of humanity in their social and industrial affairs while under just and broad rulership.

My definition of the word "progressive" stripped of its political verbiage, means this: Let every right idea that is at present launched continue and receive encouragement. Produce all other ideas that will secure the best service by either augmenting the old or wholly absorbing them.

Again, it remains for the united forces of Christlanity to demonstrate whether our president is a product of the American church or one born out of season, like some prophet of old. If he is a product, then he will be supported as a son of Christianity.

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ate the act. The sun of civilization is too high up the intellectual horizon.

Very truly,

MASON A. WHITFIELD. Jackson, Miss.

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LEADING NEGRO NEWSPAPER HAS LARGEST CIRCULATION

SUBCRIPTION PRICE

1 Year - - $1.50 [1 Year] Canada - 2.00 [1 Year] Foreign - 2.50 6 Months - - 1.00 3 [Months] .60 Single Copy - .05

THE NEW YORK AGE

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY FRED R. MOORE 247 WEST 46TH STREET TELEPHONE 3815 BRYANT

[Stamp = THE WHITE HOUSE MAR 26 1913 RECEIVED]

NEW YORK CITY March 25, 1913.

Hon. Joseph P[.?] Tumulty,

Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-

Although I voted for the re-election of Mr. Taft at the last Presidential election 1 desire to extend to President Wilson, through you, my best wishes for a highly successful administration. I take it that the welfare of the United States is not to be viewed from a partisan standpoint, for all of us- Republicans, Democrats and Progressives- will be equally benefited if the next four years, under Mr. Wilson's guidance, are prosperous and the integrity of this great Nation is maintained both at home and abroad.

One of the most serious problems confronting the American people to-day is the so-called Negro problem. Of course, there would be no such problem if many of our white citizens would look conditions squarely in the face and show a more christian-like spirit toward a weaker and a struggling race- a people who have done much by their sweat and labor to make the United States the commercial factor it is to-day; neither would so much race hatred exist if the white press would tell the public more about our virtues rather than of our vices. Millions of white citizens are educated by the newspapers to regard the Negro in an improper light because of sensational articles which reflect discredit instead of credit on us. As to out great progress, despite odds, the papers publish but little.

It is unfortunate that the entire race has to shoulder the blame for those who are so unfortunate to commit acts of indiscretion, and why ten million of Negroes should be censured whenever one of that number is guilty of wrong-doing is a bit of philosophy many of us are unable to understand.

In the mad rush for political jobs now going on I hope President Wilson will not overlook the Negro. While he has not made public his policy relative to the appointment of Negroes to office it is hoped that he will investigate fully the character as well as fitness of the applicant; for it cannot be denied that Mr. Taft's Negro appointees were men of high

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LEADING NEGRO NEWSPAPER HAS LARGEST CIRCULATION

SUBCRIPTION PRICE

1 Year - - $1.50 [1 Year] Canada - 2.00 [1 Year] Foreign - 2.50 6 Months - - 1.00 3 [Months] .60 Single Copy - .05

THE NEW YORK AGE

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY FRED R. MOORE 247 WEST 46TH STREET TELEPHONE 3815 BRYANT

NEW VORK CITY

character, whose records in office were A1.

The race, as a whole, is not so deeply concerned in the question of the appointment of Negroes to office as it is the attitude President Wilson will assume- whether he will give a helping hand to a struggling people or whether he will co-operate with those who believe that it is humane and American to do all in their power to keep the Negro down, thereby hindering the progress of the Nation. I can assure you that the race is more interested in the enforcement of laws which guarantee the Negro all rights and privileges under the Constitution of the United States; more interested in Federal action with a view to stamping out mob law which has been responsible for the murder of hundreds of Negroes, many of whom were innocent, than political positions.

I hope you will pardon me for writing such a lengthy letter, but it is a fact that the Negro citizens are solicitous about President Wilson's attitude toward them. Already there are ominous sounds coming from certain law-makers, who are so seriously afflicted with "Negrophobia" that they spend most of their time introducing anti-Negro legislation. It is hoped that President Wilson will not be swayed from his resolution to be just to all mankind by these iconoclats of the Constitution, who if allowed to do as their diseased minds thought best, would bring about chaos and anarchy.

Trusting that you will fill the duties of Secretary to the President with the same degree of efficiency as characterized your work at Trenton, I am,

Respectfully, Lester A Walton Managing Eaitor.

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