Microfilm Reel 229, File 152, "African Americans"

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dealing and for every-thing by which I could assist in advancing the interests of their race in the United States.

Cordially and Sincerely yours, Woodrow Wilson.

Certainly the hostile Negro sentiment of some who occupy high places in the Democratic party cannot be considered as expressing the attitude of the Party towards us. If Democracy means anything at all it must mean the sharing in the Government of every honest, intelligent tax paying Citizen, without regard to creed or color.

Surely this is eminently true at a time when every man of every race in our beloved Country is expected to serve the colors in case of a crisis, and is needed to insure "preparedness" for our National defense.

It does appear to me that it should be the aim of the National Government to inspire and intensify the warmest patriotism rather than discourage and repress the love and zeal of all citizens.

To be officially informed that Negroes cannot be confirmed in big big Federal positions, such as they have held under former administrations, no matter how worthy, is to say the least, discouraging. We have waited long and patiently to know what our Political statue under the Democratic rule is to be in all parts of this Country. In certain parts of the Southland a property qualifications was demanded, and we met that, but, to no avail. Than the Educational test was required and when our illiteracy was decreased seventy per cent, and when we had met the Educational qualification we were bidden to stand aside and wait a little longer, instead of being encouraged to register and vote. In many places where we presented ourselves for enrollment we were ruthlessly turned down.

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It is well to understand that the Democratic party cannot have the support of the Negro vote in the North, East, and West while it denies the ballot to the members of our race in the south; for a National Party to take such a position is unfair, unreasonable and untenable.

Owing to the character of the opposition in certain quarters to a negro being appointed Recorder of Deeds, it has becone a test-case and we are not now contending so much for the office as we are for the principle, involved, namely: the right of Negroes to be nominated and confirmed in important offices.

We do hope Mr. President, that you will not hesitate to make the nomination of a colored man to the office of The Recorder of Deeds or to one of equal importance where Senatorial confirmation is required, for we desire to know whether it is to be the policy of the democratic party to accord to Negroes the same rights and recognition granted to other citizens of the Nation or in other words, can the Democratic Party afford to ignore a half million voters, on account of their color, who are constantly increasing in numbers? I repeat Mr. President, it is not a question of not being prepared to submit the name of a qualified and conpetant man in the District of Columbia, for Recorder of Deeds, this can be done because we have any number of men in the District of Columbia, and men of honor and credit to the Colored race and the administration.

Most respectfully yours, Alexender Walters

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152

February/8/16

Hon. Woodrow Wilson, President, United States, White House, Washington, D. C.,

Honorable Sir:-

While we know that you are a democratic president, we also know that you are the President of the United States.

While we keenly feel the unconcern of the leaders of the democratic party about the interest and welfare of the Negro, yet we know that there are men in that party whose second nature is justice and fair play, whose integrity cannot be lessened by party affiliation or party principles unless those principles are commensurable with equality, and we would want to class you with such characters, but if you cannot bring to bear enough influence to impress upon Congress the legitimate claim of the Negro to the registar of Treasury-ship, then we may be compelled to place you in another class.

We believe that there are Negroes in the democractic party who are eligible for the position and the

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party must know them.

Hoping that you will cross this bridge before it is let down, as the campaign is near at hand.

Very respectfully yours, S. Johnson, Pres. I. A. Dennis Sec.

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[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE FEB 24 1916 RECEIVED]

Akdgd 2/24/16

Washington, D. C. Peb. 23, 1916

President Woodrow Wilson, White House, Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

In a recent interview with Bishop Alexander Walters of New York City, he discussed with me very fully his position as to the recognition that should be given colored People by the present administration. He expressed his grateful appreciation for the places so far accorded him and his followers by your Ex cellency and the chiefs of the departments.

He feels however that his position would be greatly strengthened and his followers much encouraged if you could see yo ur way clear to name a Colored Democrat to such a position as would give the Senate an opportunity to act upon a confirmatio n , which he feals wo uld be favorably considered.

I take this privilege of presenting this matter to yo ur honor because I am one of his followers and have the same confidence as he that we have friends enough in the Senate to stand by you and put through your nominee.

Most respectfully yours.

Jas N. Howard Chairman of the Executive Committee, The National Colored Democratic League.

1309 R St. N. W.

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