101

A.H. UNDERDOWN, Chairman
F.O. WILLISTON, Vice Chairman
J. FINLEY WILSON, Secretary
FOUNTAIN PEYTON, Chair., Executive Committee

Finance Committee
Judge R. H. TERRELL, Chairman
CHARLES E. LANE, Secretary
JOSEPH M. TRIGG, Treasurer
JOHN LEWIS
GEORGE W. ROBINSON

Mrs. BESSIE B. ANDERSON, President, Women's Auxillary Club
W. J. SINGLETON, Chairman, Publicity Committee

Colored Inaugrual Committee
1103 YOU STREET. N.W.
PHONE N. 1686

February 23, 1917

Dear Friend:

In order to create, if possible a more wholesome and agreeable atmosphere
at the National Capital, let us colored people join in with, and give
our most hearty co-operation and support to, the Inaugural Committee in
making the forth coming inauguration of the President, of all the people of
our splendid country a brilliant success.

It is generally conceded that in every united, harmonious and well gov-
erned community the motto of its inhabitants is: "The interest of each indi-
vidual is the concern of all. We can only help in any good cause by exacting
within ourselves a spirit of optimism, cheerfulness and good will. "There-
fore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so
to them".

The burden of advice and direction is upon the knowing ones among us and
we thoroughly understand that rancor and party feeling have no place in a
true patriotic heart while facing a great civic duty. "Hatred ceaseth not
by hatred but by lover". Therefore it behooves us to be on the alert to meet
and welcome with gladness every overture of friendship and evidence of encouragement.

The National Guard and High School Cadets will participate in the inaugural
ceremonies as usual, and our official reception and ball will be conducted
on the night of the 6th proximo by "The Oldest Inhabitants". We also
anticipate the coming of a number of patriotic organizations from the states
to march in the parade. But we want your help to augment the ' 'Women's Auxiliary
Club' ' now in process of organizition by Mrs. Bessie B. Anderson, the
president of the club; and we need your co-operation in the matter of as-
sisting Gen’l J. Clay Smith, chairman of the committee of Civic Organizations
to form a large club of men from the various citizen associations of the
District of Columbia to take part in one of the best inaugural parades in the
history of the nation.

The Inaugural Committee has aided us financially in carrying on our work
and, in his letter, appointing Mr. Underdown Chairman of our Colored Commitee,
Mr. Robert N. Harper said: I will also appreciate it if you will take up
the subject of formulating a practical plan by which your people will have a
good substantial turnout in the parade with music.

The Colored Inaugural Committee assures you that our friends in charge
of the inaugural ceremonies will both welcome and appreciate our presence in
the parade. Trusting that you may see the wisdom of our committee in making
this request and lending a helpful hand in the good work, we have the honor
to be,

Very sincerely yours,

FOUNTAIN PEYTON
A. H. UNDERDOWN
F. O. WILLISTON
J. FINLEY WILSON
W. J. SINGLETON
Executive Committee

This circular letter is an
evidence of the work we are doing
among the Colored people to show
our President the loyalty of the
Negro Citizens throughout the
country.

83926