Microfilm Reel 285, File 543, "Lynching"

J. P. T. - 2.

less than his position as President, gives him the opportunity, and may we suggest respectfully, the responsibility, of speaking out. Hundreds of thousands of colored soldiers in the army and millions of their fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers would receive a new baptism of devotion to their country if it were made clear that the equal protection of the laws was to be afforded all men, whether white or black.

If the President would see fit, while receiving the delegation of colored men from New York Tuesday afternoon, to allude to this question, we believe profoundly that the nation would be stirred as by nothing else to renewed respect for law.

This Association wishes it understood that it does not and will not condone the crimes nor apologize for the offenses of colored men.

Sincerely, John R. Shillady Secretary.

JRS/RR

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February 15, 1918.

Hon. T. C. Rye, Governor, Nashville, Tennessee.

The National Associstion for the Advancement of Colored People, speaking in the name of its ninety branches and ten thousand members, appeals to you to take action to bring to justice the perpetrators of the foul wrong against the honor of your state in lynching and torturing on Tuesday night Jim McIlheron, a Negro accused of murder. Thousands of colored men in your State and the nation now serving their country in the battle for democracy await Tennessee's answer to their appeal for justice at home.

(Signed) John R. Shillady, Secretary.

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RM. BOSTON, Mass., Fob. 18, 1918.

THE PRESIDENT.

Associated Press gives another lynching yesterday at Fayetteville, Ga., for attempted robbery. Are not two or three lynchings a week worthy of a message to Congress from the President. Every lynching incites to repetition. Will you not speak in our country's name to let the world know your attitude on these recent horrors which disgrace huranity and civilization and will bring upon our nation the wrath of Almighty God?

The Boston Branch National Equal Rights League, Rev. E. P. Dixon, William D. Brigham, Geo. Margetson, William Monroe. Trotter, Committee.

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Ackgd 2/27/18

February 25, 1918.

Mr dear Tumulty:

I am handing you herewith a letter from Nick Chiles, Editor of the Topeka Plaindealer, Topeka, Kansas, who seems dissatisfied with your wire to him. I wish you would write him more fully in reference to this matter. You will remember he has written several times in reference to the colored soldiers who were courtmartialed and also in reference to the lynching in the south.

With personal regards, I am Very truly yours, Charles Curtis

Hon. Joseph P. Tumulty, Washington, D.C.

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For Mr. Forster:

The Secretary wishes Mr. Forster to prepare a reply to this letter.

WFJ.

Ackgd 2/27/18

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