The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1917-09-29
PROTEST Sent
TO PRESIDENT.
RACE OBJECTS TO THE PRO.
POSED SEGREGATION OF
TROOPS IN TRAINING
" = z-. CAMPS

ulSDdICneS
throughout the country, saying the
FEDERAL government intends to sepa-
rate the names of white and Race SOL
diers, also the proposed idea of send
ing them south in "jim crow coaches
has caused committee of representa-
tive colored citizens in this city to
send to President Wilson the follow.
ing telegram: y -
~, Chicago, Ill.
Inc Honorable Woodrow Wilson,
PRESIDENT OF the United States of
America -
The White House, Washington, D. G..
Sir: .-- - -. - ~ ~
We have the honor to inform Won
that in view of the announcement in
the press that the federal government
had issued orders to the exemntion
boards OF the country separating the
names OF white and colored soldiers
and sanctioning the policy of estab-
fishing segregated colored regiments.
we hereby enter our most solemn and
earnest protest against such policy
and any attempt to make any distinc-
ton, on account of race or color, be.
tween citizens Offering their lives in
this crisis for their country as being
unauthorized by the CONSUMPTION Act
and as being unjust, unconstitutional
and un-American. ..-.
We are further informed that the
federal government has decided to
adopt the policy of Jim crow cars
for the colored soldiers, in TRANSPORT
ing them to southern camps. If this
information is correct, we hereby pro-
test against the adoption of this policy
by the federal government in the in.
terest to transportation of colored sol.
diers, and we submit that it is unwise
and unjust and against the letter of
the interstate commerce law and the
spirit of American institutions, and
which, if adopted, is bound to pro.
woke increasing inter-racial resent.
ment and conflict.
In making this protest, we beg to
inform and impress upon you that we,
and the leaders of our group, have
consistently and earnestly urged our
young men to enlist and have adyo.
Gated the highest degree of patriotism
and loyalty to the flag on the part of
all our people in this crisis. That this
spirit animates the masses of the
l2,OOO,OOO colored citizens of our coun.
try is evidenced by the fact that the
Eighth Illinois regiment, composed en-.
tirely of colored men, was the only
Illinois regiment which was recruited
to full war strength by volunteer en-.
istment when the Illinois troops were
called into the federal service.
We submit that the functions of our
national government should be exer.
cised in it's dealings with all citizens
without distinction based on race, re.
Hglon or any other condition not recog.
niZed by the constitution.
The call for soldiers to defend the
flag in this crisis is addressed to all
Americans citizens, and we insist that
regiments be formed and training pro.
vided for all soldiers and sailors with.
out making any distinction based on
race, If we are to realize the spirit of
true democracy in it's fullest sense.
Trusting that the federal govern.
ment will see the wisdom of protect.
ing national citizenship in promoting
national unity and solidarity in this
present world conflict, and with as.
surances of the highest considerations
we have the honor to be,
Respectfully,
Edward H. Wright,
Asst. Corp. Counsel, Chicago.
Louis B. Anderson,
Alderman I'd Ward, Chicago.
Maj. r. R. Jackson,
Member 50th Gen'l Assembly.
George w. Ellis,
Asst. Corp. Counsel, Chicago. :.
DR.. A. j. Carey,
Pastor and Warden Institutional
Church, Chicago.
Robert S. Abbott,
Editor Chicago Defender.
Benz. H. Lucas,
Member 50th Genl Assembly.
Edward D. Green,
Member 18th Gen'l Assembly.