Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-10-12
COLORED NEW HOLD A
Continued from First Page.)

earned the right to speak I'm orr
own defense If our rights arc
abridged.
We are grateful, Mr.. President. for
the line ideals you have set forth to-
America and the world: and we are
particularly pleased with your pro-
houncemcnt against mob violence. It
gave encouragement to tho heart of
every true American, and is the har-
bingcr Of hope to all colorcd mon in
the United States. 1t makes us feel
. that the day will come when you NAV
exercise the full power delegated to
you as the Chief Executive Of our
Nation and summon to your aid tho
full force Of Il statute of tho United
states Government by which such
lawlcss acts may be suppressed.
We know that offcnses will be
J committed. We do not condono
| crime, but we ask for our people
| what Is accorded to others: viz, that
! all individuals charged with crime,
: should be given a fair and impartial
trial by jury Of their peers.
we now bring to your attention,
Mr.. President, a matter that heads
up under the Interstate Commerce
Commission, but which we bring to
you because relief has not como from
that source. Our people are unfairly
treated by the railroads Of the South.
The laws Of the Southern States pre-
scribe that there shall be separate
but equal accommodations for white
and colored passengers on trains"
, 1t is Il fact that while there are Sop
arate accommodations, they are in
no sense equal.
[ Tho
; as passengers on railways in tho
! South, is in open violation OF the
law; 1t is unfair, unjust and dcgrad-
ing. Therefore we beg that you use
, the authority Of your exalted office
| to change these conditions making
travel equally safe, comfortable and
| hcalthful to all who pay the same
| tariff.
| The black soldier fights best when
his mother, wife and sister arc not
/ humiliated on the common carriers
of his country because OF race pre-
| judice.
Another grievance that is hinder
| ing the war spirit in our race is. the
fact that in some Of the administers
! tive Offices OF tho government in
, Washington, d. c., and elsewhere,
race discrimination Is multiplying the
letter and spirit OF the Civil Service
; law; and delaying the winning OF the
war by depressing tho enthusiasms
! OF the aspiring people OF our race
! Our people who aspire to positions
above tho mental grade in some de-
, partments, arc fatty denied consid-
Grafton, AUD sometimes, If fair Of
fetal gives work to such aspirants,
4 they ere marked for insult or humil-
! iation by boorish officials or dis
courteous employees. These dis
ordinations disturb tho morale Of
. our young people and lower tho Of
! iicicncy of both, tho offender and the
offended.
This species OF prejudice against
race and color, sometimes, nay too
! often. finds its way into the Army
and Navy Of tho United States. Our
brave black boys have given Il good
account OF themselves in tho fight
against tho Hun, and we protest
against any discrimination in the
. Army and Navy based on race or
color. We ask Il fair trial in all
branches OF the military service.
! Mr.. President, We seek just an i'm
partial dealing from the officials OF
our government; VIC believe YOU to
, be Drovidcntially directed in tho
guiding Of our Nation at such time
as this, and we beg you to give us
, the protection we are fighting hard
; to win and offer to others.
! We ask you to encourage us in
| honoring the freedom You love. Let
us be Americans in character regard
less OF color. Let lis have no "Jim
Crow Cars" no segregation, no dis
fran chisemcnt, no prescription, no
partially and no prejudice in tho
, government administration OF public
affairs.
Finally, Mr.. President; wrongs so
| open, weigh down the hearts and
slow the movement OF the people
who are otherwise happy and anx-
ious to serve their country. Now, as
, never before, do we rs black men,
need to give to our people the spirit
! OF hope, inspiration and love Of
country. Changing the conditions
complained of will make it easier for
! the leaders of our race to direct and
influence our people in the activities
and sacrifices incident to winning
! the war for democracy and righteous
ness.
Signcd-William Harrison, Chair
man, Washington, D. c.; John r.
| Hawkins, Secretary, Washington, D.
c.; j. T.. Williams, Texas; J. d.
| Bushell, Pennsylvania; A. J. Stokes
Alabama.
Attest-W. II. Jernigan, President
c. Fl. Stepteau, Md, Secretary.