Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1919-08-23


Five Great Powers, Of the Allied and
Associated Nations. Mr.. George Glenn
nnccau. France: President Woodrow
Wilson. United States OF America;
Hon. Lloyd George. British Empire;
NJ. Orlando, Italy: Baron Maxine,
Enpiro of Japan.
Honorable SirS:
Greetings TO the NictorS from the
National Equal Rights League of the
u S. of a.
In the name of the Cniorcd mil
lions Of America We address YOU in
this an Open Letter and Appeal, and
for the cause of World Democracy
and Permanent World Peace.
From the official records of the
Congress Of the l.. :. Of America the
House Of Representatives Published
in the Congressional Record June %
l9lS We quote governmental condi-
tionS for 100000. Americans.
First: We are the Victims of civil
prescription, socially because OF
race and color in thrcc-fourths of the
States and in the National Capital
t'cdcral tcrritoryD barred from
places Of public accommodation, re
creation and resort; yes, from places
within Government buildings.
Second: We are the Victims Of
class distinctions based solely on our
race and color in public carriers in
Orc-third OF the States, segregated
even when EaSScngCrS in interstate
travel and with the railroad under
the control of the Federal Govern
mcnt.
Third: We arc the victims Of caste
and race prejudice in Govcrnlu
military and naval schools and in Oil
Ger schools with other citizens sole
ly on the basis Of race and color, and
in the navy itself, except in the scr
vice below deck.
Fourth: We are the victims Of pro-
scriptive discrimination based on
our race and color, in the executive
department OF the Federal Govern.
mcnt. refused employment in many
after appointment by tho civil service
segregated at work in the appoint.
mcnts of health and comfort.
Fifth: We are the victims Of po
litical prescription in one third Of the
States, even in the election OF Fed
cral officials in violation Of Federal
Const itution, both indirectly by con
grcssional representation based on
disiranchiScmcnt and directly through
intimidation triCkcry, or State std
tutcs and constitutions.
Sixth: We arc the victims in many
States, rs a consequence of the fore
going civil and political prescription
OF impoSition,, robbery, raviShing,
mob violence, mudcr and massacre,
because Of our race and color. denied
the protection OF police. ShcrilIs; de
MED trial by court and jury, render
ed mpotcnt to protect cur daughters
wives and mothers from violation by
white men or murder by the mob.
All these conditions thus declared
by the Nationa! Colorcd Liberty Con
GrcSs assembled ut Washington and
presented to the Congress by the pres
cnl speaker OF the House OF Repre-
scntativcs are still facts.
We quote further from the same
Record "Our President Woodrow vii
son now the moral leader and SpokcS
man Of the Allie Nations ~ho are
resisting German aggression having
officially declared that our country
has entered the fight for the purpose
Of democrat ling the nations Of the
world and lbcrating free peoples
everywhere. that we are embarked
upon IAN enterprise which is to re
lease the spirits of the world from
bondage that We are "fighting for
the right Of those who submit to an
thority to have 4 voice in their own
govcrntmcnt" to make the world at
least free for security for life and
lhrtry" To make the world safe for
democracy"
To this add President Wilson's
message to his country when the war
was won:
The armisticc as signed this morn
ing. Everything for which America
fought has been accomplished 1t
will now be our fortunate duty to
assist by example. by sober friendly
counsel and by material aid in the
establishment Of just democracy
throughout the world-with his word
TO the French nation in January. 1919
"America in coming into this wa:
thought that all the world had now
become conscious that there was Il
Single Cause Of Justice and Of Ibcr
t. for men Of every kind and place.
Add also the words in the message
Of congratulation to President Wilson
on the Victory by the Prime Minister
of Great Britain.
II feel sure that at the peace con
ltltHtt we Slldii ne tDlp To cooperate
fa!thfully to promote the reign Of
peace, within liberty and true demo
cracy throughout the World"
Then add Tic noble words of the
Premier Of France Monsieur Clcmcn
ccau. to President Wilson on Memoir
ial day for the dead soldiers:
"Thosc sons Of America who sue
cumhcd in our common battle for
Justice and fought for right rcposc
in orr fields whore the Liberty OF
tho World was Won"
Oh. Honorable Observation-Disclosures OF
on Agreement for Democracy 70; all
shut not vour eyes to this awful Dis
grace OF Democracy"
Honorable Commissioners of Per
prtnal Peace imagine not that with
such scandal on Humanity untouched
your peace is Just or will endure.