Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson

I have just received your note of the 27th inclosing a very informing telegram to you from Mr. Eagle with regard to the cause of the outbreak at Houston.

I am having a careful investigation of that whole situation made and have sent the Inspector General of the Army there to insure its thoroughness and fairness. All told, I think the people of Houston are to be warmly praised and congratulated for their fine behavior under these trying circumstances. Undoubtedly, some part of their moderation can be attributed to the presence of the Illinois National Guard who seemed to have behaved with great composure and effectiveness; but when all the allowance is made which is properly due to this restraining cause, these people still deserve credit for having remained calm, refrained from any sort of attack upon the colored people of their own community and generally not to have permitted an East St. Louis riot to arise out of a very provoking and tragic situation.