Charles L. Petrikin to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Charles L. Petrikin to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Petrikin, Charles L.
Identifier
CS63
Date
1914 November 17
Description
Letter applauding Wilson for the way he responded to Trotter and suggesting that African Americans are "indebted to the United States and the institution of slavery."
Source
Library of Congress
Wilson Papers, Series 4, 152A Reel 231, Manuscript Division
Wilson Papers, Series 4, 152A Reel 231, Manuscript Division
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Trotter, William Monroe, 1872-1934
African-Americans--segregation
Contributor
Althea Cupo
Maria Matlock
Language
English
Provenance
Digital copy acquired from federal archives by previous WWPL Archivist, Heidi Hackford.
Text
Muncy, PA
Hon. Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:--
I wish to applaud you for the way in which you rebuked the egotism of the negro, WM Trotter, as I am opposed to making pets of the negroes for political purposes.
The United States does not owe them anything, but on the other hand they are indebted to the United States and the institution of slavery for whatever traits of industry and thrift that have developed. No other system of employment could have taken such a class of barbarians and made as much of them as slavery, even admitting that in some cases the habits of industry were literally pounded into them.
One of the most discouraging features regarding the negro question is that they are devoid of gratitude, instanced by this particular case. Until now I had no idea that so many are in the government employ. They surely have every reason to be grateful and not press for their absurd and impractical ideas of equal rights.
I am not only pleased with your action in this especial case but heartily endorse every step you have made. All of the important legislation enacted is truly progressive.
Yours very truly,
Charles L. Petrikin
Hon. Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:--
I wish to applaud you for the way in which you rebuked the egotism of the negro, WM Trotter, as I am opposed to making pets of the negroes for political purposes.
The United States does not owe them anything, but on the other hand they are indebted to the United States and the institution of slavery for whatever traits of industry and thrift that have developed. No other system of employment could have taken such a class of barbarians and made as much of them as slavery, even admitting that in some cases the habits of industry were literally pounded into them.
One of the most discouraging features regarding the negro question is that they are devoid of gratitude, instanced by this particular case. Until now I had no idea that so many are in the government employ. They surely have every reason to be grateful and not press for their absurd and impractical ideas of equal rights.
I am not only pleased with your action in this especial case but heartily endorse every step you have made. All of the important legislation enacted is truly progressive.
Yours very truly,
Charles L. Petrikin
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Petrikin, Charles L., “Charles L. Petrikin to Woodrow Wilson,” 1914 November 17, CS63, Race and Segregation Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.