Joseph H. Stewart to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Joseph H. Stewart to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Stewart, Joseph H.
Identifier
TI00141
Date
1918 July 3
Description
The President of the Washington, D.C. branch of the Equal Rights League writes in response to a lynching in Madil, Oklahoma.
Source
National Archives and Records Administration 230/06/41 file #158260 box #1276 NARA ID #63
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Subject
African-Americans--segregation
Language
English
Text
Mr. President:
By a resolution passed by the District Branch of the Equal Rights League, I am directed, as its president, to invite your attention to the lynching of a colored man at Madil, Okla. which was reported in the Press on June 30th, 1918.
The Equal Rights League believes that the habit of lynching which is so prevalent in the United States, is not only a defiant act by mobs against existing laws but is also a procedure that makes for the destruction of that patriotic harmony, co-operation and unity of purpose essential at this time for winning the war against Germany.
Believing that the persistent habit of lynching destroys respect for the laws, the Equal Rights League fears, that the habit might extend to and include a disrespect for laws recently enacted for the successful prosecution of the war.
May the League, therefore, suggest that the best interest of our country at this time, calls for the suppression of lynching as a war measure. The League respectfully requests that you recommend to the Congress the passage of the Dyer anti-lynching Bill.
It is hoped, Mr. President, that you will find your way clear to take action that will result in the crushing of lynching.
Very respectfully,
Joseph H. Stewart
President D. C. Branch Equal Rights League
P.S. May I be permitted to publish the above letter?
By a resolution passed by the District Branch of the Equal Rights League, I am directed, as its president, to invite your attention to the lynching of a colored man at Madil, Okla. which was reported in the Press on June 30th, 1918.
The Equal Rights League believes that the habit of lynching which is so prevalent in the United States, is not only a defiant act by mobs against existing laws but is also a procedure that makes for the destruction of that patriotic harmony, co-operation and unity of purpose essential at this time for winning the war against Germany.
Believing that the persistent habit of lynching destroys respect for the laws, the Equal Rights League fears, that the habit might extend to and include a disrespect for laws recently enacted for the successful prosecution of the war.
May the League, therefore, suggest that the best interest of our country at this time, calls for the suppression of lynching as a war measure. The League respectfully requests that you recommend to the Congress the passage of the Dyer anti-lynching Bill.
It is hoped, Mr. President, that you will find your way clear to take action that will result in the crushing of lynching.
Very respectfully,
Joseph H. Stewart
President D. C. Branch Equal Rights League
P.S. May I be permitted to publish the above letter?
Original Format
Letter
Files
Collection
Citation
Stewart, Joseph H., “Joseph H. Stewart to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 July 3, TI00141, Race and Segregation Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.