Henry F. Downing to Woodrow Wilson

Title

Henry F. Downing to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

Downing, Henry Francis, 1846-1928

Identifier

TI00257a

Date

1920 June 21

Description

Writing in regards to Chicago Race riots

Source

National Archives and Records Administration 230/06/41 file # 158260 box #1284 NARA ID #1

Publisher

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

Subject

African-Americans--segregation

Language

English

Text

PRIVATE.
New York City,
227, West 138th. Street,

Hon. Woodrow Wilson
Washington, D. C.

Mr President:-

Some years ago when residing in England I had the honor of dedicating a play of mine named "The Arabian Lovers" to your Excellency. My opinion of your character as expressed in the dedication — "Non sibi sed patriae" — has been fully justified by your self-sacrificing struggle to realize your great humane ideals. Convinced by your record in this connection that your first desire is to see our people happy I do not hesitate to invite your attention to a matter of the gravest importance of which the hereunto attached newspaper clipping is an indication, and which I respectfully suggest should have your most serious consideration. For a sufficient reason I must not write all that is in my mind, further than to say that unless precautionary measures be taken disturbances similar to the one mentioned in the clipping in all probability will occur in many places all over our country. I speak of this danger with an inside knowledge which warrants my giving the warning. I would gladly go to Washington and seek an interview with your Excellency, but am prevented by the expense.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your very obedient servant,

Henry F. Downing.

Attached Newspaper Clipping:

2 KILLED IN CHICAGO IN A CLASH OF RACES

Burning of American Flag During "Back to Africa" Parade Angers Whites

CHICAGO, June 20. —Two white men were killed and several negroes, including a negro policeman were wounded to-night in a riot in the South Side "Black Belt," following the reported burning of an American flag by a negro society which paraded in the interests of a "back to Africa" movement.

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

T100257a.pdf

Citation

Downing, Henry Francis, 1846-1928, “Henry F. Downing to Woodrow Wilson,” 1920 June 21, TI00257a, Race and Segregation Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.