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.
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
Collection
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.