SUBJECT FILE National Memorial Association To Honor Negro Soldiers and Sailors, 1924, 1928, 1939 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL BUILDING TO THE MEMORY OF NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS HEARINGS BEFORE THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES SIXTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION PURSUANT TO H.J. RES. 245 TO CREATE A COMMISSION TO SECURE PLANS AND DESIGNS FOR AND TO ERECT A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL BUILDING IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON TO THE MEMORY OF THE NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO FOUGHT IN THE WARS OF OUR COUNTRY AND THE LATE WORLD WAR MAY 28, 1924 Printed for the use of the Joint Committee on the Library WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE [22006] 1924 JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY GEORGE WHARTON PEPPER, Pennsylvania, Chairman FRANK B. BRANDEGEE, Connecticut SIMEON D. FESS, Ohio KENNETH McKELLAR, Tennessee EDWIN S. BROUSSARD, Lousiana ROBERT LUCE, Massachusetts ROBERT L. BACON, New York MORTON D. HULL, Illinois FRANK PARK, Georgia RALPH GILBERT, Kentucky CHARLES P. SWOPE, Clerk CONTENTS Statements of –– Page Brooks, Dr. Walter H 9 Callis, Rev. Dr. Henry J 7 Epps, Captain Sylvester H 7 Hale, Commander Charles 9 Hamilton, Mrs. Julia West 6 Howard, Mr. James H. W. 5 Jernagin, Rev. Dr. W. H. 6 Layton, Mrs. Julia M 8 Lee, Mr. Ferdinand D 2 Steward, Rev. Charles E 8 Wood, Hon. Will R 1 III MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL BUILDING TO THE MEMORY OF NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1924. The joint committee met at 10.30 a. m., in room No. 69, Capitol Building, Senator George Wharton Pepper presiding. Present: Senator Pepper (chairman), Congressmen Luce, Bacon, Hull, and Gilbert. Senator PEPPER. The Joint Committee on the Library will be in order to hear those who desire to express themselves respecting the creation of a commission to secure plans and designs for and to erect a monument or memorial building in the city of Washington to the memory of the negro soldiers and sailors who fought in the war of our country and the late World War. To that end the joint committee has requested Mr. Wood, who introduced the House Joint Resolution 245 in the House, to appear before the committee and to indicate his views on the resolution; also it requested Mr. Ferdinand D. Lee, president of the National Memorial Association, to be present with his coworkers and give his views respecting the measure before the committee. STATEMENT OF HON. WILL R. WOOD Mr. WOOD. Mr. Chairman, gentlemen of the committee; I desire to say in support of House Joint Resolution 245 that I introduced this bill with the firm belief that something should be done by our country to show its appreciation of the patriotic devotion and service of the colored soldiers made manifest in every war in which the United States and its allies have participated. The city of Washington is studded with monuments commemorating heroic deeds and the valor of individuals, but among these anywhere can not be found a monument to the bravery, patriotism, or devotion of the colored soldier. Hence, I think it is high time that something should be done in this direction. The first life that was offered in the colonial period as a sacrifice to American independence was that of a negro who was killed in the Boston massacre in 1770. The first memorial to the Continental Congress for bravery and distinguished service was introduced in December, 1775, naming Salem Poor, a colored soldier. Washington had under his direct command more than a regiment of colored soldiers. South Carolina had in the War of the Revolution 3,000 able-bodied negroes, and they were found in every branch of the Army from Bunker Hill to Brandywine and from Valley Forge to Monmouth and from Saratoga to Yorktown. In the Civil War there were 36,000 negroes who died upon the field of battle. You search, if you will the records of Colonel Marshall's office and you will find there the names of these 22606-24 1 2 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS colored soldiers who have proved to be no sluggards. In the Great World War there was a larger per cent of negro soldiers participating in behalf of the United States than that afforded by any other racial group, and they gave a splendid account of themselves wherein engaged, as is attested by the reports not only of their own commanding officers but by the commanding officers of their allies. If I had the time I would like to read into the record from all the complimentary reports made by these commanding officers. Perhaps some of the others present who are interested in this measure may have an opportunity to do this thing. From reading the bill you will see it is proposed to build a memorial in honor of the colored soldiers who have fought in the various wars, this memorial to take the shape of a brick public building rather than a towering shaft or a useless pile of stones. It is thought of these who have given their attention to this project that inasmuch as there is no large public building in the city of Washington where public meetings may be held and where the developments of the negro race along the lines of invention and art is exhibited, that it would be well that this memorial should be used for this purpose. The colored people of the United States have taken a long forward step in various lines of educational advancement. They have contributed much to literature and to invention. It would be a splendid idea if all this could find a place in a public building here at the seat of the Nation where it would reflect the greatest possible good throughout the country. It is proposed to erect this building partly by public contribution and partly by appropriation out of the public treasury, all of which money is to be expended to a board to be created by the terms of this measure and under the supervision of Congress. This money will not be wasted and every dollar of it will be made to go as far as possible in order that the best possible results for the purposes intended may be had. I am satisfied that this committee after hearing those who are present and giving careful thought to the purpose of this project will be convinced of its virtue and I sincerely hope that favorable action may be had upon this bill at the earliest possible moment. The CHAIRMAN, Mr. Lee, the distribution of our business is such that we have a hearing on another matter at half-past 11, and we shall appreciate it if you will keep that in mind and divide the time as you please among the members of your delegation or use it yourself, as you think best. STATEMENT OF MR. FERDINAND D. LEE, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Mr. Lee, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the Joint Committee on the Library, this delegation, representing the National Memorial Association, regards it a high privilege to meet your body for the consideration of House Joint Resolution 245 introduced by Hon. William R. Wood, of Indiana, carrying an appropriation of $500,000 for the erection in the city of Washington, D. C. of some memorial commemorative of the glorious deeds of the Nation's black defenders on land and sea. The National Memorial Association was organized in February, 1916, for the erection of a suitable memorial in commemoration of MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS 3 the heroic deeds of the negro soldiers and sailors who fought in the wars of our country. This association is national in its scope. The governors of the several States by request have each appointed as representative commissioners a man from their respective States to cooperate with the National Memorial Association. Shortly after the organization was perfected and the first bill was introduced in Congress asking for a site and appropriation for the erection of this memorial our country entered the World War and, of course, everything was laid aside except the winning of the war. Now that the war is over and the negro troops have again covered themselves with glory, our association is endeavoring to bring this matter to the attention of the Congress of the United States. We appear before you to-day, representing the patriotism of 13,000,000 people who are ever ready to give their lives in the defense of our flag and country, to ask at your hands a favorable recommendation in the passage of the bill referred to for the erection of the memorial in the city of Washington, D. C., in honor of the heroic negroes who gave their lives in the defense of justice and humanity. Each city has its own problems. Of course, it is natural that Washington, the city of magnificent architecture, should not be satisfied with any ordinary memorial war building. A beautiful building should be erected, every part of which could be utilized to commemorate historic events in which the negro has participated. Space should be reserved for tablets from the several States to commemorate the men and women of our States whose deeds entitle them to honorable mention. such a building, dedicated to the dead and to the living heroes, Congress is asked to erect. From 1652 to 1919, negroes have responded to the call of their country in the hours of peril; and wherever he has been placed by those in authority over him, he has given the strongest proof of devotion to his country and loyalty to its flag. Your committee has only to refer to the heroic conduct of Crispus Attucks in charging the British in State Street, Boston, Mass., March 5, 1770, which act precipitated the great struggle out of which was born the independence of the thirteen Colonies and since then developed into the mightiest Republic on the Western Hemisphere; of John Davis and John Johnson, who signalized themselves with Perry on the Lakes, and whose splendid courage in that engagement, in which both were horribly multilated, evoked from Governor Tompkins who reported the incident. "When America has such tars, she has little to fear of the tyrants of the sea"; of Peter Salem on Bunker Hill; of the black regiment raised by Col. Christopher Green, the hero of Red Bank, of whom Governor Eustis, Secretary of War under Jefferson, said: "They discharged their duty with zeal and fidelity"; of Andrew Jackson's appeal to the men of color of Louisiana by proclamation September, 1814, to rally to the defense of their country; of the gallant charge of the black phalanx at Fort Pillow, Fort Fisher, and the Crater in the Civil War; of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry at San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War; of the succession of heroic and gallant deeds by negro units in the greatest of World Wars on the battlefield of Europe. 4 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS All these acts of courage plead in eloqence for injustice for the martyred dead who gave their all for God and country. His deeds of valor and sacrifice for the honor of the Nation and perpetuity of the Union have been told in song and story. But no monument of marble or bronze has been erected by the Nation nor the race with which he is identified, to be gazed upon by the future generations and arouse in them veneration and pride for their heroic ancestry. The records show that over 3,000 colored soldiers and sailors fought in the Revolutionary War, 3,000 in the Ware of 1812, 178,975 in the Civil War, 13,617 in the Spanish-American War, and 400,000 were under arms during the period of the great World War, 200,000 of which went across the sea and the others were in camp ready to go. There was never a conscientious objector; there was not a traitor; there were no conspirators against the Nation; none were convicted under the espionage law; they were all 100 per cent Americans. Negro soldiers made a record as fighters in this war as they did in the Spanish-American and Civil Wars. Fighting for the first time on the soil of the world's most famous battle fields in Europe--and for the first time brought into direct comparison with the best soldiers of the Germany, Great Britain, and France, they showed themselves able to hold their own where the tests of courage, endurance, and aggressiveness were most severe. Colored troops fought valiantly at Chateau-Thierry, Soissons, on the Vesle, in Champagne, in the Argonne, and in the final attacks in the Metz region. The entire first battalion of the Three hundred and sixty-seventh Infantry--"The Buffaloes"--was awarded the croix de guerre for their heroism in the drive on Metz. Most remarkable of all, they received their baptism of battle in this attack; at the start they won honors which veterans of many conflicts have failed to capture. In previous engagements of the war, for distinguished service, three colored regiments as units were awarded the croix de guerre, which bestows on each member the right to wear the coveted badge. When the fighting stopped the negro troops were nearest the line of fire. In connection with this, we submit to the committee an official statement coming from the commanding officers under whom the negro troops served in France, commending them for their services and bidding them farewell as they left for American shores. We further present to the committee the indorsements of the Civil War Veterans, Spanish War Veterans, Grand Army of the Republic, Army and Navy Union, National Encampment of Women's Relief Corps, the National Baptist Convention, African Methodist Episcopal General Conference, the National Negro Business League, the National Negro Education Congress, the National Negro Press Association, and the National Race Congress. All of these organizations have met and indorsed the movement, and wish it to be supported by your committee and passed upon by Congress. We have several letters that I will not take the time to read in response to this invitation to attend this meeting. MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS 5 We have with us Mr. James H. W. Howard, of Pennsylvania, who is the financial secretary of this association. He is now president of the Union Labor Savings Bank. STATEMENT OF MR. JAMES H. W. HOWARD Mr. HOWARD. I just want to impress this thought on the committee, if possible, in reference to this memorial: Our youths who are attempting and who are ambitious to secure an education do not have before them some history of what their own people have done as do the youths of all other people, and that thought has been in the minds of the members of the memorial association in connection with the erection of a building so that the youth of our group throughout this Nation may have something before them that they would be proud of. It is our thought to have in this building, as was stated by the chairman, Mr. Lee, ample room for the depiction of historical events in which our group of people have taken part, where the children of our group from all over this Nation could come and pay tribute and go away impressed with all those higher thoughts and higher ambitions that are given to the groups of people of the opposite race. We feel that this Government that we have so loyally supported has fallen far short in giving us that recognition as a group of people who have been so loyal and so true and who have never failed to answer a call to support this Nation to which we are entitled. We feel, of course, very grateful for the educational opportunities that we enjoy. The city of Washington possibly has the finest schools set aside for the education of our youth, but there is one thing that is lacking in the schools, there is one thing lacking in the Nation, and that is an appreciation shown by the people of the other group. In our histories of the wars, just incidental mention is made of us and no special history has been prepared and put in the schools that our children and our children's children may have as a matter of appreciation and interest. Mr. HULL. Have you discussed this with Mr. Woodson, the historian? Mr. HOWARD. I believe we have had the interest of Mr. Woodson and all of our prominent colored men who are writers and leaders of our race. Mr. HULL. I wondered if this is the is the sort of thing that interested him. Mr. HOWARD. Very much so. Mr. HULL. I did not see his name on your list. Mr. HOWARD. We have thousand of names connected with our organization that we have not put in print, but I do not think--and Mr. Lee will probably bear me out--that there is a single colored man or woman in the United States to whom this proposition has been presented who has not been heartily in sympathy with it and will use every effort he can to help us to raise our part of the appropriation to put over this memorial building. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Howard. Mr. LEE. We have a few minutes left and I will ask some of our members to say a word. I would like to present Rev. Dr. W. H. Jernagin, representing the National Race Congress. 6 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS STATEMENT OF REV. DR. W. H. JERNAGIN Reverend JERNAGIN. I think that this committee and the people of this country, who will take into consideration just what the members of our racial group have done when it comes to defending the flag, will not stop for a moment to consider that something ought to be done to show that appreciation. We have asked in this bill that a memorial building be established. We found out in carrying this matter before different organizations of our country, that it had met the approval of our people generally, and I believe that if you will erect this building you will give to our people a great deal of satisfaction. In fact, the matter has been so thoroughly discussed until our young men and women coming out of law schools are asking us as leaders of the race, "Is it worth while to continue to defend and then not get encouragement?" So it seems that at a crisis we ought to do something. The Negro preachers of this country, gentlemen, have been teaching our people along this line and holding up the ideals and telling our folks to go in debt in support of the flag of this country, and that is the reason why they stood loyally by. We are still after them, we feel they ought to do that, but we come to you to ask that something must be done on the part of this Government to show their appreciation along this line. The National Race Congress of America has expressed itself in a resolution which I desire to file here with the proceedings, and I trust that you will find your way clear to report his matter favorably and thereby encourage our racial group throughout this country. Mr. LEE. Mrs. Julia West Hamilton, representing the Women's Relief Corps. STATEMENT OF MRS. JULIA WEST HAMILTON Mrs. HAMILTON. It would be a waste of time to reiterate all that has been said by Mr. Lee, as well is a matter of history, but we are here to ask you to consider erecting in Washington a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of the colored race who fought in all the wars of our country. As Mr. Wood so well stated, we have no place, no building, in this city or anywhere in the United States where we can hang a single picture. We have artists, like Tanner, and we have a picture that we believe is a real picture, and we would like so much to have a building where we can hang our pictures and a picture of our Frederick Tanner, who was denied a place in the hall of fame in New York. We would like to have it as a shrine for our colored people, and we are asking you to consider this proposition favorably. We are willing to do our part, and I am sure that the colored people, the school children and everyone else, would be perfectly willing to raise their part of the money if Congress would see fit to grant us a site and create a commission to consider the erection of this building. Mr. LEE. Our next speaker is Rev. Dr. H. J. Callis, representing the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS 7 STATEMENT OF REV. DR. HENRY J. CALLIS Reverend CALLIS. I simply wish to state that I represent the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, numbering 400,000. I just came from our general conference, and I want to say, in harmony with all that has been said, that as a race we are standing as an integral part of the Nation at a crisis in the advancing thought of the young generation It is hard for us to hold up anything before them. They look back at the history through which we have come, and they feel that in many ways the amendments to the Constitution referring to us have been a dead letter, and they are wondering whether it is all worth while. I feel, and all of us feel, that if Congress would father this project it would be an inspiration to the young negro that would help tie him to the institutions of this country in a way that nothing else could do. Of course, we know that we are citizens with the rest so far as the general law is concerned, but you know that in the institutions of government, in the Navy and in the Army, while we are there you know how we are there; and while we are absolutely loyal, yet you know the obstacles in our path are enormous. And so it seems to me, gentlemen, that if there ever was a time when the American Government should tell the world its appreciation of one of the fundamental elements of government it is now, for we have been here from the very laying of the foundation of Government, and in every step of its advance we have paid the price of progress, and while we ourselves have no received all that we feel we are due, we are still willing to continue if the Government will simply hold up just a little light to our people. I want to ask you, in the name of our communion of 400,000 loyal American citizens, to grant us our prayer and report this bill to Congress favorably that this work may be done. Mr. LEE. When the call came for Americans to come to the defense of their country, we found Capt. Sylvester H. Epps ready to answer that call. I introduce Captain Epps. STATEMENT OF CAPT. SYLVESTER H. EPPS Captain EPPS. Mr. Chairman, Senators and members of the committee, it is a privilege to be in your presence and to remind you of the pictures that are now in my view, the Washington Monument, with the inspiration pointing up, and the Capitol, our legislative body, and to state that it has been my pleasure, since I left high school in 1898, to have answered the call in the Spanish-American War and from that time on I have been continuously in the uniform of my country. In the World War I served as a captain in the Three hundred and seventy-second Regiment of Infantry, and in France, on the plains of Monthoir, there is a monument erected to my regiment. As has been so truthfully stated, those who know have complimented our troops on their valor. Inspiration is what we need, and you are in the place to give it. We trust that you will point the way to those who do not or can not see clearly, or as clearly as you do, what inspiration means, and this inspiration in our minds would be this memorial building in 8 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS which the pictures or photographs or paintings or accomplishments of our people may be there displayed for our inspiration. This shrine, I am certain, will meet that need. Your giving this appropriation will encourage, perpetuate, and it will also lead to a greater patriotism, I believe, because those who are now standing on the threshold of doubt will see the light of hope. In conclusion, in representing those 400,000 soldiers who served, I ask you to report favorably this resolution. Mr. LEE. We have with us one who did not go across the sea but she served those who stayed at home. Mrs. Julia M. Layton, who represents the Grand Army of the Republic Potomac Women's Relief Corps. STATEMENT OF MRS. JULIA M. LAYTON Mrs. LAYTON. I am not a soldier, but I have been identified with the organization Mr. Lee referred to for 38 years. We are familiar with the facts given here and I believe the committee is familiar with those facts and everything that the negro soldier has done, but the world does not know of that and we are asking you this morning to do all in your power for us. We believe we are in the hands of friends and that you will give us the appropriation so that we may have a hall of fame in which all negro boys and girls and not only negro boys and girls but all American boys and girls may see what the negroes have done from the beginning of this country. It will be an inspiration not only to the black boys and girls but to everybody who goes in to see that the negro has accomplished all of this. And in that hall of fame we want pieces of statuary. We can not put anything in this hall of fame, in Statuary Hall. We have men and women dead and gone who have exhibited heroism and valor and everything else and we are asking you this morning to give this bill favorable consideration. As has been said this morning, it will be an inspiration, and a whole lot of things that we have to fight now between groups will be broken down if we have this hall and they realize that a negro is an American from start to finish. Mr. LEE. I introduce Rev. Charles E. Stewart, who is a Methodist and who has charge of one of the largest Methodist churches in our town. STATEMENT OF REV. CHARLES E. STEWART Reverend STEWART. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, there is nothing I can add to what has already been expressed so happily by my friends other than to say this, that going over the country quite a bit we see these monuments and statues and memorials to so many of the patriots of the country, but we never see anything erected to the honor of our own folks. It makes us feel sensitive at times. It is a custom, whenever a group represents any section, by some method to thank them, and the thanks that they get in different parts of the country for representing that group in valor or otherwise is a memorial of some kind. We have never been thanked, and we ask you to please thank us. Mr. LEE. We have one of the old boys who answered Lincoln's call, in the person of Commander Hale. MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS 9 STATEMENT OF COMMANDER CHARLES HALE Commander HALE. We make an earnest request of your committee that you please use your good offices in securing the enactment of this resolution that you have before you this morning. Mr. LEE. Dr. Walter H. Brooks, who has charge of the largest Baptist church in this town, and who is doing a good work in which we have a right to be proud. STATEMENT OF DR. WALTER H. BROOKS Doctor BROOKS. I am not a soldier nor the son of a soldier, but I wish to say that after the Revolutionary War Virginia undertook to show its appreciation by purchasing a slave and giving him his freedom. I find it in the statutes of Virginia. They wanted to do something to show their gratitude after the War of 1812 and a great many colored people in our Southland were made free from the spirit of gratitude. After the Revolutionary War the spirit of freedom was high. Washington and Jefferson and Madison spoke for freedom, even though they had slaves. There was a desire to do something to express their gratitude. After the Civil War came the thirteenth amendment showing the gratitude of the people toward these black people. After the World War--I am only speaking of the southern folks now--the Daughters of the Confederacy wanted to do something, but they proposed what was not acceptable to the colored people. They proposed a statue here in the District of Columbia of Black Mammy, but that was not what these colored people wanted. I am saying this merely to show that in this southland there is a spirit among large numbers of people that there ought to be something done to show appreciation for a people who have given nearly three centuries of service. There is not a people in this country like us. Every other people here represents some flag in some foreign country. We represent no flag, no country, no religion, no language outside of America. We are Americans through and through. We have no flag but the Stars and Stripes. We have no country but this country. It is a very small thing for the American people, after all of these centuries of our labor which has gone to make up the wealth of this country, to erect some memorial. I stand here because I feel deeply in my soul that this people owes us something. My father was a slave and spent his years to the close of the Civil War giving his service for the people. I myself was bought and sold as a child that others might be enriched. What have the American people in all this broad land done to show that they appreciate our hard labors and struggles in war and our fidelity in peace? You owe it to yourselves--that is all I have got to say--you owe it to yourselves to show some expression of gratitude. Mr. LEE. That, I believe, winds up my delegation. I have the letters which I did not take time to read and which I will leave with the committee. We thank you very much for the patience on your part in listening to us. X 10 MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL TO NEGRO SOLDIERS AND SAILORS The CHAIRMAN. We have taken great pleasure in hearing you and your associates, Mr. Lee, and you may feel assured that the joint committee will give most careful and sympathetic consideration to your project. Of course, I can not forecast the action of the committee, but I can say that we will give your project the kind of consideration you would like to have us give it. (Whereupon the joint committee proceeded to the consideration of other business.) X DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING To commemorate the Heroic Deeds of Negro Soldiers and Sailors who fought in all the Wars of our Country, and the World War. From Bunker Hill to the Argonne covers a period in the history of the world that can never be effaced. The first blood shed on American soil in the revolt against English tyranny was that of a Negro. From that time until now, the record of Negro in the Army and Navy has never been questioned. Their deeds of bravery, their loyalty and patriotism should be immortalized in Statues and Memorials as are those of other people. We feel that every loyal American should be willing to assist this great movement. It is a tribute we owe, and an honor to our race to lay the foundation of our moral and financial support in the erection of a Great Memorial Building, not only to our living and dead Heroes, but a great educational temple, where statues of Great Men and Women of our Race may be placed to give inspiration, hope and pride to the youth of our land. The National Memorial Association has asked Congress to erect such a Memorial in the form of a beautiful building in the city of Washington, the Nation's Capital, as a fitting tribute to the memory of the Negro Soldiers and Sailors who fought in all the nation's wars. NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Office: 923 R Street, N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. Ferdinand D. Lee President Samuel C. Smith Executive Secretary John R. Hawkins Treasurer P22 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS No. 3 HEARINGS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEVENTIETH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION ON H. J. Res. 60 TO CREATE A COMMISSION TO SECURE PLANS AND DESIGNS FOR AND TO ERECT A MEMORIAL BUILDING FOR THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, AS A TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF AMERICA FEBRUARY 1, 1928 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON 1928 91494 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEVENTIETH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION RICHARD N. ELLIOTT, Indiana, Chairman J. WILL TAYLOR, Tennessee. DANIEL A. REED, New York. WILLIAM F. KOPP, Iowa. GALE H. STALKER, New York. CHARLES BRAND, Ohio. CLARENCE J. McLEOD, Michigan. ED. M. IRWIN, Illinois. FREDERICK W. DALLINGER, Massachusetts. HENRY L. BOWLES, Massachusetts. FREDERICK W. MAGRADY, Pennsylvania. J. HOWARD SWICK, Pennsylvania. JOE CRAIL, California. FRITZ G. LANHA, Texas. EDWARD B. ALMON, Alabama. JOHN H. KERR, North Carolina. JEFF BUSBY, Mississippi. CLIFTON A. WOODRUM, Virginia. EDWARD E. ESLICK, Tennessee. CHARLES G. EDWARDS, Georgia. WILLIAM W. COHEN, New York. OTTO A. LEE, Clerk II CONTENTS Page House Joint Resolution 60 1 Statement of Ferdinand D. Lee, president National Memorial Association 13 Statement of Hon. William R. Wood, Representative from State of Indiana 16 Statement of Maurice H. Thacher 18 Statement of Mrs. Julia West Hamilton, president Women's Relief Corps, etc 19 Statement of Mrs. Lizzie Bassett, president Department of Potomac Women's Relief Corps 20 Statement of Rev. Dr. W. H. Jernagin, president General Baptist Convention 20 Statement of S. W. Rutherford, secretary and general manager of the National Benefit Life Insurance Co. 21 Statement of Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, first president of National Association of Colored Women 22 Statement of West A. Hamilton, of the Sentinel Publishing Co 26 Statement of Mrs. A. M. Curtis 28 Statement of Dr. T. Edward Jones, of Freedmen's Hospital 29 III Public Buildings and Grounds - No. 3 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, Wednesday, February 1, 1928. The committee met at 10.30 o'clock a.m., Hon. Richard N. Elliott (chairman), presiding. Present: Messrs. Elliott (chairman), Taylor, Bowles, Magrady, Swick, Crail, Lanham, Kerr, Woodrum, Eslick, Edwards, and Cohen. Present also: Hon. Will R. Wood, Representative from the State of Indiana; Hon. Maurice H. Thatcher, Representative from the Association; Mrs. Julie West Hamilton, president Woman's Relief Corps; Mrs. Lizzie Bassett, president Department Potomac Woman's Relief Corps; Rev. Dr. W. H. Jernagin, president General Baptist Convention; Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, first president of National Association of Colored Women; West A. Hamilton, of the Sentinel Publishing Co.; Mrs. A. M. Curtis; and Dr. T. Edward Jones, of Freedmen's Hospital, formerly captain Medical Corps, United States Army. The CHAIRMAN. Gentlemen, the committee will come to order, and we will begin this hearing. We have this morning to take up House Joint Resolution 60, introduced by Mr. Taylor of Tennessee, to create a commission to secure plans and designs for and to erect a memorial building for the National Memorial Association (Inc.) in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. I think that this resolution should go in the hearing at this point. House Joint Resolution 60 JOINT RESOLUTION To create a commission to secure plans and designs for and to erect a memorial building for the National Memorial Association (Inc.) in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievement of America. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That a commission is hereby created, composed of nine members, of whom the Director of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital, the Supervising Architect of the Treasury, and the Architect of the Capitol shall be ex officio members, the six additional members to be appointed by the President, to be known as national memorial commission, to procure and determine upon a location, plans, and designs for a memorial building suitable for meetings of patriotic organizations, public ceremonial events, the exhibition of art and inventions, and placing statues and tablets, for the National Memorial Association (Incorporated) in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. 1 2 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SEC. 2. That the construction of the memorial herein and hereby authorized shall be upon such site as shall be determined by the commission here created and approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, and said construction shall be entered upon as speedily as practicable after the plan and design therefor is determined and approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, and shall be prosecuted to completion under the direction of said commission and the supervision of the Director of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital, under a contract or contracts as may be authorized to be entered into by said commission in a total sum not less that $500,000, which sum shall be provided by voluntary contributions, under auspices of the National Memorial Association, Incorporated, in accordance with plans to be authorized by said commission. SEC. 3. That in the discharge of its duties herein said commission is hereby authorized to employ the services of such artists, sculptors, architects, and others as it shall determine to be necessary, and avail itself of the services or advice of the Commission of Fine Arts, the office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital, the Supervising Architect of the Treasury, and the Architect of the Capitol. SEC. 4. That vacancies occurring in the membership of the commission shall be appointed by the President of the United States. SEC. 5. That to defray the necessary expenses of the commission herein created and the cost of procuring plans and designs, site, and other incidentals necessary to the construction for a memorial building as herein provided there is hereby appropriated, out of any funds available in the United States Treasury, a sum not exceeding $50,000, to be immediately available. SEC.6. That said commission shall from time to time submit to Congress a detailed statement as to the progress of the work. I want to ask permission to insert in the hearings a letter from Col. U. S. Grant, 3d, Director of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital, and also a letter from David Lynn, Architect of the Capitol. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC PARKS OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL, Washington, D. C. February 7, 1928. HON. RICHARD N. ELLIOTT, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR MR. ELLIOTT: In reply to the inquiry contained in your letter of February 3, 1928, House Joint Resolution 60 appears to be so drawn as to provide adequately for carrying out its intent and secure the interests of the Government. Undoubtedly we must all sympathize with the purpose of this joint resolution. On the other hand, several important features are left quite vague, because basic questions are left to be decided by the commission created by the resolution itself. Until the exact utilitarian purposes of the memorial building shall have been decided by the said commission it will not be possible to form any definite idea as to the size and kind of building needed therefor, and neither the cost nor the most appropriate location can be suggested with any confidence. There are doubtless sits on Government-owned property where such a building can be erected, but how large a site is needed, and which site will be most suitable, will depend on the plans evolved by the commission after it is created. In view of the fact that I have no information as to whether the proposed appropriation is in conflict with the President's financial policy, it seems proper that I should not make any recommendation relative thereto. Respectively yours, U. S. GRANT, 3D, Director. ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL, Washington, D. C., February 4, 1928. HON. RICHARD N. ELLIOTT, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR CONGRESSMAN: I have received your letter of February 3, 1928, with which you inclose a copy of House Joint Resolution 60, same being a bill to create a commission to secure plans and designs and to erect a memorial PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 3 building for the National Memorial Association, Incorporated, in the City of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America, and in reply to your request for my views upon this bill, I desire to state that I approve of this legislation, feeling that under the circumstances the negro has made wonderful progress as a race, and that its achievements should be incorporated and indorsed in such a manner as the purpose of this bill indicates. Respectfully, DAVID LYNN, Architect of the Capitol. I also want to ask permission to insert in the hearing a letter which came to me from Maine. I will just read it and let the whole letter go in [reading]: BANGOR, ME., January 26, 1926. THE CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. HONORED SIR: With reference to House Joint Resolution 60, on behalf of the negroes of Maine, may I respectfully urge your approval of this bill, and that you report that it "ought to pass." The merits of the resolution are too obvious to need extended comment at this time; the sacrifices of the negro soldiers and sailors, together with the contribution that the negro has made to the upbuilding of this, our United States of America, are too worth while not to receive recognition. Very truly yours, M. R. GEARY. Now, Mr. Taylor, we shall be glad to hear from you. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Chairman, this House Joint Resolution 60 is somewhat similar to a resolution introduced in a previous Congress by Representative Wood of Indiana. That was House Joint Resolution 245, and his statement in support of that resolution, which was before the Library Committee, is so very appropriate that I shall read that, and because I could not make a statement that would be any more appropriate myself [reading]: The city of Washington is studded with monuments commemorating heroic deeds and the valor of individuals, but among these anywhere can not be found a monument to the bravery, patriotism, or devotion of the colored soldier. Hence, I think it is high time that something should be done in this direction. The first life that was offered in the colonial period as a sacrifice to American independence was that of a negro who was killed in the Boston massacre in 1770. The first memorial to the Continental Congress for bravery and distinguished service was introduced in December 1775, naming Salem Poor, a colored soldier. Washington had under his direct command more than a regiment of colored soldiers. South Carolina had in the War of Revolution 3,000 able-bodies negroes, and they were found in every branch of the Army from Bunker Hill to Brandywine, and from Valley Forge to Monmouth, and from Saratoga to Yorktown. In the Civil War there were 36,000 negroes who died upon the field of battle. You search, if you will, the records of Colonel Marshall's office and you will find there the names of these colored soldiers who have proved to be no sluggards. In the great World War there was a larger per cent of negro soldiers participating in behalf of the United States than that afforded by any other racial group, and they gave a splendid account of themselves wherein engaged as is attested by the reports, not only of their own commanding officers, but by the commanding officers of their allies. If I had the time I would like to read into the record from all the complimentary reports made by these commanding officers. Perhaps some of the others present who are interested in this measure may have an opportunity to do this thing. From reading the bill you will see it is proposed to build a memorial in honor of the colored soldiers who have fought in the various wars, this memorial to take the shape of a brick public building rather than a towering shaft or a useless pile of stone. It is thought of these who have given their attention 4 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS to this project that inasmuch as there is no large building in the city of Washington where public meetings may be held and where the developments of the negro race along the lines of invention and art is exhibited, that it would be well that this memorial should be used for this purpose. The colored people of the United States have taken a long forward step in various lines of educational advancement. They have contributed much to literature and to invention. It would be a splendid idea if all this could find a place in a public building here at the seat of the Nation where it would reflect the greatest possible good throughout the country. It is proposed to erect the building partly by public contribution and partly by appropriation out of the public treasury, all of which money is to be expended to a board to be created by the terms of this measure and under the supervision of Congress. This money will not be wasted, and every dollar of it will be made to go as far as possible in order that the best possible results for the purposes intended may be had. The CHAIRMAN, Now, what was that referring to? Mr. TAYLOR. That was referring to a resolution which was similar to this. Mr. EDWARDS. Will the gentleman yield there? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Mr. EDWARDS. What other race or nationality has made such a request as this or has undertaken such a movement as this in the United States? Mr. TAYLOR. No other race that I know of. Mr. COHEN. Where do the negroes generally hold their meetings now? Mr. TAYLOR. There is no building where they can hold their meetings. Mr. COHEN. There are buildings where the white people can hold their meetings? Mr. TAYLOR. I do not know that there are any public buildings. Mr. COHEN. I am not familiar with the situation. The CHAIRMAN. Under the terms of this resolution, it is proposed that this building shall be built by voluntary contributions that they gather up over the country. There is a clause in it providing for $50,000 to pay for plans, and there is something about the Government furnishing a site; but the building itself, under the terms of this resolution, is to be built from popular subscriptions. Mr. EDWARDS. These monument bills generally go before the Library Committee. Mr. TAYLOR. I do not think there is any question about the jurisdiction of this committee to entertain such a bill as this. Mr. EDWARDS. Heretofore the Library Committee has always entertained such a bill. Mr. TAYLOR. This is not strictly a monument. It is in the nature of a monument. At the same time it is a public building where meetings may be held, and where exhibits may be placed commemorating the deeds and achievements of the colored race. Mr. WOODRUM. You asked for information and spoke of there being no place for the meetings of colored people in Washington-- public meetings. Mr. TAYLOR. There are private buildings. Mr. WOODRUM. Are there not public buildings? Mr. TAYLOR. I do not think there are. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 5 Mr. WOODRUM. It seems to me that they hold meetings in various auditoriums, where they have conventions and such as that. Mr. TAYLOR. There is no such building as that here in Washington. We all realize, so far as the Constitution is concerned, there is absolute equality; but we do know that there is absolute discrimination. The Government has a great deal of acreage out near Howard University, which would make an excellent site for such a project as this. Mr. EDWARDS. They they have a hall and an auditorium, and they are spending thousands and thousands of dollars out there on that university. Mr. TAYLOR. I understand not. If so, it is a very small affair. Now, Mr. Chairman, I would like to read two or three letters here, and I have a number of letters which I would like to insert in this hearing. The CHAIRMAN. If there is no objection, it is so ordered. Mr. TAYLOR. This is a letter written by Mr. J. E. Shepard, president of the North Carolina College for Negroes, at Dunham [reading]: NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGE FOR NEGROES Durham, N. C., January 30, 1928. CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: House Joint Resolution 60, is one which excites the deepest interest on the part of the colored people of the United States. The purpose of the bill is designed to give to the colored people an appreciation of what they have contributed along all lines, to the success of our American Commonwealth. I think the passage of this bill will do more to encourage the group of colored Americans than anything else at the present time. I sincerely ask the favorable consideration of your committee on this important project, and that you will rekindle the fires of patriotism and loyalty by the passage of this bill. With sentiments of esteem and respect, I am. Very truly yours, J. E. SHEPARD, President. I have another letter here, one from The National Association of Colored Women (Inc.), which reads [reading]: DAYTONA BEACH, FLA., January 21, 1928. CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDING AND GROUNDS. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: It has come to the attention of our organization that a committee, representing the National Memorial Association, which is endeavoring to have erected a national memorial building to commemorate the Negro's contribution to America and its achievements, is to appear before a committee of Congress for a hearing, presenting statements, indorsements, and petitions in support of this project. On behalf of the National Association of Colored Women, and of Bethune-Cookman College, I wish to heartily indorse the movement and urge the use of all possible influence for the passing of the bill H. J. Res. 60. Such a tribute, we all concede, is merited by my race, for great has been their contribution to the worth-while accomplishments of our splendid country. To those of us who have been privileged to labor long in the fields of education, a national memorial building would serve as a mark of appreciation for whatever service we have been able to render, and an encouragement to go further in worth-while fields of uplifting and upbuilding. To the youth of the race whose hearts are filled with a desire for service, it will mean an inspiration and a beacon light, erected in commemoration of what their people have meant to America's civilization in the past. The National Association of Colored Women, representing over 200,000 negro women of the United States, gives its sincere indorsement and approval of 6 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS the plan and prays that no obstacle will be in the way of the passing of the bill and the erection of this fitting memorial. Yours very truly, MARY McLEOD BETHUNE, President. Mr. KERR. Where is that letter from? Mr. TAYLOR. From the National Association of Colored Women (Inc.), of Daytona Beach, Fla. Here is another one, a letter of Gilbert H. Jones, president of Wilberforce University, which I will read [reading]: WILBERFORCE, OHIO, January 30, 1928. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. GENTLEMEN: In re House Joint Resolution 60, I wish to state to the committee that, while ordinarily I do not believe in separate action for the negro by the National Government, and in fact in most instances am bitterly opposed to it, I do feel that the project of the National Memorial Association to erect a national memorial building as a tribute of the negro's contribution to the achievements of America a very commendable thing and one behind which we can all get whole-heartedly. In the name of the faculty, composed of 70 members and a student body of about 1,300, we heartily indorse the project and ask as chairman of the committee that you do all in your power to secure the passage of such legislation. Respectfully yours, WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY, By GILBERT H. JONES. Mr. EDWARDS. Where is that from? Mr. TAYLOR. Wilberforce, Ohio. Mr. EDWARDS. That is a colored university? Mr. TAYLOR. A colored university; yes. I will also read a letter from Robert Lee Brokenburr, an attorney of Indianapolis, Ind. [reading]: INDIANAPOLIS IND., January 20, 1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: I hereby take this method of expressing my deep interest in the above resolution and to urge an approval thereof by your committee. As a general rule, negroes have not been and are not thought of in America when you talk in general terms of Americans, unless they are specifically pointed out. This idea of the insignificance of the negro, which is contrary to fact, is so deeply rooted in the minds of most people that the large majority of students attending our public institutions of learning get no impression from the books used therein that negroes have made any worth-while contribution to American advancement and graduate with the false impression that this group of loyal patriots in peace and in war are more of a burden to America than an asset to it. I doubt very seriously that any large number of people have had the slightest idea that the unknown soldier to whom so much tribute has been paid might have been a negro. It is taken for granted that he was white. This general forgetfulness of the important part that negroes have played and are playing in the rise of America has made it necessary for those interested in fair play to all citizens to call attention to their good qualities and great contributions by special reference and emphasis. Hence the statistics of negro advancement along all lines. This situation it seems to me makes it not only proper but an act of simple justice to erect such a memorial as is proposed in House Joint Resolution 60. General memorials do not make the average American think of negros. The failure to erect a special memorial, in view of the practice of specific mention aforesaid, may and probably will be interpreted as meaning that negroes have made no great contribution to American advancement in war or in any other field. In justice to itself the Nation can not afford to be silent or inactive on this proposition. Very respectfully yours, ROBERT LEE BROKENBURR. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 7 Now, Mr. Chairman, I have a number of similar letters which I would like to read into the hearings, together with two short editorials. This is just a private file of my own, but I will turn them over to the stenographer. The CHAIRMAN. All right. Mr. TAYLOR. The first of these is an editorial of The Louisville News, of which William Warley is editor, of Louisville, Ky., under date of January 14, 1928 [reading]: A NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING On page 3 of this issue we publish an account of a bill introduced in Congress to provide a national memorial building to commemorate the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. We ask our readers to study the article, and we think they will agree with us that it is a meritorious movement. With all the prejudices and injustices we meet because of race and color, it must be said the country abounds with fair-minded white people who are willing and anxious, often to deal with us in all respects as American citizens. There is another class that would do us no harm, hinder us in no way, but goes about its business absolutely indifferent to us. Others affected by derogatory news they read or hear are against us because of ignorance, of our true worth as individuals or as a group. The movement will go far toward changing the attitude of the latter two classes of whites. "A house divided against itself can not stand," comes from Holy Write. "No nation can survive half free and half slave," said Abraham Lincoln. Both of which mean, if America--the United States--is to fulfill her mission as the leader of the world, black America and white America must live and work together in peace and harmony and justice. We will do that when we know each other better. The next is a letter from Matthew W. Bullock, an attorney of Boston [reading]: MATTHEW W. BULLOCK, Boston, January 17, 1928. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: I am writing for the purpose of indorsing House Joint Resolution 60, and to request that your committee give this resolution a favorable report. I believe that it will be admitted by all fair-minded citizens that the negro has played a most conspicuous part in the making of America. In war he has distinguished himself on almost every battle field of the Republic and has always been found willing to sacrifice his life for the good of our common country. In peace he has been almost indispensable. It was he who cleared our forests, drained our swamps, and made it possible for the country to produce the great crops of cotton, sugar, tobacco, and rice. Surely we can boast of no group more deserving, and I believe it is both fitting and proper that the proposed memorial be erected. Very truly yours, MATTHEW W. BULLOCK. Now, here is one of the editorials to which I have referred, an editorial of the New York Amsterdam News, New York City, of which William H. Davis is editor, dated January 18, 1928 [reading]: A GREAT PROJECT A bill has been introduced in Congress to erect a national memorial building as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. This building, if erected, will have a hall of fame, art and music rooms, statues, reading rooms, tablets, a museum, and an auditorium. Every part of it will be used to depict and perpetuate some historical event in which the negro has distinguished himself. 8 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS This is the greatest cultural project ever undertaken in behalf of the negro. The place of the negro in the history of America has been sadly overlooked. His service in the Revolution, in the War of 1812, in the Civil War, and in the Spanish-American War were ignored in the school histories. Unless a negro child has enlightened parents he is likely to grow up in ignorance of his race's achievements, though he will know all about the achievements of other races. Apart from his military record the negro has done a great deal for this country. His unpaid slave labor laid the economic foundation of America; the cotton he picked went into northern mills and enriched all sections of the country. He has always been the economic mainstay of the South, and now his music is being hailed as America's only original contribution to the culture of the world. It is fitting that a negro pantheon should be erected in the National Capital, and all negroes should write to their Congressmen urging support of the bill. I will now present a letter from the Young Women's Christian Association, of Kansas City, Mo. [reading]: KANSAS CITY, MO., January 18, 1928. CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: The Paseo Department of the Young Women's Christian Association of Kansas City, Mo., with a membership of 600, heartily indorses House Joint Resolution 60 and urges its approval. To provide such a memorial building as the resolution sets forth will give to a loyal and worthy portion of American citizens a means of expression and demonstration of that group's contribution to our national achievement. So valuable an exhibition, housed in so beautiful a structure, will be one more fine monument in our National Capital. We pray that you heed our petition for its approval. Respectfully yours, PASEO Y. M. C. A. FANNIE J. JACKSON, Chairman. CLARA T. KNOX, Secretary ROSALIND L. SHANNON, Committee. Another letter and this is from the Kansas City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs [reading]: KANSAS CITY, MO., January 19, 1928. CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: The City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs of Kansas City, Mo., with a membership of 1,000 gives its hearty indorsement of House Joint Resolution 60 and begs your favorable consideration. To establish such a memorial building as this resolution provides, will afford to a loyal portion of American citizens a means of expression and demonstration of our group's contribution to the national achievement. House Joint Resolution 60 will add one more fine monument and one more notable exhibit to our National Capital. Heed, we pray, the petitions for its approval. Very respectfully yours, IDA M. BECKS, President. V. ALMA BOONE, Secretary. I next want to read a letter from the chairman of the executive board of the National Medical Association [reading]: YORK, PA., January 20, 1928 Hon. J. WILL TAYLOR, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: As chairman of the executive board of the National Medical Association, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for the introduction of House Joint Resolution 60. In introducing the resolution you are rendering PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 9 to the negroes of this country a just and well-merited tribute, and we trust that you will leave nothing undone until this national memorial to the heroic and patriotic negroes of this country is a reality. Yours respectfully, GEORGE W. BOWLES, M. D. Chairman of the Executive Board of the National Medical Association.' Now, here is a letter from the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association (Inc.) of Nashville, Tenn. [reading]: NASHVILLE, TENN., January 20, 1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: I am writing this to add my earnest indorsement to and my hearty approval of the bill (H. J. Res.60) providing for an appropriation by Congress of a sufficient amount of money to erect a national memorial building to commemorate the Negro's contribution to and his sacrifice for America's greatness. His achievements, we believe, entitle him to this. In making this request I am sure that I reflect the sentiments of all the colored people of Tennessee, as well, also, as a large number of the whites. I hope that you may see your way clear to give this measure your earnest and hearty support. By so doing, you will place the writer and the entire colored race under a debt of gratitude and appreciation to you. Very truly yours, Mrs. NETTIE L. (Mrs. J. C.) NAPIER, President Douglass Memorial and Historical Association. I heartily approve and indorse the foregoing in letter and in spirit. Mrs. J. N. PIERCE, President City of Nashville and State of Tennessee Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. I next read a letter from the Paseo Department of the Young Men's Christian Association of Kansas City, Mo. [reading]: KANSAS CITY, MO., January 20,1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: The Paseo Y. M. C. A. of Kansas City, Mo., with a membership of 766, gives its hearty indorsement of House Joint Resolution 60, and begs your favorable consideration. To establish such a memorial building as this resolution provides will afford to a loyal portion of America's citizens a means of expression and demonstration of our group's contribution to the national achievement. House Joint Resolution 60 will add one more fine monument and one more notable exhibit to our National Capital. Heed, we pray, the petitions for its approval. Respectfully yours, CHAS. R. WESTMORELAND, President F. S. SMITH, Secretary. We have here an indorsement of the Kansas City, Mo., branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [reading]: KANSAS CITY, MO., January 20, 1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR SIR: On behalf of the Kansas City branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People I wish hereby to indorse the efforts of the National Memorial Association to have erected a national memorial building in the District of Columbia and respectfully urge on the part of your committee favorable consideration and report on the bill (H. J. Res. 60) now before it. JOHN L. LOVE, President. 10 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS I also have a letter from the special correspondent of the Oakland Daily Tribune, of Oakland, Calif., which I wish to read [reading]: OAKLAND, CALIF., January 21, 1928. Congressman J. WILL TAYLOR, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: Permit me to sincerely thank you for the courtesy in sending me a copy of your recently introduced House Joint Resolution 60, which reads: "To create a commission and to secure plans and designs for and to erect a memorial building for the National Memorial Association (Inc.), in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America." I am intensely interested in the wording of the measure and sincerely hope for success. I am very sorry, however, I did not know of it sooner as I would have launched a vigorous campaign for its passage. I have sent a wire to you which I hope reached you in time to be of value. Will appreciate a line at any time when I can be of service. Again sincerely thanking you for the consideration, I remain ever grateful. DELILAH L. BEASLEY. (Author The Negro Trail Blazers of California and special correspondent Oakland Daily Tribune, Oakland, Calif.) The telegram which is referred to in that letter is as follows [reading]: OAKLAND, CALIF., January 22, 1928. Congressman J. WILL TAYLOR, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.: I have published in my column in to-day's Oakland Tribune my hearty indorsement of your H. J. Res. 60. F. D. LEE, President National Memorial Association DELILAH L. BEASLEY, Special Correspondent Oakland Daily Tribune The editorial to which reference is made in that letter that I have just read, and as refers to this matter, is as follows [reading]: ACTIVITIES AMONG NEGROES By DELILAH L. BEASLEY The value to the race of this column in creating a better understanding between the races was definitely demonstrated when the writer's mail this week contianed a personally addressed copy of his resolution recently introduced before the Congress of the United States from Congressman J. Will Taylor, of Tennessee. It is known as House Joint Resolution 60, which reads as follows: "To create a commission to secure plans and designs for and to erect a memorial building for the National Memorial Association, Incorporated, in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America." The reader will note this Congressman is from the very heart of the Southland, and his courage in introducing this resolution should go a long way in creating a better understanding between the races all over the entire United States. All racial organizations should indorse the project, and every reader of this column write him a letter of thanks. The next is a letter from Mr. C. C. Spaulding, president of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Co. [reading]: DURHAM, N. C. , January 21, 1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: My duties require much travel and many contacts. I am, therefore, alert to what affects my people and fairly well informed on their hopes and desires in our common American life. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 11 Recently, I have read with no little interest and with considerable concern the bill (H. J. Rs. 60) which proposes "to create a commission to secure plans and designs for and to erect a memorial building for the National Memorial Association (Inc.), in the city of Washington, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America." Certainly I wish to indorse this project, to commend the spirit of its conception, and to assure you that my people will appreciate this recognition, which like many other well-earned rewards for worthy and loyal citizenship, has been long delayed. However, I feel that I would not be honest in myself and to my people and fair to our Government if I did not make these observations: 1. That it is expected that the proposed national memorial for negroes will not operate to prejudice other citizenship rights in the matters of public officer and public property. 2. That it is hoped that the practice of using small "n" instead of capital "N" in "Negro" (which though trivial to many publishers, including the Government Printing Office, we feel to be a serious disregard of both propriety and expediency) example of which is manifested in even the very congressional resolution which proposes to honor the negro, will not be perpetrated in the inscription which will find place in and on the national memorial. My people desire and seek the largest possible fulfillment of the interracial movement which has for years been gaining friends, white and colored, in our America, and I know of no undertaking where a proposal is more laden with possibility of helpfulness if the memorial be given the proper expression or more fruitful of displeasure and disappointment if the memorial bear marks depreciating the negro's right to respect and equal opportunity. Sincerely yours, C. C. SPAULDING, President. Also the following letter form the Philadelphia Tribune, under date of January 21 [reading]: PHILADELPHIA, PA., January 21, 1928. THE CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. SIR: In reference to House joint resolution 60, seeking authority for the erection of a national memorial building to commemorate the negro's contribution to America, and his achievements, we are writing the urge the approval by your committee of the bill. The American negro, as you know, has ever been and ever will be among the most loyal of the various race groups that go to make up,the American public, and this recognition of his past service will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for the future. Very truly, THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE, E. WASHINGTON, RHODES, Editor. Next I have a letter from Attorney George H. Woodson, of Des Moines, Iowa, former chairman of the Federal commission to the Virgin Islands [reading]: DES MOINES, IOWA, January 22, 1928. CHAIRMAN PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR SIR: In reference to bill (H. J. Res. 60), I beg to inform your honorable body that I am heartily in favor of the bill as introduced by Mr. Taylor from Tennessee and urge you to give it your hearty support. This bill will make the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry and Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry, as well as the soldiers of the Spanish-American and great World Wars, feel that their long and faithful service since the Civil War has been partly recognized, and it will make every soldier feel that he has been remembered by his Government for sacrifices and services performed. I can not be present at this meeting, but will arrange to come if there is anything I can do to advance the matter. I am writing hastily and beg to add the indorsements of the Des Moines History Club and the N. A. A. C. P. of this city. The churches and public persons with whom I have conversed give 12 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS their hearty indorsement to this bill, but can not send their indorsement because of the time it takes to get the organizations together. Very truly yours, GEORGE H. WOODSON, Former Chairman of Federal Commission to Virgin Islands; Member of all War Service Boards of Monroe County; Former Member Company I, Twenty-fifth United States Infantry; Deputy United States Collector of Customs, etc. I also wish to present a letter from Attorney Thornwell A. Caldwell, commissioner National Memorial Association, from Warren, Ohio [reading]: WARREN, OHIO, January 28, 1928. The CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: In simple justice to myself and thousands of my comrades who served in the lat World War for democracy and who hail from the Buckeye State, I heartily indorse the bill (H. J. Res. 60) and urge you and your constituents to use every means in your power consistent with reason and fair play to the end that this bill will be favorably reported by the committee. I need not state to you further the many reasons why this memorial should be built. You doubtless know as all well-informed people of both races in America do of the negro's valient devotion to duty to his country both in times of war and peace. Yours truly, T. A. CALDWELL Commissioner National Memorial Association, State of Ohio. Now, I have a letter which I received to-day, from John H. Paynter, which I wish to read [reading]: WASHINGTON, D. C., February 1, 1928. Hon. J. WILL TAYLOR, House of Representatives. SIR: I am convinced that such a memorial as is contemplated by House Joint Resolution 60, can not fail to be considered a permanent message of appreciation and good will from the American people--Bunker Hill, of that earlier day, is not less eloquent of gallant negro soldiery than is the Flanders Field of our recent times. Such a memorial will exalt the patriotism and stimulate the devotion to flag and country that is the natural heritage of our negro people, and at the Nation's capital will remain an upstanding witness of negro patriotism at home and abroad--on land and sea. JOHN H. PAYNTER, Author of "Joining the Navy, or Abroad with Uncle Sam." I also have here a statement of facts from M. R. Powell, First Assistant Librarian of the House of Representatives [reading]: WASHINGTON, D. C., February 1, 1928. GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: We respectfully beg leave to submit to you for your respectful consideration the following facts: America occupies a unique position among the nations of the world because its charter of liberty, the Declaration of Independence, proclaims the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and because various racial groups have contributed to its development in times of peace and its defense in times of war. Among the racial groups which helped to make the United States of America the greatest Republic known to history, the negro has manifested his loyalty and patriotism from March 5, 1770, when Cripus Attucks bared his breast to British bullets and fell the first martyr in the American Revolution up to the fall of 1918 when the armistice was signed in Europe. In the Revolutionary War, in the War of 1812, in the Mexican War, in the Civil War, in the Spanish-American War, and in the World War, the negro showed the valor on sea and on land. He was on Bunker Hill when the PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 13 patriots repulsed two charges. He was with General Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. He was with Admiral Perry at the Battle of Lake Erie when he said, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." He was in the crater before Petersburg and in the trenches before Richmond in the closing days of the Civil War. He charged up San Juan Hill to help Colonel Roosevelt's Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. He was in the thick of the fight in the terrific battle in the Argonne Forest in the recent World War. The names of Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, Seargant Carney, Bob Smalls, Wingo Sounders, Henry Johnson, Nedham Roberts--symbolize the negro's achievements as a soldier and sailor. Besides serving the country in times of war, the negro has always been a faithful laborer and a loyal patriot. For 300 years his brain and muscle felled the forests, built houses and roads, and tilled the fields in the sunny South. Labor agitators, socialists, Bolshevists, anarchists, and atheists have never found a fertile soil for gaining adherents in the negro group. Then, too, his progress along material line, in spite of material handicaps, has been noteworthy. Mr. Robert B. Eleazer, of the interracial commission, summarized this achievement on December 18, 1925, by these figures: "When freed in 1865 the American negroes owned 2,000 homes and operated 700,000 farms. Now they own 700,000 homes and operate a million farms. Then they conducted 2,100 business enterprises, and now they conduct 70,000. Meantime their aggregate wealth has increased from $20,000,000 to $2,000,000,000, 100 times as much. In 1920 there were in America 332,249 negroes engaged in skilled and semiskilled occupations." And while the negro was buying homes and operating farms, he was educating his children, building and supporting churches, schools, and colleges, and sending missionaries to Africa. For these reasons the National Memorial Association believes that a national memorial building to commemorate the negro's achievements in America in peace and war will not only be a mere memorial and a reminder to the world of what the negro has done in the past, but it will inspire unborn generations to measure up to the requirements of American citizenship and perpetuate American ideals. There is no statuary and no paintings in the National Capital and no monument on the Capitol grounds to show the part that the negro has played in the development of America. What we desire is a building where his achievements can be assembled and presented to the world in definite and tangible form. This memorial will do much to bring about a better feeling between the negro and other racial groups. Yours respectfully, M. R. POWELL, Publicity Committee, First Assistant Librarian, House of Representatives. Now, at this juncture, I would like to introduce Mr. Ferdinand D. Lee, who would like to make a statement to the committee. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Lee, we will be glad to hear from you. Give us your name and address. Mr. LEE. Ferdinand D. Lee, 923 R Street NW. The CHAIRMAN. What is your occupation? Mr. LEE. I am custodian of a vault of the Treasury Department. STATEMENT OF FERDINAND D. LEE, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Mr. LEE. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, we are here as representatives of the National Memorial Association (Inc.), in the interest and to petition your honorable body for a favorable consideration of House joint resolution 60, which was introduced by Hon. J. Will Taylor, to create a commission to procure designs and a site in the city of Washington, D. C., for the erection of a national memorial building as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. 91494--28--No. 3---2 14 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS This movement has the indorsement of the governors of the several States, who have appointed representative men of our race from their respective States to cooperate with this association in this worthy movement. We are asking the Federal Government to create a commission, provide a site, and to appropriate a sum of money to defray the expenses of the commission and to procure the site. The National Memorial Association proposes to erect a beautiful building, containing a hall of fame, art and music rooms, library and reading rooms, museum, auditorium, and space for statues and tablets commemorating the negro's contribution in the military service, in art, literature, invention, science and industry, etc., as a fitting tribute to the negro's contributions and achievements. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Lee, will you pause there a moment and present the drawing that you have illustrating the character of building that you propose to erect? Mr. LEE. It has been passed around. Mr. TAYLOR. It has been passed around? That is all right. Mr. LEE. The model of that was made by one of our colored architect, which is about 6 by 8 feet. This is a photograph of it [presenting photograph to the committee, illustrating proposed memorial building]. The CHAIRMAN. You may proceed, Mr. Lee. Mr. LEE. Inasmuch as there is not a suitable building in this country where the development of our race along the lines of invention and art could be exhibited, we feel it would be a splendid idea if a public building could be provided at the Nation's capital, where it would reflect the greatest possible good throughout the country. Such a shrine would shed its light for ages to come, thereby inspiring others to follow the example of those who have aided in the advancement of the race and Nation. It would be a great educational temple that would give hope, inspiration, and pride to the present and future generations. The first essential to this program is a definite information readily accessible and easily available to those of one race who would know the facts about the other race. The information relative to the white race is compiled in its own civilization, now recognized as the leading civilization of the world. The American negro is an integral and substantial part of this great civilization, because he has absolutely met the standards set by this civilization. Not all negroes, but some, have met the test, and those who have measured up to the exacting standards are worthy of recognition. This recognition should come from the white Americans who have fixed the standards. It is as un-American to refuse recognition of the negro after they have won as it is American to make the exaction of them. To date there has been no effort on the part of our Government to catalogue negro achievements, save in exceptional cases. The whole country and the world must acquaint itself with this actual achievement. Some accepted work should be given to the country as an evidence of actual and authentic recognition of a people who have complied both theoretically and literally with American standards as fixed and practised by white Americans. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 15 It is commonly accepted that no other race has advanced as astonishingly within a period of 50 years as the Negro has done. Since the Civil War colored Americans have obtained a place in the heart of the world's greatest Nation, incomparable with that of any other minority in the country. Approximately one-tenth of the population of the United States consists of colored people. Their holdings in property have risen from a few millions to nearly two billions of dollars. They have more than 500 educational institutions above the high schools, including normal, industrial training, agricultural, and professional schools, together with a number of colleges and universities, in the arts and sciences, in the technical and learned professions, and in the various fields of business and commerce. The recent display of art in the city of New York, under auspices of the Interracial Church Commission, by Dr. George E. Haynes, comprising models, busts, and paintings by 80 young men and women of our group, was a fair demonstration of the capabilities of the younger element of our race. We point with pride to Mr. Tanner, the dean artist of our race, who now resides in Paris. His work has been accepted among the leading painters of the country; to Col. Charles Young, who obtained the highest military honors given our race; to Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee Institute, the pioneer of industrial educational training; to the Hon. Frederick Doublass, the agitator for human liberty; and to those benefactors of our race, Abraham Lincoln, the great emancipator of 4,000,000 slaves, William Lloyd Garrison, Charles Sumner, Wendell Phillips, and Col. Robert Gould Shaw, of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Colored Infantry. We believe that if Congress would approve this measure the twelve millions that if Congress would approve this measure the twelve millions of our people throughout the Nation would gladly welcome the opportunity to subscribe to the erection of this building, wherein the memory of these benefactors may be preserved and kept alive, and in which the achievements of the Negro may be placed before the world for its inspection and information, and to give coming generations hope, inspiration, and pride. Now, we have here a list of the following indorsements, and which I will read [reading]: I heartily indorse the object for which the National Memorial Association is working and wish for greatest success in achieving same. The memory of heroic men of the Negro race who were my comrades in the Great War is genuine and large. They are worthy of our greatest respect and gratitude, and their memory is an inspiration. (Rev. Jason Noble Pierce, pastor First Congregational Church, Washington, D. C.) Your movement has my heartiest support and I hope you may soon achieve your object. (Hon. Vic. Donahey, Governor of the State of Ohio.) I feel that the Congress of the United States should most heartily enter into the building of such a memorial, and I tender to your every influence I possess to bring about the completion of such a worthy and inspiring monument as the building you propose, will be. As you will recall, the trustees of Howard University have already made a tentative offer of granting a magnificent site on its grounds for the building of such a memorial, thus making it available to this great host of students as well as to the great colored public, and also assuring it a permanency because of the permanency of Howard University itself. (Dr. J. Stanley Durkee, former President of Howard University.) The object of this association is certainly commendable, as well as progressive, and, to some extent, at least a recompense for the untold sacrifices made by race soldiers in the great wars of this country. (J. Edward Brown, attorney, Detroit, Mich.) 16 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS I feel that this is the thing needed to perpetuate the memory of the sacrifices and loyal service that the Negro race have given this country. (Hon. Samuel A. Allen, executive secretary Boston Urban League.) I hope that your movement will be crowned with success, as it is undoubtedly a worthy cause. (Robert S. Hartgrove, attorney, Jersey City, N. J.) In addition to individual indorsements, the project promoted by the National Memorial Association has been indorsed by the following national organizations: Grand Army of the Republic. Civil War Veterans. Army and Navy Union. National Encampment, W. R. C, G. A. R. National Negro Free Press Association. Independent Order of Saint Luke. Hampton Institute Alumni Association. Federation of Colored Catholics of the United States. Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. National Negro Business League. National Baptist Convention (Inc.). A. M. E. Church General Conference. New England Baptist Convention (Inc.). National Negro Race Congress. Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Negro National Educational Congress. Independence Order of Good Samaritans. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Chairman, Representative Wood is present and is very much interested in this resolution, having introduced a similar resolution in Congress. STATEMENT OF HON. WILL R. WOOD, OF INDIANA Mr. WOOD. Mr. Chairman, I introduced a resolution at the last session of the Congress, which was passed by the House, to erect a memorial to the colored race, in the city of Washington. My only purpose in coming here this morning is to say that my interest in this matter is not in the least abated. I think this would be a splendid tribute to a very large number of our citizenship, for the valor that these citizens have shown in times of war and for what they have done in times of peace. You will see that the request here is a very modest one. No appropriation is being asked out of the Treasury for the purpose of erecting this memorial. All that these people are asking is that they be given a place upon which to erect it. The CHAIRMAN. They are asking for $50,000 there. Mr. WOOD. That is a nominal sum. I mean, so far as the erection of the memorial itself is concerned. The colored people have no meeting place where they can gather in large numbers here or throughout the United States. They have no public museum. They have no public art gallery. They have no place where they can show to the world the progress that they have been making. I think one of the most interesting sights that I ever looked upon was while I was at the exposition given at Atlanta a few years after the Chicago Exposition, which was some 25 years ago. There was a building there that was devoted exclusively to the progress of the colored race since its emancipation. I was amazed to see pictures there that were comparable with some of the best pictures of the best artists of the United States. I was astounded to see the exhibits of mechanism there. We have been told that the colored race is not a race PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 17 of inventors; but I looked upon a cotton gin there, which at that time was supposed to be an up-to-date cotton gin and which was the invention of a colored man. These things are instructive. They are illustrative. They are elevating. They demonstrate the fact that these people are doing for themselves in spite of the handicap under which they were so long placed. I do not know any better service that the white people, who are dominant in the Congress of the United States, can do to show an appreciation for what they have done and of what they are doing and of what we hope for them to do in the future than by giving them this opportunity to erect a memorial in the seat of the government of which they are a part, which they would be called upon to support and would readily support whenever occasion required. Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Wood, I want to ask you a question. Does the State of Indiana provide a university for the colored people or a branch of the State university, or both? Mr. WOOD. No; but the colored people have one independent colored school there. Mr. EDWARDS. You mane the State does not maintain a State university for them? Mr. WOOD. No; but the colored people are admitted at every institution we have in the State. Mr. EDWARDS. There is no separate university for them? Mr. WOOD. No. The CHAIRMAN. You have colored students at the University of Indiana and at Purdue, both, do you not? Mr. WOOD. We have at Purdue. I do not know whether they are at the University of Indiana or not. We have them at Valparaiso University, in my district. I know that. The CHAIRMAN. Do you have them in large numbers? Mr. WOOD. No; I can not say they are in large numbers. In my city there is a family known as the Mahary family that endowed an institution in the South. I think it is in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. KERR. Are there many colored people living in Indiana? Mr. WOOD. You take, in Lake County, I expect there are 10,000 colored people living in Gary. There are quite a number living in East Chicago, a few in Hammond, and I suppose 1,500 at Lafayette, where I live. Mr. KERR. Not as many as a hundred thousand? Mr. WOOD. No; I think not. Mr. KERR. A large per cent of these in your district? Mr. WOOD. Sir? Mr. KERR. A large per cent of these colored inhabitants in your district in Indiana? Mr. H. WOOD. No, no. The largest colored settlement that we have is in Marion County, where the capital is situated. Mr. KERR. Is Gary in your district? Mr. WOOD. Yes, sir. Mr. TAYLOR. Is that all, Mr. Wood? Mr. WOOD. Yes, sir. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Chairman, Hon. Maurice H. Thacher, of Kentucky, is present, and would like to say a word. 18 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS STATEMENT OF MAURICE H. THACHER Governor THACHER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say that I heartily indorse the purpose of this measure. The amount asked is very small, really nominal, and I think the passage of this bill will serve a most beneficent purpose. Whatever theoretically may be true, practically the public buildings of the country are not available for the benefit of the colored race in matters of this sort; and it is true that, bond or free, through all the years of our American history, in peace time as well as war time, the negro has made his contribution to the American cause. It if should be said that no other race has had any consideration of this character, I would say in response to that suggestion that no other race has given 250 years of unrequited toil to America; and that certainly entitles the negro to consideration. Any race or any nation must live in large measure through the greatest and noblest of that race or nation. I supposed if we were to blot out all of the luminaries of the past we would be almost groping in darkness. We have to renew our faith and our life by what has gone before us. Now, the Negro race has made wonderful progress since its emancipation, and it has made a wonderful contribution to the wealth and progress of America. It has no divided allegiance. It knows but one country and but one flag. All in the world that is asked here is the nominal sum of $50,000. This bill is in the nature of an enabling act, so that this building may be constructed here in the National Capital, where the colored men and women of the Nation can have an appropriate place for meeting; where they can hold inspirational meetings in the National Capital, and where they can have their exhibits which will illustrate the advancement and progress of their race; and this memorial structure will constitute a kind of common denominator for the benefit of all their people. I think that we, to say the least. ought to give them this little appropriation, so that this building may be constructed. As an architectural matter alone, it is worth the price of $50,000 to have it constructed under the auspices of the Fine Arts Commission and the Director of Public Buildings and Grounds of the city of Washington. The bill provides for such supervision. It is worth that much to insure the construction of this building in proper form and up to the artistic and architectural standards which we are now seeking to establish in Washington. The cost of the structure, estimated at not less than $500,000, will be met by voluntary subscriptions. It seems to me that, in the light of all history, in the light of all the facts which confronts us, this small contribution now asked for would be a most fitting authorization on the part of Congress, and that it would serve a splendid purpose; because, in proportion to the success of our efforts to aid those of the colored race to become better and more efficient citizens, in that proportion do we of the white race aid ourselves, and in that proportion will the general welfare of the Nation be served. Mr. TAYLOR. Now, Mr. Chairman, at this time I am forced, on account of an engagement I have down at the White House, to leave; but I want to ask Mr. Lee to indicate the next witness that you would like to have appear before I go. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 19 The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Lee, who is your next witness? Mr. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to present Mrs. Julia West Hamilton, who is president of the Women's Relief Corps Auxiliary to Grand Army of the Republic, and president of Washington and Vicinity Federation of Women. The CHAIRMAN. What is her name? Mr. LEE. Mrs. Julia West Hamilton. The CHAIRMAN. We will be glad to hear the lady. Mr. LEE. Mrs. Hamilton, will you not present this matter? STATEMENT OF MRS. JULIA WEST HAMILTON, PRESIDENT WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS AUXILIARY TO GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC AND PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON AND VICINITY OF FEDERATION OF WOMEN Mrs. HAMILTON. We are here, not as parasites or supplicants asking for what is not ours by right, but we are here as loyal American citizens, having discharged the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, asking that a long-delayed tribute of gratitude be paid to a group of people who have proved themselves to be 100 per cent American and loyal to our flag in every crisis of our Nation's history. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has honored Crispus Attucks with a splendid memorial, not because he died for Massachusetts alone but because the blood of Crispus Attucks, a full-blooded negro, was the first blood shed in the Revolutionary War for American independence. In every war of our Nation's history, on land as well as sea, negro blood has been freely shed and has sanctified the battle fields of American freedom, liberty, and independence. Massachusetts has honored the gallant Fifty-fourth Regiment of negro soldiers with its wonderfully carved monument which stands there on Boston Common; but Shaw and his men did not die for Massachusetts alone, but with fearless, steady step and aim, they were determined that not one star should be effaced from the beautiful diadem of Old Glory; they were determined that America should remain a free and united country and that our children and our children's children should have presented before them, as an inspiration to continued and eternal patriotism, a monument that will ever tell them of the sterling valor and patriotism of their fathers, whose living worth they should emulate. Is the Government of the United States to remain less grateful? We appeal to your high sense of justice and fair play; we appeal to you who have placed here in Washington, our Nation's Capital, numerous monuments to naval and military heroes of every nation, tribe, and section, to give or appropriate in some tangible way a monument to the valor of negro soldiers and sailors who love America so well, whose loyalty and patriotism are so unquestioned that they can be called on, as they were in the recent World War, first to defend the Nation's Capital and all the bridges and approaches leading thereto. There are no hypenated Americans among our racial group. We teach our children to love America, and we want them to be constantly reminded that America loves them and appreciates them. 20 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS We have friends all over the United States, and among the great organizations that have indorsed this organization is the National Association of Women's Welfare Corps, with a membership of more than 200,000. This organization is composed principally, almost entirely, of white women, but a few colored women are in it, because the blood of our fathers, our husbands, our sons, and our brothers gives us the right to membership in that organization. This movement has been indorsed by the national organization and also by the department organization of the District of Columbia, and is represented here this morning by Mrs. Lizzie Bassett, president Department Potomac Woman's Relief Corps, and by Mrs. Mary H. Wingate, senior vice president Department Potomac Woman's Relief Corps. Mrs. Bassett has just a word to say. The CHAIRMAN. We will be glad to hear from Mrs. Bassett. STATEMENT OF MRS. LIZZIE BASSETT, PRESIDENT DEPARTMENT POTOMAC WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS Mrs. BASSETT. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, I represent the Department of the Potomac Woman's Relief Corps. We wish to say to you that we heartily indorse this bill. We feel that it is just to the negro race, because they have stood for our country and responded to every call of our country, and we would like to see this memorial given to them. The CHAIRMAN. Now, do any of these other ladies want to say anything? Mrs. BASSETT. Mrs. Mary H. Wingate. Mrs. MARY H. WINGATE. I have no statement to make, except I would emphasize the justice of the cause. Mr. LEE. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. Now, Mr. Lee, anything else? Mr. LEE. I would like for the Rev. Dr. W. H. Jernagin, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church of this city, who is also president of the General Baptist Convention and also head of the Baptist organizations and Race Congress, to say a word. STATEMENT OF REV. DR. W. H. JERNAGIN, PRESIDENT GENERAL BAPTIST CONVENTION Doctor JERNAGIN. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, the National Equal Rights League, the Race Congress, of more than 200,000 members, and the National Baptist Convention, all told, having a constituency of 3,500,000, have gone on record as indorsing the construction of this building. The leaders of our people and all or our constituency feel that if such a building were erected in the city of Washington it would call attention of the general public to our accomplishments. You know, the element of our racial group has been in a large measure kept obscure. It has been in the background. There are a number of people that are really surprised, like some who have expressed themselves here this morning, when they are brought face to face with the achievements of the group. In all crises we have shown our loyalty. I have thought that PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 21 President Wilson himself showed his confidence in our loyalty when war was declared on Germany when, one day, the colored National Guard was called out and stationed around the White House. That, to my mind, showed that he had the utmost confidence, under any circumstances, in our racial group; that we were loyal, and in no way could be bought off. So we have not been a large group of slackers in any of the wars of this country. Now, because of what we have done, and the patience that we have shown, and the progress that we have made, under these circumstances, it seems to us that these white Americans would be glad to simply put forth a building like this, with the contributions that we have made; and I am simply here in the interests of the organizations I have just named asking that you will simply pass this resolution and that we may have the privilege of such a building in the city of Washington. Mr. LEE. We have here a statement of Mr. S. W. Rutherford, who is secretary and general manager of one of the largest life-insurance companies in this country, with headquarters in this city. I will ask that the statement be read by Prof. C. E. Lucas, of Howard University. Mr. EDWARDS. Is he a colored man, too? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir. Professor Lucas. Prof. C. E. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Rutherford asked me to express his regrets that he was unable to be here on account of his having to be present at a conference of insurance actuaries who came down this morning from New York and Philadelphia, and he asked me to read this paper. [Reading:] STATEMENT OF S. W. RUTHERFORD, SECRETARY AND GENERAL MANAGER THE NATIONAL BENEFIT LIFE INSURANCE CO. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 31, 1928. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. GENTLEMEN: My attention has been called to the efforts of the National Memorial Association, of which Mr. F. D. Lee is president, to secure passage of a bill authorizing an appropriation for a memorial building. I am heartily in sympathy with the work of the association in their efforts to secure a national memorial building to commemorate the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. The building proposed by the association will supply a very definite need in the District of Columbia, for there is no suitable place here where a large number of our group may be gathered for conventions, et. Washington has long since become a convention center, but unfortunately we have often been unable to bring the larger conventions here, where our citizens might enjoy the many advantages of their own national capital, because we were handicapped for a suitable meeting place. Aside from its practical value, such a memorial would definitely serve as an inspiration to our young people, urging them on to greater usefulness and larger service to their race and Nation. Allow me to express the hope that this worthy project may meet with your approval and that in the not distant future we may wee a substantial memorial erected commemorating the negro's part in the wonderful achievements of America. Very truly yours, S. W. RUTHERFORD, Secretary and General Manager. 22 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS I might say that the insurance company that he represents has in force $70,000,000 on colored lives, there being 22,000 policyholders, and it employs 2,000 colored people, from the District of Columbia down to the tip of Florida. I thank you. Mr. LEE. We have with us to-day Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, widow of the late Judge Robert H. Terrell. Mrs. Terrell was the first organizer of the National Association of Colored Women. She was at one time a member of the Board of Education of this city, and, before then, the principal of our high school. She is one of our national characters. She is connected with this work and deeply interested in the welfare of our people. Mrs. Terrell will make her statement. The CHAIRMAN. Mrs. Terrell STATEMENT OF MRS. MARY CHURCH TERRELL, FIRST PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLORED WOMEN Mrs. TERRELL. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, I was informed by the Hon. J. Will Taylor that I would only have a few minutes but I have come here to urge you to give favorable consideration to the resolution which you have heard read and which I shall not repeat. The members of the National Memorial Association are asking the Congress of the United States to appropriate a sum of money with which to erect this building in the National Capital, so that colored people may have some place in which to give tangible evidence of their contributions to the growth and prosperity of this country, as well as furnish proof of the marvelous progress which they have made themselves. We believe that this request is so reasonable that it will be granted as soon as those who have the power to do so have had time to consider it. In every war which this country has waged, the colored soldiery has fought with a patriotism and has died with a courage surpassed by none. The first blood spilled for the independence of this country was shed by a colored man. It was Crispus Attucks, a colored man, who first led the American patriots against the British troops, and who fought desperately for the independence of this country till the enemy laid him low. Yet, there is not a public building in the Capital of the Nation for which Crispus Attucks fought, in which his statue or that of any other hero of African descent may be placed. In not a single building of the Federal Government may colored people hang a picture or place a statue or bust of the representatives of their group who have distinguished themselves in science, literature, music, art, industry, or in any other field of human endeavor. The histories taught in our public schools make practically no reference whatever to the innumerable contributions made by colored people who have helped to place this Nation in the front ranks of the great powers of the world. Neither white children nor colored children, therefore, know anything about the valuable services which the colored American has rendered or the prodigious amount of work he has done. A memorial building in which a record of the achievements of the colored American might be kept and exhibited would be the means of educating old and young alike concerning PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 23 the important role our group has played in the history of the United States. In this building it is suggested that there should be an auditorium seating 5,000 people. Inasmuch as there is no such meeting place in the National Capital, for such a large number, it would literally fill a long-felt want and be of the greatest possible advantage. Some one spoke of the auditorium of Howard University. It seats comparatively few people. I do not know that it seats a thousand people. Mr. LEE. Six hundred. Mrs. TERRELL. I doubt it. The exercises of our high schools, of Howard University, and of our various organizations, might be held in such a building, and it would furnish an educational center for our group. The fact that no such building has as yet been erected in the National Capital does not indicate indifference on the part of those who might do so. It simply means that the attention of busy men has not been called to the many good reasons for erecting a structure for a group of citizens who deserve and need it. Recognition of efforts by colored people to play their part effectively and nobly in the development of the United States will spur the race as a whole to greater endeavor and will be an inspiration to our youth. We hope, therefore, that, when the many sound, strong reasons for erecting this memorial building are considered by your committee, you will urge favorable consideration of this bill. Mr. ESLICK. Let me ask one question. What is the largest hall or auditorium that the colored people have in Washington? Mr. LEE. The largest hall is perhaps the Pythian Building, 1200 U Street NW. Mr. ESLICH. What is the seating capacity? Mr. LEE. About 500. The Howard University auditorium and the Lincoln Memorial Hall only seat 600 each. When the commencement exercises are held at Howard University, they have to go out on the campus, and if it happens to rain, they can not be held at all. You can not crowd four or five thousand people in a house that seats only 600. I remember one occasion: the commencement exercises for Howard University were planned, and it rained practically all day, and the exercises had to be divided up. The speeches were made in the chapel and the exercises proper were conducted at the Metropolitan Church, down the street. Mr. WOODRUM. This bill provides that the Government furnish a site for this building? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. What has been done in the way of locating a suitable site? Mr. LEE. We have been looking around and thinking about it. Mr. WOODRUM. What have you found? Mr. LEE. I am not authorized to say about that. During a former administration of Howard University the board of trustees offered a site on Georgia Avenue. The CHAIRMAN. That is out on the Howard University grounds? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. For how much money? 24 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Mr. LEE. There was not consideration mentioned at all. But of course we do not quote that at all, because there is a new faculty. Mr. WOODRUM. You expect to buy a new site, do you not? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. Approximately how much will it cost? Mr. LEE. We haven't any idea. I could not say how much it will cost. Mr. WOODRUM. Did you get any quotations on supplies at all? Mr. LEE. No, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. You do not expect for $50,000 to draw the plans, pay the expenses of this commission, and purchase a site, do you? Mr. LEE. Well, it depends. Mr. WOODRUM. Well, are you prepared to state, if Congress passes this bill, that your organization will not come back and ask for more money? Mr. LEE. I am not prepared to speak for the organization at this point. Mr. WOODRUM. You rather thin you would have to come back and ask for more? Mr. LEE. If we followed the example of other organizations, like the Red Cross of a few years ago, we might come back. Mr. KERR. Let me ask you one question. Has any part of this $500,000, which you, colored people are to contribute, ever been collected? Mr. LEE. None whatever. We have forbidden anyone asking for contributions. Of course, the money that they have contributed by voluntary contributions has been contributed solely for the support of this work, to carry on this work that they are doing now as a propaganda; but not until Congress gives its indorsement will we be authorized to many any collection among our own people. Let me say right here, gentlemen, that this bill calls for a commission to be appointed by Congress. That commission will map out the line on which these contributions shall be made. Mr. WOODRUM. To be appointed by the President? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir; the State commissioners named by the governors of the different States will be governed accordingly, by the act of this commission appointed by the President, and they will map out the lines. Contributions in the different States will be defined by the different commissions in those States. They will be forwarded to the national treasurer that the commission shall name in Washington. Mr. WOODRUM. You spoke of some governors having indorsed this project. Have you a list of those governors? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir; I can furnish you a list of them. Mr. CRAIL. Where is Howard University located and what kind of institution is it? You have referred several times to Howard University. I would like to know what kind of an institution it is and what size it is? Mr. LEE. I will ask Professor Lucas to answer that. Professor LUCAS. I shall be glad to answer that question, if I man. Howard University is incorporated as a private institution, with a private board of trustees, with all the departments of a university, namely, literature, law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, music, and PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 25 several other departments. It occupies a site consisting of 40 acres, on Georgia Avenue, which is about four blocks above U Street, above Florida Avenue. The institution is a little over 50 years old. It was founded by Gen. O. Howard, who was, of course, a general in the Civil War, and who was made custodian of the building which was constructed immediately after the war. The first appropriation to Howard University from the Federal Government was about 1873, and since that time the Federal Government has contributed each year about half of the income, the remainder of it coming from students' fees, the endowment coming from those two chief sources. Now, if there is any other question. Mr. WOODRUM. A colored institution? You didn't state that. Professor LUCAS. It is. It was not incorporated as a colored institution. As a matter of fact, the surgeon in charge of the Walter Reed Hospital during the war was graduated at our medical school, as was a number of the local white physicians. It was not incorporated as a colored institution, but for all people. There was a number of white and colored men and women who have graduated from the university. Mr. WOODRUM. But for the last few years it has been exclusively for colored? Professor LUCAS. No; not exclusively. Ninety-nine per cent of our students are colored. Mr. WOODRUM. Is it religious? Professor LUCAS. No, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. Interdenominational? Professor LUCAS. Yes, sir. Mr. WOODRUM. Do you know what the appropriation is? Professor LUCAS. I do not know. I resigned on the 1st of July, after 19 years' service there, so that I am not familiar this year with the amount of the appropriation. Mr. WOODRUM. Do you remember, Mr. Chairman, what it is? The CHAIRMAN. No, sir; I do not. Mr. ESLICK. What is the total matriculation? Professor LUCAS. Twenty-two hundred. Mr. KERR. What is the amount of the endowment fund? Professor LUCAS. The endowment fund is now about $800,000. Mr. CRAIL. Exclusive of the 40 acres? Professor LUCAS. Yes, sir. That is not included in the endowment fund. Mr. CRAIL. Were the 40 acres provided by the Government? Professor LUCAS. No, sir. It was purchased originally by General Howard. In that way the endowment fund was started. Then he died, back, probably, within the last 10 years, and they bought back some of the original land. Mr. COHEN. Is there enough space on the ground for the erection of this building? Professor LUCAS. They have a campus that would permit it, if they wished to do so; but they have enough property adjacent to the campus which would make it possible. The Government reservation is also adjacent to the university grounds, which is also suitable for a memorial. Mr. COHEN. I think, Mr. Chairman, if this organization comes here and states they they have property, or could use part of the 26 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS property of the university, or something like that, they should have some fixed method for the expenditure of this money, instead of asking Congress to appropriate this money and then they have to look around for grounds, and so on. I think that would help this committee a whole lot. Mr. WOODRUM. Are there any other witnesses? Mr. LEE. I have one or two more. The CHAIRMAN. Proceed pretty rapidly. Mr. LEE. We would like to present at this time one of our young men who crossed the seas in the interest of our country and the flag, and who is one of the commanders of our group here, Maj. West A. Hamilton, very active in the military line, who owns a large printing press in this city, one of our worthy citizens. The CHAIRMAN. Major Hamilton, we will be glad to hear from you. STATEMENT OF WEST A. HAMILTON, OF THE SENTINEL PUBLISHING CO., WASHINGTON, D. C. Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, I have no prepared statement to make. My name is West A. Hamilton, and I am a printer and publisher. I live at 413 T Street, N. W. I simply came down to indorse the plea to this committee for this memorial building. The ground has been very fully covered. I think we all agree, white as well as colored Americans, that the negroes have done pretty well. What I would like to say is in a brief reply to one or two criticisms about this movement in itself. Now, of course, it might be said that this is an important proposition, and why should we not build a memorial for the Greeks, Italians, or Jews? We realize that the ideal situation would be accommodations in Washington and elsewhere for all of the people to use. That is the theory of it, but, as a matter of fact, we have no such accommodations here. The Washington Auditorium, while it was erected by private capital, is not available for colored meetings; so that the only places here are the larger churches and theaters and one or two halls of capacities of from 500 to 1,500 people. Now, as to the criticism that white people might make that this is an undue consideration shown colored people and ought not to be shown, that they don't deserve it, and if we do that for them, we should have to do it for every other group in America. I concede the soundness of that logic; but I say further that this group of which I am a member needs encouragement. I do not think it is true of any other group in this country; no matter of what nationality, they all come together. So, the negroes of various shades and various extractions here, all classes of negroes, they get special treatment in this country, so their problems have to be met by special treatment. If we have no means to meet definite, specific problems like that of Howard University, the negroes would be bad off indeed. Now, in conclusion, I recall this thing that I told the Senate committee, last year, when we were debating erecting a monument for the negro National Guard that served in France----- Mr. WOODRUM. (interposing). That was put up, wasn't it? Mr. HAMILTON. No, sir. The bill passed the House, it was favorably reported in the Sixty-ninth Congress in committee, and died. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 27 Mr. WOODRUM. Died in the filibuster? Mr. HAMILTON. I do not know. I know it got through the committee by a one-vote majority. Mr. ESLICK. Was that the Fish bill? Mr. HAMILTON. Yes, sir. The idea I want to get through is that we ought to have something to remind the new and present generation of negroes of our achievements. They come along and, under the bar sinister of being negroes which is upon them, they need something to encourage them. Such a thing as this memorial building will do this. It will hasten the day when the negroes will take their place as rightful citizens, and it will hasten the day when there will be no class distinction in America, and the only requirement of citizenship will be that measure of standard set for everybody else in this country. I think their achievements ought to be measured by the same yardstick with which we measure the achievements of the white race. I think the colored artist ought to take his place along in the Corcoran Art Gallery with the white artists; and the best monument the negroes can build is to build a fine memorial building, and they are willing to contribute whatever may be necessary to erect this building, if we can secure this appropriation of $50,000, for a site. Mr. EDWARDS. That is the purpose of this, isn't it? Mr. HAMILTON. Yes, sir. Mr. EDWARDS. Have you any idea at this time what will be asked for finally? Mr. HAMILTON. I think this bill provides for $50,000 for the site. Mr. EDWARDS. You do not quite get my question, I think. I think the purpose of the bill is to finally build the building. What would the building cost? Have you any idea what the building would finally cost? Mr. HAMILTON. I do not know, sir. I think about $500,000, as it is stated, but not less that $500,000. The CHAIRMAN. It also follows that they are to be provided by voluntary contributions. Mr. EDWARDS. Yes, I notice that. I think the chairman has been very frank with us about that. I think they expect to get additional money. Mr. CRAIL. I am very much interested in this bill. My father served in the Union Army and raised me to give to negroes equal rights and equal opportunities, but I know there are places in the country where negroes are discriminated against and segregated. Doesn't this bill tend to give the approval of our Government to segregation, placing negroes off by themselves instead of recognizing them as a part of the common citizenery of our country? Mr. HAMILTON. I admit that it does seem in some way. Mr. CRAIL. Is this the first time that the Congress of the United States or the Government has been asked to make a segregation like this? Mr. HAMILTON. I am not prepared to answer that. Mrs. A. M. CURTIS. May I say a word just there? 28 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS STATEMENT OF MRS. A. M. CURTIS Mrs. CURTIS. In 1907, we appeared before a committee and asked for an appropriation to erect a negro memorial building at the Jamestown Exposition, and I was appointed as one of the commission, as fiscal agent, for that, and at that time we were given $100,000 for a negro building. I want also to say that in 1898 I had charge of all nurses, both white and colored. I was sent by President McKinley, together with what was known as the Howard nurses, to nurse yellow fever over in Cuba. I sent both white and colored there. At the close of the Spanish-American war I helped the women of this city, both the Women's Relief Corps and the D. A. R., to get a monument erected to those who had lost their lives in Cuba. The monument was erected. I am proud to feel that that great monument that you have in Arlington is in commemoration of the negro women as well as of the white women who went over to Cuba. In 1907, as I say, we had the Jamestown exposition. I have been a representative to most of these expositions. In 1892 I was appointed to go to the World's Fair. We have very few exhibits at that time. We had a wing that was designated to the negro women. The exhibits were mostly scattered over the grounds, therefore bringing no credit to my people. In 1894 I went to the San Francisco Mid-Winter Fair, under Mr. D. Young, and there we collected a few exhibits; but in 1907, at Jamestown, we had a creditable exhibit. Mrs. Terrell here was one of the judges at that time who passed upon the different articles that were on exhibition. I would like to say that I feel that it is a pleasure, once again, after 20 years since 1907, to appear and ask for this appropriation, as I am a granddaughter of a woman who served as a nurse in the Civil War; and to ask that you erect something in which our people will feel that they have a pride and they they have been recognized as American citizens in the erection of this memorial building. We feel that we want our children to come up to feel that this is our own United States and that this is a building which has been erected in commemoration of what their grandparents have done. Mr. LEE. I thank you. I am very grateful for the answers that have been given to the questions asked. Mr. COHEN. You have no objection to any race, color, or creed using that building, if it is built? Mr. LEE. No, sir; not at all. The CHAIRMAN. Now, have you any other witnesses? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir; we have one gentleman here, who is recognized as one of our brave men, and I refer to Dr. T. Edward Jones, who is connected with the Freedmen's Hospital. The CHAIRMAN. We will be glad to hear from him. Mr. LEE. He served overseas and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Jones, we will hear from you. Mr. JONES. I have managed to keep out of----- Mr. WOODRUM. (interposing). May I interrupt you, please? Mr. JONES. Yes, sir. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 29 Mr. WOODRUM. How long will the committee be in session? The CHAIRMAN. I think this is the last witness, and we will adjourn just as soon as this man has finished. This is the last witness you have? Mr. LEE. Yes, sir. The CHAIRMAN. All right, Mr. Jones. STATEMENT OF DR. T. EDWARD JONES, OF THE FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL, WASHINGTON, D. C. Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I have the honor, by your invitation, to appear before you to-day to speak upon House Joint Resolution 60, pursuant to the erection of a national memorial building, as a tribute to the negro's contribution to the achievements of America. If I am to believe, as I think I am, that this is to be a memorial building erected by the American people and dedicated to the memory of negroes who gave their best that America might live, and demonstrate to the world that it is the land of the free and the home of the brave, I deem it a most worthy enterprise. The fact is indisputable that we have made contributions in art, science, inventions, and upon the field of battle. It is upon the latter that my remarks will be chiefly directed. In every conflict in which America has been engaged, the soldier of color has made his contribution. How well he played his part, history must tell. From the opening to the closing scene of the Revolutionary War, from the death of Pitcairn to the surrender of Cornwallis; on many fields of strife and triumph, of splendid valor and republican glory; from the hazy dawn of unequal and uncertain conflict, to the bright morn of profound peace; through and out of the fires of a great war that gave birth to a new, a grand Republic--the negro soldier fought his way to undimmed glory and made for himself a magnificent record in the annals of American history. Their individual exploits were not more glorious than their collective acts. We point with emphasis and pride, however, to Crispus Attucks, Caldwell, Gray, and Maverrick, who fell on March 5, 1770, in the Boston massacre. Though while it was not the real commencement of the revolutionary struggle, it was the bloody advance that opened the most eventful and thrilling chapter in American history. Long as freedom's cause the wise contend Dear to your country shall your fame extend; While to the world the lettered stone shall tell Where Caldwell, Attucks, Gray, and Maverrick fell. The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the earliest and most important of the Revolution. Negro soldiers were in the action of the 17th of June, 1775, and nobly did their duty. Throughout the Revolutionary struggle they fought, and when the end came they were privileged to look back upon the glorious achievements wrought. In testimony of the military contributions made during the Civil War permit me to quote later from Gen. Rufus Saxton, General Bank, Col. Thomas W. Higginson, and Capt. Matthew W. Miller attesting to the valor of black troops. 91494--28--No. 3----3 30 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS On August 4, 1862, Governor Sprague, of Rhode Island, urged negro citizens to enlist, and that same month Gen. B. F. Butler appealed to the free people of color of Louisiana to come to the defense of the Union. The next month a regiment of negroes marched forth to war as the First Regiment of Louisiana Native Guards, soon changed to the First Regimental Infantry Corps d'Afrique. There was later organized the First Regiment Louisiana Heavy Artillery. Other negro regiments soon followed, and before the end of 1862 four negro regiments had been brought into the military service of the United States. Then came the Kansas Colored Volunteers early in 1863. Then followed the famous Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts. Before the end of the war they aggregated 178,975. There was some doubt that the negro would make a good soldier, and, of course, the negro officer was then almost impossible. Massachusetts, however, commissioned 10 negro officers, Kansas 3, and the military authorities a considerable number in Louisiana. Negroes held all together about 75 commissions in the Army during the Civil War. Among these officers was Lieut. Col. William N. Reed, of the First North Carolina. While making a gallant charge with his regiment at the Battle of Olustee, Fla., he fell mortally wounded. Speaking of the behavior of the colored troops at Dobey River, in Georgia, Gen. Rufus Saxton said that they fought with most determined bravery. Surg. Seth Rogers said that braver men never lived. Col. T. W. Higginson himself believed that "it would have been madness to attempt with the bravest white troops what I successfully accomplished with the blacks." General Banks said in referring to their behavior: "It gives me great pleasure to report that they answered every expectation. Their conduct was heroic; no troops could be more determined or more daring." Referring to the Battle of Millikens Bend, Capt. Matthew R. Miller said: "So they fought and died, defending the cause that we revere. They met death cooly, bravely; nor rashly did they expose themselves, but all were steady and obedient to orders." Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, we do not make these references boastingly. No sane man boasts of war. It is indeed now and always has been a sad commentary that man with his superior intelligence can not settle his political, economic, and social differences without resort to arms. But if war had to come, as came it did, if war must come again, as probably it may, then whatever achievement for good resulting therefrom, the negro feels that in the future as in the past he is duty bound to contribute his best toward that achievement. All together the colored soldiers in the Civil War took part and sustained casualties in 251 different engagements, and came out of the prolonged conflict with the character so well established that up to the present hour they have been able to hold an important place in the Regular Army of the United States. In July, 1866, Congress passed an act adding 8 new regiments of Infantry and 4 of Cavalry to the 19 regiments of Infantry and 6 of Cavalry of which these arms of the Regular Army were at that time composed, thus making the permanent Establishment to consist of 5 regiments of Artillery, 27 of Infantry, and 10 of Cavalry. Four of PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 31 the 8 new Infantry regiments formed were to be composed of colored men, and of the 4 proposed for the Cavalry arm, 2 were to be of colored men. Under this law the Thirty-eighth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, and Forty-first Infantries and the Ninth and Tenth Cavalries (all colored) were organized. In 1869 the Infantry suffered reduction, and the Thirty-eighth and Forty-first Infantries were consolidated to form the Twenty-fourth Infantry, the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Infantries to form the Twenty-fifth Infantry. Twenty-fourth Infantry, battle honors, Philippine insurrection: San Isidro and Luzon, 1900-1901. Twenty-fifth Infantry, battle honors, Indian wars: Comanches and Pine Ridge; Philippine insurrection; Luzon, 1899-1900. Ninth Cavalry, battle honors, Indian wars: Comanches, New Mexico, 1877-1881; Utes, Montana, 1887, and Pine Ridge; Spanish-American War; Santiago; Philippine insurrection. Tenth Cavalry, battle honors Indian wars; Comanches, Texas, 1880; New Mexico, 1880, and Apaches; Spanish-American War: Santiago; Philippine insurrection. The achievements of these colored soldiers in the Spanish-American War is deserving of special note. From headquarters of the Twenty- fifth Infantry, near Santiago de Cuba, August 11, 1898, in General Orders, No. 19, Col. A. S. Daggett said, in part, as follows: Seldom have troops been called upon to face a severer fire, and never have they acquitted themselves better. The regimental reserve was called upon to try its nerve by lying quiet under a galling fire, without the privilege or returning it, where men were killed and wounded. This is the test of nerve which the firing line can not realize, and requires the highest qualities of bravery and endurance. You may well return to the United States proud of your accomplishments, and if anyone asks you what you have done, point him to El Caney. Col. Theodore Roosevelt spoke thusly: The Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Regiments fought on on either side of mine at Santiago, and I wish no better men beside me in battle than those colored troops showed themselves to be. As an example of the ability of the negro to lead as well as follow, Lieut. Col. Theo. J. Wint, United States Army, wrote the following to Sergt. William H. Givens, Troop D, Tenth Cavalry: I recollect finding a detachment of Troop D under your command on the firing line during the afternoon of July 1. Your service and that of your men at their time was most creditable, and you deserve special credit for having brought your detachment promptly to the firing line when left without a commissioned officer. Now, we come to the World War, that conflict which gave even the writer an opportunity to voluntarily do his bit toward making the world safe for democracy. He has no regrets for the hardships endured in the front-line trenches and wears with most pride the distinguished-service cross of the United States Government. The Ninety-second and Ninety-third Divisions of Negro troops composed of regiments, with few exceptions, officered wholly or in part by colored men, feel proud of their contributions toward the successful achievements of the United States during the World War. The events are so recent, I deem it a useless consumption of your time to narrate them. A word or two, however, of the outstanding regiments might not be inappropriate. May we speak first of the 32 PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Three hundred and sixty-ninth Regiment (formerly the Fifteenth New York Infantry) cited for and awarded the Croix de Guerre for its courage and valor in the great offensive in the Champagne, September and October, 1918, by the French commanding general. Other regiments about whom much has been said are the Three hundred and seventy-first and Three hundred and seventy-second Infantry. Writing under order of the Divisional Infantry, No. 100, General Quillet, commanding the Infantry division 157, says: The Three hundred and seventy-first and and Three hundred and seventy-second Infantry are leaving France after having carried on a hard campaign of six months with the Infantry division 157. After having energetically held a series of difficult sectors, they took a glorious part in the great decisive battle which brought the final victory. In sector, they have shown an endurance, a vigilance, a spirit of devotion, and a remarkable dicipline. In battle they have taken by storm, with a magnificent animation, very strong positions doggedly defended by the enemy. In contemplating the departure of these two fine regiments which I commanded with pride, I desire to tell them all how much I think of them and also to thank them for the generous and precious concurrence which they brought to us at the decisive period of the Great War. I shall keep always in my soldier hear their loyal memories and particularly those of their distinguished commanders who have become my friends--Colonel Miles and Colonel Tupes. General Goybet, commanding One hundred and fifty-seventh Division, Headquarters, December 15, 1918, Etat-Major, writes: On the 12th of December, 1918, the Three hundred and seventy-first and Three-hundred and seventy-second Regiment Infantry, United States, have been replaced at the disposal of the American higher command. With a deep feeling of emotion, on behalf of the One hundred and fifty-seventh Division, and in my own personal name, I come to bid farewell to our brave comrades. For seven months we have lived as brothers at arms, partaking in the same activities, sharing the same hardships and the same dangers. Side by side we took part in the great Champagne battle which was to be crowned by a tremendous victory. Never will the One hundred and fifty-seventh Division forget the indomitable dash, the heroical rush of the American regiments up the Observatory Ridge and into the Plain of Monthois. The most powerful defenses, the most strongly organized machine-gun nests, the heaviest artillery barrages; nothing could stop them. These crack regiments overcame every obstacle with a most complete contempt for danger; through their steady devotion to the Red Hand Division, for nine whole days of severe struggle, was constantly leading the way for the victorious advance of the Fourth Army. Officers, noncommissioned officers, and men, I respectfully salute our glorious comrades who have fallen, and I bow to your colors, side by side with the flag of the Three hundred and thirty-third Regiment of Infantry they have shown us the way to victory. Dear friends from America, when you will be back again on the other side of the ocean, don't forget the Red Hand Division. Our brotherhood has been cemented in the blood of the brave and such bonds will never be destroyed. Remember your general who is proud of having commanded you, and be sure of his grateful affection to you all forever. Four negro regiments won the signal honor of being awarded the Croix de Guerre. These were Three hundred and sixty-ninth, Three hundred and seventieth, Three hundred and seventy-first, and Three hundred and seventy-second. The following was written concerning Lieut. Col. Otis B. Duncan, a negro, commanding the Third Battalion of the Three hundred and seventieth Infantry: The general command the Fifty-ninth Division cites to the Order of the Division Military the following names: PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 33 Lieutenant Colonel Duncan, Otis B., commanding the Third Battalion of the Three hundred and seventieth Regiment of Infantry, United States. In command of a battalion during the operation of September, October, and November, 1918, up until our victorious armistice, with the very best tact and highest type of judgment. At all times during the pursuit from the 6th of November to November 11, 1918, he was present in person and was an example of bravery and endurance for his soldiers. VINCENDON. But why continue further of regiments when the commander in chief of the A. E. F., General Pershing, on reviewing the troops of the division for the last time before embarking for the United States, said, at Le Mans, on January 28, 1919: I want you officers and soldiers of the Ninety-second Division to know that the Ninety-second Division stands second to none in the record you have made since your arrival in France. I am proud of the part you have played in the great conflict which ended on the 11th of November, yet you have only done what the American people expected you to do, and you have measured up to every expectation of the commander in chief. I realize that you did not get into the game as early as some of the other units, but since you took over your first sector you have acquitted yourselves with credit, and I believe that if the armistice had not become effective on the 11th day of November, the Ninety-second Division would have still further distinguished itself. I commend the Ninety-second Division for its achievements not only in the field but on the record its men have made in their individual conduct. The American public has every reason to be proud of the record made by the Ninety-second Division. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman and members of your committee, all that has been said is but a feeble effort to demonstrate upon what basis recognition is sought. We indorse the memorial, a monument of brick and mortar, and venture to go further and ask if you will not also exert your influence to keep intact as combat units, fully armed and fully equipped, the four negro regiments of our Army. We view with increasing sorrow the apparent tendency to disintegrate these regiments and to form service detachments. We feel that their valorous deeds warrant their continuance as combat troops. To us they will be living monuments, maintained by a gracious Government; an inspiration to our youth; an ever-present help in the time of need, because of their superior training and discipline. Men fitted by character to be leaders of the community in civil life as they filter through from military service. Brick and mortor will crumble and decay, but the influence of character lives on forever. I thank you. Mr. LEE. Mr. Chairman, that concludes our list of persons whom we have present to make remarks. We are very grateful to you and your committee for listening to us as you have so patiently. The CHAIRMAN. Well, if nothing further, the committee will now adjourn. (Thereupon, at 12 noon, Wednesday, February 1, 1928, the committee adjourned.) x Congress Should Erect A NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING To commemorate the Heroic Deeds of Negro Soldiers WHO FOUGHT IN ALL THE WARS OF OUR COUNTRY From Bunker Hill to the Argonne covers a period in the history of the world that can never be effaced. The first blood shed on American soil in the revolt against English tyranny was that of a Negro. From that time until now, the record of the Negro in the Army and Navy has never been questioned. Their deeds of bravery, their loyalty, and patriotism should be immortalized in Statues and Memorials as are those of other should be immortalized in Statues and Memorials as those of other The National Memorial Association is engaged in a Nation-wide campaign to rally support to the movement to have Congress set aside at a Site and make an appropriation for the erection of a Beautiful Building at the National's Capital to commemorate the heroism, the sacrifices made by the dead and living heroes of the American Negro. Will you become a member of this worthy organization, "That their deeds shall not perish from the earth?" The great Negro Historian, George W. Williams long before his death, wrote these imperishable words. "Looking back over the centuries, there would be little else to record of the poor, patient Negro save his sufferings and degradations were it not for the luminous flashes of his martial glory, which cast a light upon the background of an otherwise somber picture. But a memorial such is here proposed would surely and safely elevate the Negro to a proud place in the history of the United States. There are hundreds of thousands of ignorant people in the streets of Paris, but the great French nation can never lack patriotic defenders as long as its multitudinous monuments teach the unerring and inspiring lessons of its history. No people can be dangerously ignorant if their government build monuments. "The many Negroes in the United States are ignorant but from their loins will spring only a race of patriots so long as a memorial records the magnificent military achievements of the Negro soldier. Under such an object lesson, held by the secret spell, touched by such an immutable influence, centuries might pass, treasures corrode, cities disappear, tribes perish, and even empires, who boast was their duration, might crumble, but a republic that remembers to defend its defenders in tracing their noble conduct in monumental marble and brass can never decay. Heaven and earth may pass away, but God's words endures forever. Truth only is immortal." NATIONAL OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION (INCORPORATED) FERDINAND D. LEE, President REV. W. H. JERNAGIN, First Vice-President JULIA WEST HAMILTON, Second Vice-President JAMES H. W. HOWARD, Financial Secretary JULIA M. LAYTON, Corresponding Secretary DANIEL FREEMAN, Treasurer OFFICES: 923 R STREET, N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. DEPOSITORY: Industrial Savings Bank MEMBERSHIP FEE: $1.00 [*Mar 17-'39*] LEST WE FORGET THE NEGRO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICA AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS - IN - THE MILITARY AND NAVAL SERVICE - EDUCATION SCIENCE - INDUSTRY - ART - LITERATURE STATESMANSHIP - INVENTIONS - DISCOVERIES A NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING SHOULD BE ERECTED, IN WASHINGTON, D. C., - TO DEPICT - "THE STORY EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW" NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Incorporated 1830 15th Street, N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. A NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING An Institution for the General Diffusion of Knowledge. For several years, the National Memorial Association, composed of a representative group of citizens throughout the country, has been planning the erection of a National Memorial Building in honor of the Negro's contributions to America and his achievements in the military and naval service, in art, inventions science, literature, and industry, and to assist in furthering his progress along such lines. THE BUILDING The proposed memorial is most fitting conceived of as a building which will, at the same time, serve as my educational and inspirational center -- a permanent incentive to better understanding between the races and a deeper knowledge of the worth of the Negro and what he has meant in the history of the country. It is proposed to erect, in Washington, D. C., in a suitable location a spacious and architectually beautiful building, to be devoted to educational and patriotic purposes -- as a center of varied racial activities. Not the lease important of its uses will be a place (with proper facilities) for large conventions and gatherings of Negroes and other groups in the interest of the general welfare of all groups. Besides the central meeting hall, seating about 4,000 persons, there is proposed a small assembly hall seating about 500 persons for the smaller meetings of various patriotic, scientific, educational and like gatherings. There will also be a large library, reading rooms, exhibition rooms and galleries where his achievements in art, music, painting, sculpture, inventions, discoveries, and in all the various fields of effort will be suitable shown, which are proposed to commemorate the deeds American Negroes wrought for the perpetuation and advancement of the Nation. Such a structure would embody the utilitarian, aesthetic and reverential, thus meeting the monument building ideas of the age as well as serving the race in a useful way. A NATIONAL MEMORIAL BUILDING A Center for National Activity DEPARTMENTS A Research and Educational Department will to maintained to collect and disseminate information of the Negro race along all lines; to encourage the race in patriotic, literary, and industrial pursuits, and to strengthen the effort of the Negro for advancement, and thus enable him to make further and finer contribution not only to the culture of his own race, but to the common cause of American advancement. An Industrial Department will be maintained for the purpose of studying the economic condition of the Negro; to stimulate and encourage thrift and industry, and to formulate a policy for mutual understanding and confidence between the races. A Literary and Interracial Department will be maintained for the purpose of sponsoring literary programs and interracial conferences for the benefit of the general public. Provision will be made to accommodate non-commercial national organizations -- such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Association of Colored Women, the National Negro Business League, the National Urban League, the National Negro Press Association, etc.,(not that these organizations would, necessarily, transfer their headquarters to Washington, but facilities would be provided to assist in promoting their programs) and for representatives pursuing legislative measures before the National Congress affecting the Negro race. CONGRESSIONAL ACTION This project has been approved by the United States Congress, which created a commission to select a site, consider and approve designs, and to formulate plans for raising the necessary funds for constructing, equipping and endowing the building. ***** *** * NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Incorporated 1830 15th Street, Northwest WASHINGTON, D. C. Samuel C. Smith President. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.