Speeches and Writings File A Colored Woman in a White world (12) Political Activities. My appointment as Director of Work Among Colored Women of the Eastern As president of the [Republican] Women's Republican League of Washington District was almost dramatic. [With a friend I had gone to New York] I went to New York with one of the officers shortly after the 19th amendment granting suffrage to women had passed. Our League wanted [to interest women allover the country in politics,] to become a national organization and since the Household of Ruth with its large membership from all over the US happened to be meeting in New York, and the National Republican Committee had [already] just gone into its headquarters [on 44th St] for the Harding-Coolidge campaing, we thought it would be an excellent opportunity to [interest a large number of women in] speak to that big organization of women the political situation and to ask the Nat Rep Committee to help [us] finance us to become at one and the same time national. After distributing literature among the women of the Convention and speaking to them we went to the Republican National Headqu arters on 44th St. near 5th Ave. to see some of the Republican leaders and to prefer our request.. [After I had been there a short while] Just as my friend and I walked into the room of Henry Lincoln Johnson, the able and [distinguished] eloquent National Committeeman from Georgia , he said without any introduction to the subject at all, "Mrs. Welch, I want to introduce you to Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, the head of the colored women of the East. " I thought he was joking for I did not know there was to be such a position. But he appeared to be serious and stated that General Coleman Dupont had already appointed me and there was no doubt whatever that I was to direct the political campaign for the colored women of the East. Some of the colored men were very enthusiastic about my appointment and declared that the men needed me as much as the women. On the 23rd of September, 1920, my birthday, I received a letter from General Coleman Dupont of Delaware saying that I had been appointed to take charge of the colored women of the East during the campaign, that he wanted me to come to New York at once and that he wished to talk with me as soon as I arrived. I considered this recognition as a birthday present. After I knew anything about the manner in which the government was run I [could] can not remember the time that I did not believe women should be allowed to have a voice in the management of its affairs. I had believed in and had advocated woman suffrage all my life and I was happy tat the prospect of being able to practice what I had preached. The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History Incorporated JOHN R. HAWKINS, President S. W. RUTHERFORD, Secretary-Treasurer The Journal of Negro History CARTER G. WOODSON Director And Editor ROBERT C. WOODS Financial Agent 1538 Ninth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Executive Council John R. Hawkins, Washington, D.C. S.W. Rutherford, Washington, D.C. Carter G. Woodson, Washington, D.C. Julius Rosenwald, Chicago, Ill. James H. Dillard, Charlottesville, VA. William G. Pearson, Durham, N.C. Franz Boas, Columbia University Carl R. Fish, University Of Wisconsin E.A. Hooton, Harvard University John Hope, Moorhouse College William E. Dodd, University Of Chicago Bishop R. A. Carter, Chicago, Ill. Bishop John Hurst, Baltimore, MD. Alexander L. Jackson, Chicago, Ill. Bishop R. E. Jones, New Orleans, LA. T. R. Davis, Samuel Huston College John E. Nail, New York City December 28, 1927. Mrs. Mary C. Terrell, 1615 S St., N. W., Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: We are sending you today a copy of the Negro History Week circular, hoping that you will use this to direct attention to the importance of observing this national celebration. This is the third effort thus to invite attention to what the Negro has thought and felt and attempted and accomplished. It has gradually tended to find its way into all parts of the country where persons have manifested an intelligent interest in the promotion of the whole truth. Your cooperation in this significant undertaking is most earnestly solicited. We desire to disabuse any one's mind of the thought that this effort means the dimunition of interest in general history. The purpose is not to suggest less attention to the achievements of other races or nations but rather to give the Negro his place among them. Any tendency to eulogize the Negro unduly or to leave the impression that the race has done more than some other group that has done its best would be decidedly unwise. The purpose of this celebration is to disabuse the public mind of this very sort of bias. The record of the Negro is well taken care of if the race is given the same consideration which is accorded to the others. In this celebration, we are urging that certain definite steps be taken. Ask your school authorities to adopt text-books treating Negro Life and History and organize classes and clubs for the serious study of the significant record of the race. The Home Study Department has been established to assist such students in offering them instruction by mail. Books to facilitate the study of the Negro should be purchased for your library or school by raising the required sum on a day of Negro History Week set aside as the Book and Picture Fund Day. In every large city, or at least in one of the large towns of each State, there should be organized a branch of the Association to assist the national office in finding and sending to the archives of the Association such source materials of Negro history as letters, diaries and family records. Every seeker after the whole truth should be a member of the Association. The Negro History Week circular gives instructions as to procedure. Respectfully yours, C G Woodson C. G. Woodson, Director. c 2 I could not practice literally the suffrage that I had preached, however, for in the District of Columbia where I had lived for thirty years every body was disenfranchised, men and women, black and white, old and young, crazy and [wise] sane alike. At least there was no discrimination in the National Capital on account of [1] race, [2] sex, [4] class or [3] condition. When I arrived at the National Republican Headquarters to begin my work in New York, no place could be found for the office of the woman who had been appointed [to] Director of the Eastern Divisions. Up and down I went peering into every nook and corner, into every crack and crevice, only to be told that it was already that it had already been assigned to preemptied - somebody else. At last I found an open space for my head- quarters on the 3rd floor [with] which had no privacy whatsoever - But there were a few square feet of space, at least, which I could call my own and in which I could begin to function. First I had interviews with many colored women who had been engaged in the political activities of the city, some of whom were captains in their districts. [in New York City]. Each and every one of [whom] them pledged me her support. [that] which [was very gratifying] gratified and [encouraging to] encouraged me greatly, for I heard that efforts had been made to prejudice the Eastern women against me, both because I had no vote myself and had been sent to teach and because I was said to hail from the South. Then I tried to effect an organization by appointing women [in each State we] each of whom should take charge of the political work in her State. . The following is one of the first letters I sent out: Republican National Committee - New York City - Room 21. October 12, 1920. Dear Friend: I have been designated by the National [Directors] Republican Committee to take charge of the activities among colored women in the Eastern States. We want to reach [men and women] each and every woman in your State, so that she will register and vote for Warren G. Harding as president and Calvin Coolidge as vice president. There is very little time to do a great deal of work that must be done. Although we feel perfectly sure that there will be victory for the Republican party on Nov. 2nd, we must [not] neither sleep at the switch nor rest on our oars. Let us work as though we fear we [will] shall lose, and then we shall be sure to win. Please urge every woman with whom you come into contact to do her duty Washington, D. C., December 30, 1927. Mrs. Mary C. Terrell, 1615 S St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Coworker: Dr. George F. Bragg, Jr., of Baltimore will speak on "Men of Maryland" at the first monthly meeting of the local branch of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History at the Y. W. C. A., next Tuesday evening at 7:30 P. M. The branch is fortunate in presenting a speaker who is so well acquainted with the distinguished men and women of color whom Maryland has produced. Make, therefore, a special effort to come and bring many of your friends with you. I am happy to announce that the committee on the celebration of Negro History Week is working intensively on the program for the second week in February. Since Washington is the headquarters of our Association, we hope this year to point the way for other cities of the country. The many reports from various sections indicate that this cannot be done without the wholehearted support of every member of the Association and friend of the cause. Very sincerely yours, W. M. Brewer W. M. Brewer, President. 3 at the polls. By a miracle the 19th amendment has been ratified. Colored women all over the country now have a weapon of defense which they have never possessed before. It will be a shame and reproach to us if we do use it. However much the white women of the country need the suffrage, for many reasons which [I have not the time] will occur to you immediately, [the] colored woman need it a great deal more. If you do not use the franchise, we will give our enemies a stick with which to break our heads and we shall not be able to live down the reproach of our indifference for one hundred years. I am sure you will each do [her] your duty. I believe you are as eager to discharge [your] the duties and obligations of citizenship as I am. Hold meetings. Talk about going to the polls to vote with every woman you meet. Please let me hear from you. Send me the names and addresses of as many women in your city as possible. Your for victory Mary Church Terrell, Director of Eastern Division I delivered a large number of political speeches in the States of New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. During the morning I would work in my office take as late a train as possible for the place in which I was to [speak] talk that night, speak there [then take a] leave at midnight for New York, [go] sometimes going directly to [headquarters] my office and repeat the proceedings of the previous day. For instance I left New York one day at 1:03 in the afternoon and reached Newport that evening at 7. Rushed to [the] my stopping place, began to dress at 7:35, ate dinner, repacked my dress suit case, went to the church, delivered my speech [and] was on the boat again at 9:45, reached New York the next morning and [went to work as usual] left for Dover Deleware at 11 and arrived there at 4:22. [This campaign and right here I have to relate the only unpleasant experience I had during work appealed to me strongly. There was some new experience at each place people in The audience was very responsive and seemed to enjoy expressing their satisfaction and approbation. But on principle that there is no rose without a thorn so [Idid not sail thru this political campaign entirely on flowery beds of ease.]] ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA CHURCH DONALDSONVILLE, LA. (image) RECTORY (image) SCHOOL BUILDING MY DEAR FRIEND: I am the pastor of a small congregation of colored Catholics, about 400 in number. The Southland is known for its fertility in soil, for its sunshine, for its chivalry and also for its charity toward any and all causes, except those benefitting the negroes of the South. The poverty of the colored man of the South is nationally known. My little congregation cannot support me, much less raise money for improvements. We have to beg, not for ourselves, but for our colored missions. You see here a picture of my rectory and also one of my school. If your house is not as good as mine, and if you or your children went to a school worse than the one my little parishioners go to, you must know then how to sympathize with our condition. If on the other hand, you have been blessed with better conditions both ways, then your gratitude for these must at least make you wish that others could have the same advantages. As a Christian, and as a true one, you love your neighbor as yourself, hence your love for him must desire at least for him the same good things you wish for yourself and yours. Please inclosed find a coin card with several holes in it. Do not deposit it in your waste basket, but deposit it in the inclosed envelope, after you have filled up all the holes, or at least one of them. Then place a two-cent stamp on it and put it in the nearest mail box. Your work is done and I am enabled to start mine. For once, deprive yourself of the price of one theatre ticket, one taxi fare, one show in the movies or even of one good cigar. If these luxuries are not within your reach then show at least your good will and ask your friends. No one will refuse to help you a little for such a needy and deserving cause. Even a cup of water given to the thirsty in the name of the Lord, will be rewarded by Him. How much greater reward then can we bespeak for you for even the smallest sacrifice made, and the smallest donation given to the poorest of God's poor, the Negroes of the south. "What you have done to the least of these My brethern, that you have done to me." "For alms delivereth from death, and the same is that which purgeth away sins, and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting." Humbly yours in Xt., Rev. Jos. P. Van Baast S. S. J. Note -- No doubt you have been told to send your Mission donations to the Propagation of the Faith. Be sure and mention Donaldsonville Mission of Louisiana, otherwise I will not receive anything you send in. 4 [so my political campaign experience, delightful as it was in the main, was not without its trouble on one occasion at least.] And right here I have to relate the only upleasant experience that I had during the campaign. Less than five minutes after reaching Dover I was threatened with arrest. by the ticket agent there, the gentleman man who was to meet me at the station did not appear, so I went into the [telephone booth] [Both the Wilimington and the Dover directory were] to phone to him. Unfortunately I looked into the Wilmington Directory instead of the Dover , and did not find his name, of course. Since the Wilmi (They have both in the same book) Since there was no Bureau of Information in the station, I went to the window of the ticket office and saw a young man standing there reading a magazine. [*Can you tell me*] Are you acquainted with a colored man by the name of [Raikes] [Ross] Ross, I inquired. [Mr. Ri] Dover is not a large city and the man to whom I referred was well known both because he was a first class [painter] paperchanger and because he was actively engaged in the campaign. "I am a stranger here, Mr. Raikes was to meet me and I should like to find him." I explained. A man sitting in the ticket office behind the one addressed and said roughly "Go look in the telephone directory. "I have already looked into the directory before I came here, and I can not find his name." I tried to explained, "Go away from that window," the man stormed at me, and dont bother me any more." Thinking the man was provoked because he thought I had come to him for information before I sought it at the proper source, I tried to placate him by saying "I did not come to you till I had looked into the telephone directory." "Go away from that window," the ticket agent roared again, "or I'll have you arrested. I'll call the police." "For what?" I asked. He then [rus] rushed angrily to the [receiver] telephone, took down the receiver and began to talk. Naturally, I [was sure] thought he had carried out his threat. Feeling sure that the police would soon come to arrest me, I decided to ask Information for Mr. Raikes' number. While I was phoning I [looked] glanced up and saw the ticket agent standing at the door, looking at me and listening to what I said. At first I thought he had come to strike me, he was in such a towering rage. But, when he did not do so, I decided he had left the ticket office and had come to the telephone booth, so I could not leave the station till the police had arrived. Written by Mary Church Terrell. I wish "you all" had been here to see President Coolidge press a golden button which lighted the "official" Christmas tree of the National Capital. It was an interesting spectacle. There were some of the great ones of the nation. Never mind the names. [Secretary] Members of the Cabinet and others who belong to the inner circle were seated on a platform by the tree, while the marine band played until the President [attived] arrived. Standing directly in front of the platform on which the President and Mrs. Coolidge sat I had a fine close up view of the first lady of the land. I'll talk about the Christmas tree in a second. She is undoubtedly one of the most gracious personalities in the United States. She is full of smiles and seems to enjoy radiating good will all around her. She smiles just enough. Not too much, so that she makes herself ridiculous. And one [cannot help believing] who sees this smile is thoroughly convinced that it is not a made to order article either, but that it comes directly from her heart. She is perfectly natural, is Mrs. Coolidge. I wish some affected women who put on airs [enough to] in season and out would follow this example of being natural. Mrs. Coolidge wore a bright red hat with red slippers and was shielded from the cold by a handsome gray fur coat. I think it was squirrel. As soon as Mrs. Coolidge took her seat on the platform, she began to bow to those she recognized and seemed genuinely glad to greet them. There was nothing stiff in her manner and she did not worry about an over supply of dignity at all. The contrast between the graciousness of the First Lady and the solemn austere expression of her distinguished husband was striking, not to say painful. But everybody has seen President Coolidge in the movies and nobody who has ever beheld his bored look can ever forget it. I do not see how anybody can feel like smiling who lives with a human being whose face is forever clouded in gloom with only rare intervals of glee breaking thru. But Mrs. Coolidge is not affected by the President's aversion to "look pleasant" and [seems to] does her best by [hew] her own charming personality to counteract the effect of the gloom at her side. Just a word about that Christmas tree after I have referred to the 6 7/8 [which the Germans had wrought in France the miles upon miles of the wicked barbed wire with which they had interlaced the fields and the beautiful, age-old structures which had been shot to pieces. [*Preparations see below + *] [ See below ] [Nobody who saw] [Naturally the Argonne Forest] [*O*] [*2*] In this [the] Argonne Forest I plucked a piece of ivy which grew could fail to be impressed with the wonderful industry, near the grave of an American soldier and altho I carried it [* a long time *] many miles from pillar to poet one piece of it [lived] survived so that I have two living things to remind me constantly of France, a[n] French ivy vine which climbs up the side of my residence in Washington and one which clings to the front of my summer home near Annapolis on Chesapeake Bay. A night [* visit *] to the Argonne Forest + those + [everybody] who saw the Argonne Forest right after the World War must have been impressed with the fact that the Germans felt absolutely certain they would win it. [*O*] They had made of it a regular town with cemented houses, some of them prettily decorated. There was a grand stand in which the soldiers could listen to the band concerns and the [*a regular*] tiled bath rooms for a roylal [* Royal Highness *]. The little spades and the pewter spoons left by the Germans were still to be seen where they had been lef by their owners and I brought several of them home [with me]. [*O above*] [*Begin above 20*] [*Return to page 6*] [*O*] [*Insert Trotters case-+++*] + The Preparations made by the Germans in the Argonne Forest during the World War prove conclusively that they evidently intended to remain there forever and were sure of winning the world war. [*See above [*O*] they had made*]] Written by Mary Church Terrell. The Irish in the National capital are up in arms against the movies which ridicule their race, and they have just called a meeting to protest against them. Not long ago a motion picture was in one of the theatres which was described as a "vulgar and indecent [caracture of] caracature of the Irish race." A committee called on the manager of the theater to withdraw the picture or cut the objectionable portions out of it, because it was not a true portrayal of neighborhood life among Irish-American families and did not represent conditions which actually obtain. Another local theatre deleted portions of the picture [and] but when the Irish committee saw it, they [said it was still offensive to them] objected to it just the same. A demand has been made upon the Metro-Goldwyn Corporation to withdraw the offensive film entirely from the screen. A telegram was sent to Will Hays, the Czar of Moviedom, urging him to force that corporation to do so. Copies of this telegram were then forwarded to the owners of every motion picture theatre in the city. The Washington Irishmen are to make the organization national in scope. They are tired of having their race held up to ridicule and scorn. They are planning to censor motion pictures, plays, books and other literature that in any way have to do with Irish race and nationality. Thus as other groups try to defend themselves against the vicious propaganda circulated against them, so as to lower them in the estimation of their fellow citizens. What a world of similar propaganda has been hurled against the Colored-Americans for years and is still being shot at [them] him today! In the first place , the colored man is usually physically repulsive. On the stage and he never is represented as speaking correct English. He spouts [some] a kind of jargon which one rarely hears except in some remote, rural village , and then from its most ignorant inhabitant. He must make a monkey of himself, or he is not allowed to appear, as a general rule. The movies treat him little better. than the stage. Think of the monstrous injustice done the Colored-American by the "Tom Dixon's The Birth of a Nation" both on the stage and on the screen. Thousands who had been kindly disposed to our group, before they had seen that deliberate and wicked misrepresentation of it looked upon it after 2 asked for a leave of absence to go abroad as a delegate to the International Congress. I received the following letter from Mr. George E. Dickie, Director of the Field Department: My dear Mrs. Terrell: Thank you for the summary; it is a fine piece of work, and the classification workers are delighted with it. It will help us materially in understanding the problems of the cities you visited. We wish to express our appreciation of the devoted service that you have given W.C.C.S. thru the past months, and we willingly grant you a leave of absence to enable you to make the important trip abroad. Wishing you success in your new undertaking, Very sincerely yours, (signed) Geo. E. Dickie. Director Field Department. While I was working in Savannah Ga. Headquarters wired me [I had received a telegram] to come to New York immediately, [I began to make preparations immediately, for] I had only a few days in which to prepare for the voyage when I arrived and I had to go home to wash before I sailed. Incidentally [getting] securing a passport right after the World War was no easy matter. It was especially difficult to [secure a passport] get one [to] for France. The State Department [would not] refused to give passports to the 30 delegates and alternates as originally planned, and the number [was] had to be reduced to 15. Since Under the circumstances, there were so many women who would have [were] been glad to go as [a] delegates and who were [amply] financially able to do so, I felt that I had been signally honored by the Peace Party. Then after one secured her passport in Washington by the hardest, one had to have plenty of time for the visas in New York, at [all] the consulates of all the countries named in the passport, also at the office of the line in which passage had been booked as well as at the custom house of New York. It was advised also that some of the visa work had to be done at least 72 hours before sailing. But, the fates were very kind to me and I went thru the mill easily in two days. I was fortunate also in securing a fine large state room with only one other passenger, a young woman born in Holland whose parents owned [*had grown*] rich in Java, one of [Holland's] the Dutch possessions. With a party consisting of Miss Jane Addams, founder of Hull House and pres, Miss Jeannette Rankin, first woman to be elected to Congress, Mrs. Louis Post, Mrs. Florence Kelly, an official of the Consumer's League, Dr. Alice Hamilton, the first woman who was ever invited to lecture at Harvard University, Mrs. Lucia Ames Mead an official lecturer for the Peace Party and Mrs. John Jay White, a writer we sail WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE U.S. SectionWomen's International League for Peace and Freedom 1403 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Telephone Franklin 8218 Cable Wilus International President Jane Addams Hull-House Chicago, Ill. NATIONAL OFFICERS CHAIRMAN HANNAH CLOTHIER HULL 504 WALNUT LANE SWARTMORE, PA. VICE-CHAIRMAN MAUD RICHARDS 149 MURRA STREET ELIZABETH, N.J. DIRECTOR OF POLICIES EMILY GREENE BALCH 17 ROANOKE ROAD WELLESLEY, MASS. TREASURER FLORENCE G. TAUSSIG 4506 MARYLAND AVENUE ST. LOUIS, MO. RECORDING SECRETARY ALICE S. CHEYNEY 1724 EYE STREET N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. CHAIRMAN OF ORGANIZATION ELLA BOYNTON 211 EAST ONTARIO STREET CHICAGO, ILL. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DOROTHY DETZER 1403 H STREET N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. NATIONAL BOARD EMILY G. BALCH META S. BERGER ALICE S. CHEYNEY ALICE P. GANNETT ELIZABETH REYNOLDS HAPGOOD HANNAH CLOTHIER HULL KATHLEEN B. JENNISON LUCY BIDDLE LEWIS IDA C. LOVETT ALICE DUNBAR-NELSON MILDRED SCOTT OLMSTED JEANETTE RANKIN MAUD RICHARDS MARGARET F. SLOSS SELMA B. STONE FLORENCE G. TAUSSIG MARGARET LORING THOMAS STATE CHAIRMEN ELLA BOYNTON, ILL. MARTHA HELEN ELLIOTT, MASS. KATHLEEN McGRAW HENDRIE, MICH. BESSIE KIND, PA. JESSIE PALMER, MD. GERTRUDE SHOWELL, N.J. MAUD C. STOCKWELL, MINN. GRACE HOFFMAN WHITE, N.Y. December 8, 1925 Yesterday the annual message of the President to Congress was made public and in this message there was no reference whatever to the World Court. There has been a real response to our appeals to send letters to the President, urging him to keep open negotiations with European Powers until a satisfactory conclusion is reached. However, the present outlook with regard to Mexico is serious, and January 1st is the date when the crisis will be reached. The administration newspapers have hinted quite openly that Mr. Kellogg has made public the last notes between the governments of Mexico and the United States in order that the administration should get some re-action from the country. The issue is a justiciable one, involving "international law and equity" to use the words of Secretary Kellogg, and thus should be submitted to the Permanent Court of International Justice. Therefore, will you write today to the President and to Senator Borah of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urging them to submit this Mexican problem to the Court? Faithfully yours, Dorothy Detzer Executive Secretary D/m 3 I was asked. But that was not a difficult feat to perform at all. I simply requested the purser to lend me his machine for a short while [in the] each morning and he obligingly consented to do so. The rest was easy. We reached Paris Easter Sunday and had considerable difficulty in securing quarters. It was finally decided to go to the Hotel Continental. Miss Rankin invited me to take a room with [where Miss Jane Addams and Dr. Hamilton] her and we selected one next to that occupied by Miss Addams and Dr. Hamilton. Naturally [the] stopping at a hotel like the Continental was a very expensive proceeding indeed [right after the world war] and when the arrangements were made Miss Jeanette Rankin invited me to share a rrom with her which I did. It was a beautiful room and communicated with the one occupied by Miss Addams and Dr. Hamilton. After remaining in Paris for a while arranging the time and place for the International Congress it was finally decided to hold it in Zurich Switzerland from May 12 to the 17th, 1919/ At Attending this Congress was a interesting, as illuminating and as gratifying an experience as it falls to the lot of the average woman to have. Women from all parts of the world were present. But on sober, second thought it is more truthful to say that women from all over the white world were present. There was not a single, solitary delegate from Japan, China , India or from any other country whose inhabitants were not white. Since I was the only woman present who had a single drop of African blood in her veins, it was my duty and privilege not only to represent the colored women of the United States, but the whole continent of Africa as well. In fact since I was the only delegate who gave any color to the occasion at all it finally dawned upon me that I was representing the women of all the non-white countries in the world. I shall not attempt to mention in detail the subjects discussed or the measures proposed or the work actually done by the International Congress of Women which met in Zurich. Those women came together right after that awful World War in which millions of men were killed and other millions maimed for life, [and] not to mention the millions of women and children who were killed or who died as the result of the terrible conditions under which they were obliged to live and the unspeakable torture to which thousands of women both young and old were subjected, by soldiers without regard to country or race. No group of hu. POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY 14TH AND G STREETS, NORTHWEST WASHINGTON, D. C. WASHINGTON RAILWAY AND ELECTRIC SYSTEM H. A. BROOKS MANAGER, COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT APRIL 9, 1927 Mrs. M. C. Terrell, 1615 "S" St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Dear Madam: We acknowledge receipt of your check in the amount of $5.82 which pays in full the account covering charges for electric current furnished to your premises up to March 21st, as shown by the receipt inclosed. As you state that you did not receive the original February bill, we have cancelled on our records the additional charge of 31 {cent symbol} made for non-prompt payment of same. Thanking you for the remittance, we remain Very respectfully, POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER CO. BY H. R. FARVER HR Farver {SIGNATURE} ASST. TO MANAGER - COMMERCIAL DEPT. CK/LHS [*Notable Engagements*] Lecture Bureau [*Stopped with rich w's &c*] During my career on the Lecture Bureau I have spoken for individuals of all classes, colors ages and kind and for organizations founded for almost every purpose of which the human mind could conceive. I have spoken literally [*See copy p 2*] from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada to the Gulf. I HAVE DELIVERED ADDRESSes in practically every State of the South and in a goodly number of cities I have spoken several times. Altho I have told the plain, unvarnished truth, wherever I have filled engagements in the far South, I have never had any trouble whatsoever on account of the statements I made. or the opinions I expressed. While I HAVE never btten my tongue in the stating the facts, still I have never tried to make myself offensive and have always endeavored to use tact.. because I have always remembered that vinegar never catches flies. It is amazing how much a colored woman can say to white people in the South and how forcibly she can express herself about the injustice of which her race is the victime, if she only observes the usages of polite society and uses a bit of tact. Some of the finest testomonials I have ever received have come to me unsolicited from broad-minded white people of the South. On one occasion when I spoke in one of the largest cities of Texas. the president of the Bank sent me a letter by the principal of the colored schools saying that the white people of the South needed to hear my addresses on the Race Promblem more than the colored people and he would be glad to be one of several who would help finance an effort to [place me before] have me address white audiences in the southern states. In the South I have usually spoken for women's clubs, or for churches [or for some or] which wanted to raise money for some specific purpose designed to promote the welfare of the race. One of the pleasantest experiences I have enjoyed as a public speaker is the opportunity afforded me [t]to address the colored students in the colleges and public schools thruout the South. It has been an inspiration to see the fine young men and women,intent upon acquiring a thorough education in the splendid institutions in various parts of the South and it has given me a new lease on life to see the boys and girls flocking to the public schools. On the other hand I have really suffered For other and more fully developed illustrations see "AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?" an Outline for the Study of Race Relations in America, distributed for The Inquiry by Association Press, 347 Madison Avenue, New York, at $1.00 cloth bound or $.75 paper bound ($10.00 or $7.50 per dozen copies)-- more especially the following incidents dealing with children: Nos. 2,6,8, 15,16, 19, 23, 24, 30, 113, 161, 164. 82 When I was invited to deliver addresses for special occasions, as often happened, I had to make extra preparation , which consumed considerable time. I was constantly subjected to interruptions of all kinds. People conceived the idea that I had a great deal of "influence" and they wanted me to go with them to see those from whom they were seeking employment. If I told them I could do them no good, they did not believe me, so I had to sacrifice both [the] time and [the] strength to gratify them so as to prevent them from thinking I was disoblinging and mean. For many years I had no rights which the public felt bound to respect. I do not regret the time and strength consumed in trying to serve others. I can not help wondering, however, whether I might not have succeeded as a short story writer or a novelist, if the conditions under which I lived had been more conducive to the kind of literary work I Long so to do. It will surprise no one to have me frankly admit that the April morning [day] I received a letter from Germany inviting me to deliver an address at the International Congress of Women which would meet in Berlin in June was truly a red letter day in my life. It took my breath away for a second, for I had no idea that such an invitation would be extended. It was like the proverbial thunderclap out of a clear sky. I wanted very much to accept the invitation, of course. But how could I? In the first place, the financial aspect of the case had to be considered. What about the money necessary to finance the trip? And even if that were forth coming from a friendly sky, how could I summon courage enough to leave my family, especially my small daughter? But like most difficulties which seem impossible to smooth out, when they first appear, those which confronted me the morning [as soon as] I read that memorable letter soon [began to] dwindled in size and finally disappeared. Both My husband and my mother [was] were eager to have me go to Berlin. Mother could take care of my little daughter just asw ell as I could, she said, so that there was no reason in the world why I should decline the invitation on that account. Then I wrote to my father telling him about the great honor which had been conferred upon me and [the opportunity afforded] asked him to tell me what to do. Father was also eager to have me go, and promised to [give me some money, so that I could take] assist me in financing the trip. [*He promised to send me $300* ] Whenever [I began to] my courage seemed to be oozing away, and the horror of leaving my family seemed greater than I could endure I would think of the wonderful opportunity of presenting facts creditable to colored women of the United States which had been afforded me and my spirit[?] would immediately be revived. [Fearing it would be difficult for me to secure desirable accommodations in a steamer [in Washington] if I went to steamship office in Washington, [I sat up till long after midnight, sewing on some pretty linen dresses for my little daughter since I had very little time in which to make reservations after I had decided definitely to go to the International Congress, I went the office of the Nord Deutscher. After I had definitely decided to go abroad, I had very little time in which to arrange for the trip, so as to reach Berlin in time to deliver my address on the evening I was scheduled to appear. One of the officers consented to give up his room, so directly to [Baltimore] Lloyd in Baltimore. and succeeded in getting the room of one of the officers] After I had definitely decided to go abroad, there was very little time in which to [secure] make a reservation[s] on a steamer which would reach Berlin in time for me M. Philipsborn & Company, Inc. The House of Courtesy 608-614 Eleventh Street Washington, D.C. August , 1926 A PRIVATE SALE OF INTENSE INTEREST Presenting the Advance Styles--mostly studio models--of FALL SILK DRESSES Dear Madam: It isn't often that the exclusive designers are willing to relinquish their models before the season is fairly underway; but we've induced them to make an exception--permitting us to place on PRIVATE SALE--WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11th-- 600 CHARMING NEW FALL SILK DRESSES AT $25.00. They are representative of the most attractive of the models for fall--designed for all occasions--street, sports, afternoon--and dressier wear--and the assortment AS A WHOLE IS WORTH MORE AT PRODUCTION COST THAN THE SPECIAL PRICE. This is an event so really important that we want our regular patrons, like yourself, to have the full benefit--and for that reason we've planned the PRIVATE SALE for WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11th--in advance of the offering to the general public. You'll be well repaid by prompt attendance, for we have NEVER before been fortunate enough to hold a sale quite so interesting. Very truly yours, PHILIPSBORN. to deliver my address [Monday] the evening, [June 13th, on which] 1904 when I was scheduled to appear. After I had gone to several steamship offices in Washington, I saw that it would not be easy for a colored woman me to secure accommodations such as I desired for the price I was willing to pay, so I went directly to the office of the Nord Deutsch or Lloyd in Baltimore. There One of the officers consented to let me have his room on a one single-class steamer, so that the problem which at one time had assumed a very threatening aspect was thus easily solved. At the last minute a short while before the steamer sailed from Baltimore, my little six-year old who with her father had gone there to see me off begged me to take her with me. I was never more tempted to do anything in my life than I was to grant her request. But my husband argued me out of the notion by showing me how impossible it would be for me properly to attend to the business for which I was making the voyage and to care for a little girl among strangers at one and the same time. As soon as I reached Berlin, some of the German [The every evening I boarded] women who discovered I spoke German began to ask me about [the] "die Negerin" (the Negress) from the United States whom they were expecting to come. At first Ihthought they knew I was that individual and this was the German way of telling me so. But I soon learned that I was mistaken and that they had no idea they were talking to this unusual anthopological specimen [rare racial bird] whom they were seeking. The newspaper people were especially anxious to lay eyes upon this rate colored bird, so that they might [have an inter] interview her and each wanted to publish this interview in his or her particular paper first. "When will "die Negerin" [come] arrive?' some one would ask me innocently. "Haven't you seen her yet?" I would reply. "She is already here, I think. Why dont you ask some of the other delegates from the United States? Perhaps they can tell you where the Negress is." But the women from the United States dont speak German well enough for us to talk with them," they would sometimes complain. Finally, [After seeing] a dear little newspaper woman came to me and implored me to let her know just as soon as die Negerin arrived, so that she might have the first interview with her. I could not resist the temptation to confess then and there on the spot that I was the individual she sought. Her joy was great indeed, but her surprise was even greater. In relating this phase of my experience when I first reached Berlin, I have sometimes told my friends that the natives who were so eager to see what manner of person a Negro woman 1778 Willard Street, N. W. Washington D. C. June, twenty fourth, 1925. Mrs. Terrell 1615 S. Street N.W. Washington D. C. My Dear Mrs Terrell: I am very sorry that I will not be able to come to you at this time. Truly I hope that you will not be disappointed , or put to any disadvantage in any way. I am not feeling at all well and I think it is best for me to take a rest at this time. Many thanks to you for your very kind offer, and due appreciation, I am, Very sincerely yours. Marie Curtis (Miss)Marie Curtis. 3 would [could] be evidently surmised that she [I] had rings in her [my] nose as well as in her [my] ears , that she [I must] would probably both look and act look entirely differently from other women and that she [I] would perhaps [?] go cake-walking thru [about in] the streets, I had hardly reached Berlin before the German women began to complain because [about] both the British and the American women spoke in English."Five years ago," they would say, "the Quinquinnial was held in London. The women from the United States and England knew when that meeting [it] adjourned that the next one [meeting] would be held in Berlin. They have [had] had plenty of time to prepare their papers, so that they might be translated into German and read by some one familiar with the language, if they would not speak it themselves. As German women, they said we would not think of going to the United States and perpetrate long discourses in German upon an American audience on hot nights. If we could not speak English well enough to express our thoughts in it ourselves, we would have our papers translated Many of us can speak English well enough to carry on an ordinary conversation, into English and have somebody read them for us. And that is the wayglish to be sure, but we dont know the language well enough to understand a speaker and American women should treat us." who delivers a formal discourse, speaking rapidly at a distance from us,"so that we can not see the motion of his lips. seemed to me to be just. I was This criticism of the English-speaking women so sorry I had not decided to writemy address in German, before I left home. I had through of doing so, but when I broached the subject to my husband, he was violently opposed to the idea.. "Everybody speaks best in his own mother-tongue,: he would argue and you are no exception to a general rule. What you want to do over there both for your own sake and for the sake of the women you represnet is to do the best you can. And you certainly can do that best in the Engli language. " I was very much impressed with this argument. It appeal to my intelligence and I decided, not without many misgivings, however, to take his advice. But now that I was in Berlin and heard the Germans criticizing the Americans and English for perpetrating discourses on hot nights in a foreign language upon them, I realized [*See Page 31*] what a terrible blunder I [had made. I want to Mrs. Ida Husted Harper,] [*Page 6 2 days before &c*] [a well-known newspaper woman, who has since written a fine biography of Susan B. Anthony and told her I felt I had made a bigmistake, because I had not prepared myself to deliver my address in German. Mrs. Harper was dumbfounded, when she] M. Philpsborn & Company, Inc. The House of Courtesy 608-614 Eleventh Street Washington, D.C. June 14, 1926. Announcing An Extraordinary Private Sale of Superb Silk Frocks Dear Madam: We have just consummated what is beyond question the most remarkable purchase of many seasons--comprising Nearly 1000 Characterful Summer Frocks in Charming Crepe Silks So exceptional are the values that we feel we owe it to our regular patrons to give them the privilege of first choice--and so shall reserve Wednesday and Thursday---June 16th and 17th for a Private Sale to which you are not only cordially invited but urged to attend. In spite of the manifestly superior values the entire group will be offered at $9.75---really but a fraction of the actual worth The assortment embraces Dress for Street, Sports and Afternoon wear. They are products of one of the most famous studios of New York--noted not only for the decided originality of its designs, but for its high-grade productions--all of which makes this special price--$9.75--the more remarkable. Immediately following the Private Sale the remainder of the purchase will go on sale to the public--so we beg of you to get all of them you wish before the store closed Thursday night. Very truly yours, PHILIPSBORN'S 608-614 Eleventh Street 3 1/2 realized what a terrible blunder I had made. Two days before I delivered by address [was to appear I] however it was borne in upon me with tremendous force. [was convinced] that much that I wanted the foreign women to know concerning the condition of colored women in the United States would be lost to them, if I did not speak in German. In my per plexity I asked some American women for their advice They urged me not to attempt to write a new address and try to speak in German at that late hour. They showed me what a prodigious amount of labot it would involve, how much time ti would consume and what a nervous strian it would be for me to write what would be practically a new address in a foreign tongue just two days before I was to appear speak. They reminded me also that I had to speak twice the same day-once in the morning on the status of wage-earning colored women in the United States and again in the evening on an entirely different theme. I appreciated this advice, because I knew what actuated the women who gave it to me. They were genuinely interested in me any my appearance before that great assembly and they wanted me to do my best. O O But the more I thought of speaking in English to an audience the great majority of whom would not be able to understand an address delivered in it, the less inclined I was to do so. I was convinced that I would not be able to do the very thing I had crossed the sea to accomplishif I did not conveny my thoughts thru the medium of the language spoken in the country in which the Congress was held and which the majority who would hear me would understand. Finally I asked the opinion of Mrs. Ida Husted Harper, a well known newspaper correspondent who has since written a fine biography of Susan B. Anthony. She was greatly surprised to learn that I thought I could speak German well enough to attempt to make a public address in that language, but she declared without hesitation and with considerable emphasis that if it were possible for me to so do, she would advise me strongly to do it. From several other friends I receive the same advice. Finally one woman declared very emphatically, "well, Mary Church Terrell, if you" [laying great emphasis upon the word you, which I understood, of course)] can deliver an address in German and dont do so, I think you are a fool in 57 varieties of different languages." She laid great emphasis upon the word, "you" which I understood, of course. I decided then and there that I would deliver my address in German, if I had breath enough to speak. This conversation took place Saturday morning and the following Monday I was to speak. I hurried home and tried to write my address in German, Having M. Philipsborn & Company, Inc. The House of Courtesy 608-614 ELEVENTH STREET Washington, D. C. April 9, 1927 Dear Madam: As a regular Charge Patron, you are invited to two special events offering newest Apparel at generous savings. Tuesday, April 12 SALE OF NEW EASTER DRESSES $22 EVERY DRESS IS A SPECIAL VALUE AND WAS CHOSEN ESPECIALLY FOR EASTER Over 400 Delightful New Frocks that we feel sure you will purchase two or more at this Very Special Price New Sport Frocks New Bridge Frocks New Afternoon Modes New Semi-formal Modes These are New Lace Combinations, New Net and Silk Ideas, New Georgettes, New Print Models, New Silks and Chic Sport Types. Sizes for Matron and Miss EVERY NEW COLOR AND COLOR COMBINATION. ALSO DEMANDED NAVY AND BLACK AND WHITE Dress Shops--Second Floor SALE OF NEW EASTER HATS $5.00 HATS WORTH FAR MORE THAN THE SALE PRICE. EVERYONE IS BRAND NEW A collection of charming new Hats that you will instantly adore. And we cannot too strongly emphasize the exceptional values New Crocheted Straws Feather-weight Felts New Novelty Straws New Black Satins Every Hat is an exact copy of a higher- priced model. There are small, close-fitting types and larger, brimmed models. Styles for Dress, Sports and semi-formal wear EVERY NEW COLOR IS PROMINENT, AND SMART UP-TO-THE MINUTE DETAILS INDIVIDUALIZE EVERY HAT Hat Shops--Fourth Floor These Events for our CHARGE PATRONS ONLY One Day Only! Tuesday April, 12th Very truly yours, PHILIPSBORN'S 608-614 Eleventh Street 4 done the best I could I took it to a translator for correction. Then I rushed home and began to read it over and over again, so as to familiarize myself with it. Perhaps it is well to state here that as soon as I went aboard the Nord-Deautsher LlOyd steamer in Baltimore I began to speak German to the crew, The waiters, the stewardesses, the stewards were all pleased to speak their mother tongue with the passengers who wished them to do so. Moreover I drew from the library a most interesting love story- a thick volume a blood and thunder love story which I read from cover to cover. Having thus steeped myself in German continuously for nearly two weeks on a slow sailing steamer, I discovered when I landed in Bremeb that I could both speak and understand it about as well as I had ever done, altho I had neither spoken nor read the language for nearly fifteen years. This proves that while languages seem to be in rates of the deepest die, in that one can forget them so soon, if one does not speak them continually, still it is remarkable how easily and quickly it is possible to relarn them, whenone tries to renew the acquaintance after a long period. When I first reached Berlin I had gone to one of the hotels recommended to the delegates. But I had been there but a single day, before the Committee on entertainment informed me that I had been invited to stay with Herr and Frau Dr. Ginsberg. At first I demurred a bit, because I thought it would be better for me to remain at the hotel. But the good lady who had notified me of the arrangements which had been made insissted upon my accepting the hospitality provided for me and told me that the host and hostess would be very much disappointed i I declined. The wealthiest and best people in Berlin were deeply interested in the Congress and proved the extent of their interest in a most substantial way. In some of the elegant homes placed at the service of the Committee delegates and speakers were entertained and in others magnificent receptions were held. I was the guest of one of the most prominent families in Berlin. Not one room, but a ssuite was placed given me at my disposal , while my gracious hostess assigns me a maid who stood ready to answer my every beck and call. The residence of my host was located in one of the most desirable sections of that beautiful city an the appoinments were the very last word in elegance and taste. [*See page 5 as soon as I came home*] May 15th 1926 Dear Fellow Worker: The Chairman of the Joint Interracial Committee of Washington, Dr. Stokes, has arranged after conference with the Secretary to have Dr. Alexander (white) of Atlanta, the head of the Interracial Commission's work in the South, and Dr. Haynes (colored) of New York, Secretary of the Interracial Committee of the Federal Council of Churches, meet with the Washington Interracial Committee on Wednesday, June 9th. The meeting will be held at four p. m. at the office of the Federation of Churches in the Woodward Building. As this will give the members of the Committee the best possible opportunity to hear what has been accomplished by Interracial Committees in other cities, and to ask questions, it is hoped that there may be a full attendance of all the members of the Joint Committee. Very truly yours , Emmett J. Scott Secretary 5 and told me that the host and hostess would be very much disappointed if I declined. [When I reached the] The apartment to which I was conducted was located in one of the most desirable [beautiful] sections of that beautiful German city, and the appointments were the very last word in taste and elegance. Moreover, my gracious hostess gave me a assigned me suite of rooms consisting of a bed room, a sitting room and a private bath and assigned me a maid whose duty it was to assist and serve me in any way she could. As soon as I came home Saturday noon with the determination to write and deliver my address in German, I told the little maid not to admit anybody, to my apartment, no matter who it might be, because I would be too busy to see any visitor. I had left the [gone into] the sitting room but [bed room for] a few minutes Sunday evening and when I returned [to the sitting room], I found a man there who looked as though he might be an anarchist. When I recovered my speech I remonstrated with the little maid for admitting the stranger. But she was evidently very much agaitated and explained most apologetically that she had tried to keep the man out, when he asked to see me, but that he had pushed himself in, in spite of her efforts to restrain him [keep him out]. The man whose hair stood up straight all over his explained that he was a reporter from Austria, and wanted to interview me. As I was telling him I was very busy and could not see him then, his eye fell upon my manuscript in German. "Was ist [denn] das?" he inquired, picking the paper up and reading it. "Ah."said he, gloatingly, "you are going to deliver your address in German!" [aren't you?] The cat was out of the bag. There was no use denying it. I have [been] rarely been more provoked with any human being than I was with that man. I had intended to keep it a secret from everybody. I enjoyed anticipating how surprised the audience [everybody] would be to hear me deliver my speech in German. But there was no use denying anything now. He had the evidence in his hands with his eyes glued upon it. "No matter how well, you speak German, he said, "you have made some mistakes, I am sure. I am going over this manuscript with you." There was no use objecting to it. He was bound to have his way. He did go over the manuscript carefully, making suggestions here and there which he said would improve it. Several times he cut a long sentence into two, saying that the very long German sentence was out of style-quite passe now. Again he would substitute a word which he preferred to the one I had used. "That is not conversational Phones, Main 6557-6558-2989 Established 1849 A. Eberly's Sons, Inc. Wholesale Automotive Equipment - Stoves and Hardware 718 Seventh Street N. W. Washington, D. C. May 14, 1927 Judge Robert H. Terrell, 1615 S Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Judge: Let us tell you about a new service we have inaugurated which will enable you to make any needed repairs or improvements on your home. By this plan, you can consolidate all of your obligations into one, and pay it off in small monthly payments convenient to you. Without any obligation to you, our representative will call and go over the details with you. Phone us or sign and mail the enclosed card, indicating when it will suit you to have our representative call. Truthfully yours, A. Eberly's Sons, Inc., J. C. Ward Manager. Suggestions Roof Repairs, Heating Installation or Repairs, Plumbing, Tinning, Painting, Papering, Plastering, Electrical Wiring and New Fixtures, Carpentering, Cement Work, etc. etc. jcw-k encl. [*as soon as those words escaped my lips one [?] correspondent who sat at the very long [?reception] table have arose from his seat, stamped his foot and exclaimed audibly Die Schame! What a shame Shame*] Paris, 4 Rue Martel. Telephone Main 123 London, 39 Jewel Crescent, E. L. JL WOMEN'S AND MISSES' APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES. Frank R. Jelleff INC. 1216 F Street N. W. Washington, D.C. Madelon Anniversary The lovely new Madelon Styles for September in a Private Showing Monday, August 31st., Fourth Floor In the afternoon, Living models will assist in the display. September is the First Anniversary of the birth of the Madelon idea and the MADELON Selections for the month have therefore been selected with a view to extra beauty and extra value. To show these lovely garments adequately an to visualize for you the rapid growth of the Madelon idea, we present this collective Fashion Exhibit of Madelon Models selected by a fashion committee of forty experts. Madelon Frocks - $39.50 Madelon Coats - $69.50 (For Women and Misses) Madelon Hats - $12.50 Madelon Stockings - $1.95 Madelon Coats for Juniors $39.50 Madelon Frocks for Juniors $25.00 Starting a year ago with Frocks alone, the Madelon idea has grown by leaps and bounds, so that today this group of stores is buying both apparel and accessories in the wide range noted above in answer to the demand of Madelon patrons from Coast to Coast. Starting a year ago with Frocks alone, the Madelon idea has grown by leaps and bounds, so that today this group of stores is buying both apparel and accessories in the wide range noted above in answer to the demand of Madelon patrons from Coast to Coast. MADELON first of all means STYLE - equally important in Madeon is QUALITY - and most important to every woman in Madelon is PRICE. Come! See this Exhibit of Fashion! Learn more of Madelon. FRANK R. JELLEFF, Inc. 6 enough," he would comment."It is too formal." And so , when he had finished, I knew felt that my German speech was letter perfect, which was a great relief to my mind. During each of the two nights preceding that eventful evening I slept just 3 hours by the clock I could not help feeling that this extraordinary experience was truly providential. All night long I studied that speech, sleeping perhaps, about two hours altogether. Monday morning I gave a short talk in German without notes on the conditions which confront self-supporting colored women in the United States. There were several functions which had been arranged for the delegates and speakers during the day [in the] which I did not think was right for me to miss, so although I wanted to spend every min of the time the [entire day] time studying the address I was to deliver that night, I participated in them just the same. After I discovered that practically nobody realized that I was "die Negerin" in whose appearance [they] people were so interested, I decided to say something in the very beginning of my discourse which would impress that fact upon my audience. I wanted to be sure that they knew I was of African descent. As soon as I arose, there fore, I said "if it had not been for the War of the Rebellion which resulted in victory for the Union Army in 1865, instead of addressing you as a free woman to night, in all human probability I should be on some plantation in one of the southern states of my country, manacled body and soul in the fetters of a slave. [*over*] In all this great world fathering of women I continued I believe I am uniq in two respects . In the first place, I am the only woman participating in these exercises who represents a race which has been free for so short a time as forty years. In the second place, I am the only woman who will speak from this platform whose parents were actually held as chattels and who but for the kindly intervention of a beneficent providence would herself have been a slave. As you fasten your eyes upon me, therefore, you are truly beholding a rare bird, indeed. [And so I stand here tonight] The audience laughed and applauded this remark for rare bird for this was translated into German as "ein weisser Rabe", which means literally " a white robin." "And so, as I stand here to night," I continued, my happiness is two-fold, rejoicing as I do, not only in the emancipation of my rafe, but in the almost universal elevation of my sex. If any one had had the courage to predict fifty years 6 enough," he could comment. "It is too formal. And so, when he had finished I knew that my German speech was letter perfect, which was a great relief to my mind. During each of the two nights preceding the eventful evening I slept just three hours by the clock. But I felt then as I feel now that no amount of trouble and toil is too great to be undertaken and endured in behalf of a cause which one has dedicated her ability and consecrated her powers. one wishes to represent well. MINUTES OF MEETING OF JOINT COMMITTEE ON RACE RELATIONS. The Joint Committee on Race Relations met at the office of the Federation of Churches, Thursday, April 8th, 1926. The following members of the Committee were present: Rev. Anson Phelps Stokes, Rev. D. Butler Pratt, Mr. Clarence Aspinwall, Dr. W. Sinclair Bowen, Mr. William Knowles Cooper, Mrs. Archibald Hopkins, Mrs. N. E. Woolever, Rev. Robert W. Brooks, Rev. W. D. Battle, Rev. J. Milton Waldron, Mr. John R. Hawkins, Dr. Emmett J. Scott, Miss Nannie Burroughs, Rev. S. J. Porter, Mrs. William Adams Slade, Prof. Garnet C. Wilkinson, Mrs. Martha A. McAdoo, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell. In each of these cases, Dr. Stokes advised that engagements of an important nature interfered to prevent attendance at this time, the first meeting of the Joint Committee, and an "excuse" was ordered recorded in each case. The meeting was called to order by Dr. W. L. Darby, Executive Secretary of the Washington Federation of Churches, was also offered prayer. After a short preliminary discussion, it was decided to proceed to the election of a Chairman for the Joint Committee. Dr. Anson Phelps Stokes, Canon of the Washington Cathedral, was unanimously elected to that position. Upon taking the Chair he outlined in brief detail the important work which such a Committee can do and invited the cooperation of all present in the effort to be put forth to promote the results being sought by the Inter-racial Committee. Rev. Robert W. Brooks, pastor of the Lincoln Congregational Church, was elected Vice-President,and Mrs. H. E.Woolever, President of the Local Branch of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Church, was elected Second Vice- President. Dr. Emmett J. Scott, Secretary-Treasurer of Howard University, was elected Secretary. It was,upon motion, VOTED: That the Chairman be authorized to extend an invitation to Dr. W. W. Alexander and Dr. George E. Haynes to meet with the Joint Committee at some time in the near future,at which time a survey of the work being carried on in various parts of the country may be made by thewe representatives of the Federal Council of Churches. An informed discussion followed as to the lines of activity which should be considered by the Joint Committee: (1) Dr. Waldron suggested that in connection with the various radio addresses made from time to time, a well-balanced statement with reference to the relations of the Negro population of the District of Columbia to other citizens might be helpful. (2) A Bureau of Information was suggested as a means of affording access to facts from time to time regarding matters affecting racial relations. (3) Mrs. Hopkins suggested that something should be done to improve the alley housing conditions. (4) Dr. Stokes deprecated glaring headlines in newspapers which label offenders against law and order by race and color as promoting unreasonable prejudices against classes. 7 ago that a woman of African blood in her veins would journey from the United States to Germany to address the International Congress of Women in 1904, he would either have been laughed [to] out of court or he would have been adjudged insane." [*over*] [And then I told of the progress which colored women had made in the short space of 40 years both in education and finance.in spite of almost insurmountabl obstacles which they had been obliged to overcome.] When I finished the audience applauded tumultuously. There was a perfect Bable of tongues rininging in my ears. Women of different nationalities who sat near me were congratulating me, I presume. For several minutes the applause continued and somebody suggested that I arise and bow, This I did mechanically, for I was bewildered by the unexpectedly hearty reception which had been given my address. The presiding officer tried to call the audience to order. [rang what sounded and looked like a dinner bell to call the audience to order, but the applause went on] Instead of using a gavel for that purpose the Germans ring what sounds and looks like a dinner bell. But the applause continued in spite of the bell, until I had arisen from my seat and bowed like a primma donna three times. I had scarcely looked at my manuscript, for I had read and studied [my manuscript] it so thoroughly, [that] it had become a part of me. I had only one thought in my mind. I wanted to place represent the colored women of the United States in the most favorable light possible, I realized too that I not only represented the colored women of my own country, but, since I was the only woman taking part in the International Congress who had a drop of African blood in her veins, I represented the whole continent of Africa as well. I felt, therefore, that atremendous responsibility was resting upon me and the nervous strain was great. I have always believed that the ovation I received from that [foreign] Berlin composed audience as it was of people from all over the worl was due largely to the fact that a descendent of slaves could speak a foreign language so well that she could deliver deliver an address in it. In referring to my appearance before the International Congress, Monsieur Remy [In an article written by Mrs. Ida Husted Harper, special correspondent] correspondent of the Paris Temps said: "The woman who made the best appearance [for the Washington Post, she refers to my effort before the International Congress] on the platform was Mrs. Terrell of Washington,a lady of Andalusian complexion, [as follows: "A most significant] who in ease of manner, gracefulness,and force of gesture and naturalness of edpression was ahead of all the 'oratrices.' Mrs. Terrell spoke in German with the same fluency and ease as in her native tongue. " In reporting this meeting Mrs. Ida Husted Harper, special correspondent for the Washington Post commented as follows: "A most significant feature of [*For [nearly half an hour] more than half an hour I spoke in German to that great audience in that wonderful Philharmonic on the 14th of June 1904 on the progress and the problems of colored women in particular as well as confront thing race as a whole [on several principles] I forget myself. I forgot everything on the world except the cause I was trying to represent. I told my auditors about our progress and our hopes and I told them frankly about our persecution and our despair.*] [*When I had &c Page 7*] WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE U.S. SectionWomen's International League for Peace and Freedom 522 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Telephone Franklin 8218 Cable Wilus International President Jane Addams Hull-House Chicago, Ill. NATIONAL OFFICERS CHAIRMAN HANNAH CLOTHIER HULL 504 WALNUT LANE SWARTHMORE, PA. VICE-CHAIRMAN MAUD RICHARDS R.F.D. CRESSONA ROAD POTTSVILLE, PA. DIRECTOR OF POLICIES EMILY GREENE BALCH 17 ROANOKE ROAD WELLESLEY, MASS. TREASURER FLORENCE G. TAUSSIG 4506 MARYLAND AVENUE ST. LOUIS, MO. RECORDING SECRETARY ALICE S. CHEYNEY 259 SO. 44TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA. CHAIRMAN OF ORGANIZATION ELLA BOYNTON 360 NO. MICHIGAN AVE. CHICAGO, ILL. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DOROTHY DETZER 522 17TH STREET N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. NATIONAL BOARD EMILY G. BALCH META S. BERGER ALICE S. CHEYNEY ALICE P. GANNETT ELIZABETH REYNOLDS HAPGOOD HANNAH CLOTHIER HULL KATHLEEN B. JENNISON LUCY BIDDLE LEWIS IDA C. LOVETT ALICE DUNBAR-NELSON MILDRED SCOTT OLMSTED JEANETTE RANKIN MAUD RICHARDS MARGARET F. SLOSS SELMA B. STONE FLORENCE G. TAUSSIG MARGARET LORING THOMAS STATE CHAIRMEN ELLA BOYNTON, ILL. MARTHA HELEN ELLIOTT, MASS. KATHLEEN McGRAW HENDRIE, MICH. BESSIE KIND, PA. JESSIE PALMER, MD. GERTRUDE SHOWELL, N.J. MAUD C. STOCKWELL, MINN. GRACE HOFFMAN WHITE, N.Y. Friends of Peace: AMERICA NEEDS YOUR HELP AGAIN! The lifting of the existing embargo on arms to Mexico is threatened. This set, in all probability, would plunge Mexico into revolution and then intervention by the United States would automatically follow "to protect life and property." A state of War with Mexico would then be declared. The vote of 79-0 in the Senate in favor of Arbitration of the Mexican difficulty was directly due to the prompt and overwhelming demand for Arbitration by the people of this country. According to press reports "the deluge of letters and telegrams to the Senate was unprecendented" and "never has there been such an outpouring of public opinion." We need this outpouring of public opinion again-NOW-AT ONCE! Will you not wire or write immediately to the President-and get 10 other people to do the same -- urging him to not lift the embargo on arms to Mexico and begging him again to submit our difficulties to Arbitration? Our goal is 100,000 messages to the President by April 1st. WE WON A VICTORY FOR ARBITRATION IN THE SENATE - WE MUST WIN IT NOW IN THE WHITE HOUSE! Faithfully yours, DOROTHY DEXTER, Executive Secretary. 8 the congress has been the reception [given] accorded Die SCHAME! to the two addresses given by Mrs. Mary Church Terrell of Washington, D.C., former president of the National Association of Colored women, and for five years a member of the School Board [of Washing] in the District of Columbia. Mrs. Terrell is a graduate of Oberlin and studied for a year in Berlin and a year in Paris, so she was able to deliver one speech in excellent German and one in equally good French. This achievement on the part of a colored woman, added to a fine presence and added to the eloquence of her worlds carried the audience by storm and she had to respond three times to the encores before they were statisfied. It was more than a personal triumph, it was a triumph for her race. Mrs. Terrell has been included in all the courtesies." [Mrs Harper also] In an editorial the Washington post declared that "the hit of the Congress was made by Mrs. Terrell of Washington. who delivered one speech in German and another in equally good French." Mrs. Terrell is a colored woman and appears to have been beyond every other of our delegates, prominent for her ability to make addresses in other than her own language..." since four-fifths of the speeches were made either in German or French said Mrs. Harper,, "this fact tended very effectually to deprive American women of being the main part of the show, as they have been at all the other congresses," remarks Mrs. Harper, "it will be necessary for them to extend their aquaintance with foreign languages." [*Over*] Before leaving the International Congress of Women it is my duty to refer to the marvelous social functions which had been arranged and in which I participated. It was the consensus of opinion among all the delegates that the Berlin Congress had set a pace which it seemed impossible ever to equal. The opening of the Congress was preceded Sunday evening by a concert such as one can have only in Germany. The orchestra composed of one hundred young women, perfectly trained by a woman leader. [Five invitations for one afternoon were not unusual.] It was given in Philharmonie Hall and followed by a banquet to 2000 guests. [who sat] before whom the delicacies of the season were spread as well a the choicest wines. It would be impossible to name and describe all the social functions given in honor of the delegates to the International Congress to each and every one of which I was invited and most cordially received. The Honorable Charlemagne [*In commenting upon the facts I Presented in my address it was the consensus of opinion in the European press that the advancement made by the colored people of the United States was a veritable miracle of modern times. So great was the interest aroused in the Race Problem of this country [*race problem in this country that*] that requests for articles on the subject came from newspapers and magazines [*newspapers & magazines*] in Germany, France, Austria, England, Norway and other lands.*] THE WOMANS PRESS PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT NATIONAL BOARD OF THE YOUNG WOMENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS 600 LEXINGTON AVENUE NEW YORK CITY CABLE ADDRESS: OUTPOST, N. Y. TELEPHONE: PLAZA, 4700 YWCA The ASSOCIATION MONTHLY December , 1920 Dear Friend: Mrs. Harriet Stanton Blatch in her new book, "A Woman's Point of View: Some Roads to Peace", flings out this challenge to the women of the world, "PEACE WILL COME WHEN THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN IS FULLY EFFECTIVE." Mrs. Blatch analyzes the sources of evil feeding the spirit of conflict -- and she suggests four great roads which may lead to peace and the saving of our civilization. She shows how woman's influence can lead the way along these "four great roads." Women are thinking: They are not satisfied with superficial optimism. They are demanding facts upon which to base their judgments. "A Woman's Point of View" is a book of facts with a thoughtful constructive program for progress. A prominent educator said recently, "I wish I could recommend the reading of Mrs. Blatch's book to every thinking woman citizen in this country. Her summing up of the present kind of modern education is splendid." We believe that you will want to add Mrs. Blatch's book to your winter reading list. It will be sent to you promptly if you will mail the enclosed order form to-day. Very truly yours, MAUD B. CHANDLER THE WOMANS PRESS Sales Department ---------- For the $___enclosed please send _____copies of THE WOMANS POINT OF VIEW: Some Roads to Peace by Harriot Stanton Blatch $1.25 per copy to__________ __________ __________ 9 Tower, then United S tates Ambassador to Germany, honored me at the reception which he gave in a special way. An elegant garden party was given by Count von Bulow, Minister of Foreign affairs, who lived in the mansion formerly occupied by the great Bismark and Count von Posodonsky, the Minister of the Interior, so that the delegates were thus afforded an opportunity ot meeting those distinguish German statesmen and their wives as well as of seeing those historic mansions in the very heart of Berlin. [*X Below -- *] Five invitations for one afternoon were not unusual. Every delegate and speaker was invited to attend a performance at any theatre to which she cared to go, free of charge. At many of the receptions the most renowned singers and artists of that day had been secured for the entertainment of the guests. [*O X*] There are few other cities, if any, in which provate mansions are surrounded by such grounds as were then in Berlin. The trees showing growth of half a century or more, the indescribable luxuriance of vines and shrubs, the fountains and statues, the wealth of roses and other fragrant flowers, the long stret of green turf all made one feel that he was walking thru a veritable paradise on earth. [made a scene which one could easily imagine resembled] [*X See below*] [*0*] at the close of the session the City of Berlin gavea banquest which seemed less like a reality than a dream, when one looked at the hall of almost barbaric splendor, in which the delici ous feast was spread, beheld the artistic decorations, listened to the heavenly music for which Germany is so justly famous, and drank in the secene as a whole. [* + * *] But even these were surpassed by magnificen[t country estates,whose gardens are terraced down to the shores of the river or,lake . At least hal a dozen parties were given at these. [In several instances] The guests went out by train and inseral instances the government helped the hostesses entertain by graciously placing at their disposal its pretty boats for little trips on the water. [* - See above*] In [*+*] marvelling at the magnificentescale on which we had been entertained one woman who occupied a conspicuous position in one of the largest organizations in the United States confessed to me that if she ever heard [that] the International Congress was to meet in her country, she would pack up bag and baggage before it convened and leave for parts unknown. Nothing which could possibly contribute to the suc cess of the meeting was left undone. No expense was spared. Everything which cou could add to the pleasure or comfort of the guests was carefully arranged. Fourth International Congress Washington - Spring of 1924 Miss Jane Addams, International President PAX Sixth International School Chicago - Spring of 1924 WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM SECTION FOR THE UNITED STATES ROOM 301, 1403 H STREET NORTHWEST WASHINGTON, D. C. NATIONAL CHAIRMAN MRS. LUCY BIDDLE LEWIS LANSDOWNE, PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL TREASURER MISS SOPHIA H. DULLES 1403 H STREET N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. CHAIRMAN OF MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE MRS. JOHN JAY WHITE 122 E. 76TH STREET NEW YORK CITY NATIONAL SECRETARY MISS AMY WOODS TELEPHONE FRANKLIN 8218 CABLE WILUS CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 1924 MISS MARY H. INGHAM 1403 H STREET N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. ASSOCIATE SECRETARY MRS. MARTHA TRIMBLE 7646 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS OFFICE SECRETARY MISS FLORA B. SURLES February 21, 1924 To the members of the National Committee, International Congress, 1924. Immediately after authorizing the invitation for the Fourth Biennial International Congress of the W.I.L., to be held in the United States, the National Board appointed the following members to the National Committee for the Congress: Miss Addams Miss Balch Mrs. Lewis, Pennsylvania Miss Woods, Washington, D.C. Mrs. Atkinson, Detroit Miss Ingham, Washington, D.C. Miss Holbrook, Chicago Mrs. Stockwell, Minnesota Mrs. Mead, Boston Mrs. Mathes, Chicago Miss Baber, Chicago Miss Boynton, Chicago The Committee is now reinforced by the addition of the following, all of whom are already at work for the Congress. Will those who have not heard from the Chairman, please take this as a notification of membership? Mrs. Mary Lippicott, Penn. Mrs. Elliott, Boston, Mrs. Helen K Read, New Jersey Miss Alice P. Gannett, Cleveland Miss Mabel E. Griswold, Wisconsin Miss Emily E. Dobbins, California Mrs. Norman Hapgood, New York Mrs. Leach, New York Mrs. Caroline G. Granger, Phila. Miss Sophia H. Dulles, Phila. Mrs. William I. Hull, Penn. Mrs. Jonothan Steere, Penn. Mrs. Cumberson, San Francisco Mrs. Fred J. Tausig, St. Louis Mrs. Martha Trimble, Washington Mrs. Milton Fuldheim, Milwaukee Miss Hazel Edgar, Washington Miss Kittredge, New York Mrs. John Jay White, New York Mrs. Robert Clancy, San Francisco Mrs. E. R. Tait, Palo Alto, Cal. Mrs. Edna Burd Merrill, New Jersey Mrs. Edith E. L. Boyer, Dayton Mrs. Annette Roberts, Milwaukee Mrs. Clara M. Meikle, Baltimore Mrs. Hyman, Washington. Yours very truly, Mary H. Ingham Chairman, National Committee, International Congress, 1924. 10 The aftermath of my address had one amusing feature at least, During the first meal I took as a guest in the home of my hosttess the problems confronting several lands were discussed. Among these references to the disabilities of the Jews in Germany were made. I expressed great sympathy My hosts told me about the injustices of various kinds to which Jews in Germany were subjected. I expressed great sympathy with the oppressed group. Then somebody at the table asked me quite naively whether I thought [about the status of the Negro] in the United States and the Negroes in the United States were capable of being well [highly] educated and of reaching a high degree of culture. I thought it was rather a frank question for a man who was considered himself well educated. [laid claims to education] and highly cultured [himself] to ask me but I assured him rather emphatically that they could be and had proved it by the splendid records by made individuals over and over again. Then somebody else reminded me of the terrible crimes committed by Negroes and rather sympathized with the [southern] people who took the law into their own hands and lynched the brutes. Again I defended the maligned group by stating that many of the stories they had heard and read were absolutely false. and gave a few statistics to prove what I said. In trying to explain the situation [in my coutry] I declared [explained] that just as the Jews are misrepresented and disliked [hated] in Germany so [the] Negroes in the United States were victims of falsehoods and hatred Although I could not help wondering why my hosts so many could discuss so nonchantly the vices and defects charged against the Negro, and express such uncomplimentary opinions about him, I did not allow myself to become riled or peeved in the least. The day after I delivered my address Frau Herr Doctor and Frau G were very much embarrassed indeed. They told me they had no idea I was what is called a Negro in the United States. They knew, they said that a "Negerian" was going to deliver an address before the Congress, but they had not remembered her name and had not dreamed I was that individual. They expressed great regret over the questions they had propounded with reference to the group with which I am identified and assured me that they would never have done so. if they had know the facts. In the meantime I had heard by the merest accident that my host and hostess were Jews. [I, too, had been in sack cloth and ashes about some questions I had asked] I had not had the slightest suspicion that they were. There was nothing either in their physical appearance [to indicate it] or in anything else to indicate that they were Hebrews. So I, too, had [some] a few compunctions of conscience about certain questions. I had asked about Jews. And, while I had said nothing uncomplimentary about them, I certainly would not have illustrated several points by alluding to their status in Germany and comparing [their status] it with that of the colored people of the United s tates, if I had known that my host and hostess were jews. [*Over*] [*The wealthiest and best people in [Berlin were deeply interested in the Congress and manifested their interest in the most substantial way. In some of the elegant homes placed at the service of the Committee of Arrangements delegates or speakers were entertained while in others magnificent receptions were held.]*] [Here was] Some of [the] our friends in Berlin who heard about this incident were very much amused [at this incident]. Here was a Jew entertaining a Negro unawares [without knowing it] while the Negro had no idea she was the guest of Jews. I had no cause to [fear] suspect that my hosts wd have objected to entertain me, if they had [known] to what racial group I belong before they opened their home to me. On the contrary they assured me that they were glad I had been [delighted to extend me the courtesy and since actions speak louder than words I believed them.] assigned to their home, were delighted to extend me the courtesy. And since actions speak louder than words I believe them. [*Emma Lee Williams Secretary Harriet Gibbs Marshall, President Archibald S. Pinkett, Treasurer Endowment Fund $100,000.00 Washington Conservatory of Music and School of Expression (Incorporated) 902 Tea Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Checks may also be sent to THE LINCOLN NATIONAL BANK, Washington, D.C. BOARD OF TRUSTEES HON. H.B.F. MacFARLAND, Ex-Commissioner, Wash., D.C. DR. W.E.B. DuBOIS, of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People PERCY FOSTER, Foster PIano Co., Wash., D.C. MRS. ADDIE HUNTON, Nat. Organizer. Y.W.C.A., N.Y. CHARLES W. MORRISON, Director of Oberlin Conservatory Sept. 18 1920 My Dear Mrs Terrell You will see by the inclosed literature that a campaign is launched to establish permanently the first school of music founded by colored persons, its purpose being a National School for the development of Negro Music. Do you not think that seventeen years of continued endeavor, with excellent results, toward effecting this purpose should induce all who desire advancement for our Race to contribute to this first and necessary campaign? Believing you do so think, we are calling on you as on all of our friends. also schools and other organizations to show interest by giving us practical service or a cash donation or both. Forty or more cities will join in raising $100,000 in a Drive Nov. 9th. to Nov. 19. Will you be a member of the executive committee and contribute some form of service to the great cause of Negro Music development? Trusting our appeal will have your approval, and that you will consent to give us your valuable aid. very truly, E.L. Williams Sec.*] Distinguished People I Met Abroad. From Berlin I went directly to Paris after the International Congress adjourned and remained about ten days. There I met Jean Pinot, the editorof La Revue de la Revue. He was deeply interested in the Race Problem in the United States. Indeed he was deeply interested in the dark races all over the world. Since then he has published [his] Le Prejuge des Races in which he [boldly declares] ridicules the claims made by certain races and exposes the fallacy of many views that they are innately superiorto others [greatest Intelectual endowment and since they can best assure the happiness of mankind all other nations should]. entertained even by scientists concerning the physical and mental characteristics of various divisions of the human family. In this book Monsieur Pinot does me the honor of referring in complimentary terms to my work and myself. In Paris I had a very striking and pleasnt illustration of the proverbial affability and politeness of the French. I wanted very much to see a picture painted by Mr. H O Tanner's 'Old Man from the US Raising of Lazurus [which] His had been purchased by the French government and had been hung in the Luxumbourg galery with others which had been painted by renowned artists from over the world had been awarded the first prize. Imagine, therefore, how bittdr and keen my disappointment,when on reaching the Luxembourg with a heart of full of joyous epxectancy I learned that the picture painted by this great colored artist [Mr. Tanner's picture] was no longer there. Although this gallery is by no means small, it is not large enough to hold all the pictures which are painted and accepted by the French government every year. In order to do justice to everybody concerned, therefore, the pictures of artists from one country are exhibited one year, those printed by artists from another country the next year and so on down the line As ill luckwould have it, the pictures of the American artists were not on exhibition this year, so that Mr. Tanner's had been removed. In my disappointment and despair I approached one of the guards almost tearfully told him my tale of woe. I besought him to secure permission for me to see Mr. Tanner's picture, if such a thing could possibly be done. I admitted that I was not acquainted with the artist [himself] but I declared, that I knew his father, his mother, his sisters, his brothers, and when I had finished I am sure the guard thought that I belonged to the family myself. I told him I could not return to my country with my head erect and I certai ly could not die happyy if I did not see the picture painted by this great American artist . When I finished, the kind-hearted guard gave a delightful shrug to his Fourth International Congress, Washington, May 1-7, 1924 Sixth International Summer School, Chicago, May 17-31, 1924 PAX WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM Section for the United States Headquarters, 1403 H Street Northwest WASHINGTON, D. C. TELEPHONE FRANKLIN 8218 CABLE WILUS WASHINGTON, D. C. INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT JANE ADDAMS NATIONAL OFFICERS Chairman MRS. LUCY BIDDLE LEWIS Treasurer MISS SOPHIA H. DULLES Secretary MISS AMY WOODS NATIONAL COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 1924 Chairman MARY H. INGHAM BUREAU OF SPEAKERS Director MARTHA TRIMBLE To the Members of the National Board and National Committee on the International Congress: The minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held in Philadelphia on February 15th are enclosed. As you see, the outline of the work of the National Section for the International Congress was given by Miss Baer. Up to this time the National Secretary and the Chairman of the Committee on the International Congress have devoted their time to reorganizing the Headquarters to meet the new demands. The offices have been increased from one room to five. A staff of stenographers has been engaged, efficiency machines purchased, (mimeograph, addressograph, typewriters, etc.) Miss Hazel Edgar is doing good work on national and local publicity. The Chairman and the National Secretary have undertaken the Congressional work. The News Letter established as a means of communication with members and of carrying information on the campaign for the Conference on Reparations and the International Congress and Summer School. Through the News Letter and the work of Local Branches money is coming in. Sufficient amounts (about six thousand dollars) have been received to warrant the continuance of the Letter and of the office organization. It is hoped that through Miss Addams' direct appeal to all our members the rest of the sum needed will be quickly raised. It is evident to us that the Section for the United States should pay all expenses of the delegates whose steamer fare is to be paid. This means a larger sum than was anticipated. The enthusiasm aroused everywhere by the Congress is most encouraging. The latest development is a plan to have a special car to take the foreign delegates from Washington through the Middle West on a speaking tour to end at the Summer School and be resumed from Chicago north and east to and at Montreal and the steamer for Europe. Mrs. Trimble is arranging speaking tours for Gertrud Baer and Mrs. Fuldheim and will be in charge of the "Peace Special". 10 picture of domestic harmony and bliss. Mr. Coleridge-Taylor was looking forward to his visit in Washington the following fall with great anticipation of pleasure and with genuine enthusiasm. At the dinner table the conversation tyrned naturally and imperceptibly upon the manifestations of race prejudice in the United States. Nothing was more interesting [amusin] than to hear the noted Anglo- frican composer relate experiences thru which he himself had passed. He would tell these stories [He told an amusing story of an] in which he was the victim of the Anglo-Saxon's prejudice in the most humorouss [Englishman who had efidently never seen a dark man before. After looking at] way without any feeling of resentmnet at all as though he were talking [Coleridge-Taylor for a long time as he would at any other rare animal,he exclaimed] about an acquaintance and not about himself. These revelations of race prejudice [in surprise, amused him] seemed to amuse him. ["Why you talk as we do, dont you] and [They seemed] not to touch him at all In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Coleridge-Taylor invited me to attend a concert at which the famous musician [youthful composer] conducted an orchestra composed of some of the prettiest English girls I have ever seen beheld. As I saw the great composer's face light up with fire and enthusiasm for his art, I raised my heart to God in gratitude and praise that this gifted son of the muses dwelt in a land in which his transcendent genius was neither crippled nor crushed by a blighting prejudice and a cruel oppression based on the color of the skin. Before I left England Mr. Coleridge-Taylor gave me an autographed phto of both himself and his dear little son, Hiawatha. When he came to Washington later on to conduct a large chorus which sang histrilogy of Hiawatha I had the pleasure and honor of entertaining him a few days. It has always been a source of deepest regret that I did not make notes of some of the stories which Mr. Coleridge Taylor related while he was my guest Incan did not recall anybody who was a more entertaining coversationalist than he was. As one of my friends expressed it, I had a wealth of identitys the International Congress of Women, so that from the very nature of the case I met many distinguished people, both titled and non-titled, those with pedigrees dating back to the flood and those who scarcely knew who their parent were so to speak. It was very heartening to see how all without exception were genuinely interested in the colored people of the United States, sympathized with them, regretted the obstacles interposed by race prejudice and hoped they would gloriously surmount them in the end. Among the princesses to whom I was presented none appealed to me more strongly than did the Princess Maria Rohan whose headwas as full of excellent ideas as her heart was filled with the desire to do good. The photo which she sent me after I reached home served to remind me of many a pleasant conversation we had together in Berlin. JOHN H. CLARKE PRESIDENT GEORGE W. WICKERSHAM PRESIDENT OF BOARD EVERETT COLBY CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MRS. CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT CHARLES H. STRONG VICE-PRESIDENTS OF BOARD The League of Nations Non-Partisan Association, Inc. National Headquarters: 6 East 39th Street, New York, N. Y. Telephone Caledonia 0250 Cable "Leagonat" CHARLES C. BAUER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HAMILTON HOLT CHAIRMAN, FINANCE COMMITTEE EDWIN G. MERRILL TREASURER April 2, 1927. Miss Mary Church Terrell, 1615 S. Street, Washington, D. C. My dear Miss Terrell: Before April 6th, the League of Nations Non-Partisan Association is endeavoring to enroll, as members, all the Americans it can reach who are in favor of American participation in the League of Nations. The Association is working to cultivate "such public opinion as will induce the National Administration to enter the League of Nations at the earliest possible date on such terms as, to such administration, may seem wise, provided only that the terms are consistent with the dignity and honor of our country". Within the last four years there has been a marked change in Washington's attitude toward the League. From a policy of refusing to even answer communications from Geneva we have gradually come to the place where we are cooperating in practically every League activity. The Government will not go further than this without some definite expression of public opinion and it is largely through the efforts of the League of Nations Non- Partisan Association that this opinion must be created. If you believe in the League's effectiveness will you join the Asociation at this time and help us in our effort to create the necessary League sentiment in this country? A membership blank is enclosed. Cordially yours, Charles Bauer Charles C. Bauer, Executive Director. The Object: 1. To urge in every possible manner the adherence of the United States to the Permanent Court of International Justice on the terms recommended by Presidents Harding and Coolidge. 2. To make the value of American membership in the League of Nations known to the people of the United States. 3. To inform regarding League and Court all candidates for the Presidency, the Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship of States and Delegates to National Political Conventions and secure from them pledges of support for American membership therein. 413 3 eloquently as Mr. W.T.Stead. [*+ See Page 4*] Although he was well past middle life, when I met him, he had the enthusiasm and exuberance of youth. He had read the newspaper comments upon my address before the International Congress of Women in Berlin and could scarcely express his joy at the ovation I received. We had talked oonly a few minutes, when he exclaimed "I have a dear friend you must meet "an American- John Milholland. Are you acquainted with him?" I told him I was not. "That wont do at all. He should know you and you should know,him. " Mr. Stead was pacing back and forth in his office all the white he was talking. He seemed too restless to keep still His face was florid and his hair was snow white even then. Suddenly his face lit up with a smile, as though he had an inspiration. He paused a second. "I can arrange that nicely right away," he said. Mr. Milholland invited me to dine with him to day and I have an important engatement which will prevent me from going. You just go right along in my place and tell John Milholland that I sent you. He'll be very glad to see you." Of course I was amazed at such a suggestion. But Mr. Stead was so pleased with the idea I hated to tell him I could not carry it out. He plead with me to go, assuring me that knowing John [Milholland] and Mrs. Hilholland as well as he did , he [knew] was certain that nothing would afford them greater pleasure than to have me dine with them. He gave me a ltter of [I had to promise] introduction to his friends and sent them a telegram about me in the bargain. I wrote to Mr. Milholland In reply to my letter inclosing that afternoon I inclosed the letter of introduction from Mr S. By return mail [Mr. Stead's] Mr. Milholland invited me to tea with them the next afternoon. I was It would have been hard to find a more interesting family than Mr. Milholland's on that July afternoon. His daughter Inez who later became such a conspicuous and forceful leader in the woman suffrage movement was then a beautiful girl just budding into womanhood. She gave promise even then of doing much which as Inez Milholland Boissevain she accomplished before she was so suddenly snatched from her family and her friends while she was speaking on the Pacific coast in behalf of suffrge the cause which was so dear to her heart. Mr. Milholland impressed me deeply, beacause I had never talked to a white man hailing from the United States whose views on the race question were The Committee of 48 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 15 EAST 40TH STREET PHONE VANDERBILT 7594 NEW YORK, N. Y. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE J. A. H. Hopkins, Chairman Howard R. Williams, Vice-Chairman J. W. McConaughy, Vice-Chairman Allen McCurdy, Secretary Melinda Alexander, Ass't. Secretary Harriet Barnett, Ass't. Secretary Charles H. Ingersoll, Treasurer A. W. Ricker, Ass't. Treasurer Lillian M. Ascough Tom Ayres Dorr H. Carroll William F. Cochran McAlister Coleman George F. Comings Otto Cullman Alice Lorraine Daly Will Durant Eva A. Frank Lynn Haines Arthur Garfield Hays Rita Heimann John Haynes Holmes Frederic C. Howe Ada L. James Julius Kespohl Adele Lewisohn Horace B. Liveright Frank A. Pattison Mary Pattison Robert Anderson Pope A. W. Rankin Philip Rice Gilbert E. Roe Frank Stephens Chas. D. Williams Ina Phillips Williams August Williges Harry H. Willock Arthur G. Wray The Committee of 48 FUNCTIONING AS The Liberal Party May 23, 1922. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Women's International League for Peace & Freedom, 33 West 42nd Street, New York City. My dear Mrs. Terrell: I am obliged to you for your letter just received, also for your circular, which I have looked over with much interest. As our work progresses and develops I can see many ways in which you can be of use to us, if, as I assume, you are in harmony with what we are doing. In order that you may clearly understand our work I am enclosing you a Call to Action and a reprint from the New York "World" of February 26th, which will give you the necessary information. We will have tickets in the field in several states this year, and are organizing the other states as rapidly as possible with a view to the future. We keep track of our friends through our system of an enrolled dues paying membership, under which, however, each member fixes the amount of her own monthly dues. If you will be good enough to fill out and send back to me the enclosed enrollment card I will be glad to record your name, which will include without extra charge a subscription to our monthly magazine, the "Liberal", which will keep you fully posted as to what we are doing. I am quite sure that you could enroll a great many members for us amongst the women interested in the International League. Will you undertake to do this? If so I will send you the necessary literature. If there are any other ways in which you feel we can be of mutual assistance to one another kindly let me know and your suggestions will receive very serious consideration. Very sincerely yours, J. A. H. Hopkins Chairman, Executive Committee JAHH:MH 4 so broad, liberal and just as his. and it seemed so remarkable and delightful to [Enthusiastically I wrote my husbandabout that Mrs. Milholland's attitude toward the race problem wasexactly like her husband's. Mr. Stead urged me to write stories on the Race Problem, but warned me to use a nom de plume,, so that the editors would not know I was colored. He suggested that I write an article for [of] the Contemporary Review and gave me a letter to the editor, Mr. Bunting which read as follows: Permit me to introduce to you the ablest colored lady I have ever met, Mrs. M.C. Terrell. Her article on the truth about Lynching in the North American Review was the most convincing piece of writing on that subject I have ever read. She was one of the linonesses of the International Congress of Women at Berlin and was the only American delegate who addressed the Congress in German. If you want an article on the Coloured problem in the South, especially from the woman's point of view, you will have to go far afield to find a more competent contributor. I am yours truly, W.T. Stead. Accompanying [With] this letter of introduction to the editor, Mr. Stead wrote me [one] personally in which he expressed himself as follows: [Mr. Stead sent me the following] My dear Friend and Comrade: Herewith a letter of introduction to Mr. Bunting. I hope it will help you. You deserve help and will command it. It was a sincere pleasure to meet you yesterday. I hope we may meet again. And what is perhaps even better I feel confident that the words, few and inadequest though they were which I was privileged to address to you will dwell in your heart as a glowing frame of hope and courage to warm and cheer and inspirit you in dark days or darker nights. May God bless you and make us both more and more continuously grateful that He has chosen us both to be his junior partners in the cause of His priestess, Woman. I am yours gratefully, W.T. Stead. [*See Page 2*] The Countess of Warwick was another interesting and distinguished individual whom I met. She and I were invited to address the International Congress [of Women] in the section devoted to a discussion of wageearning women. [come to see her. Since the Countess and I were to discuss subjects closely aki] The Countess was to talk about the English women who ear their living at farming [we were scheduled toappear in the same section on the same morning] and I was to describe the conditions under which colored domestics in the [The Countess was was scheduled to speak in the section devoted to the] United States work. But the Countess was ill and could not come. [In this way discussion of women in service. She was to talk about the English women who] That privilege will be within the grasp of women for a short time only. Will you try to secure before April fifteenth one life member or five founders, or failing this, ten charter members or twenty-five campaign members? Your help now in the infancy of the new organization will mean very much. This house, the wonderful gift of Mrs. Belmont, will enable us to start as few organizations are able to do, with a home completely paid for, with no debt upon it. With such an unusual and magnificent start we must succeed! On the day of dedication there will be a place reserved adjoining the President's stand for all life members and founders who notify us in time and apply for tickets. We feel confident that you will do as much as you can to obtain members and will let me know as soon as possible the number who will be able to come to Washington in May. Sincerely yours, Marie Moore Forrest (Mrs. Randolph Keith Forrest) Marie Moore Forrest Chairman Local Committee On Arrangements. 2 French shoulders, which was a cross between encouragement and doubt, and promised to do everything he could to obtain my heart's desire [gratify my request.]. He then gave me the name of Monsieur Benedit the superintendent of the Luxembourg and advised me to write to him. I rushed home as fast as I could and wrote Mr. Benedit a letter, each and every word of which was a prayer or a tear. Almost by return mail I received a reply from this most obliging and courteous French official, stating that he would be very happy to comply with my request. He told me that the permission he was about to give me was very rarely granted, but that if I presented his letter to one of the Luxembourg guards, Mr Tanner's painteing would be immediately unfolded to my view. Armed with this precious letter I betook myself again to the Luxembourg and gave it to one of the guard. After consulting for a short time with those in authority, he returned and told me that Mr. Tanner's picture was no longer in that gallery, but that it had been taken to the Louvre. But I was spared any anxiety which I might other wise have had by being informed that one of the guards would be sent immediately [with me immediately] to the Louvre with me to show the picture which I so much desired to see. Thus it was that I had the rare privilege and the great pleasure of feasting my eyes upon the masterpiece of a colored man, which will bear witness for many years to come to the artistic talent of the race to which this artist belongs. In London I met W.T. Stead, who was then editor of the Review of Reviews. and was the author of many books, one of which the"Americanization of the World", he was kind enough to present to me. I prize the book very highly, not only because of its lterary value, but because it contains an inscription written by the author's own hand. [*See Page 3*], Mr. Stead was one of the most democratic men, one of the most brilliant conversationalists, one of the most original thinkers and one of the most whole-souled, genial gentlemen it is possible to imagine [in the world]. The advice he gave, the encouragement and inspiration received from him during the two visits we had together will abide with me like a precious treasure as long as I live. When I met him for the first time, he had already commented in the kindest and most complimentary way upon my article on Lynching from a Negro's Point of View which had appeared in the June number of the North American Review. The colored people of the United States had very few friends who championed their cause so lyally,, so fearlessly and so From now on we hope to be in close communication with the Committee on the International Congress, which, in effect, includes all the members of the W. I. L. who are actively working for it. For this reason, Committee meetings can be held by courtesy only. It is hoped that many of those interested will be able to attend part at least of the meetings of the National Board, March 27th, in Philadelphia. Yours sincerely, Mary H. Ingham Chairman, National Committee International Congress, 1924. 5 But reading from the program of the Congress, [therefore,] the Countess learned that a colored woman from the US was to [appear] speak and the morning she was to deliver an address when she heard that I would be in London before returning home, she invited me cordially to come to see her. Naturally I was glad glad to make the acquaintance of the far-famed English beauty, the active, generous philanthropist and acknowledged society queen all in one. She had done many things which appealed strongly to me. For instance she had established an Agricultural college for women, so that those who because at that time no provision had been made in England whereby gentlewomen reduced in circumstances or those who were obliged to support themselves were taught to earn a living and the Countess thought it would be a step in the right direction to teach such women to farm on scientific principles. And then too, I had heard that the Countess was an outspoken, honest - to goodness Socialist, so that for many reasons I felt that such a woman was [she was] worth coming miles to behold. The Countess' London residence was in St. James Square, just a minute's walk from Buckingham Palace, where the King and Queen of England reside. When I reached the house The door was opened by a tall, well proportioned man whom anybody would call handsome. He lead the way went ahead and asked me to ascend a broad stairway which was carpeted in red velevet. When the top of the stairway was reached, I was u ushered into what must have been Lady Warwick'd private library. Here an there books were lying around as theythey had just slipped from thehand of their fair mistress, and when I looked at the pretty little desk, there was something about it which impressed me with the fact that it was frequently used. This room was a veritable bower of flowers . It looked like a bit of fairly land let down into a dwelling of mortals. There must have been at least ten vases filled with the choicest and most beautiful flowers imaginable, which peeped at one from corners and angles where the effect was most artistic. I had just time to look around at the dainty French furniture, when the soft rustling of garments announced the approach of the lady I had come to see. I will not say that she was as beautiful as a picture, or tht that she appeared like a vision, when she entered the room,although it is a great temptation to do so. As the Countess of Warwick advanced toward me, she extended her hand G. W. BONNETTE PRESIDENT DWIGHT L. SMITH SEC'Y-TREAS. Old Colony Laundry BLAIR ROAD AND BUTTERNUT ST. TAKOMA PARK, D. C. Mrs. R.H. Terrel, 1615 S. St. N.W. City Dear Mrs. Terrell;- We are taking the liberty of sending you one of our circulars, as we feel confident you are interested in high grade laundry work at a fair price. You will notice we can give you anything in laundry service from Damp Wash to a completely Finished bundle. If you will compare our prices with what you are now paying, our quality with any service in the city, you will be convinced why we have so many satisfied customers. May we have any opportunity to prove to you our statements? A postal card or phone call will bring our driver to your door. Yours truly, Old Colony Laundry Co. 6 and gave me the most cordial welcome. "How kind and good you are to come to see me," she said. "I was greatly disappointed in not being able to keep my first engagement with you, but I was suddenly called away, and I was obliged to go. Before I reached the Countess' residence I had prepared a few remarks which I though might do to begin the conversation with the distinguished lady. I knew it was proper to address her as "Your Ladyship" and I had promised myself solemnly that I would do so. But I must confess that I was so overcome by the Countess' assertion that I had displayed an excess of kindness and goodness in calling on her that I forgot completely the little speech I had so carefully planned to make. In my confusion I fear that instead of addressing the Countess of Warwick as "Your Ladyship", I used the plain, informal American "You." But, after the first embarrassment passed I succeeded in displaying my knowledge of the proper English form. [I proved that I knew how to address a Countess.] The Countess had no sooner seated herself upon a white satin lounge which here and there had a touch of pink, than she arose and walked toward the door, explaining as she did so, that she had left her little dog outside. When the door was opened, in ran the smallest canine I ever saw. When the Countess had again seated herself on her divan. Tiddledy Winks , for that was his dogship's name, curled himself up snugly in a small, round ball and laid himself upon the train of his mitress' elegant robe and went fast asleep The Countess of Warwick was as willowy a girl sixteen, as fair as a lily and as beautiful as her pictures represent her to be, although at that time she had a son who was grown [years old] and a baby girl who was only three months old. As I beheld her clad in a gown of some filmy clinging material, the yoke and sleeves of which were made of real lace, wearing a large picture hat with a delicate pink rose in front, around which a very pale blue, filmy veil had been drawn and tied in a lopp on her bosom, I wondered how it was possible for a woman to approach more nearly the ideal of perfect beauty than she did. The Countess assured me that she was deeply interested in the work Coleridge - Taylor Choral Society (Incorporated) Washington, D.C. Good Morning: - Knowing you are a lover of music, we take the liberty to send you this information. The S. Coleridge - Taylor Choral Society (Incorporated) composed of one hundred fifty voices,and the Washington Civic Orchestra, will render "Hiawatha" at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, N. St., between 15th and 16th Sta.N.W. Tuesday, May 24th, 1927, at 8 P.M. Soloists engaged for this musical treat are: Jessie A.Zackery, Soprano Roswell Brown, Tenor Frank Harrison, Baritone Mary L. Europe, Florence B. Porter, Jennie Williamson, Accompanists. Reserved Seats $1.25 and $1.00 General Admission, 75 cents Tickets now on sale at Reed's Music Store, 11th and U Sts., N.W. Sincerely yours, Garnet C. Wilkinson, Chairman, Committee on Public Support, 406 U Street, N.W. If our committee can be of assistance in obtaining tickets, please fill out the blank below and return. ............................................................................................................................................ Dear Mr. Wilkinson: - Please reserve for me _______________________________________________________________________ (Give number of tickets required and price) Tickets for May 24. Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ Please give name of a friend who would like to attend Name ___________________________________ Address _________________________________ 7 I was trying to do for the women of my race and asked me many questions concerning it. She confessed she was unable to grasp many phases of the race problem in the United States. She could not understand the prejudice against well-educated, cultivated men and women of color. The more the Countess discussed this side of the problem, the more evident it became that she was hopelessly groping in the dark. In trying to get light on the Roosevelt-Washington luncheon which had created a sensation in the United States [and caused the South so terribly to villify the President] she said she had conversed with some Americans in the hope of discovering the reason for the criticism, abuse and censure with which the President had been flooded on this account. "But", she said, and paused a moment as though the mystery in which the subject [had been first] was shrouded and deprived her of the power of speech, "I have never been able to comprehend it all." The Countess had heard Englishmen discuss my article on Lynching, but she had not read it herself. It was difficult to discuss this painful subject with the Countess, for she could hardly believe the colored men, women and even children are still being hanged, burned and shot to death by mobs in a country so highly civilized as the United States. I felt it my duty to impress the Countess with the fact that out of every hundred colored men who are lynched in this country, from seventy five to eighty five are not even accused by the South of what is so maliciously and falsely called the "usual crime." To an Englishman the lawlessness of the United States must be very difficult to understand. No one can travel far in England without being impressed with the Englishman's reverence for law. From the lowest and roughest specimen in Great Britain to the King, there is a reverence and veneration for law which is ingrained in the very marrow of their bones. It was [after] very unpleasant trying to describe the Contract Labor System the Convict Lease System and attempting to explain how such cruelty and oppression happen to be tolerated without strong and vigorous protests from the North. I felt so depressed and discouraged that I turned the conversation into more agreeable channels, so that the pleasure of my M. Philipsborn & Company, Inc. The House of Courtesy 608-614 ELEVENTH STREET Washington, D.C. Dear Madam: May 25, 1927. We're announcing the Big Annual Sale which we always hold at this time of the year-but on this occasion we shall eclipse all previous efforts. SALE OF SILK DRESSES AT $11.00 SALE OF SPORTS HATS AT $2.95 According to custom we are going to reserve the first day- FRIDAY, MAY 27TH For a Private Sale to Our Regular Patrons You will appreciate the privilege of advance selection before the rush of the public sale which will be held later. EXQUISITE FROCKS There are over 700 Dresses in the purchase- coming from a maker whose reputation guarantees highest grade of quality and exclusive design-all out of proportion to the special price- $11.00 Georgettes, Summer Silks, Crepes, Prints, Washable Silks and Flowered Chiffons exclusively styled after the prevailing modes and in all the newer shades. Frocks for street, sports, afternoon dinner and dance wear in Misses' and Women's sizes. SUMMER SPORTS HATS You will find presented a truly wonderful assortment of brand new and smart Sports Hats-from famous New York studios- placed in this annual event at a price emphasizing the importance of the occasion- $2.95 The styles included have been critically selected so that it is a representative showing of the best effects designed for summer wear- Toyo Panamas, Large Milans, Dressy Azures, Tailored Leghorns, Felts, etc.-in all the appealing color effects. Very truly yours, PHILIPSBORN'S 608-614 Eleventh Street 8 visit should not be destroyed. No one enjoys expatiating upon the weakness or the wickedness of his country, when he is in a foreign land.. No matter what evils are life within it, ([*3*] one feels), (when [she is] [*2*]separated from it by the ocean) (that they should not be should not be discussed and that in spite of all its faults she [*one*] loves it still. I took special pains to emphasize the loyalty of the[*one*] colored people to the country in which they and their parents were born and this seemed to please the Countess very much. But I was eager to have the Countess tell me about her own work and she graciously complied with my request. "You know I am a socialist," she began. That is precisely what I did not know [then] and I almost gasped for breath. Remembering that well-bred people always [hide] suppress their emotions, I tried to hide my surprise. "I'm a sosialist," continued the Countess, "because after a long and careful study of the existing conditions in England, I'm convinced that socialism is the only thing which can help the poor people here to help themselves. I did not reach this conclusion hastily and now that I and fully persuaded, it would be difficult for me to change my mind." "Is the Earl of Warwick a socialist, or is any other member of Your Ladyship's family a socialist?" I ventured to ask. "No, I am the only one in my family who believes in socialism," she frankly replied "But I am trying to convert my sister, the Duchess of Sutherland, and I should not be surprised, if I succeed." "What does your Ladyship's family and friends think of your socialism?" I asked. The Countess laughed as heartily and genuinely as a school girl. "Many of them think I'm going straight to the bed" she replied. "I dare say there are many good people here who do not approve of me at all." The Countess' face was wreathed in smiles, as she [made this] talked about the disapprobation of those who did not agree with her on socialism, so that remark I felt sure she did not lie awake nights worrying about it. Neither the Countess not any of her family suffered in the slightest degree because she [on ca] espused an unpopular cause. The Countess herself belongs to an old and well known English family and she married into one of the greatest and most powerful families of which Great Britain boasts. Even if people did not approve of her views, therefore, they were obliged to treat her with courtesy and respect. R.E. Childress C. Roy Davis Baltimore Renovating Co. Expert Cleaners of Interior Paint - Wall Paper, Etc, Painting - Decorating - Paperhanging 1929 18th Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. Telephone North 4316 Your rooms actually appear to have been newly papered (or painted) after we apply our exclusive cleaning process. Dear Madam: Before you decide to repaper and redecorate your home - why not let us show you how you may save money by cleaning the old surfaces, making them look like new, for a fraction of the cost of new work? Whether it be PAINT, WALL PAPER, CALCIMINE or TAPESTRY - you'll be surprised how quickly and satisfactorily all traces of "soft coal smoke," dust and dirt can be removed by our special process. We will gladly DEMONSTRATE our process without charge, in your own home - and furnish you with an estimate as to the cost of our work for one or more rooms. In addition to our Interior CLeaning, we do INTERIOR DECORATING, EXTERIOR PAINTING, PAPERHANGING, FURNITURE and FLOOR REFINISHING. Only the best of materials is used - only competent (white) workmen are employed - and our prices are quite reasonable. All work guaranteed. We have renovated many of the most exclusive homes and best office buildings in Washington and Baltimore, such as: PATTERSON MANSION Temporary White House 15 Dupont Circle, N. W. NAT'L SAVINGS & TRUST CO. MR WOODBURY BLAIR 1609 N. H. Ave., N. W. MRS. S. B. ELKINS 1626 K St., N. W. MRS. ALEXANDER MACKAY-SMITH 1325 16th ST., N. W. MRS. HENRY K. LEONARD 1747 K St., N. W. MAY WE CONVINCE YOU WITH A DEMONSTRATION? Yours very truly, BALTIMORE RENOVATING COMPANY. 9 A At the time I called on the COUNTESS OF Warwick she had four children. a son who was a war correspondent in the Russian army, a daughter who had recently married Lord Helnley, a small son six years old and a baby girl just three months old. She showed me the photos of each of the children excepting the baby, and they were all each of whom had inherited good looks from their charming mother. "Will you be here next Wednesday?" the Countess inquired. "I sgall leav early Wednesday morning, as I sail from Liverpool for home Wednesday afternoon, I replied. "I am very sorry," said the Countess," for we shall have the closing exercises of the Agricultural College Wednesday. There will be speaking and several interesting exercises which you would enjoy, I am sure. I shall go to the school Tuesday abd spend the night there. I wish you could go too. You would enjoy a visit to Warwick Castle, I know. Everything in th United states is so new, "continued the Countess, "that I am sure you wouldb be interested in the ancient and Warwick Castle is a magnificent old pile. You will be in England again some day, will you not?" I expressed the hope that I would. "If you ever come again," said the Countess, "write me a short while before you sail and we shall plan some delightful excursions together But nobody was more interesting and more wonderful than Samuel Coleridge Taylor, whose father was a full-blooded African abd whose mother was English. The afternoon and evening I spent with this talented composer and his charming English wife stand out conspicuously in my mind as among the most delightful experiences of my trip. Samule Coleridge Taylor was a great musician , to be sure, He knew all about harmony, sharps and flats, but he knew many other things besides. He was a cultured gentleman who conversed well on any subject. He was the worthy son of his African father, who was a noted physician in one of the largest hospitals in England, when he died. Mr. Coleridge-Taylor's cultured and aimiable English wife had a voice which was sonorous, rich and sweet. As her gifted husband accompanied her, while she sang one of his dainty little lyrics with so much feeling and art I thought it would be a long time before I should behold a more beautiful Home of Smart Styles LIBERAL Credit for the family Stores in Principal Cities Cor. 7th and E Streets, WASHINGTON, D. C. Second Floor, Over Kresge's 5c & 10c Store Dear Friend: We want you to take this opportunity to get acquainted wit ht he two great features that will make millions happy this season -- our wonderful SPRING STYLES and the easiest CREDIT PLAN in America. You will first know clothes happiness when you see this marvelous showing of Styles for Men, Women and Children, created at Fifth Avenue New York, and sold to over a million satisfied customers throughout the U. S. A. Here are styles new and different, designed of materials and colors so alluring as to meet with instant approval. Every garment has been selected with utmost care and is priced within the means of ALL. COME IN TODAY. See the new styles. Learn how easy it is to open a credit account here. You can buy ALL your Spring Clothes on our Easy Payment Plan, which allows you to pay a little each week or month. Very truly yours, LIBERAL CREDIT CLOTHING CO. P. S. Use the enclosed discount passcard to open your account. Over A Million Satisfied Customers! 4 had left the ticket office and had come e telephone booth to detain me in [the station] till the police arrived. [*X*] I made up my mind that he should not have the pleasure of forcibly detaining me, so I resolved to remain in the station till the police came to take me. [*X*] There was nobody in the station at the time but the ticket agent and myself. [and] his assistant. Every time either one of the station doors [I saw somebody pass] opened [the] I expected to see an officer of the law coming to arrest me. I will not attempt to describe my feelings. Being threatened with arrest was an experience thru which I had never passed before. [After waiting] In about fifteen minutes [longer] I went to the window to inquire how much longer I would have to wait for the police officers to come. "Take your seat", the agent roared, shaking his fist at me. "I am to fill an important engagement here to night." I replied, "and it is not right [for] to keep me waiting so long here for arrest. The agent then jumped from his chair, rushed to the telephone and jerked it down so viciously I thought he would break it. He phoned for the police again [the second time]. After what seemed to hea very long time I finally said "I will not wait any longer for arrest." Again the ticket a agent ordered me angrily again to take my seat [again], but I decided to risk being forcibly detained by him and left the station. On the platform I asked a white cabman if he knew where the man I was seeing lived, not daring to request him to take me to his house, since I knew that in some southern towns white cabmen refuse to allow colored people to ride in their taxis. Much to my relief, however, [But] this cabman [was] cheerfully volunteered to take me to the colored man's home. After I delivered my address that evening I was informed that the ticket agent had sworn out a warrant for " disorderly conduct" against me and that I would have to appear in court about ten o'clock the next morning. [The agent had phonned but] Two railroad detectives from out of town had been sent for to arrest me while I was speaking, but they had come to the theatre , listened to me and had refused to do so. Perhaps there was a reason for the consideration with which I was treated [had been] One of the detectives was an Irishman and during my remarks I referred with great feeling to Ireland's struggle for independence and paid a tribute to the martry, McSweeney, who gone on a hunger strike had starved himself to death as a protest to Great Britain's treatment of his country. TELEPHONE CHELSEA 7481 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People OFFICIAL ORGAN--THE CRISIS NATIONAL OFFICES--70 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK National President: MR. MOORFIELD STOREY, Boston. Vice-Presidents: REV. JOHN HAYNES HOLMES, New York. MR. JOHN E MILHOLLAND, New York. MR. ARCHIBALD H. GRIMKE, Washington. REV. GARNETT R. WALLER, Springfield. MISS MARY WHITE OVINGTON, Brooklyn. Chairman of the Board of Directors: DR. J. E. SPINGARN, New York. Director of Publications and Research: DR. W. E. B. DU BOIS, New York. Secretary: MISS MARY CHILDS NERNEY, New York. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Miss Jane Addams, Chicago. Dr. C. E. Bentley, Chicago. Rev. Hutchins C. Bishop, New York. Rev. W. H. Brooks, New York. Dr. F. N. Cardozo, Baltimore. Prof. George William Cook, Washington. Mr. George W. Crawford, New Haven. Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, New York. Mr. Thomas Ewing, Jr., New York. Mr. Archibald H. Grimke, Washington. Rev. John Haynes Holmes, New York. Dr. V. Morton Jones, Brooklyn. Mrs. Florence Kelley, New York. Mr. Paul Kennaday, New York. Mr. Joseph Prince Loud, Boston. Mr. John E. Milholland, New York. Mrs. Max Morgenthau, Jr., New York. Miss Mary White Ovington, Brooklyn. Mr. Charles Edward Russell, New York. Dr. William A. Sinclair, Philadelphia. Dr. J. E. Spingarn, New York. Mr. Moorfield Storey, Boston. Mr. Charles H. Studin, New York. Dr. John G. Underhill, New York. Mr. Oswald Garrison Villard, New York Miss Lillian D. Wald, New York. Rev. Garnett R. Waller, Springfield, Mass. Dr. O. M. Waller, Brooklyn. Mr. William English Walling, New York. Mr. Butler R. Wilson, Boston. 19 December, 1914. TO OUR MEMBERS: The Annual Meeting of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE COLORED PEOPLE will be held in Room 521, 70 Fifth Avenue, New York City, on the afternoon of January 4, 1915, at three o'clock. This will be a purely formal meeting, as required by our constitution but no business will be transacted on that date. The Association will immediately adjourn for all purposes until February 27, 1915. MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING ON FEBRUARY 12 and to ignore the meeting of January 4. On February 12, there will be two sessions, an afternoon session and an evening session. The afternoon session which will be a business session will be held in St. Mark's Parish House, 235-237 West 53rd Street, New York City, beginning at half past two, and will be open to members who have paid their dues. The National President, Mr. Moorfield Storey will preside. There will be reports by officers, delegates from branches and committees. A new form of Constitution and By-Laws recommended by the Board of Directors to the Association for adoption will be voted upon. The following nominations for Directors, their terms to expire in 1918, will also be voted upon: Dr. John Haynes Holmes, New York Dr. V. Morton Jones, Brooklyn Mr. John E. Milholland, New York Prof. George William Cook, Washington Dr. J. E. Springarn, New York Mr. Moorfield Storey, Boston Mr. Oswald Garrison Villard, New York Dr. O. M. Waller, Brooklyn Mr. William English Walling, New York Mr. Archibald H. Grimke, Washington The evening session will be a public session to which members are invited to bring guests. It will be held in the auditorium of the Meeting House of the Secretary for Ethical Culture of New York, 2 West 64th Street, at 8 P. M. The chief speakers will be the Hon. Charles S. Whitman, Governor-elect, who will award the Spingarn Medal, and Prof. William Pickens of Wiley University. There will be brief addresses by Mrs. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Mr. Moorfield Storey who will speak on the Supreme Court and the Negro and Mr. Lindon Bates, Jr., who will tell of his studies in South America on the relation of the races. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association, Dr. J. E. Spingarn, will introduce Mr. Oswald Garrison Villard who will preside. Sincerely yours, [*Mary Childs Nerney*] Secretary. [*One of my cherished mementos [souvenirs] of my service on the S Bd [*signed by a Com of 3 teachers & the Super prin *] is [a] the letter sent from [by] the white teachers of the 8th Div for the W schools Sent a Committee of 3 teachers state that they & the supervising prin Mr J Fairbrother state a resolution In it they state a resolution has been unanimously approved to comm to you thru a com their sincere congratulation upon your reappointment as a member of the Board of Education Your past services on behalf of the public schools of the Dist of Col have been of incalculable benefit Therefore the teachers of the 8 division congratulate you and send renewed assurance of their continued confidence & loyalty One of the most cherished mementos of my service on the School Board is the following letter from the white teachers of the 8th Div. 15-B [But] Miss Westcott phoned me to thank me for helping her get a [scholarship?] and said I had always stood for progress - She invited me [shortly afterward] to come to her school to hear a Peace Speech, had me sit on the platform with the whole school took me all thru what was then her beautiful bldg and presented me to her teachers who received me most cordially - Since it is well known that the city of Washington is southern, in both sentiment & tradition I therefore think it is only fair to cite this proof of the white teachers freedom from race prejudice on the part of the outstanding white teachers & officers in the public schools in their attitude toward a colored member of the Board of whose service they approved.*] Brown'sraid and execution. We had quarters in Storer College, a splendid school for colored youth. The lawn was an ideal playground for children. For several summers we went to a small country resort about seven miles from Winchester, Va. Two summers were spent in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts and the girls had good visits in New York City returning home. long before we built a house on our lot at Highland Beach, Maryland we spent a great deal of time there during the summer. One of the most perilous adventures I ever had occurred when we were at Harper's Ferry one summer. Among the mothers who had [taken] brought their children to the Ferry I was the only one who [had] liked to take[n] long walks. On a glorious day several of the older girls who were between 12 and 14 years and begged me to take a group of them to the top of one of the mountains near by. I finally consented to do so and a party of young people ranging in age from 8 to 14 years started off gaily to negotiate the mountain. Fortunately, I left the younger of the two girls home. We reached the top of the mountain after the usual struggles which such [undertaking] effort entails. When we started to return several of the older girls insisted upon taking a different route from the one we had used in the ascent. I objected strenuously to doing so, but I was finally persuaded to grant their request. I feared to return by a new route for I have little or no sense of direction and lose my way easily. The girls assured me there would be no trouble in finding our way down the mountain by another route. Suddenly, as we were [going] walking along the new path we reached a [path] point where we could go no further. In front of us was a steep precipice so sheer and deep it made us dizzy to try to look down to the bottom of it. It was growing late, but there seemed to be nothing to do but [to try] to retrace our steps and try to find the path we had taken when we were climbing up to the top. Neither I nor anybody else was at all sure that we could find this path even if we tried. After walking around a long time one of the Among my other activities on [as a member of] the School Board sometimes went to Congress to see the members of the Appropriation Com to urge them to give the public schools the funds needed either for buildings or teachers' salaries or for [anything else which we lacked hard to] understand why she succeeded in having her friends admitted to the movies - [There are many dark skinned people in Wash. - every where else who are considered white and who are granted all the rights priv & immun which the dom race enjoys. There are the East Indians some of whom are almost black, the Indians indigenous to this soil whose land we [from whom we] appropriated, the Mexicans, dark skinned sons and daughters of Italy,Spain & France, many of whom are much darker in complexion than hundreds of thousands of colored people as a general rule - All these people are allowed to [go to] enter theatres, movies & restaurants & other public places from which the colored people of the U S are excluded - Naturally the managers of these places do not want to get into any trouble because their employes make the mistake of denying admittance to these swarthy folks who are considered white. Consequently, they are probably cautioned against refusing admittance to anybody except the colored people who are born in this country. And the employes are not always wise & clever enough to draw a correct line between them and the others who are classed as white] -5- daughters, he bought the very little girl, Emmeline, and gave her to my mother who was then his baby girl. My mother's name was Rosalie and she and the little girl Emmeline were brought up more as sisters than as mistress and maid. A planter from near Natchez Mississippi bought Emmeline's mother, and she was given the position of seamstress to the household in his family. In fact she was never treated as a slave and never had to do menial work. Besides speaking her own native language she had learned French while on the island of San Domingo. All through her life she retained her talisman, the coral chain and cross,which her captors in San Domingo had allowed her to retain. My mother was married at the age of sixteen, after moving from Virginia to Holly Springs, Mississippi, and thence to Arkansas. Twenty years of her married life was spent in New Orleans, where your grandmother Emmeline, learned the French language and always passed as a creole. I have often heard my mother say she was the most beautiful type of creole she ever saw. The affection which existed between Mother and Emmeline was more on the order of sisters than mistress and maid. When Emmeline died Mother said she could never see as much sunshine in after years. Emmeline was a cummunicant of the Episcopal Church at the time of her death. You know we Southerners take much pleasure in watching the advancement and prosperity of even the younger generation of those whose parents were connected with our house hold and children's growth. I hope this little memo of history will be interesting to you. If it does may I ask you to send me a photo of your own family, if possible, if not of you and your husband. Now I wish you and yours many blessings of the future. [11] 12 [be shaken from his purpose and the wife could not be persuaded to turn her back on her family and friends. So they separated. She came to Washington, remained here a while and then went a large eastern city to live. When I used to see this accomplished young woman, as I often did, and her little daughter, who was as fair as a snow drop and as pretty as a peach, I could not help wondering how the husband and father could have summoned the strength and courage to tear himself away from them and bid them good bye.] [*Begin here-*] At first blush it would seem that a camel with a hump could, literally pass through a cambric needle's eye easier than an individual with even a drop of the fatal African tincture could palm himself off as a white man in the United States. And yet colored people are doing this in droves every year. Here is one of them who has tried to find employment in an occupation for which he has been trained. He has knocked first at one door and then at another which he finds can be opened only by a white man's hand. He becomes discouraged. "What a curse it is to be a Negro in this country," he mutters. Suddenly he looks into the mirror. He has done so before, perhaps. He has always been identified with struggling race, but he has a fair skin and straight hair. Something asserts itself. There are those who say it is his white blood. "What's the use of trying to row against the tide?" he asks. "Nobody but a giant can accomplish the impossible and I am not a giant." He quickly reaches a decision. He has thought of it before, but he has always put it behind him as a last resort too comtemptible and cowardly to be considered seriously. He is out of work now. Inability to get a good position has become chronic. The long, lingering look in the mirror occurred, let us say, Tuesday even at eight o'clock. On Wednesday morning at precisely that hour, he is a white man. Made so by virtue of last night's decision and nature's gifts. Where does he go? 3 If the man happens to have no family in the city and the city is large, in many instances he stays right there, [in many instances]. How does he do it? Among other things he to frequent his old resorts. He changes his lodging house and betakes him to a section of the city diametrically opposite to the one in which he formerly lived. His old friends see him no more. That is, they don't, if he can help it. They think he has left the city. When he sees them approaching, he makes it convenient to cross to the other side of the street. He isolates himself completely. He scrapes up acquaintances with white people among whom he is now living and they do not suspect that he has the fatal drop. Finally, he gets a good job, which it would be impossible for him either to have or to hold, if his employer knew the truth. The more one investigates the matter, the more certain does one become that many whom the world accepts as white are in reality colored, according to established standards in this country. "If I were white," said one of my acquaintances, not long ago,"and felt toward colored people as so many Caucasians do, I should be perfectly miserable, I know, I should be constantly tormented by the fear that some day I might discover a trace of negro blood in my veins. Only last week a young woman who thought she was white committed suicide in a southern hotel, because in settling her estate the lawyer made the startling discovery that her grandmother was a slave." [*P 1 Long before &*] Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.