On this second visit Mr. Charles W.
Hare, a prominent white citizen of Tuskegee, kindly volunteered
to accompany me, to reenforce my invitation with one from the
white people of Tuskegee and the vicinity.
Just previous to my going to Washington the second time, the
country had been excited, and the coloured people greatly
depressed, because of several severe race riots which had
occurred at different points in the South. As soon as I saw the
President, I perceived that his heart was greatly burdened by
reason of these race disturbances. Although there were many
people waiting to see him, he detained me for some time,
discussing the condition and prospects of the race. He remarked
several times that he was determined to show his interest and
faith in the race, not merely in words, but by acts. When I told
him that I thought that at that time scarcely anything would go
father in giving hope and encouragement to the race than the fact
that the President of the Nation would be willing to travel one
hundred and forty miles out of his way to spend a day at a Negro
institution, he seemed deeply impressed.
While I was with the President, a white citizen of Atlanta, a
Democrat and an ex-slaveholder, came into the room, and the
President asked his opinion as to the wisdom of his going to
Tuskegee.
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