The President’s Visit

Mitchell commends President McKinley for his visit to a black church in Chicago, and calls it an appreciated “official acknowledgement of the worth of the colored race.”

That was a gracious act on the part of President McKinley when on Oct. 8th he paused in his round of duties to visit the colored people at Quinn Chapel Chicago, Ill., and speak a word in the afternoon to the children.
He is quoted as saying:
“My friends, it gives me great pleasure to meet with you on this memorial day. The noblest sentiment of the human heart, after love of God, is love of country, and that includes love of home, the corner-stone of strength and safety. Your race has demonstrated its patriotism by its sacrifices, its love of the flag by dying for it. That is the greatest test of fidelity and loyalty. The nation has appreciated the valor and patriotism of the black men of the United States. They not only fought in Cuba, but in the Philippines, and they are carrying the flag as the symbol of liberty and hope to an oppressed people.”
The above is an official acknowledgement of the worth of the colored race. What a pity that its officials will not see to it that its members are given the rights guaranteed in the constitution of the nation.
We appreciate your visit, Mr. President. May the good Lord strengthen you to the extent that you will adopt an unswerving policy and wipe away forever the prejudice now existing against us in all departments within the limits of the War Department.

“The President’s Visit,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed April 27, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1728.