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| JOHN O. SPENCER Chairman JESSE L, NICHOLAS Secretary HARRY E. PARKHUR3T Treasurer MARYLAND INTERRACIAL COMMISSION Appointed by Governor Albert ('. Ritchie under Act of Genera) Assembly, 1927 WHITE: Judge Morris A. Soper U. S. District Court* Senator George C. Peverloy Mechanics ville Ralph P. Gilmore Overlea* Harry E. Parkhurst Gunther Building* Robert F. Roberts 4319 Charles St. Ave.* Louis Binder Court Square Building* Mrs. Geo. Abram Horn Annapolis John J. Stump Cumberland J. O. Spencer Morgan College* Albert S. Cook, ex-offieio Lexington Building* Secretary's Office: 1012 ARLINGTON AVENUE, GOVANS, BALTIMORE, MD. December 16, 1931, His Excellency, Albert C. Ritchie, Governor, State House, Annapolis, Md. My dear Governor Ritchie:- COLORED: Rev. George F. Bragg 1425 McCulloh St.* Jesse L. Nichlas 1012 Arlington Ave.* J. F. Stewart Salisbury Truly Hatchett 900 N. Eutaw St.* Rev. B. T. Perkins Annapolis W. L. Fitzgerald 1208 Druid Hill Ave.* Bishop A. L. Gaines 1522 McCulloh St.* T. J. Calloway Glendale Mrs. Anna L. McMechen 2007 McCulloh St.* ^Baltimore City The Interracial Commission of Maryland at its Annual Meeting held on December 7th had before it several items of business. During the session the regrettable incidents on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and other points, and culminating in the lynching of Matthew Williams on Dec. 4th at Salisbury were presented. that the recognizing The white members of the Commission were impressed with the dignified restraint of the colored members, and yet it could be readily seen colored members were very deeply stirred, the difficulties involved in bringing the lynch leaders to justice. It was clear to all members of the Commission that every effort should be made to do this. It was pointed out by the member from the Eastern Shore that Matthew Williams was from boyhood feebleminded, and had been so regarded by his teachers in the public schools. This fact was advanced, not to excuse Williams for the crime with which he is charged, but to indicate the responsibility of the governing public for the timely consideration of such cases. We are pleased to know that steps have been taken for the early care by the State of such mental cases. The Commission adopted a communication to Your Excellency, copy of which is herewith enclosed. We express the confident hope that every effort will be made by the officials to bring to public condemnation the perpretrators of this crime against good order and against the State. If this is not done there is no assurance that such crimes will not be repeated. To your sense of fair play, justice and good order we confidently appeal. Yours sincerely, JOS-x-JHC J. 0. Spencer. ^^.\£fe-^C^^ZL^cs\ |