April 17, 1913.
My dear Mr. Kellogg:
I am most anxious to help the Progressive Service in every possible way, and if my acceptance of the temporary chairmanship of the sub-committee on the Negro will aid the work of the Department of Social and Industrial Justice at this time, you may count on my enthusiastic interest and support. I do not feel, however, that I can become the permanent chairman of such a committee. In the first place, I should not like to complicate my relations with the colored people of the country (to whose interests I am devoting a part of my time and energy) by committing myself entirely to any partisan treatment of their problems. In the second place, I am not wholly convinced that these problems can best be dealt with by the Progressive Service in the way you suggest. I am enclosing an alternative suggestion, which is offered in the most tentative way; and I may add that when I mentioned it to Miss Kellor on Tuesday she appeared to approve of it heartily. If this suggestion should appeal to you, and if a Department of Race Adjustments is organized, you will admit that I am hardly the best person to serve as its permanent chairman.
Sincerely yours,
J. E. Spingarn [signed]
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