The St. Paul Echo

No Segregation to Be Allowed in P. O. Department, New Tells Doctor Who Wants Negro Mailman Changed.

Washington, D. C.—"There will be no discrimination between citizens in considering applications for positions in the Postoffice Department."

That is the substance of a letter of Postmaster General Harry S. New to Dr. Clifford Mitchell, 7134 Eggleston Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, who had written him complaining about colored carriers serving white districts and charging that Negroes were neither efficient nor loyal.

"I live in a residence district in Chicago," wrote Dr. Mitchell, "where there are few or no Negroes. Yet the government sees fit to administer its mail service in this neighborhood almost entirely by Negroes." He urged the Postmaster General to use his influence "to give white service to white people and in particular to those who wish to remain in the Republican party."

Postmaster General New replied as follows:

"Let me remind you, Sir, that all citizens of the United States are guaranteed under the Constitution, without discrimination or qualification as to race or color. If they enter the public service at all, they do so under the same conditions and as the result of examinations that are prescribed for all applicants, without any reservations. They are eligible to receive appointments upon qualification to positions in the classified Civil Service.

"I do not at all subscribe to your intimation that colored employees are not loyal and efficient. The records of this department disprove it. Let me assure you, Sir, that there will be no discrimination between citizens in considering applications for positions in the Postoffice Department. They will receive the treatment and be protected in the rights to which all American citizens are entitled, and this to the very fullest extent possible."