Race Question Worries Him.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1912:
Colonel Dodges Issue When Negro Delegation Calls on Him.
Special to The New York Times.
    OYSTER BAY, N. Y., July 30.— Col. Roosevelt spent the day in New York, but had few political visitors. He finally decided to-night to start for Chicago on Sunday and will make his first appearance at the convention of the Progressives next Monday afternoon, the day he is scheduled to place before the people his "declaration of faith."
    The differences that have arisen- in some of the Southern States between the "lily white" faction and the negroes were brought prominently to the attention of Col. Roosevelt by a visit of a delegation of negroes who called at The Outlook office to find out just how he stood on the race question. Col. Roosevelt did not have a word to say except to talk kindly to the colored men. He said afterward that he had little or nothing to do with the selection of delegates to the Bull Moose Convention and in the Southern States that would be left to the men who signed the call for the convention.
    During his primary campaign Col. Roosevelt made several addresses before audiences of colored men, and just what he will do now in this emergency ius a matter which is being carefully watched by his opponents. The question is one that is worrying the Colonel and his managers to no little extent, as they see the danger in it and want the Chicago Convention carried on without the race Question being made an issue in any form.
    In speaking of the coming convention, Col. Roosevelt said:
    "I have received many letters from all parts of the country suggesting that some regular old-line Democrat take a prominent part in our convention. Many of these letters have mentioned the name of John M. Parker of New Orleans. Senator Dixon has also received many letters suggesting that Mr. Parker be made temporary Chairman. I see absolutely no objection to this idea."
    Another visitor received by Col. Roosevelt to-day was Congressman Warburton of Washington. He said to the Colonel that there was no misunderstanding the Roosevelt strength in the State of Washington. The Congressman would not make any definite comment upon the third party, but said that he would have a public statement to make upon the question in a few days.