Letter, William Polk to Franklin D. Roosevelt

id IX Box 113, Romney, W. Va. October 25th, 1935. Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D. C. Most Honorable President: Your very unique letter came to me as a very pleasent surprise, and after careful study I am attempting to reply. Your position demands that your time as well as your correspondence should be very carefully safeguarded, in spite of this fact, I am egotistic enough to hope that these humble words of mine might receive your personal consideration. I am a Negro minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I can boast of being the only minister of my race in two counties. I have a unique opportunity for study of the conditions of the people generally because of a sparsely settled parish and have reached the conclusion that poverty has no respect for races and that all must rise or fall together. I believe you are sincere and I also approve the principle of your Social Security Program. I wonder d how soon such a program can be made practicle so that those who are in immediate need may be benefited. I wonder also if it is possible for unscrupulous and selfish persons, upon whom you are to depend for carrying out your program, to thwart your plans and misinterpret your motives. The work of the Christian minister is impera- tive, and he like all other citizens of this nation ought to enjoy social security. Depending upon those whom he serves for his living, he is handicapped in delivering to this age the message that is most needed and those who ought to have the best service are hindered because they are unable to secureiit. In spite of these facts there must be a renewed emphasis upon human values rather than upon profits. You cannot carry out your program without the assistance of men and women whom are Christian in their human relations. There are men and women in this community, white and black, undernourished and their standard of x liveing is quite low, ignorance and crime can be found here and that peculair caste system exists. The good livers have little or no interest in the poor of the town and rural and mountain people. I find them starved for 2 appreciation and the embarassing color line handicaps one in rendering service. Ideals must bear their crosses. I must pray for you because I know you are sorrounded with temptation. Few appreciate the work you are doing. It is my hope and prayer that when the Tempter comes to offer you the riches of this world, or says to you, "Never mind your Lord, but have your own way, 11 God will come to your rescue at that hour and wisper in your soul, my Son said for your sake, "Not my will but Thy will be done." Your servant in Christ, William H. Rolk