Mr. President, lynching has been committed in the south for many years, but when the last presidential election took place, practically every colored boy and girl in America was for Warren G. Harding as president. Why did we want you? The answer was: He is a Republican and will stop that terrible crime – lynching. … Mr. President, why do they lynch a Negro? Has not he done his full share or bit in the making of this new land? When America was fighting for independence, was not Crispus Attucks, a Negro, the first man killed? There are many others that could be named, but time and space will not permit me. When the trumpet was blown for civil strife, did not the Negro give his life as well as the Anglo-Saxon? During the world war, Negro boys also sacrificed their lives as well, and as bravely as the white man, that democracy might rule the earth.

Question

Mr. President, lynching has been committed in the south for many years, but when the last presidential election took place, practically every colored boy and girl in America was for Warren G. Harding as president. Why did we want you? The answer was: He is a Republican and will stop that terrible crime – lynching. … Mr. President, why do they lynch a Negro? Has not he done his full share or bit in the making of this new land? When America was fighting for independence, was not Crispus Attucks, a Negro, the first man killed? There are many others that could be named, but time and space will not permit me. When the trumpet was blown for civil strife, did not the Negro give his life as well as the Anglo-Saxon? During the world war, Negro boys also sacrificed their lives as well, and as bravely as the white man, that democracy might rule the earth.

–excerpt from Ara Lee Settle’s letter to President Harding, 1922
Use the excerpt to answer the question.

What is the strongest argument Ara Lee Settle makes in her attempt to persuade President Harding that lynching Negroes should be made illegal?
A. Negroes supported Harding for president.
B. Lynching occurs in the South.
C. Lynching is not a democratic practice.
D. Negroes have fought and died for this country.

Answer 1

D. Negroes have fought and died for this country.

Answer 2

The strongest argument Ara Lee Settle makes in her attempt to persuade President Harding that lynching Negroes should be made illegal is option D: Negroes have fought and died for this country.

In the excerpt, Settle points out that African Americans have made significant contributions to the United States throughout its history. She highlights the sacrifices made by African Americans during the fight for independence, the Civil War, and World War I. By mentioning these examples, Settle argues that African Americans have shown their loyalty and dedication to the country. Therefore, lynching them is unjust and goes against the principles of equality and justice that America stands for. This argues that it is imperative for President Harding to take action to stop the heinous crime of lynching.