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Title: History of the American Negro in the Great World War

Author: William Allison Sweeney

Release date: August 26, 2005 [eBook #16598]

Most recently updated: December 12, 2020

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR ***

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR

HIS SPLENDID RECORD IN THE BATTLE ZONES OF EUROPE

INCLUDING A RESUME OF HIS PAST SERVICES TO HIS COUNTRY IN THE WARS OF THE REVOLUTION, OF 1812, THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, THE INDIAN WARS ON THE FRONTIER, THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, AND THE LATE IMBROGLIO WITH MEXICO.

BY

W. ALLISON SWEENEY CONTRIBUTING EDITOR OF THE CHICAGO DEFENDER.

PROFUSELY AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED

1919

THIS HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR IS REINFORCED BY THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT INCLUDING TRIBUTES FROM FRENCH AND AMERICAN COMMANDERS

* * * * *

WITH A COMPLETE SUMMARY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE 370th "OLD EIGHTH" IN THE WORLD WAR FROM THE COUNTRY'S CALL TO THE DAY OF ITS MUSTERING OUT

BY CAPT. JOHN H. PATTON, ADJUTANT

HISTORY

OF THE

AMERICAN NEGRO

IN THE

GREAT WORLD WAR

CONTENTS

Chapter I. SPIRITUAL EMANCIPATION OF NATIONS.

THE MARCH OF CIVILIZATION—WORLD SHOCKS TO STIR THE WOULD HEART—FALSE DOCTRINES OF THE HUN—THE IRON HAND CONCEALED—THE WORLD BEGINS TO AWAKEN—GERMAN DESIGNS REVEALED—RUMBLINGS IN ADVANCE OF THE STORM—TRAGEDY THAT HASTENED THE DAY—TOLSTOY'S PROPHECY—VINDICATION OF NEGRO FAITH IN PROMISES OF THE LORD—DAWN OF FREEDOM FOR ALL RACES

Chapter II. HANDWRITING ON THE WALL.

LIKENED TO BELSHAZZER—THE KAISER'S FEASTS—IN HIS HEART BARBARIC PRIDE OF THE POTENTATES OF OLD—GERMAN MADNESS FOR WAR—INSOLENT DEMANDS—FORTY-EIGHT HOURS TO PREVENT A WORLD WAR—COMMENT OF STATESMEN AND LEADERS—THE WAR STARTS—ITALY BREAKS HER ALLIANCE—GERMANIC POWERS WEIGHED AND FOUND WANTING—SPIRIT WINS OVER MATERIALISM—CIVILIZATION'S LAMP DIMMED BUT NOT DARKENED

Chapter III. MILITARISM AND AUTOCRACY DOOMED.

GERMANY'S MACHINE—HER SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOR TO MOLD SOLDIERS—INFLUENCE ON THOUGHT AND LIVES OF THE PEOPLE—MILITARISM IN THE HOME—THE STATUS OF WOMAN—FALSE THEORIES AND FALSE GODS—THE SYSTEM ORDAINED TO PERISH—WAR'S SHOCKS—AMERICA INCLINES TO NEUTRALITY—GERMAN AND FRENCH TREATMENT OF NEUTRALS CONTRASTED—EXPERIENCES OF AMERICANS ABROAD AND ENROUTE HOME—STATUE OF LIBERTY TAKES ON NEW BEAUTY—BLOOD OF NEGRO AND WHITE TO FLOW

Chapter IV. AWAKENING OF AMERICA.

PRESIDENT CLINGS TO NEUTRALITY—MONROE DOCTRINE AND WASHINGTON'S WARNING—GERMAN CRIMES AND GERMAN VICTORIES—CARDINAL MERCIER'S LETTER—MILITARY OPERATIONS—FIRST SUBMARINE ACTIVITIES—THE LUSITANIA OUTRAGE—EXCHANGE OF NOTES—UNITED STATES AROUSED—ROLE OF PASSIVE ONLOOKER BECOMES IRKSOME—FIRST MODIFICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF WASHINGTON AND MONROE—OUR DESTINY LOOMS

Chapter V. HUNS SWEEPING WESTWARD.

TOWARD SHORES OF ATLANTIC—SPREAD RUIN AND DEVASTATION—CAPITALS OF CIVILIZATION ALARMED—ACTIVITIES OF SPIES—APOLOGIES AND LIES—GERMAN ARMS WINNING—GAIN TIME TO FORGE NEW WEAPONS—FEW VICTORIES FOR ALLIES—ROUMANIA CRUSHED—INCIDENT OF U-53

Chapter VI. THE HOUR AND THE MAN.

A BEACON AMONG THE YEARS—TRYING PERIOD FOR PRESIDENT WILSON—GERMANY CONTINUES DILATORY TACTICS—PEACE EFFORTS FAIL—ALL HONORABLE MEANS EXHAUSTED—PATIENCE CEASES TO BE A VIRTUE—ENEMY ABANDONS ALL SUBTERFUGES—UNRESTRICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE—GERMAN INTRIGUES WITH MEXICO—THE ZIMMERMAN NOTE—AMERICA SEIZES THE SWORD—WAR IS DECLARED—PERSHING GOES ABROAD—FIRST TROOPS SAIL—WAR MEASURES—WAR OPERATIONS

Chapter VII. NEGROES RESPOND TO THE CALL.

SWIFT AND UNHALTING ARRAY—FEW PERMITTED TO VOLUNTEER—ONLY NATIONAL GUARD ACCEPTED—NO NEW UNITS FORMED—SELECTIVE DRAFT THEIR OPPORTUNITY—PARTIAL DIVISION OF GUARDSMEN—COMPLETE DIVISION OF SELECTIVES—MANY IN TRAINING—ENTER MANY BRANCHES OF SERVICE—NEGRO NURSES AUTHORIZED—NEGRO Y.M.C.A. WORKERS—NEGRO WAR CORRESPONDENT—NEGRO ASSISTANT TO SECRETARY OF WAR—TRAINING CAMP FOR NEGRO OFFICERS FIRST TIME IN ARTILLERY—COMPLETE RACIAL SEGREGATION

Chapter VIII. RECRUDESCENCE OF SOUTH'S INTOLERANCE.

CONFRONTED BY RACIAL PREJUDICE—SPLENDID ATTITUDE OF NEGRO SHAMED IT—KEPT OUT OF NAVY—ONLY ONE PERCENT OF NAVY PERSONNEL NEGROES—MODIFIED MARINES CONTEMPLATED—FEW HAVE PETTY OFFICERS' GRADES—SEPARATE SHIPS PROPOSED—NEGRO EFFICIENCY IN NAVY—MATERIAL FOR "BLACK SHIPS"—NAVY OPENS DOOR TO NEGRO MECHANICS

Chapter IX. PREVIOUS WARS IN WHICH NEGRO FIGURED.

SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD—CRISPUS ATTUCKS—SLAVE LEADS SONS OF FREEDOM—THE BOSTON MASSACRE—ANNIVERSARY KEPT FOR YEARS—WILLIAM NELL, HISTORIAN—3,000 NEGROES IN WASHINGTON'S FORCES—A STIRRING HISTORY—NEGRO WOMAN SOLDIER—BORDER INDIAN WARS—NEGRO HEROES

Chapter X. FROM LEXINGTON TO CARRIZAL.

NEGRO IN WAR OF 1812—INCIDENT OF THE CHESAPEAKE—BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE—PERRY'S FIGHTERS 10 PERCENT NEGROES—INCIDENT OF THE "GOVERNOR TOMPKINS"—COLONISTS FORM NEGRO REGIMENTS—DEFENDERS OF NEW ORLEANS—ANDREW JACKSON'S TRIBUTE—NEGROES IN MEXICAN AND CIVIL WARS—IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR—NEGROES IN THE PHILIPPINES—HEROES OF CARRIZAL—GENERAL BUTLER'S TRIBUTE TO NEGROES—WENDELL PHILLIPS ON TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE

Chapter XI. HOUR OF HIS NATION'S PERIL.

NEGRO'S PATRIOTIC ATTITUDE—SELECTIVE DRAFT IN EFFECT—FEATURES AND RESULTS—BOLD RELIANCE ON FAITH IN PEOPLE—NO COLOR LINE DRAWN—DISTRIBUTION OF REGISTRANTS BY STATES—NEGRO AND WHITE REGISTRATIONS COMPARED—NEGRO PERCENTAGES HIGHER—CLAIMED FEWER EXEMPTIONS—INDUCTIONS BY STATES—BETTER PHYSICALLY THAN WHITES—TABLES, FACTS AND FIGURES

Chapter XII. NEGRO SLACKERS AND PACIFISTS UNKNOWN.

SUCH WORDS NOT IN HIS VOCABULARY—DESERTIONS EXPLAINED—GENERAL CROWDER EXONERATES NEGRO—NO WILLFUL DELINQUENCY—STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MEET REGULATIONS—NO "CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS"—NO DRAFT EVADERS OR RESISTERS—NEGRO'S DEVOTION SUBLIME—JUSTIFIES HIS FREEDOM—FORGETS HIS SORROWS—RISES ABOVE HIS WRONGS—TESTIMONY OF LOCAL BOARDS—GERMAN PROPAGANDA WASTED—A NEW AMERICANISM

Chapter XIII. ROSTER OF NEGRO OFFICERS.

COMMISSIONED AT FORT DES MOINES—ONLY EXCLUSIVE NEGRO TRAINING CAMP—MOSTLY FROM CIVILIAN LIFE—NAMES, RANK AND RESIDENCE

Chapter XIV. ACROSS DIVIDING SEAS.

BLACK THOUSANDS ASSEMBLE—SOLDIERS OF LIBERTY—SEVERING HOME TIES—MAN'S WORK MUST BE DONE—FIRST NEGROES IN FRANCE—MEETING WITH FRENCH COLONIALS—EARLY HISTORY OF 15TH NEW YORK—THEY SAIL AWAY—BECOME FRENCH FIGHTING MEN—HOLD 20 PERCENT OF AMERICAN LINES—TERROR TO GERMANS—ONLY BARRIER BETWEEN BOCHE AND PARIS—IMPERISHABLE RECORD OF NEW YORKERS—TURNING POINT OF WAR

Chapter XV. OVER THERE.

HENRY JOHNSON AND NEEDHAM ROBERTS—THE TIGER'S CUBS—NEGRO FIRST TO GET PALM—JOHNSON'S GRAPHIC STORY—SMASHES THE GERMANS—IRVIN COBB'S TRIBUTE—CHRISTIAN AND MOHAMMEDAN NEGROES PALS—VALOR OF 93RD DIVISION—LAUGHTER IN FACE OF DEATH—NEGRO AND POILU HAPPY TOGETHER—BUTTE DE MESNIL—VALIANT AND HUMOROUS ELMER MCCOWIN—WINNING WAR CROSSES—VERDICT OF THE FRENCH—THE NEGRO'S FAITH

Chapter XVI. THROUGH HELL AND SUFFERING.

COLORED OFFICERS MAKE GOOD—WONDERFUL RECORD OF THE 8TH ILLINOIS—"BLACK DEVILS" WIN DECORATIONS GALORE—TRIBUTE OF FRENCH COMMANDER—HIS FAREWELL TO PRAIRIE FIGHTERS—THEY FOUGHT AFTER WAR WAS OVER—HARD TO STOP THEM—INDIVIDUAL DEEDS OF HEROISM—THEIR DEAD, THEIR WOUNDED AND SUFFERING—A POEM

Chapter XVII. NARRATIVE OF AN OFFICER.

SPECIAL ARTICLE BY CAPTAIN JOHN H. PATTON, ADJUTANT OF 8TH ILLINOIS—SUMMARIZES OPERATIONS OF THE REGIMENT—FROM FIRST CALL TO MUSTERING OUT—AN EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT—IN TRAINING CAMPS, AT SEA, IN FRANCE—SERVICE IN ARGONNE FOREST—MANY OTHER ENGAGEMENTS—A THRILLING RECORD—BATTALION OPERATIONS IN DETAIL—SPECIAL MENTION OF COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS

Chapter XVIII. BLOOD OF BLACK AND WHITE IN ONE RIVULET.

LINCOLN'S PROPHETIC WORDS—NEGROES ALONGSIDE BEST SOLDIERS IN THE WORLD—HOLD THEIR OWN—THE 372ND REGIMENT—BRIGADED WITH VETERANS OF THE MARNE—FAMOUS "RED HAND" DIVISION—OCCUPY HILL 304 AT VERDUN—NINE DAYS BATTLE IN "BLOODY ARGONNE"—ADMIRATION OF THE FRENCH—CONSPICUOUS COMPONENTS OF 372ND—CHRONOLOGY OF SERVICE

Chapter XIX. COMRADES ON THE MARCH—BROTHERS IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH.

POLICY OF SUBSTITUTING WHITE OFFICERS—INJUSTICE TO CAPABLE NEGROES—DISAPPOINTMENT BUT NO OPEN RESENTMENT—SHOWED THEMSELVES SOLDIERS—INTENSER FIGHTING SPIRIT AROUSED—RACE FORGOTTEN IN PERILS OF WAR—BOTH WHITES AND BLACKS GENEROUS—AFFECTION BETWEEN OFFICERS AND MEN—NEGROES PREFERRED DEATH TO CAPTIVITY—OUTSTANDING HEROES OF 371ST AND 372ND—WINNERS OF CROSSES

Chapter XX. MID SHOT AND SHELL.

IN TRENCH AND VALLEY—THE OPEN PLAIN—ON MOUNTAIN TOP—IN NO MAN'S LAND—TWO CLASSES OF NEGRO SOLDIERS CONSIDERED—TRAINED GUARDSMEN AND SELECTIVES—GALLANT 92ND DIVISION—RACE CAN BE PROUD OF IT—HAD SIX HUNDRED NEGRO OFFICERS—SETS AT REST ALL DOUBTS—OPERATIONS OF THE DIVISION—AT PONT A MOUSSON—GREAT BATTLE OF METZ—SOME REFLECTIONS—CASUALTIES CONSIDERED

Chapter XXI. THE LONG, LONG TRAIL.

OPERATIONS OF 368TH INFANTRY—NEGROES FROM PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND AND SOUTH—IN ARGONNE HELL—DEFEAT IRON CROSS VETERANS—VALIANT PERSONAL EXPLOITS—LIEUTENANT ROBERT CAMPBELL—PRIVATE JOHN BAKER—OPERATIONS OF 367TH INFANTRY—"MOSS'S BUFFALOES"—365TH AND 366TH REGIMENTS—THE GREAT DIVIDE—THEIR SOULS ARE MARCHING ON—PRAISED BY PERSHING—SOME CITATIONS

Chapter XXII. GLORY THAT WONT COME OFF.

167TH FIRST NEGRO ARTILLERY BRIGADE—"LIKE VETERANS" SAID PERSHING—FIRST ARTILLERY TO BE MOTORIZED—RECORD BY DATES—SELECTED FOR LORRAINE CAMPAIGN—BEST EDUCATED NEGROES IN AMERICAN FORCES—ALWAYS STOOD BY THEIR GUNS—CHAPLAIN'S ESTIMATE—LEFT SPLENDID IMPRESSION—TESTIMONY OF FRENCH MAYORS—CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR—SOLDIERLY QUALITIES

Chapter XXIII. NOR STORIED URN, NOR MOUNTING SHAFT.

GLORY NOT ALL SPECTACULAR—BRAVE FORCES BEHIND THE LINES—325TH FIELD SIGNAL BATTALION—COMPOSED OF YOUNG NEGROES—SEE REAL FIGHTING—SUFFER CASUALTIES—AN EXCITING INCIDENT—COLORED SIGNAL BATTALION A SUCCESS—RALPH TYLER'S STORIES—BURIAL OF NEGRO SOLDIER AT SEA—MORE INCIDENTS OF NEGRO VALOR—A WORD FROM CHARLES M. SCHWAB

Chapter XXIV. THOSE WHO NEVER WILL RETURN.

A STUDY OF WAR—ITS COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS—ITS RAVAGES AND DEBASEMENTS—BURDENS FALL UPON THE WEAK—TOLL OF DISEASE—NEGROES SINGULARLY HEALTHY—NEGROES KILLED IN BATTLE—DEATHS FROM WOUNDS AND OTHER CAUSES—REMARKABLE PHYSICAL STAMINA OF RACE—HOUSEKEEPING IN KHAKI—HEALTHIEST WAR IN HISTORY—INCREASED REGARD FOR MOTHERS—AN IDEAL FOR CHILD MINDS—MORALE AND PROPAGANDA

Chapter XXV. QUIET HEROES OF THE BRAWNY ARM.

NEGRO STEVEDORE, PIONEER AND LABOR UNITS—SWUNG THE AXE AND TURNED THE WHEEL—THEY WERE INDISPENSABLE—EVERYWHERE IN FRANCE—HEWERS OF WOOD, DRAWERS OF WATER—NUMBERS AND DESIGNATIONS OF UNITS—ACQUIRED SPLENDID REPUTATION—CONTESTS AND AWARDS—PRIDE IN THEIR SERVICE—MEASURED UP TO MILITARY STANDARDS—LESTER WALTON'S APPRECIATION—ELLA WHEELER WILCOX'S POETIC TRIBUTE

Chapter XXVI. UNSELFISH WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD.

MITIGATED THE HORRORS OF WAR—AT THE FRONT, BEHIND THE LINES, AT HOME—CIRCLE FOR NEGRO WAR RELIEF—ADDRESSED AND PRAISED BY ROOSEVELT—A NOTABLE GATHERING—COLORED Y.M.C.A. WORK—UNSULLIED RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT—HOW THE "Y" CONDUCTED BUSINESS—SECRETARIES ALL SPECIALISTS—NEGRO WOMEN IN "Y" WORK—VALOR OF A NON-COMBATANT

Chapter XXVII. NEGRO IN ARMY PERSONNEL.

HIS MECHANICAL ABILITY REQUIRED—SKILLED AT SPECIAL TRADES—VICTORY DEPENDS UPON TECHNICAL WORKERS—VAST RANGE OF OCCUPATION—NEGRO MAKES GOOD SHOWING—PERCENTAGES OF WHITE AND COLORED—FIGURES FOR GENERAL SERVICE

Chapter XXVIII. THE KNOCKOUT BLOW.

WOODROW WILSON, AN ESTIMATE—HIS PLACE IN HISTORY—LAST OF GREAT TRIO—WASHINGTON, LINCOLN, WILSON—UPHOLDS DECENCY, HUMANITY, LIBERTY—RECAPITULATION OF YEAR 1918—CLOSING INCIDENTS OF WAR

Chapter XXIX. HOMECOMING HEROES.

NEW YORK GREETS HER OWN—ECSTATIC DAY FOR OLD 15TH—WHITES AND BLACKS DO HONORS—A MONSTER DEMONSTRATION—MANY DIGNITARIES REVIEW TROOPS—PARADE OF MARTIAL POMP—CHEERS, MUSIC, FLOWERS AND FEASTING—"HAYWARD'S SCRAPPING BABIES"—OFFICERS SHARE GLORY—THEN CAME HENRY JOHNSON—SIMILAR SCENES ELSEWHERE

Chapter XXX. RECONSTRUCTION AND THE NEGRO.

BY JULIUS ROSENWALD, PRESIDENT SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO, AND TRUSTEE OF TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE—A PLEA FOR INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NEGRO—TRIBUTE TO NEGRO AS SOLDIER AND CIVILIAN—DUTY OF WHITES POINTED OUT—BUSINESS LEADER AND PHILANTHROPIST SOUNDS KEYNOTE

Chapter XXXI. THE OTHER FELLOW'S BURDEN.

AN EMANCIPATION DAY APPEAL FOR JUSTICE—BY W. ALLISON SWEENEY

Chapter XXXII. AN INTERPOLATION.

HELD—

BY DISTINGUISHED THINKERS AND WRITERS, THAT THE NEGRO SOLDIER SHOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE FOR PROMOTION AS WELL AS A CHANCE TO DIE.

WHY—

WHITE OFFICERS OVER NEGRO SOLDIERS?

Chapter XXXIII. THE NEW NEGRO AND THE NEW AMERICA.

THE OLD ORDER

CHANGETH, YIELDING PLACE TO NEW.

THROUGH THE

ARBITRAMENT OF WAR, BEHOLD A NEW AND BETTER AMERICA!

A NEW AND GIRDED NEGRO!

"THE WATCHES

OF THE NIGHT HAVE PASSED!"

"THE WATCHES

OF THE DAY BEGIN!"

FOREWORD

He was a red headed messenger boy and he handed me a letter in a NILE GREEN ENVELOPE, and this is what I read:

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

When on the 25th of March the last instalment of the MSS of the "History of the American Negro in the Great World War" was returned to us from your hands, bearing the stamp of your approval as to its historic accuracy; the wisdom and fairness of the reflections and recommendations of the corps of compilers placed at your service, giving you full authority to review the result of their labors, your obligation to the publishers ceased.

The transaction between us, a purely business one, had in every particular upon your part been complied with. From thenceforward, as far as you were obligated to the publishers, this History; what it is; what it stands for; how it will be rated by the reading masses—should be, and concretely, by your own people you so worthily represent and are today their most fearless and eloquent champion, is, as far as any obligation you may have been under to us, not required of you to say.

Nevertheless, regardless of past business relations now at an end, have you not an opinion directly of the finished work? A word to say; the growth of which you have marked from its first instalment to its last?

-The Publishers-

* * * * *

HAVE I—

A word to say? And of this fine book?

THE BEST HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR, THAT AS YET HAS BEEN WRITTEN OR WILL BE FOR YEARS TO COME?

* * * * *

DOES—

The rose in bud respond to the wooing breath of the mornings of June?

IS—

The whistle of robin red breast clearer and more exultant, as its watchful gaze, bearing in its inscrutable depths the mystery of all the centuries; the Omniscience of DIVINITY, discovers a cherry tree bending to—

"The green grass"

from the weight of its blood red fruit?

* * * * *

DOES—

The nightingale respond to its mate; caroling its amatory challenge from afar; across brake and dale and glen; beyond a

"Dim old forest" the earth bathed in the silver light of the harvest moon!

* * * * *

EVEN SO—

And for the same reason which the wisest of us cannot explain, that the rose, the robin and nightingale respond to the lure that invites, the zephyrs that caress, I find myself moved to say not only a word—a few, but many, of praise and commendation of this book; the finished work, so graciously and so quickly submitted for my inspection by the publishers.

THERE ARE—

Books and books; histories and histories, treatise after treatise; covering every realm of speculative investigation; every field of fact and fancy; of inspiration and deed, past and present, that in this 20th century of haste and bustle, of miraculous mechanical equipment, are born daily and die as quickly. But there are also books, that like some men marked before their birth for a place amongst the "Seats of the MIGHTY"; an association with the IMMORTALS, that

"Were not born to die."

* * * * *

IN THE—

Spiritualized humanity that broadened the vision and inspired the pens of the devoted corps of writers, responding to my suggestions and oversight in its preparation; the getting together of data and facts, is reflected the incoming of a NEW AND BROADER CHARITY—a stranger in our midst—of glimpse and measurement of the Negro. Beyond the written word of the text, the reader is gripped with a certain FELT but unprinted power of suggestion, a sense of the nation's crime against him; the Negro, stretching back through the centuries; the shame and humiliation that is at last overtaking it, that has not been born of the "Print Shops" since the sainted LINCOLN went his way, leaving behind him a trail of glory, shining like the sun; in the path of which, freed through the mandate of his great soul, MARCHED FOUR MILLION NEGROES, now swollen to twelve, their story, the saddest epic of the ages, of whom and in behalf of whom their children; the generation now and those to come, this History was collated and arranged. It is an EVANGEL proclaiming to the world, their unsullied patriotism; their rapid fire loyalty, that through all the years of the nation's life, has never flickered—

"Has burned and burned Forever the same",

"The records of valor decay",

* * * * *

LOOKING BACKWARDS—

The spell of the book strong upon you, you see in your mind's eye, thousands of plantations covering a fourth of a continent of a new and virgin land. The toilers "Black Folk"; men, women and children—SLAVES!

* * * * *

YOU HEAR—

The crack of the "driver's" lash; the sullen bay of pursuing hounds.

* * * * *

JUST OVER YONDER—

Is the "Auction Block". You hear the moans and screams of mothers torn from their offspring. You see them driven away, herded like cattle, chained like convicts, sold to "master's" in the "low lands", to toil—

"Midst the cotton and the cane."

* * * * *

YOU LOOK—

And lo, swinging past are many Black men; garbed in "Blue", keeping step to the music of the Union. You see them fall and die, at Fort Pillow, Fort Wagner, Petersburg, the Wilderness, Honey Hill—SLAUGHTERED! Above the din; the boom of cannon, the rattle of small arms, the groans of the wounded and dying, you hear the shout of one, as shattered and maimed he is being borne from the field; "BOYS, THE OLD FLAG NEVER TOUCHED THE GROUND!"

* * * * *

THE SCENE SHIFTS—

Fifty years have passed. You hear the clamor, the murmur and shouts of gathering mobs. You see Black men and women hanging by their necks to lamp posts, from the limbs of trees; in lonely spots—DEAD! You see smoke curling upwards from BURNING HOMES! There are piles of cinders and—DEAD MENS BONES!

* * * * *

NEARING ITS END—

The procession sweeps on. Staring you in the face; hailing from East, West, North and South are banners; held aloft by unseen hands, bearing on them—the quintessence of AMERICA'S INGRATITUDE,—these devices:

"For American Negroes:

JIM CROW steam and trolley cars;

JIM CROW resident districts;

JIM CROW amen corners;

JIM CROW seats in theatres;

JIM CROW corners in cemeteries."

* * * * *

HEREIN—

Lies the strength and worth of this unusual book, well and deservingly named: A History of the American Negro in the Great World War. Beyond merely recounting that story; than which there has been nothing finer or more inspiring since the long away centuries when the chivalry of the Middle Ages, in nodding plume and lance in rest, battled for the Holy Sepulchre, it brings to the Negro of America a message of cheer and reassurance. A sign, couched in flaming characters for all men to see, appealing to the spiritualized divination of the age, proclaiming that God is NOT DEAD! That a NEW day is dawning; HAS dawned for the Negro in America. A NEW liberty; broader and BETTER. A NEW Justice, unshaded by the spectre of: "Previous condition!" That the unpaid toil of thirty decades of African slavery in America is at last to be liquidated. That the dead of our people, upon behalf of this land that it might have a BIRTH, and having it might not PERISH FROM THE EARTH, did not die in vain. That, in their passage from earth, heroes—MARTYRS—in a superlative sense they were seen and marked of the Father; were accorded a place of record in the pages of the great WHITE BOOK with golden seals, in the up worlds; above the stars and beyond the flaming suns.

IT IS A HISTORY—

That will be read with instruction and benefit by thousands of whites, but, and mark well this suggestion, it is one that should be OWNED AND READ BY EVERY NEGRO IN THE LAND.

* * * * *

TYPOGRAPHICALLY—

Mechanically; that is to say, in those features that reflect the finished artistic achievement of the Print, Picture and Binding art; as seen in the bold clear type of its text, its striking and beautiful illustrations, its illuminating title heads of division and chapter; indicating at a glance the information to follow; the whole appealing to the aesthetic; the sticklers for the rare and beautiful; not overlooking its superb binding, it is most pleasing to the sight, and worthy of the title it bears.

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR

CHAPTER I.

SPIRITUAL EMANCIPATION OF NATIONS.

THE MARCH OF CIVILIZATION—WORLD SHOCKS TO STIR THE WORLD HEART—FALSE DOCTRINES OF THE HUN—THE IRON HAND CONCEALED—THE WORLD BEGINS TO AWAKEN—GERMAN DESIGNS REVEALED—RUMBLINGS IN ADVANCE OF THE STORM—TRAGEDY THAT HASTENED THE DAY—TOLSTOY'S PROPHECY—VINDICATION OF NEGRO FAITH IN PROMISES OF THE LORD—DAWN OF FREEDOM FOR ALL RACES.

The march of civilization is attended by strange influences. Providence which directs the advancement of mankind, moves in such mysterious ways that none can sense its design or reason out its import. Frequently the forces of evil are turned to account in defeating their own objects. Great tragedies, cruel wars, cataclysms of woe, have acted as enlightening and refining agents. Out of the famines of the past came experiences which inculcated the thrift and fore-handedness of today.

Out of man's sufferings have come knowledge and fortitude. Out of pain and tribulation, the attribute of sympathy—the first spiritual manifestation instrumental in elevating the human above the beast. Things worth while are never obtained without payment of some kind.

Individual shocks stir the individual heart and conscience. Great world shocks are necessary to stir the world conscience and heart; to start those movements to right the wrongs in the world. So long as peace reigned commerce was uninterrupted, and the acquisition of wealth was not obstructed, men cared little for the intrigues and ambitions of royalty. If they sensed them at all, they lulled themselves into a feeling of security through the belief that progress had attained too far, civilization had secured too strong a hold, and democracy was too firmly rooted for any ordinary menace to be considered.

So insidious and far reaching had become the inculcation of false philosophies summed up in the general term Kultur, that the subjects of the autocratic-ridden empires believed they were being guided by benign influences. Many enlightened men; at least it seems they must have been enlightened, in Germany and Austria—men who possessed liberated intellects and were not in the pay of the Kulturists—professed to believe that despotism in the modern world could not be other than benevolent.

The satanic hand was concealed in the soft glove; the cloven hoof artistically fitted into the military boot; the tail carefully tucked inside the uniform or dress suit; fiendish eyes were taught to smile and gleam in sympathy and humor, or were masked behind the heavy lenses of professorial dignity; the serpent's hiss was trained to song, or drowned in crashing chords and given to the world as a sublime harmony.

Suddenly the world awoke! The wooing harmony had changed to a blast of war; the conductor's baton had become a bayonet; the soft wind instrument barked the rifle's tone; its notes were bullets that hissed and screamed; tinkling cymbals sounded the wild blare of carnage, and sweet-throated horns of silver and brass bellowed the cannon's deadly roar.

Civilization was so shocked that for long the exact sequence of events was not comprehended. It required time and reflection to clear away the brain benumbing vapors of the dream; to reach a realization that liberty actually was tottering on her throne. German propagandists had been so well organized, and so effectively did they spread their poison; especially in the western world that great men; national leaders were deceived, while men in general were slow to get the true perspective; much later than those at the seat of government.

A few far-seeing men had been alive to the German menace. Some English statesmen felt it in a vague way, while in France where the experience of 1870-71, had produced a wariness of all things German, a limited number of men with penetrating, broadened vision, had beheld the fair exterior of Kaiserism, even while they recognized in the background, the slimy abode of the serpent. For years they had sounded the warning until at last their feeble voices attracted attention.

France, with her traditions of Napoleon, Moreau, Ney, Berthier and others, with rare skill set about the work of perfecting an army under the tutelage and direction of Joffre and Foch. The defense maintained by its army in the earlier part of the struggle provided the breathing space required by the other allies. All through the struggle the staying power of the French provided example and created the necessary morale for the co-operating Allied forces, until our own gallant soldiers could be mustered and sent abroad for the knockout blow.

As is usual where conspiracies to perform dark deeds are hatched a clew or record is left behind. In spite of Germany's protestations of innocence, her loud cries that the war was forced upon her, there is ample evidence that for years she had been planning it; that she wanted it and only awaited the opportune time to launch it. It was a gradual unearthing and examination of this evidence that at length revealed to the world the astounding plot.

It is not necessary to touch more than briefly the evidence of Germany's designs, and the intrigues through which she sought world domination and the throttling of human liberty. The facts are now too well established to need further confirmation. The ruthless manner in which the Kaiser's forces prosecuted the war, abandoning all pretense of civilization and relapsing into the most utter barbarism, is enough to convince anyone of her definite and well prepared program, which she was determined to execute by every foul means under the sun.

She had skillfully been laying her lines and building her military machine for more than forty years. As the time approached for the blow she intended to strike, she found it difficult to conceal her purposes. Noises from the armed camp—bayings of the dogs of war—occasionally stirred the sleeping world; an awakening almost occurred over what is known as the Morocco incident.

On account of the weakness of the Moroccan government, intervention by foreign powers had been frequent. Because of the heavy investment of French capital and because the prevailing anarchy in Morocco threatened her interests in Algeria, France came to be regarded as having special interests in Morocco. In 1904 she gained the assent of Britain and the cooperation of Spain in her policy. Germany made no protest; in fact, the German Chancellor, von Bulow, declared that Germany was not specially concerned with Moroccan affairs. But in 1905 Germany demanded a reconsideration of the entire question.

France was forced against the will of her minister of foreign affairs, Delcasse, to attend a conference at Algeciras. That conference discussed placing Morocco under international control, but because France was the only power capable of dealing with the anarchy in the country, she was left in charge, subject to certain Spanish rights, and allowed to continue her work. The Germans again declared that they had no political interests in Morocco.

In 1909, Germany openly recognized the political interests of France in Morocco. In 1911 France was compelled by disorders in the country to penetrate farther into the interior. Germany under the pretext that her merchants were not getting fair treatment in Morocco, reopened the entire question and sent her gunboat Panther, to Agadir on the west coast of Africa, as if to establish a port there, although she had no interests in that part of the country. France protested vigorously and Britain supported her.

Matters came very close to war. But Germany was not yet ready to force the issue. Her action had been simply a pretext to find out the extent to which England and France were ready to make common cause. She recalled her gunboat and as a concession to obtain peace, was permitted to acquire some territory in the French Congo country. But German newspapers and German political utterances showed much bitterness. Growling and snarling grew apace in Germany, and to those who made a close study of the situation it became evident that Germany sooner or later intended to launch a war.

One of the characteristic German utterances of the time, came from Albrect Wirth, a German political writer of standing, in close touch with the thought and aims of his nation. The utterance about to be quoted may, in the light of later events, appear indiscreet, as Germany wished to avoid an appearance of responsibility for the world war; but the minds of the German people had to be prepared and this could not be accomplished without some of the writers and public men letting the cat out of the bag. Wirth said:

"Morocco is easily worth a big war, or several. At best—and even prudent Germany is getting to be convinced of this—war is only postponed and not abandoned. Is such a postponement to our advantage? They say we must wait for a better moment. Wait for the deepening of the Kiel canal, for our navy laws to take full effect. It is not exactly diplomatic to announce publicly to one's adversaries, 'To go to war now does not tempt us, but three years hence we shall let loose a world war'—No; if a war is really planned, not a word of it must be spoken; one's designs must be enveloped in profound mystery; then brusquely, all of a sudden, jump on the enemy like a robber in the darkness." The heavy footed German had difficulty in moving with the stealth of a robber, but the policy here recommended was followed.

In 1914, the three years indicated by Wirth had expired. There began to occur dark comings and goings; mysterious meetings and conferences on the continent of Europe. The German emperor, accompanied by the princes and leaders of the German states, began to cruise the border and northern seas of the Fatherland, where they would be safe from listening ears, prying eyes, newspapers, telephones and telegraphs. It became known that the Kaiser was cultivating the weak-minded Russian czar in an attempt to win his country from its alliance with England and France. There were no open rumblings of war, but the air was charged with electricity like that preceeding a storm.

An unaccountable business depression affected pretty much the entire world. Money, that most sensitive of all things, began to show nervousness and a tendency to go into hiding. The bulk of the world was still asleep to the real meaning of events, but it had begun to stir in its dreams, as if some prescience, some premonition had begun to reach it even in its slumbers.

Finally the first big event occurred—the tragedy that was not intended to accomplish as much, but which hastened the dawn of the day in which began the Spiritual Emancipation of the governments of earth. The Archduke Francis Ferdinand, nephew of the emperor of Austria, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary and commander in chief of its army, and his wife the duchess of Hohenburg, were assassinated June 28, 1914, by a Serbian student, Gavrio Prinzip. The assassination occurred at Sarajevo in Bosnia, a dependency, or rather, a Slavic state that had been seized by Austria. It was the lightning flash that preceeded the thunder's mighty crash.

Much has been written of the causes which led to the tragedy. Prinzip may have been a fanatic, but he was undoubtedly aided in his act by a number of others. The natural inference immediately formed was that the murder was the outcome of years of ill feeling between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, due to the belief of the people in the smaller state, that their aspirations as a nation were hampered and blocked by the German element in the Austrian empire. The countries had been on the verge of war several years before over the seizure of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria, and later over the disposition of Scutari and certain Albanian territory conquered in the Balkan-Turkish struggle.

Events are coming to light which may place a new construction on the causes leading to the assassination at Sarajevo. It was undoubtedly the pretext sought by Germany for starting the great war. Whether it may not have been carefully planned to serve that object and the Serbian Prinzip, employed as a tool to bring it about, is not so certain.

Several years prior to the war, the celebrated Russian, Tolstoy, gave utterance to a remarkable prophecy. Tolstoy was a mystic, and it was not unusual for him to go into a semi-trance state in which he professed to peer far into the future and obtain visions of things beyond the ken of average men. The Russian czar was superstitious and it is said that the German emperor had a strong leaning towards the mystic and psychic. In fact, it has been stated that the Kaiser's claim to a partnership with The Almighty was the result of delusions formed in his consultations with mediums—the modern descendants of the soothsayers of olden times.

Tolstoy stated that both the Czar and the Kaiser desired to consult with him and test his powers of divination. The three had a memorable sitting. Some time afterwards the results were given to the world. Tolstoy predicted the great war, and he stated his belief that the torch which would start the conflagration would be lighted in the Balkans about 1913.

Tolstoy was not a friend of either Russian or German autocracy, hence his seance may have been but a clever ruse to discover what was in the minds of the two rulers. Germany probably was not ready to start the war in 1913, but there is abundant warrant for the belief that she was trimming the torch at that time, and, who knows, the deluded Prinzip may have been the torch.

The old dotard Francis Joseph who occupied the throne of Austria-Hungary, was completely under the domination of the Germans. He could be relied upon to further any designs which the Kaiser and the German war lords might have.

The younger man, Francis Ferdinand, was not so easy to handle as his aged uncle. Accounts agree that he was arrogant, ambitious and had a will of his own. He was unpopular in his country and probably unpopular with the Germans. Being of the disposition he was, it is very likely that the Kaiser found it difficult to bend him completely to his will. Being a stumbling block in the way of German aims, is it not reasonably probable that Germany desired to get rid of him, thus leaving Austria-Hungary completely in the power of its tool and puppet, Francis Joseph, and in the event of his death, in the power of the young and suppliant Karl; another instrument easily bent to the German will?

The wife of the archduke, assassinated with him, was a Bohemian, her maiden name being Sophie Chotek. She was not of noble blood as Bohemia had no nobles. They had been driven out of the country centuries before and their titles and estates conferred on indigent Spanish and Austrian adventurers. Not being of noble birth, she was but the morgantic wife of the Austrian heir. Titles were afterwards conferred upon her. She was made a countess and then a duchess. Some say she had been an actress; not unlikely, for actresses possessed an especial appeal to Austrian royalty. The cruel Hapsburgs rendered dull witted and inefficient by generations of inbreeding, were fascinated by the bright and handsome women of the stage. At any rate, Sophie Chotek belonged to that virile, practical race Bohemians, (also called Czechs) that gave to the world John Huss, who lighted the fires of religious and civil liberty in Central Europe, giving advent later to the work of Martin Luther.

Bohemians had always been liberty-loving. They had been anxious for three centuries to throw off the yoke of Austria. There is no record that Sophie Chotek sympathized with the aims of her countrymen or that she was not in complete accord with the views of her husband and the political interests of the empire. But the experiences of the Germans and Austrians had taught them that a Bohemian was likely to remain always a Bohemian and that his freedom-loving people would not countenance plans having in view the enslavement of other nations. The Germans may have looked with suspicion upon the Bohemian wife of the archduke and thought it advisable to remove her also.

Prinzip was thrown into prison and kept there until he died. No statement he may have made ever had a chance to reach the world. No one knows whether he was a German or a Serbian tool. He does not seem to have been an anarchist; neither does he seem to have been of the type that would commit such a crime voluntarily, knowing full well the consequences. It is not hard to believe that he was under pay and promised full protection.

Probably no Bohemian considers Sophie Chotek a martyr; indeed, the evidence is strong that she was not. Her heart and soul probably were with her royal spouse. But an interesting outcome is, that her assassination, a contributing cause to the war, finally led to the downfall of Germany, the wreck of Austria, the freedom of her native country, and that Spiritual Emancipation of nations and races, then so gloriously under way.

Also, to the thoughtful and philosophic observer of maturing symptoms transpiring continuously in the affairs of mankind; the fate of those nations of earth that in their strength and arrogance mock the Master, furnish a striking corroborative vindication of the Negro's faith in the promises of the Lord; the glory and power of His coming. From the date, reckoning from moment and second, that Gavrio Prinzip done to death the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary and his duchess, there commenced not alone a new day, a new hope and Emancipation of the whites of earth; empire kingdom, principality and tribe, but of the blacks; the Negro as well, so mysteriously; bewilderingly, moves God His wonders to perform.

It was that subliminated faith in the ubiquity and omniscience of God; the unchangeableness of His word; than which the world has witnessed; known nothing finer; the story of the concurrent causes that projected the Negro into the World War, from whence he emerged covered with glory, followed by the plaudits of mankind, that became the inspiration of this work—his story of devotion, valor and patriotism; of unmurmuring sacrifice; worthy the pens of the mighty, but which the historian, as best he may will tell: "NOTHING extenuate, nor set down AUGHT in malice."

CHAPTER II.

HANDWRITING ON THE WALL.

Likened to Belshazzar—The Kaiser's Feasts—In His Heart Barbaric Pride of the Potentates of Old—German Madness for War—Insolent Demands—Forty-eight Hours to Prevent a World War—Comment of Statesmen and Leaders—The War Starts—Italy Breaks Her Alliance—Germanic Powers Weighed and Found Wanting—Spirit Wins Over Materialism—Civilization's Lamp Dimmed but not Darkened.

Belshazzar of Babylon sat at a feast. Very much after the fashion of modern kings they were good at feasting in those olden days. The farthest limits of the kingdom had been searched for every delight and delicacy. Honeyed wines, flamingo's tongues, game from the hills, fruits from vine and tree, spices from grove and forest, vegetables from field and garden, fish from stream and sea; every resource of Mother Earth that could contribute to appetite or sensual pleasure was brought to the king's table. Singers, minstrels, dancers, magicians, entertainers of every description were summoned to the palace that they might contribute to the vanity of the monarch, and impress the onlooking nations about him.

He desired to be known and feared as the greatest monarch on earth; ruling as he did over the world's greatest city. His triumphs had been many. He had come to believe that his power proceeded directly from the god Bel, and that he was the chosen and anointed of that deity.

This was the period of his prime; of Babylon's greatest glory; his kingdom seemed so firmly established he had no thought it could be shaken. But misleading are the dreams of kings; his kingdom was suddenly menaced from without, by Cyrus of Persia, another great monarch. There were also dangers from within, but courtiers and flatterers kept this knowledge from him. Priests of rival gods had set themselves up within the empire; spies from without and conspirators within were secretly undermining the power of the intrenched despot.

Such was Belshazzar in his pride; such his kingdom and empire. And, so it was, this was to be an orgy that would set a record for all time to come.

Artists and artisans of the highest skill had been summoned to the work of beautifying the enormous palace; its gardens and grounds, innumerable slaves furnishing the labor. The gold and silver of the nation was gathered and beaten into ornaments and woven into beautiful designs to grace the occasion. There was a profusion of the most gorgeous plumage and richest fabrics, while over all were sprinkled in unheard of prodigality, the rarest gems and jewels. It was indeed to be a fitting celebration of the glory of Bel, and the power and magnificence of his earthly representative; heathen opulence, heathen pride and sensuality were to outdo themselves.

The revel started at a tremendous pace. No such wines and viands ever before had been served. No such music ever had been heard and no such dancers and entertainers ever before had appeared, but, fool that he was, he had reckoned without his host; had made a covenant with Death and Hell and had known it not, and the hour of atonement was upon him; the handwriting on the wall of the true and outraged God, conveyed the information; short and crisp, that he had been weighed; he and his kingdom in the balance and found wanting; the hour—his hour, had struck; the time of restitution and atonement long on the way, had come; Babylon was to fall—FELL!—and for twenty-five centuries its glory and its power has been a story that is told; its magnificence but heaps of sand in the desert where night birds shriek and wild beasts find their lair.

In the Kaiser's heart was the same barbaric pride, the same ambition, the same worship of a false god and the same belief that he was the especial agent of that deity.

His extravagances of vision and ambition were no less demoralizing to humanity and civilization, than those that brought decay and ruin to the potentates of old. He graced them with all the luxury and exuberance that modern civilization, without arousing rebellious complaint among his subjects, would permit. His gatherings appeared to be arranged for the bringing together of the bright minds of the empire, that there might be an exchange of thought and sentiment that would work to the good of his country and the happiness of the world. Frequently ministers, princes and statesmen from other countries were present, that they might become acquainted with the German idea—its kultur—working for the good of humanity.

Here was The Beast mentioned in Revelations, in a different guise; wearing the face of benevolence and clothed in the raiment of Heaven. There were feasts of which the German people knew nothing, and to which foreign ambassadors were not invited. At these feasts the wines were furnished by Belial. They were occasions for the glorification of the German god of war; of greed and conquest; ambition and vanity; without pity, sympathy or honor.

Ruthless, vain, arrogant minds met the same qualities in their leader. Some knew and welcomed the fact that the devil was their guest of honor; perhaps others did not know it. Deluded as they all were and blinded by pride and self-seeking, the same handwriting that told Belshazzar of disaster was on the wall, but they could not or would not see it. There was no Daniel to interpret for them.

German madness for war asserted itself in the ultimatum sent by Austria to Serbia after the assassination at Sarajevo. Sufficient time had hardly elapsed for an investigation of the crime and the fixing of the responsibility, before Austria made a most insolent demand upon Serbia.

The smaller nation avowed her innocence of any participation in the murder; offered to make amends, and if it were discovered that the conspiracy had been hatched on Serbian soil, to assist in bringing to justice any confederates in the crime the assassin may have had.

NEGRO SOLDIERS ON THE RIFLE RANGE AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. BEING TAUGHT MARKSMANSHIP. AN IDEAL LOCATION RESEMBLING BATTLE AREAS IN FRANCE.

MEDICAL DETACHMENT 365TH INFANTRY. A REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF MEDICAL OFFICERS AND THEIR FIELD ASSISTANTS. THIS BRANCH OF THE 92ND DIVISION RENDERED MOST VALOROUS SERVICE.

BAYONET EXERCISES IN THE TRAINING CAMP.

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN THE TRAINING CAMP.

NEGRO TROOPS DRILLING. SCENE AT CAMP MEADE, MD., WHERE A PORTION OF THE 93RD DIVISION AND OTHER EFFICIENT UNITS WERE TRAINED.

AN EQUINE BARBER SHOP NEAR THE CAMP. ONE OF THE DUTIES INCIDENT TO THE TRAINING CAMP.

TROOPERS OF 10TH CAVALRY GOING INTO MEXICO. THESE HEROIC NEGRO SOLDIERS WERE AMBUSHED NEAR CARRIZAL AND SUFFERED A LOSS OF HALF THEIR NUMBER IN ONE OF THE BRAVEST FIGHTS ON RECORD.

TENTH CAVALRY SURVIVORS OF CARRIZAL. DESPOILED OF THEIR UNIFORMS BY THE MEXICANS THEY ARRIVE AT EL PASO IN OVERALLS. LEM SPILLSBURY, WHITE SCOUT IN CENTER. EACH SOLDIER HAS A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS.

AMERICA'S WAR TIME PRESIDENT. THIS PHOTOGRAPH OF WOODROW WILSON WAS ESPECIALLY POSED DURING THE WAR. IN HIS STUDY AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

DR. J.E. MOORLAND, SENIOR SECRETARY OF COLORED MEN'S DEPT., INTERNATIONAL Y.M.C.A. THE MAN LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCCESS OF HIS RACE IN "Y" WORK.

A TYPICAL GROUP OF "Y" WORKERS, SECRETARY SNYDER AND STAFF. Y.M.C.A. NO.7, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.

PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON (AT HEAD OF TABLE) AND HIS WAR CABINET. LEFT—W.G. MCADOO SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY; THOMAS W. GREGORY, ATTY. GENL.; JOSEPHUS DANIELS, SEC. OF NAVY; D.F. HOUSTON, SEC. OF AGRICULTURE; WILLIAM B. WILSON, SEC. OF LABOR. RIGHT—ROBERT LANSING, SEC. OF STATE; NEWTON D. BAKER, SEC. OF WAR; A.S. BURLESON, POSTMASTER-GENERAL; FRANKLIN K. LANE, SEC. OF INTERIOR; WILLIAM C. REDFIELD, SEC. OF COMMERCE.

With a war likely to involve the greater part of Europe hanging on the issue, it was a time for cool judgment, sober statesmanship and careful action on all sides. Months should have been devoted to an investigation.

But Germany and Austria did not want a sober investigation. They were afraid that while it was proceeding the pretext for war might vanish. As surmised above, they also may have feared that the responsibility for the act would be placed in quarters that would be embarrassing to them.

On July 23, 1914, just twenty-five days after the murder, Austria delivered her demands upon Serbia and placed a time limit of forty-eight hours for their acceptance. With the fate of a nation and the probable embroiling of all Europe hanging on the outcome, forty-eight hours was a time too brief for proper consideration. Serbia could hardly summon her statesmen in that time. Nevertheless the little country, realizing the awful peril that impended, and that she alone would not be the sufferer, bravely put aside all selfish considerations and practically all considerations of national pride and honor.

The records show that every demand which Austria made on Serbia was granted except one, which was only conditionally refused. Although this demand involved the very sovereignty of Serbia—her existence as a nation—the government offered to submit the matter to mediation or arbitration. But Austria, cats-pawing for Germany, did not want her demands accepted. The one clause was inserted purposely, because they knew it could not be accepted. With Serbia meeting the situation honestly and going over ninety percent of the way towards an amicable adjustment, the diplomacy that could not obtain peace out of such a situation, must have been imbecile or corrupt to the last degree.

An American historian discussing causes in the early stages of the war, said:

"The German Imperial Chancellor pays no high compliment to the intelligence of the American people when he asks them to believe that 'the war is a life-and-death struggle between Germany and the Muscovite races of Russia', and was due to the royal murders at Sarajevo.

"To say that all Europe had to be plunged into the most devastating war of human history because an Austrian subject murdered the heir to the Austrian throne on Austrian soil in a conspiracy in which Serbians were implicated, is too absurd to be treated seriously. Great wars do not follow from such causes, although any pretext, however trivial, may be regarded as sufficient when war is deliberately sought.

"Nor is the Imperial Chancellor's declaration that 'the war is a life-and-death struggle between Germany and the Muscovite races of Russia' convincing in the slightest degree. So far as the Russian menace to Germany is concerned, the Staats-Zeitung is much nearer the truth when its editor, Mr. Ridder, boasts that 'no Russian army ever waged a successful war against a first-class power.'

"The life-and-death struggle between Germany and the Muscovite races of Russia is a diplomatic fiction invented after German Autocracy, taking advantage of the Serbian incident, set forth to destroy France. It was through no fear of Russia that Germany violated her solemn treaty obligations by invading the neutrality of Belgium and Luxemburg. It was through no fear of Russia that Germany had massed most of her army near the frontiers of France, leaving only six army corps to hold Russia in check. Germany's policy as it stands revealed by her military operations was to crush France and then make terms with Russia. The policy has failed because of the unexpected resistance of the Belgians and the refusal of Great Britain to buy peace at the expense of her honor."

"For twenty-five years William II has made Europe live under the weight of a horrible nightmare. He has found sheer delight in keeping it in a state of perpetual anxiety over his boastful utterances of power and the sharpened sword.

"Five threats of war have been launched against us since 1875. At the sixth he finds himself caught in the toils he had laid for us. He threatened the very springs of England's power, though she was more than pacific in her attitude toward him.

"For many years, thanks to him, the Continent has had to join in a giddy race of armaments, drying up the sources of economic development and exposing our finances to a crisis which we shrank from discussing. We must have done with this crowned comedian, poet, musician, sailor, warrior, pastor; this commentator absorbed in reconciling Hammurabi with the Bible, giving his opinion on every problem of philosophy, speaking of everything, saying nothing." M. Clemenceau summed up the Kaiser as "another Nero; but Rome in flames is not sufficient for him—he demands the destruction of the universe."

"I assert that never before in human history has there been a war with less pretense of justification. It is the supreme crime of the ages; a blow at the very throat of civilization. The three nations which began it, Austria, Russia and Germany, are governed, the first by a doddering imbecile, the second by a weak-minded melancholic, and the third by an epileptic degenerate, drunk upon the vision of himself as the war lord of Europe. Behind each of These men is a little clique of blood-thirsty aristocrats. They fall into a quarrel among themselves. The pretext is that Serbia instigated the murder of the heir apparent to the Austrian throne. There is good reason far believing that as a matter of fact this murder was instigated by the war party in Austria, because the heir apparent had democratic and anti-military tendencies. First they murder him and then they use his death as a pretext for plunging the whole of civilization into a murderous strife."

"Sooner or later the nations engaged in war will find themselves spent and weary. There will be victory for some, defeat for others, and profit for none. There can hardly be any lasting laurels for any of the contending parties. To change the map of Europe is not worth the price of a single human life. Patriotism should never rise above humanity.

"The history of war is merely a succession of blunders. Each treaty of peace sows the seed of future strife.

"War offends our intelligence and outrages our sympathies. We can but stand aside and murmur 'The pity of it all. The pity of it all.'

"War breeds socialism. At night the opposing hosts rest on their arms, searching the heavens for the riddle of life and death, and wondering what their tomorrow will bring forth. Around a thousand camp fires the steady conviction is being driven home that this sacrifice of life might all be avoided. It seems difficult to realize that millions of men, skilled by years of constant application, have left the factory, the mill, or the desk to waste not only their time but their very lives and possibly the lives of those dependent on them to wage war, brother against brother.

"The more reasonable it appears that peace must quickly come, the more hopeless does it seem. I am convinced that an overwhelming majority of the populations of Germany, England and France are opposed to this war. The Governments of these states do not want war.

"War deals in human life as recklessly as the gambler in money.

"Imagine the point of view of a commanding general who is confronted with the task of taking a fortress; 'That position will cost me five thousand lives; it will be cheap at the price, for it must be taken.'

"He discounts five thousand human lives as easily as the manufacturer marks off five thousand dollars for depreciation. And so five thousand homes are saddened that another flag may fly over a few feet of fortified masonry. What a grim joke for Europe to play upon humanity."

"This war is not going to end in diplomacy; it is going to end diplomacy.

"It is quite a different sort of war from any that have gone before. At the end there will be no conference of Europe on the old lines, but a conference of the world. It will make a peace that will put an end to Krupp, and the spirit of Krupp and Kruppism and the private armament firms behind Krupp for evermore."

CHAPTER III.

MILITARISM AND AUTOCRACY DOOMED.

GERMANY'S MACHINE—HER SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOR TO MOLD SOLDIERS—INFLUENCE ON THOUGHT AND LIVES OF THE PEOPLE—MILITARISM IN THE HOME—THE STATUS OF WOMAN—FALSE THEORIES AND FALSE GODS—THE SYSTEM ORDAINED TO PERISH—WAR'S SHOCKS—AMERICA INCLINES TO NEUTRALITY—GERMAN AND FRENCH TREATMENT OF NEUTRALS CONTRASTED—EXPERIENCES OF AMERICANS ABROAD AND ENROUTE HOME—STATUE OF LIBERTY TAKES ON NEW BEAUTY—BLOOD OF NEGRO AND WHITE TO FLOW.

Those who had followed the Kaiser's attitudes and their reflections preceeding the war in the German military party, were struck by a strange blending of martial glory and Christian compunction. No one prays more loudly than the hypocrite and none so smug as the devil when a saint he would be.

During long years the military machine had been under construction. Human ingenuity had been reduced to a remarkable state of organization and efficiency. One of the principal phases of Kultur was the inauguration of a sort of scientific discipline which made the German people not only soldiers in the field, but soldiers in the workshop, in the laboratory and at the desk. The system extended to the schools and universities and permeated the thought of the nation. It particularly was reflected in the home; the domestic arrangements and customs of the people. The German husband was the commander-in-chief of his household. It was not that benevolent lordship which the man of the house assumes toward his wife and family in other nations. The stern note of command was always evident; that attitude of "attention!" "eyes front!" and unquestioning obedience.

German women always were subordinate to their husbands and the male members of their families. It was not because the man made the living and supported the woman. Frequently the German woman contributed as much towards the support of the family as the males; it was because the German male by the system which had been inculcated into him, regarded himself as a superior being and his women as inferiors, made for drudgery, for child-bearing, and for contributors to his comforts and pleasures. His attitude was pretty much like that of the American Indian towards his squaw.

Germany was the only nation on earth pretending to civilization in which women took the place of beasts of burden. They not only worked in the fields, but frequently pulled the plow and other implements of agriculture. It was not an uncommon sight in Germany to see a woman and a large dog harnessed together drawing a milk cart. When it became necessary to deliver the milk the woman slipped her part of the harness, served the customer, resumed her harness and went on to the next stop. In Belgium, in Holland and in France, women delivered the milk also, but the cart always was drawn by one or two large dogs or other animals and the woman was the driver. In Austria it was a strange sight to foreigners, but occasioned no remark among the people, to see women drawing carts and wagons in which were seated their lords and masters. Not infrequently the boss wielded a whip.

The pride of the German nation was in its efficient workmen. Friends of the country and its system have pointed to the fact of universal labor as its great virtue; because to work is good. Really, they were compelled to work. Long hours and the last degree of efficiency were necessary in order to meet the requirements of life and the tremendous burdens of taxation caused by the army, the navy, the fortifications and the military machine in general; to say nothing of the expense of maintaining the autocratic pomp of the Kaiser, his sons and satellites. Every member of the German family had his or her task, even to the little three-year-old toddler whose business it was to look after the brooms, dust rags and other household utensils. There was nothing of cheerfulness or even of the dignity of labor about this. It was hard, unceasing, grinding toil which crushed the spirits of the people. It was part of the system to cause them to welcome war as a diversion.

To the German mind everything had an aspect of seriousness. The people took their pleasures seriously. On their holidays, mostly occasions on which they celebrated an event in history or the birthday of a monarch or military hero, or during the hours which they could devote to relaxation, they gathered with serious, stolid faces in beer gardens. If they danced it was mostly a cumbersome performance. Generally they preferred to sit and blink behind great foaming tankards and listen to intellectual music. No other nation had such music. It was so intellectual in itself that it relieved the listeners of the necessity of thinking. There was not much of melody in it; little of the dance movement and very little of the lighter and gayer manifestations of life. It has been described as a sort of harmonious discord, typifying mysterious, tragic and awe-inspiring things. The people sat and ate their heavy food and drank their beer, their ears engaged with the strains of the orchestra, their eyes by the movements of the conductor, while their tired brains rested and digestion proceeded.

To the average German family a picnic or a day's outing was a serious affair. The labor of preparation was considerable and then they covered as much of the distance as possible by walking in order to save carfare. In the parade was the tired, careworn wife usually carrying one, sometimes two infants in her arms. The other children lugged the lunch baskets, hammocks, umbrellas and other paraphernalia. At the head of the procession majestically marched the lord of the outfit, smoking his cigar or pipe; a suggestion of the goose-step in his stride, carrying nothing, except his dignity and military deportment. With this kind of start the reader can imagine the good time they all had.

MILITARISM AND AUTOCRACY DOOMED Joy to the German mind in mass was an unknown quantity. The literature on which they fed was heavier and more somber than their music. When the average German tried to be gay and playful he reminded one of an elephant trying to caper. Their humor in the main, manifested itself in coarse and vulgar jests.

For athletics they had their turn vereins in which men went through hard, laborious exercises which made them muscle-bound. Their favorite sports were hunting and fencing—the desire to kill or wound. They rowed some but they knew nothing of baseball, boxing, tennis, golf or the usual sports so popular with young men in England, France and America. Aside from fencing, they had not a sport calculated to produce agility or nimbleness of foot and brain.

Their emotions expanded and their sentiments thrilled at the spectacle of war. Uniforms, helmets and gold lace delighted their eyes. The parade, the guard mount, the review were the finest things they knew. To a people trained in such a school and purposely given great burdens that they might attain fortitude, war was second nature. They welcomed it as a sort of pastime.

In the system on which Kultur was based, it was necessary to strike deeply the religious note; no difference if it was a false note. The German ear was so accustomed to discord it could not recognize the true from the false. The Kaiser was heralded to his people as a deeply religious man. In his public utterances he never failed to call upon God to grant him aid and bless his works.

One of the old traditions of the Fatherland was that the king, being specially appointed by God, could do no wrong. To the thinking portion of the nation this could have been nothing less than absurd fallacy, but where the majority do not think; if a thing is asserted strongly and often enough, they come to accept it. It becomes a belief. The people had become so impressed with the devoutness of the Kaiser and his assumption of Divine guidance, that the great majority of them believed the kaiser was always right; that he could do no wrong. When the great blow of war finally was struck the Kaiser asked his God to look down and bless the sword that he had drawn; a prayer altogether consistent coming from his lips, for the god he worshipped loved war, was a god of famine, rapine and blood. From the moment of that appeal, military autocracy and absolute monarchy were doomed. It took time, it took lives, it took more treasure than a thousand men could count in a lifetime. But the assault had been against civilization, on the very foundation of all that humanity had gained through countless centuries. The forces of light were too strong for it; would not permit it to triumph.

The President of the United States, from the bedside of his dying wife, appealed to the nations for some means of reaching peace for Europe. The last thoughts of his dying helpmate, were of the great responsibility resting upon her husband incident to the awful crisis in the lives of the nations of earth, that was becoming more pronounced with each second of time.

The Pope was stricken to death by the great calamity to civilization. A few minutes before the end came he said that the Almighty in His infinite mercy was removing him from the world to spare him the anguish of the awful war.

The first inclination of America was to be neutral. She was far removed from the scenes of strife and knew little of the hidden springs and causes of the war. Excepting in the case of a few of her public men; her editors, professors and scholars, European politics were as a sealed book. The president of the United States declared for neutrality; that individual and nation should avoid the inflaming touch of the war passion. We kept that attitude as long as was consistent with national patience and the larger claims of HUMANITY and universal JUSTICE.

As an evidence of our lack of knowledge of the impending conflict, a party of Christian men were on the sea with the humanitarian object in view of attending a world's peace conference in Constance, Germany—Germany of all places, then engaged in trying to burn up the world. Arriving in Paris, the party received its first news that a great European war was about to begin. Steamship offices were being stormed by crowds of frantic American tourists. Martial law was declared. The streets were alive with soldiers and weeping women. Shops were closed, the clerks having been drafted into the army. The city hummed with militarism.

Underneath the excitement was the stern, stoic attitude of the French in preparing to meet their old enemy, combined with their calmness in refraining from outbreaks against German residents of Paris. One of the party alluding to the incongruous position in which the peace delegates found themselves, said:

"It might be interesting to observe the unique and almost humorous situation into which these peace delegates were thrown. Starting out a week before with the largest hope and most enthusiastic anticipation of effecting a closer tie between nations, and swinging the churches of Christendom into a clearer alignment against international martial attitudes, we were instantly 'disarmed,' bound, and cast into chains of utter helplessness, not even feeling free to express the feeblest sentiment against the high rising tide of military activity. We were lost on a tempestuous sea; the dove of peace had been beaten, broken winged to shore, and the olive branch lost in its general fury."

"We are in a state of tense expectation, so acute that it dulls the senses; Paris is relapsing into the condition of an audience assisting at a thrilling drama with intolerably long entr'acts, during which it tries to think of its own personal affairs.

"We know that pages of history are being rapidly engraved in steel, written in blood, illuminated in the margin with glory on a background of heroism and suffering, not more than a few score miles away.

"The shrieking camelots (peddlers) gallop through the streets waving their news sheets, but it is almost always news of twenty-four hours ago. The iron hand of the censor reduces the press to a monotonous repetition of the same formula. Only headlines give scope for originality. Of local news there is none. There is nothing doing in Paris but steady preparation for meeting contingencies by organizing ambulances and relief for the poor."

CHAPTER IV.

AWAKENING OF AMERICA.

PRESIDENT CLINGS TO NEUTRALITY—MONROE DOCTRINE AND WASHINGTON'S WARNING—GERMAN CRIMES AND GERMAN VICTORIES—CARDINAL MERCIER'S LETTER—MILITARY OPERATIONS—FIRST SUBMARINE ACTIVITIES—THE LUSITANIA OUTRAGE—EXCHANGE OF NOTES—UNITED STATES AROUSED—ROLE OF PASSIVE ONLOOKER BECOMES IRKSOME—FIRST MODIFICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF WASHINGTON AND MONROE—OUR DESTINY LOOMS.

August 4, 1914, President Wilson proclaimed the neutrality of the United States. A more consistent attempt to maintain that attitude was never made by a nation. In an appeal addressed to the American people on August 18th, the president implored the citizens to refrain from "taking sides." Part of his utterance on that occasion was:

"We must be impartial in thought as well as in action, must put a curb upon our sentiments as well as upon every transaction that might be construed as a preference of one party to the struggle before another.

"My thought is of America. I am speaking, I feel sure, the earnest wish and purpose of every thoughtful American that this great country of ours, which is, of course, the first in our thoughts and in our hearts, should show herself in this time of peculiar trial a nation fit beyond others to exhibit the fine poise of undisturbed judgment, the dignity of self-control, the efficiency of dispassionate action; a nation that neither sits in judgment upon others, nor is disturbed in her own counsels, and which keeps herself fit and free to do what is honest and disinterested and truly serviceable for the peace of the world.

"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government—Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concern. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities."

OFFICIAL RED CROSS PHOTOGRAPHS NEGRO SOLDIERS AND RED CROSS WORKERS IN FRONT OF CANTEEN, HAMLET, N.C.

PHOTO FROM UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y. COLORED RED CROSS WORKERS FROM THE CANTEEN AT ATLANTA, GA., FEEDING SOLDIERS AT RAILWAY STATION.

OFFICIAL RED CROSS PHOTOGRAPHS COLORED WOMEN IN HOSPITAL GARMENTS CLASS OF BRANCH NO. 6. NEW ORLEANS CHAPTER, AMERICAN RED CROSS. LOUISE J. ROSS, DIRECTOR.

PHOTO FROM UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD, N.Y. RED CROSS WORKERS. PROMINENT COLORED WOMEN OF ATLANTA, GA., WHO ORGANIZED CANTEEN FOR RELIEF OF NEGRO SOLDIERS GOING TO AND RETURNING FROM WAR.

THE GAME IS ON. A BASEBALL MATCH BETWEEN NEGRO AND WHITE TROOPS IN ONE OF THE TRAINING AREAS IN FRANCE.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, U.S. ARMY COL. WILLIAM HAYWARD OF 369TH INFANTRY PLAYING BASEBALL WITH HIS NEGRO SOLDIERS AT ST. NAZAIRE, FRANCE.

JAZZ AND SOUTHERN MELODIES HASTEN CURE. NEGRO SAILOR ENTERTAINING DISABLED NAVY MEN IN HOSPITAL FOR CONVALESCENTS.

ENJOYING A BIT OF CAKE BAKED AT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CANTEEN AT IS-SUR-TILLE, FRANCE.

CORPORAL FRED. McINTYRE OF 369TH INFANTRY, WITH PICTURE OF THE KAISER WHICH HE CAPTURED FROM A GERMAN OFFICER.

LIEUT. ROBERT L. CAMPBELL, NEGRO OFFICER OF THE 368TH INFANTRY WHO WON FAME AND THE D.S.C. IN ARGONNE FOREST. HE DEVISED A CLEVER PIECE OF STRATEGY AND DISPLAYED GREAT HEROISM IN THE EXECUTION OF IT.

EMMETT J. SCOTT, APPOINTED BY SECRETARY BAKER, AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT DURING THE WORLD WAR. HE WAS FORMERLY CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO THE LATE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON.

(TOP)—GENERAL DIAZ, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ITALIAN ARMIES. MARSHAL FOCH, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ALLIED FORCES.

(CENTER)—GENERAL PERSHING, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AMERICAN ARMIES. ADMIRAL SIMS, IN CHARGE OF AMERICAN NAVAL OPERATIONS OVERSEAS.

(BOTTOM)—KING ALBERT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BELGIAN ARMY. FIELD MARSHAL HAIG, HEAD OF BRITISH ARMIES.

"That when any harbor or other place in the American continent is so situated that the occupation thereof for naval or military purposes might threaten the communications or the safety of the United States, the government of the United States could not see without grave concern, the possession of such harbor or other place by any corporation or association which has such a relation to another government, not American, as to give that government practical power of control for naval or military purposes."

"And there where lives were not taken, and there where the stones of buildings were not thrown down, what anguish unrevealed! Families hitherto living at ease, now in bitter want; all commerce at an end, all careers ruined; industry at a standstill; thousands upon thousands of workingmen without employment; working women; shop girls, humble servant girls without the means of earning their bread, and poor souls forlorn on the bed of sickness and fever crying: 'O Lord, how long, how long?'—God will save Belgium, my brethren; you can not doubt it. Nay, rather, He is saving her—Which of us would have the heart to cancel this page of our national history? Which of us does not exult in the brightness of the glory of this shattered nation? When in her throes she brings forth heroes, our mother country gives her own energy to the blood of those sons of hers. Let us acknowledge that we needed a lesson in patriotism—For down within us all is something deeper than personal interests, than personal kinships, than party feeling, and this is the need and the will to devote ourselves to that most general interest which Rome termed the public thing, Res publica. And this profound will within us is patriotism."

"Whatever be the other facts regarding the Lusitania, the principal fact is that a great steamer, primarily and chiefly a conveyance for passengers, and carrying more than a thousand souls who had no part or lot in the conduct of the war, was sunk without so much as a challenge or a warning, and that men, women and children were sent to their death in circumstances unparalleled in modern warfare."

CHAPTER V.

HUNS SWEEPING WESTWARD.

CHAPTER VI.

THE HOUR AND THE MAN.

"His Holiness in substance proposes that we return to the status existing before the war, and that then there be a general condonation, disarmament, and a concert of nations based upon an acceptance of the principle of arbitration; that by a similar concert freedom of the seas be established; and that the territorial claims of France and Italy, the perplexing problems of the Balkan States and the restitution of Poland be left to such conciliatory adjustments as may be possible in the new temper of such a peace, due regard being paid to the aspirations of the peoples whose political fortunes and affiliations will be involved."

"Responsible statesmen must now everywhere see, if they never saw before, that no peace can rest securely upon political or economic restrictions meant to benefit some nations and cripple or embarrass others, upon vindictive action of any sort, or any kind of revenge or deliberate injury. The American people have suffered intolerable wrongs at the hands of the Imperial German Government, but they desire no reprisal upon the German people, who have themselves suffered all things in this war, which they did not choose. They believe that peace should rest upon the rights of peoples, not the rights of governments—the rights of peoples great or small, weak or powerful—their equal right to freedom and security and self government and to a participation upon fair terms in the economic opportunities of the world, the German people, of course, included, if they will accept equality and not seek domination."

"On the 1st of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this it is our intention to endeavor to keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement. You are instructed to inform the president of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain there will be an outbreak of war with the United States, and suggest that the president of Mexico on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months."

"With a profound sense of the solemn and even tragical character of the step I am taking, and of the grave responsibility which it involves, but in unhesitating obedience to what I deem my constitutional duty, I advise that the congress declare the recent course of the imperial German government to be in fact nothing less than war against the government and people of the United States; that it formally accept the status of belligerent which has thus been thrust upon it and that it take immediate steps not only to put the country in a more thorough state of defence, but also to exert all its power and employ all its resources to bring the government of the German empire to terms and end the war."

insurance of soldiers and sailors

CHAPTER VII.

NEGROES RESPOND TO THE CALL.

NEGRO NURSES CARRYING BANNER OF FAMOUS NEGRO REGIMENT. MARCHING DOWN FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. IN GREAT PARADE WHICH OPENED RED CROSS DRIVE.

CHAPTER VIII.

RECRUDESCENCE OF SOUTH'S INTOLERANCE.

"Whether you like the black man or not, whether you believe in a square deal for him or not, you can't point an accusing finger at his patriotism, his Americanism or his fighting ability. It is fair to neither the white man nor the black man to have the black man compete with the white man in the Navy. True, we have black petty officers here and there in the Navy, and in some cases black chief petty officers. It stands to reason that they must have been mighty good men to advance. They surely must know their business—every inch of it—to advance to these ratings. Yet they are not wanted in these ratings because they involve the black man having charge of white men under him. Outside of the messman branch you will find comparatively few Negroes in the Navy today.

"There should be 'black ships' assigned to be manned by American Negroes. These are days of democracy, equality and freedom," continues the writer. "If a man is good enough to go over the top and die for these principles, he is good enough to promote in the Navy. Why not try it? Put the black men on their own ships. Promote them, rate them, just the same as the white man. But above all keep them on their own ships. It is fair to them and fair to the white men. The Brazilian and Argentine navies have 'black ships.'"

CHAPTER IX.

PREVIOUS WARS IN WHICH THE NEGRO FIGURED.

"The people were greatly exasperated. The multitude ran towards King street, crying, 'Let us drive out these ribalds; they have no business here.' The rioters rushed furiously towards the Custom House; they approached the sentinel, crying 'Kill him, kill him!' They assaulted him with snowballs, pieces of ice, and whatever they could lay their hands upon.

"The guard were then called, and in marching to the Custom House, they encountered a band of the populace, led by a mulatto named Attucks, who brandished their clubs and pelted them with snowballs. The maledictions, the imprecations, the execrations of the multitude, were horrible. In the midst of a torrent of invective from every quarter, the military were challenged to fire. The populace advanced to the points of their bayonets.

"The soldiers appeared like statues; the cries, the howlings, the menaces, the violent din of bells still sounding the alarm, increased the confusion and the horrors of these moments; at length the mulatto Attucks and twelve of his companions, pressing forward, environed the soldiers and striking their muskets with their clubs, cried to the multitude: 'Be not afraid, they dare not fire; why do you hesitate, why do you not kill them, why not crush them at once?'

"The mulatto lifted his arms against Captain Preston, and having turned one of the muskets, he seized the bayonet with his left hand, as if he intended to execute his threat At this moment, confused cries were heard: 'The wretches dare not fire!' Firing succeeds. Attucks is slain. Other discharges follow. Three were killed, five severely wounded and several others slightly."

"The provocation of that night must be numbered among the master-springs which gave the first motion to a vast machinery—a noble and comprehensive system of national independence."

"The anniversary of the 5th of March was observed with great solemnity; eloquent orators were successively employed to preserve the remembrance of it fresh in the mind. On these occasions the blessings of liberty, the horrors of slavery, and the danger of a standing army, were presented to the public view. These annual orations administered fuel to the fire of liberty and kept it burning with an irresistible flame."

"The colored race have been generally considered by their enemies, and sometimes even by their friends, as deficient in energy and courage. Their virtues have been supposed to be principally negative ones." Speaking of the incidents in Mr. Nell's collection she says: "They will redeem the character of the race from this misconception and show how much injustice there may often be in a generally accepted idea". Continuing, she says:

"In considering the services of the colored patriots of the Revolution, we are to reflect upon them as far more magnanimous, because rendered to a nation which did not acknowledge them as citizens and equals, and in whose interests and prosperity they had less at stake. It was not for their own land they fought, not even for a land which had adopted them, but for a land which had enslaved them, and whose laws, even in freedom, oftener oppressed than protected. Bravery, under such circumstances, has a peculiar beauty and merit.

"And their white brothers—may remember that generosity, disinterested courage and bravery, are of no particular race and complexion, and that the image of the Heavenly Father may be reflected alike by all. Each record of worth in this oppressed and despised people should be pondered, for it is by many such that the cruel and unjust public sentiment, which has so long proscribed them, may be reversed, and full opportunities given them to take rank among the nations of the earth."

"XXIII—Whereas, it appears to this court that the said Deborah Gannett enlisted, under the name of Robert Shurtliff, in Capt Webb's company, in the Fourth Massachusetts regiment, on May 20, 1782, and did actually perform the duties of a soldier, in the late army of the United States to the 23rd day of October, 1783, for which she has received no compensation; and, whereas, it further appears that the said Deborah exhibited an extraordinary instance of female heroism by discharging the duties of a faithful, gallant soldier, and at the same time preserving the virtue and chastity of her sex unsuspected and unblemished, and was discharged from the service with a fair and honorable character, therefore,

"Resolved, that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be, and he hereby is, directed to issue his note to the said Deborah for the sum of thirty-four pounds, bearing interest from October 23, 1783."

"Ben Stockton was a slave in the family of Major George Stockton of Fleming county. He was a regular Negro, and though a slave, was devoted to his master. He hated an Indian and loved to moralize over a dead one; getting into a towering rage and swearing magnificently when a horse was stolen; handled his rifle well, though somewhat foppishly, and hopped, danced and showed his teeth when a prospect offered to chase 'the yaller varmints'. His master had confidence in his resolution and prudence, while he was a great favorite with all the hunters, and added much to their fun on dull expeditions. On one occasion, when a party of white men in pursuit of Indians who had stolen their horses called at Stockton's station for reinforcements, Ben, among others, volunteered. They overtook the savages at Kirk's Springs in Lewis county, and dismounted to fight; but as they advanced, they could see only eight or ten, who disappeared over the mountain. Pressing on, they discovered on descending the mountain such indications as convinced them that the few they had seen were but decoys to lead them into an ambuscade at the base, and a retreat was ordered. Ben was told of it by a man near him; but he was so intent on getting a shot that he did not hear, and the order was repeated in a louder tone, whereupon he turned upon his monitor a reproving look, grimaced and gesticulated ludicrously, and motioned to the man to be silent. He then set off rapidly down the mountain. His white comrade, unwilling to leave him, ran after him, and reached his side just as he leveled his gun at a big Indian standing tiptoe on a log and peering into the thick woods. At the crack of Ben's rifle the savage bounded into the air and fell. The others set up a fierce yell, and, as the fearless Negro said, 'skipped from tree to tree like grasshoppers.' He bawled out: 'Take dat to 'member Ben—de black white man!' and the two beat a hasty retreat.

"In the family of Capt. James Estill, who established a station about fifteen miles south of Boonesborough, was a Negro slave, Monk, who was intelligent, bold as a lion, and as faithful to his pioneer friends as though he were a free white settler defending his own rights. About daylight, March 20, 1782, when all the men of the fort except four were absent on an Indian trail, a body of the savages came upon Miss Jennie Glass, who was outside, but near the station, milking—Monk being with her. They killed and scalped Miss Glass and captured Monk. When questioned as to the force inside the walls, the shrewd and self-possessed Negro represented it as much greater than it was and told of preparations for defense. The Indians were deceived, and after killing the cattle, they retreated across the river. When the battle of Little Mountain opened two days later, Monk, who was still a prisoner with the Indians cried out: 'Don't give way, Mas' Jim! There's only about twenty-five redskins and you can whip 'em!' This was valuable and encouraging information to the whites. When the Indians began to advance on Lieutenant Miller, when he was sent to prevent a flank movement and guard the horse-holders, Monk called also to him to hold his ground and the white men would win. Instead of being instantly killed as was to be apprehended, even though the savages might not understand his English, he made his escape before the fight closed and got back to his friends. On their return to the station, twenty-five miles, without sufficient horses for the wounded, he carried on his back, most of the way, James Berry, whose thigh was broken. He had learned to make gunpowder, and obtaining saltpetre from Peyton's Cave, in Madison county, he frequently furnished this indispensable article to Estill's Station and Boonesborough. He has been described as being five feet five inches high and weighing two hundred pounds. He was a respected member of the Baptist church, when whites and blacks worshipped together. He was held in high esteem by the settlers and his young master, Wallace Estill, gave him his freedom and clothed and fed him as long as he lived thereafter—till about 1835.

"A year or two after the close of the Revolutionary war, a Mr. Woods was living near Crab Orchard, Kentucky, with his wife, one daughter (said to be ten years old), and a lame Negro man. Early one morning, her husband being away, Mrs. Woods when a short distance from the house, discovered seven or eight Indians in ambush. She ran back into the house, so closely pursued that before she could fasten the door one of the savages forced his way in. The Negro instantly seized him. In the scuffle the Indian threw him, falling on top. The Negro held him in a strong grasp and called to the girl to take an axe which was in the room and kill him. This she did by two well-aimed blows; and the Negro then asked Mrs. Woods to let in another that he with the axe might dispatch him as he came and so, one by one, kill them all. By this time, however, some men from the station nearby, having discovered that the house was attacked, had come up and opened fire on the savages, by which one was killed and the others put to flight."

CHAPTER X.

FROM LEXINGTON TO CARRIZAL.

"The name of one of my poor fellows who was killed ought to be registered in the book of fame and remembered with reverence as long as bravery is considered a virtue. He was a black man by the name of John Johnson. A twenty-four-pound shot struck him in the hip and tore away all the lower part of his body. In this state the poor brave fellow lay on the deck and several times exclaimed to his shipmates: 'Fire away, boys; don't haul the colors down.' Another black man by the name of John Davis was struck in much the same way. He fell near me and several times requested to be thrown overboard, saying he was only in the way of the others. When America has such tars, she has little to fear from the tyrants of the ocean."

"Soldiers!—when, on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake of the perils and glory of your white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. I knew well how you loved your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves had to defend what man holds most dear—his parents, wife, children and property. You have done more than I expected. In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.

"Soldiers! The President of the United States shall hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the representatives of the American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle you to. Your General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor."

"It became my painful duty to follow in the track of that charging column, and there, in a space not wider than the clerk's desk and three hundred yards long, lay the dead bodies of 543 of my colored comrades, fallen in defense of their country, who had offered their lives to uphold its flag and its honor, as a willing sacrifice; and as I rode along among them, guiding my horse this way and that way, lest he should profane with his hoofs what seemed to me the sacred dead, and as I looked on their bronzed faces upturned in the shining sun, as if in mute appeal against the wrongs of the country whose flag had only been to them a flag of stripes, on which no star of glory had ever shone for them—feeling I had wronged them in the past and believing what was the future of my country to them—among my dead comrades there I swore to myself a solemn oath, 'May my right hand forget its cunning and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I ever fail to defend the rights of those men who have given their blood for me and my country this day, and for their race forever,' and, God helping me, I will keep that oath."

"You remember that Macaulay says, comparing Cromwell with Napoleon, that Cromwell showed the greater military genius, if we consider that he never saw an army till he was forty; while Napoleon was educated from a boy in the best military schools in Europe. Cromwell manufactured his own army; Napoleon at the age of twenty-seven was placed at the head of the best troops Europe ever saw. They were both successful; but, says Macaulay, with such disadvantages, the Englishman showed the greater genius. Whether you allow the inference or not, you will at least grant that it is a fair mode of measurement.

"Apply it to Toussaint. Cromwell never saw an army until he was forty; this man never saw a soldier till he was fifty. Cromwell manufactured his own army—out of what? Englishmen—the best blood in Europe. Out of the middle class of Englishmen, the best blood of the island. And with it he conquered what? Englishmen—their equals. This man manufactured his army out of what? Out of what you call the despicable race of Negroes, debased, demoralized by two hundred years of slavery, 100,000 of them imported into the island within four years, unable to speak a dialect intelligible even to each other. Yet out of this mixed, and, as you say, despicable mass, he forged a thunderbolt, and hurled it at what? At the proudest blood in Europe, the Spaniard, and sent him home conquered; at the most warlike blood in Europe, the French, and put them under his feet; at the pluckiest blood in Europe, the English, and they skulked home to Jamaica."

"Sleep calmy in thy dungeon-tomb,

Beneath Besancon's alien sky,

Dark Haytien!—for the time shall come,

Yea, even now is nigh—

When, everywhere, thy name shall be

Redeemed from color's infamy;

And men shall learn to speak of thee,

As one of earth's great spirits, born

In servitude, and nursed in scorn,

Casting aside the weary weight

And fetters of its low estate,

In that strong majesty of soul,

Which knows no color, tongue or clime,

Which still hath spurned the base control

Of tyrants through all time!"

CHAPTER XI.

HOUR OF HIS NATION'S PERIL.

"The expedition and smoothness with which the law was executed emphasized the remarkable flexibility, adaptability and efficiency of our system of government and the devotion of our people. Here was a gigantic project in which success was staked not on reliance in the efficiency of a man, or an hierarchy of men, or, primarily, on a system. Here was a bold reliance on faith in a people. Most exacting duties were laid with perfect confidence on the officials of every locality in the nation, from the governors of states to the registrars of elections, and upon private citizens of every condition, from men foremost in the industrial and political life of the nation to those who had never before been called upon to participate in the functions of government. By all administrative tokens, the accomplishment of their task was magic."

Colored

Total         registrants

Colored       June 5, 1917  Colored      Total

and white     Colored       registrants  colored

registrants.  to Sept 11,   Sept 12,     registrants.

1918.         1918.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States        23,779,097    1,078,331     1,212,196    2,290,527

=====================================================

Alabama                 444,692       81,963        81,410      163,373

Arizona                  93,078          295           680          975

Arkansas                365,754       51,176        53,659      104,835

California              787,676        3,308         6,404        9,712

Colorado                215,178        1,103         1,867        2,970

Connecticut             373,676        3,524         4,659        8,183

Delaware                 55,215        3,798         4,448        8,246

District of Columbia     89,808       11,045        15,433       26,478

Florida                 208,931       39,013        43,019       82,032

Georgia                 549,020      112,593       108,183      220,781

Idaho                   103,740          254           255          509

Illinois              1,571,717       21,816        35,597       57,413

Indiana                 639,431       11,289        16,549       27,838

Iowa                    523,957        2,959         3,022        5,981

Kansas                  381,315        5,575         7,448       13,023

Kentucky                486,599       25,850        30,182       56,032

Louisiana               391,654       76,223        82,256      158,479

Maine                   159,350          163           179          342

Maryland                313,255       26,435        32,736       59,171

Massachusetts           884,030        6,044         8,056       14,100

Michigan                871,410        6,979         8,950       15,929

Minnesota               540,003        1,541         1,809        3,350

Mississippi             344,506       81,548        91,534      173,082

Missouri                764,428       22,796        31,524       54,320

Montana                 196,999          320           494          814

Nebraska                286,147        1,614         2,417        4,031

Nevada                   29,465           69           112          172

New Hampshire            95,035           77            98          175

New Jersey              761,238       14,056        19,340       33,396

New Mexico               80,158          235           350          595

New York              2,503,290       25,974        35,299       61,273

North Carolina          480,901       73,357        69,168      142,525

North Dakota            159,391           65           165          230

Ohio                  1,387,830       28,831        35,156       63,987

Oklahoma                423,864       14,305        23,253       37,563

Oregon                  176,010          144           534          678

Pennsylvania          2,067,023       39,363        51,111       90,474

Rhode Island            134,232        1,573         1,913        3,486

South Carolina          307,229       74,265        74,912      149,177

South Dakota            142,783          144           171          315

Tennessee               474,253       43,735        51,059       94,794

Texas                   989,571       83,671        82,775      166,446

Utah                    100,038          169           392          561

Vermont                  71,464           63            89          152

Virginia                464,903       64,358        75,816      140,174

Washington              319,337          373         1,353        1,726

West Virginia           324,975       13,292        14,652       27,944

Wisconsin               584,639          718         1,117        1,835

Wyoming                  58,700          280           570          850

White

registrants   White       Total

Percent of    June 5, 1917  registrants white         Percent

total         to Sept 11    Sept 12,    registrants.  of total

registrants.  1918.         1918.                     registrants.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States          9.83          9,562,515     11,926,955  21,480,470    90.37

===================================================================

Alabama               36.74            124,247        157,072     281,319    63.26

Arizona                1.05             39,884         52,219      92,103    98.95

Arkansas              28.66            117,111        143,808     260,919    71.34

California             1.23            312,994        464,970     777,964    98.77

Colorado               1.38             90,453        121,755     212,208    98.62

Connecticut        .   2.19            171,296        194,197     365,493    97.81

Delaware              14.93             20,761         26,208      46,969    85.07

District of Columbia  29.45             25,625         37,795      63,420    70.56

Florida               39.26             55,572         71,327     126,899    60.74

Georgia               40.22            147,604        180,635     328,239    59.78

Idaho                  0.49             45,224         58,007     103,231    99.51

Illinois               3.65            685,254        829,050   1,514,304    96.35

Indiana                4.35            272,442        339,151     611,593    95.65

Iowa                   1.14            237,744        280,232     517,976    98.86

Kansas                 3.41            161,691        206,602     368,293    96.59

Kentucky              11.52            190,060        240,507     430,567    88.43

Louisiana             40.46            103,718        129,467     233,185    59.54

Maine                  0.22             67,941         91,067     159,008    99.73

Maryland              18.89            110,066        144,018     254,084    81.11

Massachusetts          1.60            391,654        478,276     869,930    93.40

Michigan               1.83            404,040        451,441     855,481    98.17

Minnesota              0.62            247,750        288,903     538,653    99.38

Mississippi           50.24             75,977         95,447     171,424    49.76

Missouri               7.11            372,106        398,002     710,108    92.89

Montana                0.41             96,753        101,432     198,185    99.59

Nebraska               1.42            130,493        151,623     282,116    98.58

Nevada                 0.58             12,581         16,712      29,293    99.42

New Hampshire          0.18             41,617         53,243      94,860    99.82

New Jersey             4.39             18,615        409,225     727,840    95.61

New Mexico             0.74             36,776         42,787      79,563    99.26

New York               2.44          1,092,061      1,349,956   2,442,617    97.56

North Carolina        29.63            155,102        183,274     338,376    70.37

North Dakota           0.15             72,837         85,324     159,161    98.85

Ohio                   4.61            588,170        735,673   1,323,843    95.39

Oklahoma               8.86            173,851        212,450     386,301    91.15

Oregon                 0.38             69,376        105,956     175,332    99.62

Pennsylvania           4.38            353,106      1,113,443   1,976,549    95.62

Rhode Island           2.59             57,433         73,313     130,746    12

South Carolina        48.56             70,395         87,657     158,052    51.44

South Dakota           0.23             64,896         77,572     142,468    99.77

Tennessee             19.99            169,674        209,785     379,459    80.01

Texas                 16.82            376,385        446,740     823,125    83.18

Utah                   0.56             45,930         53,547      99,477    99.44

Vermont                0.21             30,819         40,493      71,312    99.79

Virginia              30.15            141,714        183,015     324,727    69.85

Washington             0.54            123,752        193,859     317,611    99.46

West Virginia          8.60            128,852        168,179     297,031    91.40

Wisconsin              0.31            265,501        317,303     582,804    99.69

Wyoming                1.45             24,612         33,238      57,850    98.56

Colored and white classification compared.    Number.     Percent       Percent

of total         of

classified.   classified.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total colored and white registered:

June 5, 1917, to Sept. 11, 1918            10,640,846   100.00         -----

Total colored registered                  1,078,331    10.13        100.00

Class I                                   556,917    -----         51.65

Deferred classes                          521,414    -----         -----

Total white registered                    9,562,515    89.87        100.00

Class I                                 3,110,659    -----         32.53

Deferred classes                        6,451,856    -----         -----

Percentage accepted for service on calls before Dec. 15, 1917 (report for 1917).

Colored         -----    -----         36.23

White           -----    -----         24.75

Total colored  Colored                     Colored   Per

and white      registrants,  Percentage    inducted  Percent of

registrants,   June 5,       of colored    June 5,   colored

June 5, 1917,  1917, to      and white     1917, to  registrants.

to Sept. 11,   Sept. 11,     registrants.  Nov. 11,

1918.          1918.                       1918.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States         10,640,846    1,078,331     10.13        367,710    34.10

===================================================================

Alabama                  206,210       81,963     39.75         25,874    31.57

Arizona                   40,179          295       .73             77    26.10

Arkansas                 168,287       51,176     30.4l         17,544    34.28

California               316,302        3,308      1.05            919    27.78

Colorado                  91,556        1,103      1.20            317    28.74

Connecticut              174,820        3,524      2.02            941    26.70

Delaware                  24,559        3,798     15.46          1,365    35.93

District of Columbia      36,670       11,045     30.12          4,000    36.22

Florida                   94,585       39,013     41.25         12,904    33.08

Georgia                  260,197      112,593     43.27         34,303    30.47

Idaho                     45,478          254       .56             95    37.40

Illinois                 707,070       21,816      3.09          8,754    40.13

Indiana                  283,731       11,289      3.98          4,579    40.56

Iowa                     240,703        2,959      1.23            929    31.40

Kansas                   167,266        5,575      3.33          2,127    38.15

Kentucky                 215,910       25,850     11.98         11,320    43.79

Louisiana                179,941       76,223     42.36         28,711    37.67

Maine                     68,104          163       .24             50    30.67

Maryland                 136,501       26,435     19.37          9,212    34.85

Massachusetts            397,698        6,044      1.52          1,200    19.85

Michigan                 411,019        6,979      1.70          2,395    34.32

Minnesota                249,291        1,541       .62            511    53.16

Mississippi              157,525       81,548     51.77         24,066    29.51

Missouri                 334,902       22,796      6.81          9,219    40.44

Montana                   97,073          320       .33            198    61.87

Nebraska                 132,107        1,614      1.22            642    39.78

Nevada                    12,640           59       .47             26    44.07

New Hampshire             41,694           77       .18             27    35.07

New Jersey               332,671       14,056      4.23          4,863    34.60

New Mexico                37,011          235       .63             51    21.70

New York               1,118,035       25,974      2.32          6,193    23.84

North Carolina           228,459       73,357     32.11         20,082    27.38

North Dakota              72,902           65       .09             87    -----

Ohio                     617,001       28,831      4.67          7,861    27.27

Oklahoma                 188,156       14,305      7.60          5,694    39.80

Oregon                    69,520          144       .21             68    47.22

Pennsylvania             902,469       39,363      4.36         15,392    39.10

Rhode Island              59,006        1,573      2.67            291    18.50

South Carolina           144,660       74,265     51.34         25,798    34.74

South Dakota              65,040          144       .22             62    43.06

Tennessee                213,409       43,735     20.59         17,774    40.64

Texas                    460,056       83,671     18.19         31,506    37.65

Utah                      46,099          169       .37             77    45.56

Vermont                   30,882           63       .20             22    34.92

Virginia                 206,072       64,358     31.23         23,541    36.57

Washington               124,125          373       .30            173    46.38

West Virginia            142,144       13,292      9.35          5,492    41.32

Wisconsin                266,219          718       .27            224    31.20

Wyoming                   24,892          280      1.12             95    23.93

Alaska                                                               5

Hawaii

Porto Rico

White         Percent of    White

registrants,  colored       inductions,  Percent

June 5,       and           June 5,      of white

1917, to      white         1917, to     registrants.

Sept. 11,     registrants.  Nov. 11,

1918.                       1918.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States        9,562,515     89.87         2,299,157    24.04

=====================================================

Alabama                124,247     60.25            33,881    27.27

Arizona                 39,884     99.27             8,036    20.15

Arkansas               117,111     69.59            31,768    27.13

California             312,994     98.95            60,148    21.13

Colorado                90,453     98.80            22,487    24.86

Connecticut            171,296     97.98            31,598    18.45

Delaware                20,761     84.54             3,628    17.48

District of Columbia    25,625     69.88             5,631    21.97

Florida                 55,572     58.75            12,012    21.62

Georgia                147,604     56.73            32,538    32.04

Idaho                   45,224     99.44            12,471    27.58

Illinois               685,254     96.91            68,729    24.62

Indiana                272,442     96.02            65,170    23.92

Iowa                   237,744     98.77            65,935    27.73

Kansas                 161,691     96.67            39,778    21.60

Kentucky               190,060     88.02            47,010    24.60

Louisiana              103,718     57.64            27,494    26.51

Maine                   67,941     99.76            15,216    22.40

Maryland               110,066     80.63            24,655    22.40

Massachusetts          391,654     98.48            75,367    19.24

Michigan               404,040     98.30            94,085    23.29

Minnesota              247,750     99.38            73,169    29.53

Mississippi             75,977     48.23            19,296    25.40

Missouri               312,106     93.19            83,624    26.79

Montana                 96,753     99.67            27,142    28.O5

Nebraska               130,493     98.78            29,165    22.35

Nevada                  12,581     99.53             8,138    24.94

New Hampshire           41,617     99.82             8,377    20.13

New Jersey             318,615     95.77            66,527    20.88

New Mexico              36,776     99.37             8,811    23.96

New York             1,092,061     97.68           247,396    22.65

North Carolina         155,102     67.89            38,359    24.73

North Dakota            72,837     99.91            18,508    25.41

Ohio                   568,170     95.83           130,287    22.15

Oklahoma               173,851     92.40            59,247    34.08

Oregon                  69,376     99.79            16,090    23.19

Pennsylvania           863,106     95.64           185,819    21.53

Rhode Island            57,433     97.33            10,885    18.95

South Carolina          70,395     48.66            18,261    25.94

South Dakota            64,896     99.78            21,193    32.66

Tennessee              169,674     79.51            42,104    24.81

Texas                  376,385     81.81            85,889    22.82

Utah                    45,93O     99.63            10,711    23.32

Vermont                 30,819     99.80             6,607    21.44

Virginia               141,714     68.77            34,796    24.55

Washington             123,752     99.70            28,513    23.04

West Virginia          128,852     90.65            39,863    30.94

Wisconsin              265,501     99.73            70,758    26.65

Wyoming                 24,612     98.88             7,828    31.81

Alaska                                               1,957

Hawaii                                               5,406

Porto Rico                                          15,734

Colored and white physical rejections compared.  Number.   Percent of  Percent of

examined    partial

disqualifications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total, colored and white examined Dec. 15, 1917,

to Sept. 11, 1918                              3,208,446  100.00      -----

Group A                                      2,259,027   70.41      -----

Disqualified partly or totally                 949,419   -----     100.00

Group B                                       88,436    2.76       9.31

Group C                                      339,377   10.58      35.75

Group D                                      521,606   16.25      54.94

Total, colored examined                            458,838  100.00      -----

Group A                                        342,277   74.60      -----

Disqualified partly or totally                 116,561   -----     100.00

Group B                                        9,605    2.09       8.24

Group C                                       27,474    5.99      23.57

Group D                                       79,482   17.32      68.19

Total white examined                             2,749,608  100.00      -----

Group A                                      1,916,750   69.71      -----

Disqualified partly or totally                 832,858   -----     100.00

Group B                                       78,831    2.87       9.47

Group C                                      311,903   11.34      37.45

Group D                                      442,124   16.08      53.08

CHAPTER XII.

NEGRO SLACKERS AND PACIFISTS UNKNOWN.

Total

white

and colored

registrants,

June 5,

1917, to     Total         Reported     Percent of    Percent of

Sept. 11,    white         desertions,  total         white

1918.        registrants.  white.       registrants.  registrants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States         10,640,846   9,562,515     380,030      3.47          3.86

========================================================================================

Alabama                  206,210     194,247       3,672      1.78          2.96

Arizona                   40,179      39,884       6,930     17.36         17.40

Arkansas                 168,287     117,111       2,476      1.47          2.11

California               316,302     313,994      15,323      4.84          4.90

Colorado                  91,556      90,463       4,910      5.38          5.43

Connecticut              174,820     171,296      12,416      7.10          7.25

Delaware                  24,559      20,761         686      2.79          3.30

District of Columbia      36,670      25,625         390      1.06          1.52

Florida                   94,585      55,572       1,823      1.93          3.28

Georgia                  260,197     147,001       4,499      1.73          3.05

Idaho                     45,478      45,224       2,242      4.93          4.96

Illinois                 707,070     685,254      21,673      3.07          3.16

Indiana                  283,731     272,442       5,252      1.85          1.93

Iowa                     240,703     237,744       5,283      2.19          2.21

Kansas                   167,266     161,691       3,172      1.90          1.96

Kentucky                 215,910     190,060       2,830      1.03          1.23

Louisiana                179,941     103,718       2,250      1.25          2.17

Maine                     68,104      67,941       2,553      3.74          3.76

Maryland                 136,501     110,066       3,831      2.81          3.48

Massachusetts            397,698     391,654      19,841      4.99          5.07

Michigan                 411,019     404,040      17,222      4.19          4.26

Minnesota                249,291     247,750      10,108      4.05          4.08

Mississippi              157,525      75,977       1,713      1.09          2.25

Missouri                 334,902     312,106      10,549      3.14          3.38

Montana                   97,073      96,753       7,835      8.13          8.16

Nebraska                 132,107     130,493       2,608      1.97          2.00

Nevada                    12,640      12,581       1,392      1.10         11.06

New Hampshire             41,694      41,617       1,428      3.42          3.43

New Jersey               332,671     318,815      15,114      4.54          4.74

New Mexico                37,011      36,776       3,217      8.69          8.75

New York               1,118,035   1,092,061      57,021      5.10          5.22

North Carolina           228,459     155,102       1,175      5.14           .76

North Dakota              72,902      72,837       2,520      3.46          3.46

Ohio                     617,001     588,170      22,846      3.70          3.88

Oklahoma                 188,156     173,851       5,860      3.11          3.37

Oregon                    69,520      69,376       2,023      2.91          2.92

Pennsylvania             902,469     863,106      31,739      3.52          3.68

Rhode Island              59,006      57,433       2,340      3.97          4.07

South Carolina           144,660      70,395       1,107       .77          1.57

South Dakota              65,040      64,896       1,243      1.91          1.92

Tennessee                213,409     169,674       4,389      2.05          2.58

Texas                    460,056     376,385      19,209      4.18          5.10

Utah                      46,099      45,930       1,735      3.76          3.78

Vermont                   30,882      30,819         690      2.23          2.71

Virginia                 206,072     141,714       3,090      1.50          2.18

Washington               124,125     123,752       7,261      5.85          5.87

West Virginia            142,144     128,852       4,803      3.38          3.73

Wisconsin                266,219     265,501       4,663      1.75          1.76

Wyoming                   24,892      24,612       1,734      6.96          7.05

Alaska                                               601

Hawaii                                               184

Porto Rico                                            15

Total         Reported     Percent       Percent

colored       desertions,  of total      of colored

registrants.  colored.     registrants.  registrants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States          1,078,331     105,831       .99          9.81

============================================================================

Alabama                   81,963      10,835      5.25         13.22

Arizona                      295          64       .16         21.69

Arkansas                  51,176       4,770      2.83          9.32

California                 3,303         268       .08          8.10

Colorado                   1,103          91       .10          8.25

Connecticut                3,524         682       .39         19.35

Delaware                   3,798         303      1.23          7.98

District of Columbia      11,045         616      1.68          5.58

Florida                   39,013       8,319      8.71         21.32

Georgia                  112,593       8,969      3.45          7.97

Idaho                        254         108       .23         42.51

Illinois                  21,816       2,911       .41         13.34

Indiana                   11,289       1,199       .42         10.62

Iowa                       2,959         517       .21         17.47

Kansas                     5,575         255       .15          4.57

Kentucky                  25,850       1,524       .71          5.90

Louisiana                 76,223       5,962      3.31          7.82

Maine                        163          29       .04         17.79

Maryland                  26,435       2,410      1.77          9.12

Massachusetts              6,044         665      1.67         11.00

Michigan                   6,979       1,015       .25         14.54

Minnesota                  1,541         621       .25         40.30

Mississippi               81,548       8,112      5.15          9.95

Missouri                  22,796       1,791       .53          7.86

Montana                      320         114       .12         35.63

Nebraska                   1,614         229       .17         14.19

Nevada                        59           3       .02          6.08

New Hampshire                 77           3       .01          3.90

New Jersey                14,056       1,535       .46         10.92

New Mexico                   235          40       .11         17.02

New York                  25,974       4,062       .36         15.64

North Carolina            73,357       4,937      2.16          6.73

North Dakota                  65          19       .03         29.23

Ohio                      28,831       4,048       .66         14.04

Oklahoma                  14,305       1,223       .65          8.56

Oregon                       144          18       .03         12.59

Pennsylvania              39,363       6,599       .73         16.76

Rhode Island               1,573         251       .43         15.96

South Carolina            74,265       4,589      3.14          6.18

South Dakota                 144          27       .04         18.75

Tennessee                 43,735       3,573      1.67          8.17

Texas                     83,671       5,388      1.17          6.44

Utah                         169          11       .02          6.51

Vermont                       63           4       .01          6.35

Virginia                  64,358       4,935      2.39          7.67

Washington                   373          30       .02          8.04

West Virginia             13,292       2,013      1.41         15.14

Wisconsin                    718          73       .03         10.17

Wyoming                      280          63       .25         22.50

NEGRO TROOPS NEWLY ARRIVED IN FRANCE, LINED UP FOR INSPECTION.

NEGRO TROOPS ON A PRACTICE RUN NEAR THEIR CAMP IN FRANCE.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, U.S. ARMY PRESENTATION OF BANNER TO NEGRO STEVEDORES FOR WINNING FIRST WEEK'S "RACE TO BERLIN", MARSEILLES, FRANCE.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, U.S. ARMY NEGRO WINNERS IN STEVEDORE CONTEST BEING ENTERTAINED BY 134TH INFANTRY QUARTET AND BAND AT MARSEILLES, FRANCE.

GOING TO FIGHT FOR UNCLE SAM. TYPICAL GROUP OF NEGRO SELECTIVE SERVICE MEN LEAVING FOR THE TRAINING CAMP.

NEGRO TROOPS ARRIVING IN FRANCE. A COMPARISON WITH THE UPPER PICTURE SHOWS THE RAPID TRANSFORMATION FROM CIVILIANS TO FIGHTING MEN.

"MOSS'S BUFFALOES" (367TH INFANTRY), SERENADING FAMOUS MILITARY CHIEFTAINS IN FRANCE. IN WINDOW AT LEFT STANDS GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES; AT RIGHT GENERAL GOURAUD, COMMANDER OF THE FOURTH FRENCH ARMY .

HEROES OF THE BRAWNY ARM WHOSE SERVICE WAS NO LESS EFFECTIVE THAN THAT OF THE COMBATANTS. A DETAIL OF NEGRO RAILWAY BUILDERS ENGAGED ON THE LINE FROM BREST TO TOURS .

NEGRO ENGINEERS BUILDING ROADS IN FRANCE. AN INDISPENSABLE FEATURE OF THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY.

NEGRO TROOPS IN FRANCE ENJOY AN OLD-FASHIONED MEAL.

NEGRO MACHINE GUNNERS ON THE ROAD NEAR MAFFRECOURT, FRANCE. PART OF 369TH INFANTRY.

CAPTAIN HINTON AND OFFICERS OF 1ST BATTALION. 369TH NEGRO INFANTRY ON ROAD NEAR MAFFRECOURT, FRANCE.

AUTO HORN WARNS AMERICANS OF COMING GAS ATTACK. SOLDIERS DON MASKS AND SOUND THE ALARM. INSERT, LEFT CORNER, MACHINE GUNNERS.

"These figures of reported desertions, however, lose their significance when the facts behind them are studied. There is in the files of this office, a series of letters from governors and draft executives of southern states, called forth by inquiry for an explanation of the large percentage of Negroes among the reported deserters and delinquents. With striking unanimity the draft authorities replied that this was due to two causes; first, ignorance and illiteracy; especially in the rural regions, to which may be added a certain shiftlessness in ignoring civic obligations; and secondly, the tendency of the Negroes to shift from place to place. The natural inclination to roam from one employment to another has been accentuated by unusual demands for labor incident to the war, resulting in a considerable flow of colored men to the north and to various munition centers. This shifting reached its height in the summer of 1917, shortly after the first registration, and resulted in the failure of many men to keep in touch with their local boards, so that questionnaires and notices to report did not reach them.

"With equal unanimity the draft executives report that the amount of willful delinquency or desertion has been almost nil. Several describe the strenuous efforts of the Negroes to comply with the regulations, when the requirements were explained to them, many registrants travelling long distances to report in person to the adjutant general of the state. 'The conviction resulting from these reports' says General Crowder, 'is that the colored men as a whole responded readily and gladly to their military obligations once their duties were understood."

"The fittest place where man can DIE Is where he dies for man!"

"We tried to treat the Negroes with exactly the same consideration shown the whites. We had the same speakers to address them. The Rotary Club presented them with small silk flags, as they did the whites. The band turned out to escort them to the train; and the Negroes went to camp with as cheerful a spirit as did the whites. One of them when asked if he were going to France, replied: 'No, sir; I'm not going "to France". I am going "through France".'"

"In dealing with the Negroes," the Arkansas board report says, "the southern boards gained a richness of experience that is without parallel. No other class of citizens was more loyal to the government or more ready to answer the country's call. The only blot upon their military record was the great number of delinquents among the more ignorant; but in the majority of cases this was traced to an ignorance of the regulations, or to the withholding of mail by the landlord, often himself an aristocratic slacker, in order to retain the man's labor."

"The Negroes didn't take to these stories, however, as they were too loyal. Money spent in the south for propaganda was thrown away."

NEGRO TROOPS OF U.S. ARMY RECEIVING HOLY BAPTISM WHILE IN TRAINING FOR OVERSEAS DUTY AT NORCROSS RIFLE RANGE. CAMP CORDON, GA.

"Throughout my tenure here I have keenly appreciated the prompt and cordial cooperation of the Provost Marshall General's office with that particular section of the office of the Secretary of War especially referred to herein. The Provost Marshall General's office has carefully investigated and has furnished full and complete reports in each and every complaint or case referred to it for attention, involving discrimination, race prejudice, erroneous classification of draftees, etc., and has rectified these complaints whenever it was found upon investigation that there was just ground for same. Especially in the matter of applying and carrying out the selective service regulations, the Provost Marshall General's office has kept a watchful eye upon certain local exemption boards which seemed disinclined to treat the Negro draftees on the same basis as other Americans subject to the draft law. It is an actual fact that in a number of instances where flagrant violations have occurred in the application of the draft law, to Negro men in certain sections of the country, local exemption boards have been removed bodily and new boards have been appointed to supplant them. In several instances these new boards so appointed have been ordered by the Provost Marshall General to reclassify colored men who had been unlawfully conscripted into the army or who had been wrongfully classified; as a result of this action hundreds of colored men have had their complaints remedied and have been properly reclassified."

"In a word, I believe the Negro's participation in the war, his eagerness to serve, and his great courage and demonstrated valor across the seas, have given him a new idea of Americanism and likewise have given to the white people of our country a new idea of his citizenship, his real character and capabilities, and his 100 per cent Americanism. Incidentally the Negro has been helped in many ways physically and mentally and has been made into an even more satisfactory asset to the nation."

CHAPTER XIII.

ROSTER OF NEGRO OFFICERS.

Cleve L. Abbott, first lieutenant, Watertown, S.D.

Joseph L. Abernethy, first lieutenant, Prairie View, Tex.

Ewart G. Abner, second lieutenant, Conroe, Tex.

Charles J. Adams, first lieutenant, Selma, Ala.

Aurelious P. Alberga, first lieutenant, San Francisco, Calif.

Ira L. Aldridge, second lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Edward I. Alexander, first lieutenant, Jacksonville, Fla.

Fritz W. Alexander, second lieutenant, Donaldsville, Ga.

Lucien V. Alexis, first lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

John H. Allen, captain, U.S. Army.

Levi Alexander, Jr., first lieutenant, Ocala, Fla.

Clarence W. Allen, second lieutenant, Mobile, Ala.

Richard S. Allen, second lieutenant, Atlantic City, N.J.

James W. Alston, first lieutenant, Raleigh, N.C.

Benjamin E. Ammons, first lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

Leon M. Anderson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Levi Anderson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Robert Anderson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

David W. Anthony, Jr., first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

James C. Arnold, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Russell C. Atkins, second lieutenant, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Henry O. Atwood, captain, Washington, D.C.

Charles H. Austin, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

George J. Austin, first lieutenant. New York, N.Y.

Herbert Avery, captain, U.S. Army.

Robert S. Bamfield, second lieutenant, Wilmington, N.C.

Julian C. Banks, second lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

Charles H. Barbour, captain, U.S. Army.

Walter B. Barnes, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William I. Barnes, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Stephen B. Barrows, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Thomas J. Batey, first lieutenant, Oakland, Cal.

Wilfrid Bazil, second lieutenant, Brooklyn, N.Y.

James E. Beard, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Ether Beattie, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William H. Benson, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Albert P. Bentley, first lieutenant, Memphis, Tenn.

Benjamin Bettis, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Harrison W. Black, first lieutenant, Lexington, Ky.

Charles J. Blackwood, first lieutenant, Trinidad, Colo.

William Blaney, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Isaiah S. Blocker, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

William D. Bly, first lieutenant, Leavenworth, Kans.

Henry H. Boger, second lieutenant, Aurora, Ill.

Elbert L. Booker, first lieutenant, Wymer, Wash.

Virgil M. Boutte, captain, Nashville, Tenn.

Jas. F. Booker, captain, U.S. Army.

William R. Bowie, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Clyde R. Brannon, first lieutenant, Fremont, Neb.

Lewis Broadus, captain, U.S. Army.

Deton J. Brooks, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

William M. Brooks, second lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

Carter N. Brown, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Emmet Brown, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

George E. Brown, second lieutenant, New York City, N.Y.

Oscar C. Brown, first lieutenant, Edwards, Miss.

Rosen T. Brown, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Samuel C. Brown, second lieutenant, Delaware, Ohio.

William H. Brown, Jr., first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Arthur A. Browne, first lieutenant, Xenia, Ohio.

Howard R.M. Browne, first lieutenant, Kansas City, Kans.

Sylvanus Brown, first lieutenant, San Antonio, Tex.

Charles C. Bruen, first lieutenant, Mayslick, Ky.

William T. Burns, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James A. Bryant, first lieutenant, Indianapolis, Ind.

William L. Bryson, captain, U.S. Army.

John E. Buford, second lieutenant, Langston, Okla.

Thomas J. Bullock, second lieutenant, New York City, N.Y.

John W. Bundrant, second lieutenant, Omaha, Neb.

John P. Burgess, first lieutenant, Mullens, S.C.

Dace H. Burns, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

William H. Burrell, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

John M. Burrell, second lieutenant, East Orange, N.J.

Herman L. Butler, first lieutenant, U.S. Army,

Homer C. Butler, first lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Felix Buggs, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Napoleon L. Byrd, first lieutenant, Madison, Wis.

John B. Cade, second lieutenant, Ellerton, Ga.

Walter W. Cagle, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles W. Caldwell, second lieutenant, Orangeburg, S.C.

Andrew B. Callahan, second lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala.

Alvin H. Cameron, first lieutenant, Nashville, Tenn.

Alonzo Campbell, captain, U.S. Army.

Lafayette Campbell, second lieutenant, Union, W. Va.

Robert L. Campbell, first lieutenant, Greensboro, N.C.

William B. Campbell, first lieutenant, Austin, Tex.

Guy W. Canady, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Lovelace B. Capehart, Jr., second lieutenant, Raleigh, N.C.

Adolphus F. Capps, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Curtis W. Carpenter, second lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

Early Carson, captain, U.S. Army.

John O. Carter, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Wilson Cary, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Robert W. Cheers, second lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

David K. Cherry, captain, Greensboro, N.C.

Frank R. Chisholm, first lieutenant, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Robert B. Chubb, captain, U.S. Army.

Ewell W. Clark, first lieutenant, Giddings, Tex.

Frank C. Clark, second lieutenant, National Guard, Washington, D.C.

William H. Clarke, first lieutenant, Birmingham, Ala.

William H. Clarke, first lieutenant, Helena, Ark.

Roscoe Clayton, captain, U.S. Army.

Lane G. Cleaves, second lieutenant, Memphis, Tenn.

Joshua W. Clifford, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Sprigg B. Coates, captain, U.S. Army.

Frank Coleman, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

William Collier, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William N. Colson, second lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Leonard O. Colston, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Jones A. Coltrane, first lieutenant, Spokane, Wash.

John Combs, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Barton W. Conrad, first lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Lloyd F. Cook, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles C. Cooper, captain, National Guard, District of Columbia.

George P. Cooper, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Joseph H. Cooper, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Chesley E. Corbett, first lieutenant, Wewoka, Okla.

Harry W. Cox, first lieutenant, Sedalia, Mo.

James W. Cranson, captain, United States Army.

Horace R. Crawford, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Judge Cross, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Clarence B. Curley, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Merrill H. Curtis, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Edward L. Dabney, first lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Joe Dabney, captain, U.S. Army.

Victor R. Daly, first lieutenant, Corona, Long Island, N.Y.

Eugene A. Dandridge, first lieutenant, National Guard, District of

Columbia.

Eugene L.C. Davidson, first lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Henry G. Davis, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Irby D. Davis, first lieutenant, Sumter, S.C.

William E. Davis, captain, Washington, D.C.

Charles C. Dawson, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

William S. Dawson, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Aaron Day, Jr., captain, Prairie View, Tex.

Milton T. Dean, captain, U.S. Army.

Francis M. Dent, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Thomas M. Dent, Jr., first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

James B. Dickson, second lieutenant, Asheville, N.C.

Spahr H. Dickey, captain, San Francisco, Cal.

Elder W. Diggs, first lieutenant, Indianapolis, Ind.

William H. Dinkins, first lieutenant, Selma, Ala.

Beverly L. Dorsey, captain, U.S. Army.

Edward C. Dorsey, captain, U.S. Army.

Harris N. Dorsey, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Seaborn Douglas, second lieutenant, Hartford, Conn.

Vest Douglas, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Frank L. Drye, first lieutenant, Little Rock, Ark.

Edward Dugger, first lieutenant, Roxbury, Mass.

Jackson E. Dunn, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Benjamin F. Dunning, second lieutenant, Norfolk, Va.

Charles J. Echols, Jr., captain, U.S. Army.

Charles Ecton, captain, U.S. Army.

George E. Edwards, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Leonard Edwards, second lieutenant, Augusta, Ga.

James L. Elliott, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Charles J. Ellis, second lieutenant, Springfield, Ill.

Harry C. Ellis, first lieutenant, Patrick, Ia.

Roscoe Ellis, captain, U.S. Army.

Leslie H. Engram, second lieutenant, Montezuma, Ga.

Alexander E. Evans, first lieutenant, Columbia, S.C.

Will H. Evans, second lieutenant, Montgomery, Tex.

Norwood C. Fairfax, second lieutenant, Eagle Rock, Va.

John R. Fairley, first lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

Clifford L. Farrer, first lieutenant, El Paso, Tex.

Leonard J. Faulkner, first lieutenant, Columbus, O.

William H. Fearence, first lieutenant, Texarkana, Tex.

Charles H. Fearing, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Robert W. Fearing, second lieutenant, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Alonzo G. Ferguson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Gurnett E. Ferguson, captain, Dunbar, W. Va.

Thomas A. Firmes, captain, U.S. Army.

Dillard J. Firse, first lieutenant, Cleveland, O.

Octavius Fisher, first lieutenant, Detroit, Mich.

James E. Fladger, second lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

Benjamin F. Ford, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward W. Ford, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Frank L. Francis, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Henry O. Franklin, second lieutenant, San Francisco, Cal.

Ernest C. Frazier, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Arthur Freeman, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Sewell G. Freeman, second lieutenant, Aragon, Ga.

Edward S. Gaillard, first lieutenant, Indianapolis, Ind.

Tacitus E. Gaillard, second lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

James H.L. Gaines, second lieutenant, Little Rock, Ark.

Ellsworth Gamblee, first lieutenant, Cincinnati, O.

Lucian P. Garrett, second lieutenant, Louisville, Ky.

William L. Gee, first lieutenant, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Clayborne George, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Warmith T. Gibbs, second lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Howard C. Gilbert, first lieutenant, Columbus, Ohio.

Walter A. Giles, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Archie H. Gillespie, captain, U.S. Army

William Gillum, captain, U.S. Army.

Floyd Gilmer, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William Glass, captain, U.S. Army.

Jesse J. Gleeden, second lieutenant, Little Rock, Ark.

Leroy H. Godman, captain, Columbus, Ohio.

Edward L. Goodlett, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Nathan O. Goodloe, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Frank M. Goodner, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Elijah H. Goodwin, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James A. Gordon, first lieutenant, St. Joseph, Mo.

Herbert R. Gould, first lieutenant, Dedham, Mass.

James E. Gould, first lieutenant, Dedham, Mass.

Francis H. Gow, first lieutenant, Charleston, W. Va.

William T. Grady, second lieutenant, Dudley, N.C.

Jesse M.H. Graham, second lieutenant, Clarksville, Tenn.

William H. Graham, captain, U.S. Army.

Towson S. Grasty, first lieutenant, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Thornton H. Gray, first lieutenant, Fairmount Heights, Md.

Miles M. Green, captain, U.S. Army.

Thomas E. Green, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walter Green, captain, U.S. Army.

Jesse J. Green, first lieutenant, Georgetown, Ky.

Thomas M. Gregory, first lieutenant, Newark, N.J.

Jefferson E. Grigsby, second lieutenant, Chapelle, S.C.,

Thomas Grundy, captain, U.S. Army.

William W. Green, captain, U.S. Army.

George B. Greenlee, first lieutenant, Marion, N.C.

Nello B. Greenlee, second lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Herbert H. Guppy, second lieutenant, Boston, Mass.

George C. Hall, captain, U.S. Army.

Leonidas H. Hall, Jr., second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

George W. Hamilton, Jr., first lieutenant, Topeka, Kans.

Rodney D. Hardeway, second lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

Clarence W. Harding, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Clifton S. Hardy, second lieutenant, Champaign, Ill.

Clay Harper, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Ted O. Harper, second lieutenant, Columbus, Ohio.

Tillman H. Harpole, first lieutenant, Kansas City, Mo.

Bravid W. Harris, Jr., first lieutenant, Warrenton, N.C.

Edward H. Harris, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Eugene Harris, captain, U.S. Army.

William Harris, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Byrd McD. Hart, captain, U.S. Army.

Albert L. Hatchett, first lieutenant, San Antonio, Tex.

Lawrence Hawkins, second lieutenant, Bowie, Md.

Charles M. Hayes, second lieutenant, Hopkinsville, Ky.

Merriam C. Hayson, first lieutenant, Kenilworth, D.C.

Alonzo Heard, captain, U.S. Army.

Almando Henderson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Douglas J. Henderson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Robert M. Hendrick, first lieutenant, Tallahassee, Fla.

Thomas J. Henry, Jr., first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Vodrey Henry, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Jesse S. Heslip, first lieutenant, Toledo, Ohio.

Lee J. Hicks, captain, Ottawa, Kans.

Victor La Naire Hicks, second lieutenant, Columbia, Mo.

Arthur K. Hill, first lieutenant, Lawrence, Kans.

Daniel G. Hill, Jr., second lieutenant, Cantonsville, Md.

Walter Hill, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William Hill, captain, U.S. Army.

Clarence O. Hilton, first lieutenant, Farmville, Va.

Lowell B. Hodges, first lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

Horatio B. Holder, first lieutenant, Cairo, Ga.

George A. Holland, captain, U.S. Army.

James G. Hollingsworth, captain, U.S. Army.

George C. Hollomand, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Wayne L. Hopkins, second lieutenant, Columbus, Ohio.

James L. Horace, second lieutenant, Little Rock, Ark.

Reuben Homer, captain, U.S. Army.

Charles S. Hough, second lieutenant, Jamestown, Ohio.

Charles H. Houston, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Henry C. Houston, captain, U.S. Army.

Cecil A. Howard, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Clarence K. Howard, second lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala.

Charles P. Howard, first lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

Arthur Hubbard, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Jerome L. Hubert, first lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

William H. Hubert, second lieutenant, Mayfield, Ga.

Jefferson E. Hudgins, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Samuel M. Huffman, first lieutenant, Columbus, Ohio.

Samuel A. Hull, first lieutenant, Jacksonville, Fla.

John R. Hunt, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Bush A. Hunter, second lieutenant, Lexington, Ky.

Benjamin H. Hunton, first lieutenant, Newport News, Va.

Frederick A. Hurt, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Walter L. Hutcherson, first lieutenant, Amherst, Va.

Samuel B. Hutchinson, Jr., second lieutenant, Boston, Mass.

James E. Ivey, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Beecher A. Jackson, first lieutenant, Texarkana, Tex.

George W. Jackson, first lieutenant, Ardmore, Mo.

Joseph T. Jackson, first lieutenant, Charleston, W. Va.

Landen Jackson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Matthew Jackson, captain, U.S. Army.

Maxey A. Jackson, second lieutenant, Marian, Ky.

Joyce G. Jacobs, second lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Wesley H. Jamison, second lieutenant, Topeka, Kans.

Charles Jefferson, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Benjamin R. Johnson, first lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Campbell C. Johnson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Ernest C. Johnson, second lieutenant, Washington D.C.

Everett W. Johnson, first lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Hanson Johnson, captain, U.S. Army.

Hillery W. Johnson, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Joseph L. Johnson, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Merle O. Johnson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Robert E. Johnson, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Thomas Johnson, captain, U.S. Army.

Virginius D. Johnson, first lieutenant, Richmond, Va.

William N. Johnson, second lieutenant, Omaha, Neb.

William T. Johnson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Willie Johnson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles A. Jones, second lieutenant, San Antonio, Tex.

Clifford W. Jones, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Dee Jones, captain, U.S. Army.

Edward D. Jones, second lieutenant, Hartford, Conn.

James W. Jones, captain, Washington, D.C.

James O. Jones, second lieutenant, Paulding, Ohio.

Paul W. Jones, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Percy L. Jones, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Vivian L. Jones, second lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

Warren F. Jones, captain, U.S. Army.

William Jones, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles G. Kelly, captain, Tuskegee, Ala.

Elliott H. Kelly, first lieutenant, Camden, S.C.

John B. Kemp, captain, U.S. Army.

John M. Kenney, captain, U.S. Army.

Will Kernts, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Otho E. Kerr, first lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Orestus J. Kincaid, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Jesse L. Kimbrough, first lieutenant, Los Angeles, Cal.

Moses King, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Laurence E. Knight, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward C. Knox, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

John W. Knox, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Azzie B. Koger, first lieutenant, Reidsville, N.C.

Linwood G. Koger, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Charles E. Lane, Jr., first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

David A. Lane, Jr., first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Frank L. Lane, second lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

Benton R. Latimer, first lieutenant, Warrenton, Ga.

Ernest W. Latson, first lieutenant, Jacksonville, Fla.

Laige I. Lancaster, first lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Oscar G. Lawless, first lieutenant, New Orleans, La.

Samuel Lawson, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Wilfred W. Lawson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Geo. E. Lee, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

George W. Lee, second lieutenant, Memphis, Tenn.

Lawrence A. Lee, second lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

John E. Leonard, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Garrett M. Lewis, first lieutenant, San Antonio, Tex.

Henry O. Lewis, first lieutenant, Boston, Mass.

Everett B. Liggins, second lieutenant, Austin, Tex.

Victor C. Lightfoot, second lieutenant, South Pittsburg, Tenn.

John Q. Lindsey, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Redden L. Linton, second lieutenant, Boston, Ga.

Glenda W. Locust, second lieutenant, Sealy, Tenn.

Aldon L. Logan, first lieutenant, Lawrence, Kans.

James B. Lomack, first lieutenant, National Guard, Dist. of Columbia.

Howard H. Long, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Victor Long, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Lonnie W. Lott, second lieutenant, Austin, Tex.

Charles H. Love, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Edgar A. Love, first lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

Frank W. Love, captain, U.S. Army.

George B. Love, first lieutenant, Greensboro, N.C.

John W. Love, first lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

Joseph Lowe, captain, U.S. Army.

Walter Lowe, first lieutenant, St Louis, Mo.

Charles C. Luck, Jr., second lieutenant, San Marcus, Tex.

Walter Lyons, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Harry J. Mack, second lieutenant, Cheney, Pa.

Amos B. Madison, first lieutenant, Omaha, Neb.

Edgar F. Malone, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edgar O. Malone, captain, U.S. Army.

Earl W. Mann, first lieutenant, Champaign, Ill.

Vance H. Marchbanks, captain, U.S. Army.

Leon F. Marsh, first lieutenant, Berkeley, Cal.

Alfred E. Marshall, second lieutenant, Greenwood, S.C.

Cyrus W. Marshall, second lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

Cuby Martin, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Joseph H. Martin, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Eric P. Mason, first lieutenant, Giddings, Tex.

Denis McG. Matthews, first lieutenant, Los Angeles, Cal.

Joseph E. Matthews, second lieutenant, Cleburne, Tex.

Anderson N. May, captain, Atlanta, Ga.

Walter H. Mazyck, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Peter McCall, captain U.S. Army.

Milton A. McCrimmon, captain, U.S. Army.

Robert A. McEwen, second lieutenant, E. St. Louis, Ill.

Osceola E. McKaine, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James E. McKey, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Carey McLane, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Archie McLee, first lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Leonard W. McLeod, first lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Albert McReynolds, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Marshall Meadows, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Louis R. Mehlinger, captain, Washington, D.C.

Louis R. Middleton, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Benjamin H. Mills, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Harry W. Mills, captain, U.S. Army.

Warren N. Mims, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

J. Wardlaw Mitchell, second lieutenant, Milledgeville, Ga.

Pinkney L. Mitchell, second lieutenant, Austin, Tex.

John H. Mitcherson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Ralph E. Mizell, second lieutenant, Champaign, Ill.

Hubert M. Moman, second lieutenant, Tougaloo, Miss.

John M. Moore, first lieutenant, Meridian, Miss.

Loring B. Moore, second lieutenant, Brunswick, Ga.

Elias A. Morris, first lieutenant, Helena, Ark.

Thomas E. Morris, captain, U.S. Army.

James B. Morris, second lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

Cleveland Morrow, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Henry Morrow, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Abraham Morse, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Benjamin H. Mosby, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Benedict Mosley, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Scott A. Moyer, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Albert C. Murdaugh, second lieutenant, Columbia, S.C.

Alonzo Myers, captain, Philadelphia, Pa.

Thomas J. Narcisse, second lieutenant, Jeanerette, La.

Earl H. Nash, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Homer G. Neely, first lieutenant, Palestine, Tex.

Gurney E. Nelson, second lieutenant, Greensboro, N.C.

William S. Nelson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

William F. Nelson, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

James P. Nobles, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Grafton S. Norman, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Richard M. Norris, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Ambrose B. Nutt, second lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Benjamin L. Ousley, second lieutenant, Tougaloo, Miss.

Charles W. Owens, captain, United States Army.

Charles G. Owlings, second lieutenant, Norfolk, Va.

William W. Oxley, first lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

Wilbur E. Pannell, second lieutenant, Staunton, Va.

Charles S. Parker, second lieutenant, Spokane, Wash.

Walter E. Parker, second lieutenant, Little Rock, Ark.

Clemmie C. Parks, first lieutenant, Ft. Scott, Kans.

Adam E. Patterson, captain, Chicago, Ill.

Humphrey C. Patton, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Clarence H. Payne, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

William D. Peeks, captain, U.S. Army.

Robert R. Penn, first lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Marion R. Perry, second lieutenant, Pine Bluff, Ark.

Hanson A. Person, second lieutenant, Wynne, Ark.

Harry B. Peters, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

James H. Peyton, second lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala.

Joseph Phillips, captain, Columbus, Ohio.

David A. Pierce, second lieutenant, Clarksville, Tenn.

Harrison J. Pinkett, first lieutenant, Omaha, Nebr.

James C. Pinkston, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Percival R. Piper, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Anderson F. Pitts, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Fisher Pride, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Herman W. Porter, second lieutenant, Cambridge, Mass.

James C. Powell, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Wade H. Powell, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

William J. Powell, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Gloucester A. Price, second lieutenant, Fort Meyer, Fla.

John F. Pritchard, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Henry H. Proctor, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

John H. Purnell, first lieutenant, Trappe, Md.

Howard D. Queen, captain, U.S. Army.

Richard R. Queen, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Harold L. Quivers, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Washington H. Racks, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

John E. Raiford, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Hazel L. Raine, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Fred D. Ramsey, first lieutenant, Wedgefleld, S.C.

James O. Redmon, second lieutenant, Newton, Iowa.

Charles G. Reed, first lieutenant, Charleston, S.C.

Rufus Reed, captain, U.S. Army.

Lightfoot H. Reese, second lieutenant, Newman, Ga.

William L. Reese, second lieutenant, Bennetsville, S.C.

Robert S. Reid, second lieutenant, Newman, Ga.

Samuel Reid, captain, U.S. Army.

Adolph Reyes, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Elijah Reynolds, captain, U.S. Army.

John F. Rice, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Douglas C. Richardson, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Harry D. Richardson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Leonard. H. Richardson, first lieutenant, Oakland, Cal.

Maceo A. Richmond, second lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

Francis E. Rivers, first lieutenant, New Haven, Conn.

Marion C. Rhoten, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles E. Roberts, first lieutenant, Atlantic City, N.J.

Clyde Roberts, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward Robertson, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles W. Robinson, second lieutenant, Cleveland, Ohio.

George C. Robinson, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Peter L. Robinson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

William W. Robinson, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Julian P. Rogers, first lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala.

John W. Rowe, first lieutenant, Danville, Ky.

Thomas Rucker, captain, U.S. Army.

Edward P. Rudd, first lieutenant, New York City.

Mallalieu W. Rush, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

John Russell, captain, U.S. Army.

Louis H. Russell, second lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Earl Ryder, second lieutenant, Springfield, Ill.

Chester Sanders, captain, U.S. Army.

Joseph B. Sanders, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walter R. Sanders, captain, U.S. Army.

Clifford A. Sandridge, captain, U.S. Army.

Lorin O. Sanford, captain, U.S. Army.

Elliott D. Saunders, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walker L. Savoy, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Elmer P. Sawyer, second lieutenant, Providence, R.I.

George S. Schuyler, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James E. Scott, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

James E. Scott, first lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Joseph H. Scott, first lieutenant, Darlington, S.C.

Walter W. Scott, second lieutenant, Brooksville, Miss.

William F. Scott, captain, U.S. Army.

Fletcher Sewell, captain, U.S. Army.

Shermont R. Sewell, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Charles A. Shaw, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Warren B. Shelton, second lieutenant, Hot Springs, Ark.

Robert T. Shobe, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Hal Short, first lieutenant, Iowa City, Ia.

Harry W. Short, second lieutenant, Iowa City, Ia.

Ogbon N. Simmons, first lieutenant, Waldo, Fla.

Richard Simmons, captain, U.S. Army.

William E. Simmons, first lieutenant, Burlington, Vt.

Austin Simms, second lieutenant, Darien, Ga.

John H. Simms, Jr., first lieutenant, Jacksonville, Fla.

ARTILLERY AT WORK IN A FRENCH FOREST. THIS WAS A PHASE OF OPERATION IN WHICH THE NEGRO UNITS OF THE 167TH BRIGADE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN THE CLOSING DAYS OF THE WAR

SENTRY BOX OUTSIDE OF REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS WITH WARNING HORN FOR GAS ATTACKS. CAMOUFLAGED GATE ON THE LEFT.

ONE OF THE HUGE GUNS, 16-INCH CALIBER OF THE AMERICAN RAILWAY ARTILLERY, WHICH DID SUCH FRIGHTFUL EXECUTION NEAR THE CLOSE OF THE WAR. CAMOUFLAGED THROUGHOUT.

A RAILROAD IN FRANCE. THIS ONE WAS USED BY A PORTION OF THE 93RD DIVISION IN THE CHAMPAGNE TO TRANSPORT TROOPS AND SUPPLIES TO THE FRONT.

PASSENGER CARS USED BY FAMOUS 93RD. NEGRO DIVISION IN CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE.

SENDING MESSAGE BY CARRIER PIGEON. OFFICER AND SOLDIERS OF 369TH INFANTRY OUTSIDE OF DUGOUT IN FRANCE.

KITCHEN AND DINING QUARTERS AT THE FRONT. SOLDIERS BELONG TO FAMOUS 93RD DIVISION AMERICAN NEGRO SOLDIERS BRIGADED WITH THE FRENCH.

INFANTRY AND GUNNERS AT CLOSE GRIPS. DRAWING REPRESENTS A BRILLIANT COUNTER-ATTACK IN A SHELL-TORN WOOD IN FRANCE.

A TYPICAL TRENCH SCENE. NEGROES OF THE 93RD DIVISION SERVING WITH FRENCH IN THE CHAMPAGNE.

SECRET ORGANIZATIONS PRESENT AT THE BREAKING OF THE GROUND FOR McDONOUGH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, W. 133RD STREET, NEW YORK. NAMED IN HONOR OF MR. DAVID KEARNEY McDONOUGH, PIONEER NEGRO PHYSICIAN OF THAT CITY. TO BE USED AS A BASE UNIT FOR COLORED SOLDIERS.

LIEUT. JOHN APPLEBEE OF THE RED CROSS HOME SERVICE, COMFORTING AND REASSURING SOLDIERS ANXIOUS ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THEIR FAMILIES. CAMP NO. 43. GIEVRES. FRANCE.

CROWN PRINCE AND KAISER BILL. TWO GERMAN DOGS AND THEIR CAPTORS. THE SOLDIERS ARE PRIVATES ROBINSON CLEVE, 539TH ENGINEERS AND DANIEL NELSON, 372ND INFANTRY.

TYPES OF NEGRO ENGINEERS WHO WERE SUCH IMPORTANT FACTORS IN OUR OVERSEAS FORCES.

FOUR CAVERNS, STUDDED WITH IVORY, FURNISH HARMONY IN THE TRAINING CAMP.

Abraham L. Simpson, captain, Louisville, Ky.

Lawrence Simpson, first lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

William R. Smalls, first lieutenant, Manassas, Va.

Daniel Smith, captain, U.S. Army.

Enos B. Smith, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Ernest Smith, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Fairel N. Smith, first lieutenant, Orangeburg, S.C.

Joseph W. Smith, second lieutenant, Concord, S.C.

Oscar H. Smith, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Pitman E. Smith, first lieutenant, Columbus, Ohio.

Russell Smith, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walter H. Smith, first lieutenant, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Levi E. Southe, second lieutenant, Chicago, Ill.

Carlos Sowards, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward W. Spearman, captain, U.S. Army.

Walter R. St. Clair, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

Lloyd A. Stafford, captain, U.S. Army.

Moody Staten, captain, U.S. Army.

Percy H. Steele, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Waddell C. Steele, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Grant Stewart, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Robert K. Stephens, captain, U.S. Army.

Leon Stewart, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Thomas R. Stewart, first lieutenant, Ft. Wayne, Ind.

William A. Stith, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James M. Stockett, Jr., first lieutenant, Providence, R.I.

Wilbur F. Stonestreet, second lieutenant, Topeka, Kans.

Daniel T. Taylor, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Hannibal B. Taylor, second lieutenant, Guthrie, Okla.

Pearl E. Taylor, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Benjamin F. Thomas, captain, U.S. Army.

Bob Thomas, captain, U.S. Army.

Vincent B. Thomas, second lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

Charles M. Thompson, first lieutenant, Columbia, S.C.

Joseph Thompson, captain, U.S. Army.

Pierce McN. Thompson, first lieutenant, Albany, Ga.

Richard C. Thompson, first lieutenant, Harrisburg, Pa.

Toliver T. Thompson, first lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

William H. Thompson, first lieutenant, Jacksonville, Fla.

William W. Thompson, captain, United States Army.

James W. Thornton, first lieutenant, West Raleigh, N.C.

Leslie J. Thurman, captain, U.S. Army.

Samuel J. Tipton, captain, U.S. Army.

Frederick H. Townsend, second lieutenant, Newport, R.I.

Anderson Trapp, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Charles A. Tribbett, first lieutenant, New Haven, Conn.

Joseph E. Trigg, captain, Syracuse, N.Y.

Archibald R. Tuck, second lieutenant, Oberlin, O.

Victor J. Tulane, first lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala.

William J. Turnbow, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Allen Turner, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward Turner, first lieutenant, Omaha, Nebr.

Samuel Turner, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Shadrach W. Upshaw, second lieutenant, Austin, Tex.

Ferdinand S. Upshur, second lieutenant, Philadelphia, Pa.

George L. Vaughn, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Austin T. Walden, captain, Macon, Ga.

John P. Walker, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Lewis W. Wallace, captain, U.S. Army.

Thomas H. Walters, first lieutenant. New York, N.Y.

Robert L. Ward, first lieutenant, Detroit, Mich.

James H.N. Waring, Jr., first lieutenant, Washington, D, C.

Genoa S. Washington, captain, U.S. Army.

George G. Washington, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Bolivar E. Watkins, first lieutenant, St. Louis, Mo.

Alstyne M. Watson, second lieutenant, Tallapoosa, Ga.

Baxter W. Watson, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Louis L. Watson, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

William H. Weare, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walter T. Webb, first lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

Carter W. Wesley, first lieutenant, Houston, Tex.

Harry Wheeler, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Chauncey D. White, first lieutenant, Mathews, Va.

Emmett White, captain, U.S. Army.

Journee W. White, second lieutenant, Los Angeles, Cal.

Lorenzo C. White, second lieutenant, Hampton, Va.

Johnson C. Whittaker, first lieutenant, Lawrence, Kans.

Horace G. Wilder, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Arthur R. Williams, second lieutenant, Edwards, Miss.

Everett B. Williams, first lieutenant, Syracuse, N.Y.

Gus Williams, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

James B. Williams, first lieutenant, Baltimore, Md.

John Williams, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Oscar H. Williams, second lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Richard A. Williams, captain, Lawnside, N.J.

Robert G. Williams, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Seymour E. Williams, second lieutenant, Muskogee, Okla.

Major Williams, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Walter B. Williams, captain, U.S. Army.

William H. Williams, captain, U.S. Army.

Elmore S. Willie, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Harry E. Wilson, first lieutenant, Des Moines, Ia.

John E. Wilson, first lieutenant, Leavenworth, Kans.

William H. Wilson, second lieutenant, Greensboro, N.C.

Meredith B. Wily, first lieutenant, El Paso, Tex.

Christopher C. Wimbish, first lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Hugh H. Wimbish, second lieutenant, Atlanta, Ga.

Rolland T. Winstead, second lieutenant, Rocky Mount, N.C.

George W. Winston, captain, United States Army.

Ernest M. Wood, second lieutenant, Mebane, N.C.

Benjamin F. Wright, second lieutenant, New York, N.Y.

Elbert S. Wright, second lieutenant, Baldwin, Kans.

John Wynn, second lieutenant, U.S. Army.

Edward York, captain, United States Army.

Charles Young, first lieutenant, U.S. Army.

William A. Young, second lieutenant, Sumter, S.C.

Charles G. Young, first lieutenant, Washington, D.C.

CHAPTER XIV.

ACROSS DIVIDING SEAS.

"Doan you see the black clouds ris'n ober yondah Like as tho we's gwan ter hab a storm?

No, you's mistaken, dem's "Loyal BLACK FOLKS Sailing off ter fight fer Uncle Sam."

"There was to be seen on the streets of St. Nazaire that day some representative black Americans, who had also landed in that historical first contingent. There was a strange thing about these Negroes. It will be remembered that in the early stages of our participation in the war it had been found that there was hardly sufficient khaki cloth to provide uniforms for all of our soldiers. That had been the case with these American negro soldiers.

"But somewhere down in Washington, somehow or other, someone resurrected an old, large heavy iron key and this, inserted into an ancient rusty lock, had opened some long forgotten door in one of the Government arsenals. There were revealed old dust-covered bundles wrapped up in newspapers, yellow with age, and when these wrappings of the past were removed, there were seen the uniforms of old Union blue that had been laid away back in '65—uniforms that had been worn by men who fought and bled and died to save the Union, and ultimately free those early 'Black Americans'.

"And here on this foreign shore, on this day in June more than half a century later, the sons and grandsons of those same freed slaves wore those same uniforms of Union blue as they landed in France to fight for a newer freedom; freedom for the white man no less than themselves, throughout all the earth.

"Some of these Negroes were stevedores from the lower Mississippi levees; who sang as they worked in their white army undershirts, across the chest of which were penciled in blue and red, strange mystic devices, religious phrases and other signs, calculated to contribute the charm of safety to the running of the submarine blockade.

"Two of these American Negroes, walking up the main street of St. Nazaire, saw on the other side of the thoroughfare a brother of color wearing the lighter blue uniform of a French soldier. This French Negro was a colonial black from the north of Africa and of course had spoken nothing but French from the day he was born. One of the American Negroes crossed the street and accosted him.

"'Looka here, boy', he inquired good-naturedly, 'what can you all tell me about this here wah?'

"'Comment, monsieur?' responded the non-understanding French black, and followed the rejoinder with a torrent of excited French.

"The American Negro's mouth fell open. For a minute he looked startled, and then he bulged one large round eye suspiciously at the French black while he inwardly debated on the possibility that he had become color-blind. Having reassured himself, however, that his vision was not at fault, he made a sudden decision and started on a new tack.

"'Now, never mind that high-faluting language' he said, 'you all just tell me what you know about this here wah and quit you' putting on aihs.'

"The puzzled French Negro could only reply with another explosion of French interrogations, coupled with vigorous gesticulations. The American Negro tried to talk at the same time and both of them endeavoring to make the other understand, increased the volumes of their tones until they were standing there waving their arms and shouting into one another's faces. The American gave it up.

"'My Gawd', he said shaking his head as he recrossed the street and joined his comrades, 'this is sure some funny country. They got the ignorantest colored people here I ever saw.'"

"I wonder what got those colored boys to volunteer" someone asked their colonel as they were embarking for France. He replied: "I have often thought of that. With many the cause was sheer patriotism. Others said they had gone into the 15th for social reasons, to meet with their friends. One—this seemed to me a most pathetic touch—said: 'I j'ined up because when Colonel Hayward asked me it was the first time anyone had ever asked me to j'ine up with anything in my whole lifetime.'"

"This is what Gen. Gouraud—Pa Gouraud we called him—did: He knew the Boche artillery would at the appointed hour start firing on our front lines, believing as was natural, that they would be strongly held. So he withdrew all his forces including the old 15th, to the intermediate positions, which were at a safe distance back of the front lines. Then, at the point where he expected would be the apex of the drive he sent out two patrols, totalling sixteen men.

"These sixteen had certain camouflage to perform. They were to set going a certain type of French machine gun which would fire of its own accord for awhile after being started off. They were to run from one of these guns to the other and start them. Also the sixteen were to send up rockets, giving signals, which the Germans of course knew as well as we. Then again they were to place gas shells—with the gas flowing out of them—in all the dugouts of the first line. Meanwhile the French artillery had registered directly on our own front trenches, so that it could slaughter the Germans when they came across, believing those trenches to be occupied as usual.

"Everything worked out as expected, and as luck had it, most of those gallant sixteen Frenchmen got back safely.

"Five minutes before the Germans started their artillery preparation for the drive Gen. Gouraud started his cannon going and there was a slaughter in the German lines. Then when the German infantry crossed to our front line trenches (now entirely vacant) they were smashed up because the French guns were firing directly upon these positions, which they knew mathematically. And those of the Boche who went down in the dugouts for safety were killed by the gas which the Frenchmen had left there for them.

"This battle—the supreme German drive—raged over eighty-five kilometers (51 miles). West of Rheims the enemy broke through the line, but they did not break through anywhere in Gen. Gouraud's sector. Stonewall Gouraud stopped them. The American units which took in the defense that was so successful were the 42nd Division, including the gallant 69th of New York, who were to the west of us, our own little regiment, and the American Railroad Artillery.

"That was the turning point of the war, because soon thereafter began Marshal Foch's great counter thrust, in which the 1st and 2nd American Divisions participated so wonderfully about Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry and that district. Gouraud in my belief, turned the tide of the war, and I am proud that the New York City colored boys had a share of that vital fight.

"Right here I may say that this orphan, urchin regiment of ours placed in the pathway of the Boche in the most significant battle the world has ever known, had only thirty-seven commissioned officers, and four of those wounded, had to be carried in stretchers to their positions in the trenches in order to direct the fighting."

Sergt. A.A. Adams

Corp. John Allen

Lieut. R.R. DeArmond

Lieut. G.A. Arnston

Corp. Farrandus Baker

Sergt. E.W. Barrington

Sergt M.W. Barron

Sergt. William D. Bartow

Capt. Aaron T. Bates

Corp. Fletcher Battle

Corp. R. Bean

Corp. J.S. Beckton

Pvt. Myril Billings

Sergt. Ed. Bingham

Lieut. J.C. Bradner

Pvt. Arthur Brokaw

Pvt. H.D. Brown

Pvt. T.W. Brown

Lieut. Elmer C. Bucher

Pvt. Wm. H. Bunn

Sergt. Wm. Butler

Pvt. J.L. Bush

Sergt. Joseph Carmen

Corp. T. Catto

Corp. G.H. Chapman

Sergt. Major Benedict W. Cheesman

Capt. John H. Clarke, Jr.

Lieut. P.M. Clendenin

Capt. Frederick W. Cobb

Sergt. Robert Collins

Lieut. J.H. Connor

Sergt. Wm. H. Cox

Sergt C.D. Davis

Lieut. Charles Dean

Pvt. P. Demps

Wagoner Martin Dunbar

Corp. Elmer Earl

Pvt. Frank Ellis

Sergt. Sam Fannell

Capt. Robt. F. Ferguson, Jr.

Capt. Charles W. Fillmore

Capt. Edward J. Farrell

Capt. Hamilton Fish, Jr.

Capt Edwin R.D. Fox

Lieut. Conrad Fox

Sergt. Richard W. Fowler

Pvt. Roland Francis

Pvt. B. Freeman

Pvt. I. Freeman

Sergt Wm. A. Gains

Wagoner Richard O. Goins

Pvt. J.J. Gordon

Lieut. R.C. Grams

Pvt. Stillman Hanna

Pvt. Hugh Hamilton

Pvt. G.E. Hannibal

Pvt. Frank Harden

Pvt. Frank Hatchett

Corp. Ralph Hawkins

Colonel Wm. Hayward

Lieut. E.H. Holden

Sergt. Wm. H. Holliday

Corp. Earl Horton

Pvt. G. Howard

Lieut. Stephen H. Howey

Sergt. Major Clarence C. Hudson

Pvt. Ernest Hunter

Sergt. S. Jackson

Corp. Clarence Johnson

Sergt. D.F. Johnson

Pvt. Gilbert Johnson

Sergt. George Jones

Lieut. Gorman R. Jones

Sergt. James H. Jones

Pvt. Smithfield Jones

Pvt. J.C. Joynes

Lieut. W.H. Keenan

Lieut. Elwin C. King

Lieut. Harold M. Landon

Lieut. Nils H. Larsen

Major David A. L'Esperance

Lieut. W.F. Leland

Pvt. D.W. Lewis

Pvt. W.D. Link

Major Arthur W. Little

Lieut. Walter R. Lockhart

Sergt. B. Lucas

Pvt. Lester A. Marshall

Pvt. Lewis Martin

Sergt. A.J. McArthur

Capt. Seth B. MacClinton

Pvt. Elmer McGowan

Pvt. Herbert McGirt

Capt. Comerford McLoughlin

Pvt. L. McVea

Sergt. H. Matthews

Sergt. Jesse A. Miller

Sergt Wm. H. Miller

Sergt. E. Mitchell

Pvt. Herbert Mills

Corp. M. Molson

Lieut. E.D. Morey

Sergt. W. Morris

Sergt. G.A. Morton

Lieut. E.A. Nostrand

Sergt. Samuel Nowlin

Capt. John O. Outwater

Lieut. Hugh A. Page

Lieut. Oliver H. Parish

Sergt. C.L. Pawpaw

Pvt. Harvey Perry

Sergt. Clinton Peterson

Lieut. Col. W.A. Pickering

Lieut. Richardson Pratt

Sergt. John Pratt

Sergt. H.D. Primas

Pvt. Jeremiah Reed

Lieut. Durant Rice

Pvt. John Rice

Sergt. Samuel Richardson

Sergt Charles Risk

Pvt. F. Ritchie

Lieut. G.S. Robb

Corp. Fred Rogers

Pvt. Lionel Rogers

Pvt. George Rose

Lieut. R.M. Rowland

Sergt. Percy Russell

Sergt. L. Sanders

Pvt. William Sanford

Lieut. H.J. Argent

Pvt. Marshall Scott

Capt. Lewis E. Shaw

Capt. Samuel Shethar

Lieut. Hoyt Sherman

Major G. Franklin Shiels

Pvt. A. Simpson

Sergt. Bertrand U. Smith

Pvt. Daniel Smith

Sergt. Herman Smith

Corp. R.W. Smith

Major Lorillard Spencer

Sergt. J.T. Stevens

Corp. Dan Storms

Lieut. George F. Stowell

Corp. T.W. Taylor

Lieut. Frank B. Thompson

Sergt. Lloyd Thompson

Sergt. A.L. Tucker

Sergt. George Valaska

Lieut. D.H. Vaughan

Capt. Edward A. Walton

Capt Charles Warren

Sergt. Leon Washington

Pvt. Casper White

Capt. James D. White

Sergt. Jay White

Sergt. Jesse J. White

Sergt. C.E. Williams

Pvt. Robert Williams

Sergt. Reaves Willis

Pvt. H. Wiggington

Sergt. L. Wilson

Pvt. Tim Winston

Sergt. E. Woods

Pvt. George Wood

Lieut. A.D. Worsham

Sergt. E.C. Wright

Sergt. Henry Johnson

Pvt. Needham Roberts

CHAPTER XV.

OVER THERE.

"There isn't so much to tell", said Johnson with characteristic modesty. "There wasn't anything so fine about it. Just fought for my life. A rabbit would have done that.

"Well, anyway, me and Needham Roberts were on patrol duty on May 15. The corporal wanted to send out two new drafted men on the sentry post for the midnight-to-four job. I told him he was crazy to send untrained men out there and risk the rest of us. I said I'd tackle the job, though I needed sleep.

"German snipers had been shooting our way that night and I told the corporal he wanted men on the job who knew their rifles. He said it was imagination, but anyway he took those green men off and left Needham and me on the posts. I went on at midnight. It was moonlight. Roberts was at the next post. At one o'clock a sniper took a crack at me from a bush fifty yards away. Pretty soon there was more firing and when Sergeant Roy Thompson came along I told him.

"'What's the matter men' he asked, 'You scared?'

"'No I ain't scared', I said, 'I came over here to do my bit and I'll do it. But I was jes' lettin' you know there's liable to be some tall scrappin' around this post tonight'. He laughed and went on, and I began to get ready. They'd a box of hand grenades there and I took them out of the box and laid them all in a row where they would be handy. There was about thirty grenades, I guess. I was goin' to bust that Dutch army in pieces if it bothered me.

"Somewhere around two o'clock I heard the Germans cutting our wire out in front and I called to Roberts. When he came I told him to pass the word to the lieutenant. He had just started off when the snippin' and clippin' of the wires sounded near, so I let go with a hand grenade. There was a yell from a lot of surprised Dutchmen and then they started firing. I hollered to Needham to come back.

"A German grenade got Needham in the arm and through the hip. He was too badly wounded to do any fighting, so I told him to lie in the trench and hand me up the grenades.

"'Keep your nerve' I told him. 'All the Dutchmen in the woods are at us, but keep cool and we'll lick 'em.' Roberts crawled into the dugout. Some of the shots got me, one clipped my head, another my lip, another my hand, some in my side and one smashed my left foot so bad that I have a silver plate holding it up now.

"The Germans came from all sides. Roberts kept handing me the grenades and I kept throwing them and the Dutchmen kept squealing, but jes' the same they kept comin' on. When the grenades were all gone I started in with my rifle. That was all right until I shoved in an American cartridge clip—it was a French gun—and it jammed.

"There was nothing to do but use my rifle as a club and jump into them. I banged them on the dome and the side and everywhere I could land until the butt of my rifle busted. One of the Germans hollered, 'Rush him! Rush him!' I decided to do some rushing myself. I grabbed my French bolo knife and slashed in a million directions. Each slash meant something, believe me. I wasn't doing exercises, let me tell you.

"I picked out an officer, a lieutenant I guess he was. I got him and I got some more of them. They knocked me around considerable and whanged me on the head, but I always managed to get back on my feet. There was one guy that bothered me. He climbed on my back and I had some job shaking him off and pitching him over my head. Then I stuck him in the ribs with the bolo. I stuck one guy in the stomach and he yelled in good New York talk: 'That black —— got me.'

"I was still banging them when my crowd came up and saved me and beat the Germans off. That fight lasted about an hour. That's about all. There wasn't so much to it."

Saturday Evening Post

"If ever proof were needed, which it is not, that the color of a man's skin has nothing to do with the color of his soul, this twain then and there offered it in abundance."

"They were soldiers who wore their uniforms with a smartened pride; who were jaunty and alert and prompt in their movements; and who expressed as some did vocally in my hearing, and all did by their attitude, a sincere heartfelt inclination to get a whack at the foe with the shortest possible delay."

"On September 26th, the captain asked me to carry dispatches. The Germans pumped machine gun bullets at me all the way, but I made the trip and got back safely. Then I was sent out again. As I started the captain hollered to bring him back a can of coffee. He was joking but I didn't know it.

"Being a foot messenger I had some time ducking those German bullets. Those bullets seemed very sociable but I didn't care to meet up with any of them, so I kept on traveling on high gear. None touched my skin, though some skinned pretty close.

"On the way back it seemed the whole war was turned on me. One bullet passed through my trousers and it made me hop, skip and jump. I saw a shell hole six feet deep. Take it from me I dented it another six feet when I plunged into it. In my fist I held the captain's can of coffee.

"When I climbed out of the hole and started running again a bullet clipped a hole in the can and the coffee started to run out. But I turned around stopped a second, looked the Kaiser in the face and held up the can of coffee with my finger plugging up the hole to show the Germans they were fooled. Just then another bullet hit the can and another finger had to act as a stopper. I pulled out an old rabbit's foot that my girl had given me and rubbed it so hard the hair almost came off.

"It must have been the good luck thing that saved my life because the bullets were picking at my clothes and so many hit the can that at the end all my fingers were in use to keep the coffee in. I jumped into shell holes and wriggled along the ground and got back safely. And what do you think? When I got back into our own trenches I stumbled and spilled the coffee."

"When that boy came back with the coffee his clothes were riddled with bullets. Yet half an hour later he went out into no man's land and brought back a number of wounded until he was badly gassed. Even then he refused to go to the rear and went out again for a wounded soldier. All this under fire. That's the reason he got the D.S.C."

"We had taken a hill Sept. 26 in the Argonne. We came to the edge of a swamp when the enemy machine guns opened fire. It was so bad that of the 58 of us who went into a particular strip, only 8 came out without being killed or wounded. I made a number of trips out there and brought back about a dozen wounded men."

"The bas-relief of the Shaw Memorial became a living thing as the dusky heroes of the 15th cheered the Liberty statue and happily swarmed down the gangplank. Appropriately the arrival was on the birthday of the "revered Lincoln," and never was the young and martyred idealist of Massachusetts filled with greater pride than swelled in Colonel Hayward as he talked of his men the best regiment, he said, with pardonable emphasis, 'of all engaged in the great war.'

"These were men of the Champagne and the Argonne whose step was always forward; who held a trench ninety days without relief, with every night a raid night; who won 171 medals for conspicuous bravery; who saw the war expire under their pressure in a discouraged German cannonade. First class fighting men! Hats off to them! The tribunal of grace does not regard skin color when assessing souls.

"The boys cheered the Bartholdi statue. It makes some whites uncomfortable. It converts into strange reading glib eulogies of democratic principles.

"A large faith possesses the Negro. He has such confidence in justice,—the flow—of which he believes will yet soften hard hearts. We have a wonderful example of a patience that defies discouragement; the "Souls of Black Folk"! When values are truly measured, some things will be different in this country."

CHAPTER XVI.

THROUGH HELL AND SUFFERING.

Officers, non-commissioned officers and men:

Your efforts have been rewarded. The armistice is signed. The troops of the Entente to whom the armies of the American Republic have nobly come to join themselves, have vanquished the most powerful instrument of conquest that a nation could forge—the haughty German Army acknowledges itself conquered. However hard our conditions are, the enemy government has accepted them all.

The 370th R.I.U.S. has contributed largely to the success of the 59th Division, and has taken in bitter strife both cannon and machine guns. Its units, fired by a noble ardor, got at times even beyond the objectives given them by the higher command; they have always wished to be in the front line, for the place of honor is the leading rank.

They have shown in our advance that they are worthy of being there.

VINCENDON.

Officers and soldiers of the 370th R.I.U.S.:

You are leaving us. The impossibility at this time that the German Army can recover from its defeat, the necessity which is imposed on the people of the Entente of taking up again a normal life, leads the United States to diminish its effectiveness in France. You are chosen to be among the first to return to America. In the name of your comrades of the 59th Division I say to you, au revoir. In the name of France, I thank you.

The hard and brilliant battles of Chavigny, Leury and the Bois de Beaumont having reduced the effectiveness of the division, the American government generously put your regiment at the disposition of the French High Command. In order to reinforce us, you arrived from the trenches of the Argonne.

We at first, at Mareuil Sur Ourcq, in September, admired your fine appearance under arms, the precision of your review and the suppleness of your evolutions that presented to the eye the appearance of silk unrolling in wavy folds. We advanced to the line. Fate placed you on the banks of the Ailette in front of the Bois Mortier. October 12 you occupied the enemy trenches at Acier and Brouze. On the 13th we reached the railroad of Laon le Fere; the forest of Saint Gobain, the principal center of resistance of the Hindenburg line was ours.

November 5th the Serre was at last crossed and the pursuit became active. Major Prout's battalion distinguished Itself at the Val St. Pierre, where it captured a German battery. Major Patton's battalion was first to cross the Hirson railroad at the heights of Aubenton, where the Germans tried to resist. Duncan's battalion took Logny and, carried away by their ardor, could not be stopped short of Gue d' Hossus on November 11th, after the armistice. We have hardly time to appreciate you and already you depart.

As Lieut. Colonel Duncan said November 28, in offering to me your regimental colors as proof of your love for France and as an expression of your loyalty to the 59th Division and our Army, you have given us of your best and you have given it out of the fullness of your hearts.

The blood of your comrades who fell on the soil of France mixed with the blood of our soldiers, renders indissoluble the bonds of affection that unite us. We have, besides, the pride of having worked together at a magnificent task, and the pride of bearing on our foreheads the ray of a common grandeur.

VINCENDON.

This is a facsimile reproduction of the original, printed hurriedly near the field of battle and also translated hurriedly without eliminating errors. Corrected on page 155.

NEGRO WARRIORS ADMINISTERING COLD STEEL. GERMANS UNABLE TO STAND THE ATTACK. SURRENDERING. IN THE ARGONNE FOREST FRANCE.

"OVER THERE"

Did you ever hear a bullet whiz,

Or dodge a hand grenade?

Have you watched long lines of trenches dug

By doughboys with a spade?

Have you seen the landscape lighted up

At midnight by a shell?

Have you seen a hillside blazing forth

Like a furnace room in hell?

Have you stayed all night in a ruined town

With a rafter for a bed?

With horses stamping underneath

In the morning when they are fed?

Have you heard the crump-crump whistle?

Do you know the dud shell's grunt?

Have you played rat in a dugout?—

Then you have surely seen the front.

—Lieut. Blaine G. Alston, 370th U.S. Troops.

CHAPTER XVII.

NARRATIVE OF AN OFFICER.

SOME WAR CROSS WINNERS OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY). FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: CAPT. G.M. ALLEN. LIEUT. O.A. BROWNING. CAPT. D.J. WARNER. LIEUT. ROY B. TISDELL. STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: LIEUT. ROBT. P. HURD, LIEUT-COL. OTIS B DUNCAN. MAJOR J.R. WHITE. CAPT. W.B. CRAWFORD, LIEUT. WM. WARFIELD. CAPT. MATTHEW JACKSON.

* * * * *

ROSTER OF OFFICERS OLD 8TH ILLINOIS (370th Infantry)

(All Negroes unless otherwise designated.)

Special Units

ROLL OF HONOR

Heroes of Old 8th Illinois

Col. T.A. Roberts (white)

Lieut. Col. Otis B. Duncan

Major James R. White

Capt. John H. Patton

Capt. Chester Sanders

Capt. John T. Prout

Capt. Samuel R. Gwynne

Capt. Devere J. Warner

Capt. Wm. B. Crawford

Capt. George M. Allen

Capt. James C. Hall

Capt. Stuart Alexander

Capt. Mathew Jackson

Capt. James H. Smith

Lieut. Park Tancil

Lieut. Osceola A. Browning

Lieut. George C. Lacey

Lieut. Frank Robinson

Lieut. Claudius Ballard

Lieut. Charles C. Jackson

Lieut. William J. Warfield

Lieut. Samuel S. Gordon

Lieut. Robert P. Hurd

Lieut. Henry N. Shelton

Lieut. Henry P. Cheatham

Lieut. Stanley B. Norvell

Lieut. Roy B. Tisdell

Lieut. Thomas A. Painter

Lieut. Lawson Price

Lieut. Lincoln D. Reid

Lieut. Elmer J. Myers

Sergt. Norman Henry

Sergt. Clarence T. Gibson

Sergt. Matthew Jenkins

Sergt. Cecil Nelson

Sergt. Howard Templeton

Sergt. Chas. T. Monroe

Sergt. Derry Brown

Corp. James R. Brown

Corp. Lewis Warner

Corp. Joseph Henderson

Corp. Maceo A. Tervalon

Corp. William Stevenson

Corp. Emil Laurent

Corp. Charles T. Brock

Pvt. Nathaniel C. White (deceased)

Pvt. Robert Pride

Pvt. George B. White

Pvt. Howard Sheffield

Pvt. Cornelius Robinson

Pvt. Ulysses Sayles

Pvt. William Cuff (deceased)

Pvt. Hugh Givens

Pvt. Arthur Johnson

Pvt. Rufus Pitts

Pvt. Olbert Dorsey

Pvt. William Hurdle

Pvt. Bee McKissic

Pvt. Jonas Paxton

Pvt. Harry Pearson

Pvt. Paul Turlington

Pvt. Reed J. Brown

Pvt. Paul Johnson

Pvt. Reedy Jones

Pvt. Alonzo Keller

Pvt. Leroy Lindsay

Pvt. Lavern Massey

Pvt. Josiah Nevees

Pvt. Ira Taylor

Pvt. Jesse Ferguson

Pvt. William M. Robinson

Capt. William B. Crawford

Lieut. William J. Warfield

Sergt. Norman Henry

Sergt. Ralph Gibson

Sergt. Robert Barnes

Sergt. Charles T. Monroe

Sergt. Emmett Thompson

Sergt. Lester Fossie

Sergt. Matthew Jenkins

Pvt. Tom Powell (deceased)

Pvt. Andrew McCall

Pvt. Wm. Cuff (deceased)

Pvt. Spirley Irby

Pvt. Alfred Williamson

Pvt. William G. Hurdle

Pvt. Harry Pearson

Pvt. Alonzo Walton

Pvt. Leroy Davis

Pvt. James Fuquay

Pvt. Nathaniel C. White (deceased)

Pvt. Arthur Johnson

CHAPTER XVIII.

BLOOD OF THE BLACK AND WHITE IN ONE RIVULET OF DEPARTING LIFE.

They will probably help in some trying time to keep the jewel of

liberty in the family of freedom.—Abraham Lincoln.

In transmitting you with legitimate pride the thanks and congratulations of General Garnier Duplessis, allow me, my dear friends of all ranks, American and French, to address you from the bottom of the heart of a chief and soldier, the expression of gratitude for the glory you have lent to our good 157th Division. During these nine days of hard fighting you have progressed eight kilometers (4.8 miles) through powerfully organized defenses, taken 600 prisoners, captured 15 heavy guns, 20 minenwerfers and nearly 150 machine guns, secured an enormous amount of engineering material and important supplies of artillery ammunition, and brought down by your fire three enemy aeroplanes. The "Red Hand" sign of the division, has, thanks to you, become a bloody hand which took the Boche by the throat and made him cry for mercy. You have well avenged our glorious dead. GOYBET.

Your troops have been admirable in their attack. You must be proud of the courage of your officers and men, and I consider it an honor to have them under my command. The bravery and dash of your regiment won the admiration of the Moroccan Division, who are themselves versed in warfare. Thanks to you, during these hard days, the division was at all times in advance of all other divisions of the Army Corps. I am sending you all my thanks and beg you to transmit them to your subordinates. I call on your wounded. Their morale is higher than any praise.

CHAPTER XIX.

COMRADES ON THE MARCH. BROTHERS IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH.

"Most efficient officer, valorous and intrepid, acting in dual capacity as regimental adjutant and operation officer. Displayed the utmost energy in issuing operation orders during the period between September 26th and October 6th, 1918, and especially distinguished himself in crossing a roadway under violent artillery fire to give assistance to a wounded brother officer. His clear view of the situation at all times and the accuracy with which he issued the necessary orders required of him, contributed largely to the success of the regiment."

"Casualties were heavy because the colored lads fought to the last, cheerfully accepting death in preference to captivity. Their adeptness in mastering the throwing of hand grenades and in operating the machine guns quickly won them the esteem of the French. Remember, that the colored lads were quite new to warfare. But in the Champagne they fought with a persistence and courage that enabled them to hold permanently the ground they gained and won for many of them their decorations. Not a few of the prisoners taken by the regiment declared that the Germans were in positive fear of the Negroes, who, they complained, would never quit even under terrible fire."

"During the fighting at Sechault the Germans were picking off the men of my platoon from behind a bush. They had several machine guns and kept up a deadly fire in spite of our rifle fire directed at the bush. We did our best to stop those machine guns, but the German aim became so accurate that they were picking off five of my men every minute. We couldn't stand for that.

"Well, I decided that I would get that little machine gun nest myself, and I went after it. I left our company, detoured, and, by a piece of luck got behind the bush. I got my rifle into action and 'knocked off' two of those German machine gunners. That ended it. The other Germans couldn't stand so much excitement. The Boches surrendered and I took them into our trenches as prisoners."

"Near Sechault during the time the District men were making a big effort to capture the town," said Johnson, "I was put in the front lines not fifty feet away from the enemy. A greater part of the time I was exposed to machine gun fire. I suppose I got my medal because I stuck to my men in the trenches and going over the top. Quite a few of the boys were bumped off at that point."

"I did very little," Butler said. "During this fight with several others, I carried dispatches to the front line trenches from headquarters. They decorated me, I suppose, because I was the only one lucky enough to escape being knocked off."

"An enemy party," reads his citation, "having filtered through his platoon and attacked same in the rear. Private Braxton displayed marked gallantry in opening fire on the enemy and killing one and wounding several others, finally dispersing the entire party."

"The men who stuck by me when death stared them in their faces," said Braxton, "deserve just as much credit as I do. I was only the temporary leader of the men."

U.S. FLAG AND 369TH REGIMENT FLAG, DECORATED WITH CROIX DE GUERRE AT UNGERSHEIM, ALSACE, FRANCE.

THE 369TH INFANTRY IN REST BILLETS AT MAFFRECOURT, FRANCE. HENRY JOHNSON. ONE OF FOREMOST HEROES OF THE WAR. WITH HIS FAMOUS SMILE. IN RIGHT FOREGROUND.

THE JOKE SEEMS TO BE ON THE LAD AT THE LEFT.

A FEW OF THE MANY GUNS CAPTURED FROM THE GERMANS.

AMERICANS IN PRISON CAMP. PRISONERS ARE AMUSED LISTENERS WHILE JOVIAL NEGRO FIGHTER RELATES AN EPISODE OF WAR LIFE TO A GERMAN OFFICER.

ARTHUR JOHNSON, A DOUGHBOY OF THE 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY), WINNER OF CROIX DE GUERRE AND THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS.

GAME PROBABLY IS STRIP POKER AS TWO MEN HAVE ALREADY DISCARDED THEIR SHIRTS. ONE HAS A LARGE SAFETY PIN FOR INSTANT USE. BUT THEN, NOTE THE HORSESHOE ON HIS SHOE.

KITCHEN POLICE ON BOARD THE CELTIC. THERE IS ALWAYS SOME DUTY FOR UNCLE SAM'S MEN ON LAND OR SEA.

MINSTRELS ON BOARD THE "SAXONIA." TYPICAL GROUP ORGANIZED ON THE TRANSPORTS TO ENTERTAIN WOUNDED BOYS RETURNING FROM FRANCE.

FOUR CAVERNS, STUDDED WITH IVORY, FURNISH HARMONY IN THE TRAINING CAMP.

LIEUT. MAXOM AND HIS BAND, WHO SAW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN FRANCE.

GROUP ON EDGE OF PIER WAITING TO ENTRAIN FOR DEMOBILIZATION CAMP. PART OF THE 351ST ARTILLERY UNIT SPECIALLY MENTIONED BY GENERAL PERSHING.

SALVATION ARMY LASSIES HANDING OUT CHOCOLATE TO TWO SOLDIERS OF 351ST ARTILLERY. .

HEROES OF 351ST ARTILLERY GREETING FRIENDS AFTER DEBARKING FROM THE TRANSPORT LOUISVILLE.

"Mammy,

these French people don't bother with no color line business. They

treat us so good that the only time I ever know I'm colored is when

I look in the glass."

HEROES OF THE 371ST AND 372ND.

Cross of the Legion of Honor

372ND REGIMENT.

Major Johnson

Medal Militaire

372ND REGIMENT.

Corp. Depew Pryor                 Corp. Clifton Morrison

Pvt. Clarence Van Allen

Distinguished Service Cross

371ST REGIMENT.

Sergt Lee R. McClelland           Pvt. Willie Boston

Corp. Sandy E. Jones              Pvt. Tillman Webster

Pvt. Bruce Stoney                 Pvt. Ellison Moses

Pvt. Charlie Butler               Pvt. Hunius Diggs

372ND REGIMENT.

Major Johnson                     Sergt. Ira M. Payne

Corp. Depew Pryor

Croix de Guerre

372ND REGIMENT.

Col. Herschell Tupes              Sergt. Homer Crabtree

Major Johnson                     Sergt. Norman Winsmore

Major Clark L. Dickson            Sergt. William A. Carter

Lieut. Jerome Meyer               Sergt. George H. Jordan

Sergt. Major Samuel B. Webster    Sergt. Bruce Meddows

Sergt. John A. Johnson            Sergt. Harry Gibson

Sergt. Ira M. Payne               Corp. John R. White

Sergt James A. Marshall           Corp. Benjamin Butler

Sergt. Norman Jones               Corp. March Graham

Pvt. Warwick Alexander            Pvt. Joseph McKamey

Pvt. George H. Budd               Pvt. William Dickerson

Pvt. Thomas A. Frederick          Pvt. William Johnson

Pvt. John S. Parks                Pvt. Walter Dennis

Pvt. Charles H. Murphy            Pvt. Charles E. Cross

Pvt. William N. Mathew            Pvt. William H. Braxton

Pvt. Ernest Payne                 Pvt. Nunley Matthews

CHAPTER XX.

MID SHOT AND SHELL.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE LONG, LONG TRAIL.

"The Negroes proved themselves especially good soldiers during gas attacks," said Colonel Rothwell, "which were numerous and of a very treacherous nature. During the wet weather the gas would remain close to the ground and settle, where it was comparatively harmless, but with the breaking out of the sun it would rise in clouds suddenly and play havoc with the troops."

WOUNDED NEGRO SOLDIERS CONVALESCING IN BASE HOSPITAL. IN THE PICTURE ARE TWO COLORED WOMEN AMBULANCE DRIVERS.

SAMPLE OF IDENTITY CARD CARRIED BY SOLDIERS OF THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. EACH IDENTIFICATION WAS PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH AND INCLUDED A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE OWNER. THE NUMBER ON THE CARD CORRESPONDING WITH A METAL TAG ON THE MAN'S ARM.

NEGRO OFFICERS OF 366TH INFANTRY WHO ACHIEVED DISTINCTION IN FRANCE. LEFT TO RIGHT. LIEUT C.L. ABBOTT, CAPT. JOS. L. LOWE, LIEUT. A.R. FISHER, CAPT. E. WHITE.

DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS OF THE 6TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY). FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT, CAPT. D.J. WARNER, A.H. JONES. LIEUT. E.G. WHITE, LIEUT. J.D. RAINEY, LIEUT. BERNARD McGWIN. SECOND ROW—LIEUT. LUTHER J. HARRIS, LIEUT. ALVIN M. JORDAN, LIEUT. E.L. GOODLETT, LIEUT. J.T. BAKER. THIRD ROW, LIEUT. F.J. JOHNSON, LIEUT. JEROME L. HUBERT.

DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY). LEFT TO RIGHT, LIEUT. LAWSON PRICE, LIEUT. O.A. BROWNING, LIEUT. W. STEARLES, CAPT. LEWIS E. JOHNSON, LIEUT. EDMOND G. WHITE, LIEUT. F.W. BATES, LIEUT. E.F.E. WILLIAMS, LIEUT. BINGA DISMOND.

COLONEL CHARLES YOUNG, RANKING NEGRO OFFICER OF THE REGULAR ARMY. ONE OF THREE WHO HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED FROM THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT. A VETERAN OFFICER OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR AND WESTERN CAMPAIGNS. DETAILED TO ACTIVE SERVICE, CAMP GRANT, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS. DURING THE WORLD WAR.

TWO NOTED PARTISANS OF THE ALLIES IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR: MRS. J.H.H. SENGSTACKE, AND HER FAMOUS SON, ROBERT SENGSTACKE ABBOTT, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER OF THE CHICAGO DEFENDER. IT WAS MRS. SENGSTACKE WHO, WHEN THE DEFENDER HAD REACHED THE ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MARK OF ITS CIRCULATION, STARTED THE PRESS THAT RAN OFF THE EDITION, FLAMING WITH CHEER AN INSPIRATION FOR "OUR BOYS" IN THE TRENCHES "OVER THERE."

REUNITED AND HAPPY. LIEUT. COLONEL OTIS B. DUNCAN OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY), WHO CAME OUT OF THE WAR THE RANKING NEGRO IN THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES; HIS FATHER AND MOTHER.

MISS VIVIAN HARSH, MEMBER CHICAGO CHAPTER OF CANTEEN WORKERS, PASSING OUT SMOKES TO RETURNED SOLDIERS OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY).

OFFICERS OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY). DECORATED BY FRENCH FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION. LEFT TO RIGHT. LIEUT. THOMAS A. PAINTER, CAPT. STEWART ALEXANDER, LIEUT. FRANK ROBINSON.

"I thought that the message might contain information that would save lives."

CHAPTER XXII.

GLORY THAT WONT COME OFF.

"Permit me to extend to the officers and men of the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, especially the 351st regiment, my congratulations for the excellent manner in which they conducted themselves during the twelve days they were on the front. The work of the unit was so meritorious that after the accomplishments of the brigade were brought to my attention I was preparing to assign the unit to very important work in the second offensive. You men acted like veterans, never failing to reach your objective, once orders had been given you. I wish to thank you for your work."

"I will ever cherish the words of the Commander in Chief, the compliment he paid, in all sincerity to this brigade, when he watched it pass in review. I wish the brigade to understand that those words of appreciation were evoked only because each man had worked conscientiously and unflaggingly to make the organization a success. The men went into the line in a manner to win the praise of all."

"When the regiment trained at Camp Meade," he said, "the men showed the best desire, to make good soldiers. In France they outdid their own expectations and shed glory for all.

"We didn't get into action until October 28th, but after that we kept at the Germans until the last day.

"The men of the 351st were so anxious to get into service that before they were ordered to the front they found it difficult to restrain their impatience at being held back. However, their long training in France did them a lot of good, the experience of being taught by veteran Americans and Frenchmen proving of great value when it came to actual battle.

"They never flinched under fire, always stood by their guns and made the famous 155 millimeter French guns, with which we were equipped, fairly smoke.

"I have been a regular army man for many years, and have always been in command of white troops. Let me say to you that never have I commanded a more capable, courageous and intelligent regiment than this. It would give me the greatest pleasure to continue my army career in command of this regiment of Negroes.

"Not only was their morale splendid but they were especially ready to accept discipline. They idolized their officers and would have followed them through hell if necessary.

"Fortunately, though many were wounded by shrapnel and a number made ill by gas fumes, we suffered no casualties in the slain column. About twenty-five died of sickness and accidents, but we lost none in action.

"When the armistice came our hits were making such tremendous scores against the enemy that prisoners taken by the Americans declared the destruction wrought by the guns was terrific. On the last day and in the last hour of the war our guns fairly beat a rat-a-tat on the enemy positions. We let them have it while we could."

"The morale and morals of the men were splendid. Disease of the serious type was unknown. The men were careful to keep within bounds. They gave their officers no trouble, and each man strove to keep up the high standard expected of him. From the time we reached France in June, 1918, until the time we quit that country we worked hard to maintain a clean record and we certainly succeeded."

Headquarters 349th Field

Artillery, American Expeditionary

Forces, France, A.P.O. 722,

September 6, 1918.

The following letter having been received, is published

for the information of the regiment, and will be read at retreat

Saturday, September 7, 1918. By order of

COLONEL MOORE.

JOSEPH H. McNALLY, Captain and Adjutant.

FRENCH REPUBLIC

Town Hall of Montmorillion

(Vienne)

Montmorillion, August 12, 1918.

Dear Colonel:

At the occasion of your departure permit me to express

to you my regrets and those of the whole population.

From the very day of its arrival your regiment, by its

behavior and its military appearance, it excited the

admiration of all of us.

Of the sojourn of yourself and your colored soldiers

among us we will keep the best memory and remember your

regiment as a picked one.

From the beginning a real brotherhood was established

between your soldiers and our people, who were glad to

welcome the gallant allies of France.

Having learned to know them, the whole population

holds them in great esteem, and we all join in saying the

best of them.

I hope that the white troops replacing your regiment

will give us equal satisfaction; but whatever their attitude

may be, they cannot surpass your 349th Field Artillery.

Please accept the assurance of my best and most

distinguished feelings.

G. DE FONT-REAULX,

Assistant Mayor.

Headquarters 349th Field

Artillery, American Expeditionary

Forces, France, A.P.O. 766,

January 25, 1919.

The following letter having been received is published

for the information of the regiment. By order of

COLONEL O'NEIL.

GEORGE B. COMPTON, Captain and Adjutant.

MAIRIE DE DOMFRONT

(Orne)

Domfront, January 22, 1919.

The mayor of the town of Domfront has the very great

pleasure to state and declare that the 349th regiment of

the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, has been billeted at

Domfront from the 28th of December, 1918, to the 22nd of

January, 1919, and that during this period the officers

as well as the men have won the esteem and sympathy of all

the population.

The black officers as well as the white officers have

made here many friends, and go away leaving behind them the

best remembrances. As to the private soldiers, their behavior

during the whole time has been above all praise.

It is the duty of the mayor of Domfront to bid the

general, officers and men a last farewell, and to express to

all his thanks and gratitude for their friendly intercourse

with the civilian population.

F. BERLIN, Mayor.

CHAPTER XXIII.

NOR STORIED URN, NOR MOUNTING SHAFT.

OFFICERS OF THE 15TH NEW YORK (369TH INFANTRY), MARCHING IN PARADE PRIOR TO THE WAR. LEFT TO RIGHT—COL. WM. HAYWARD, BERT WILLIAMS. FAMOUS COMEDIAN AND DR. G. McSWEENEY.

AFTER THE WAR. ONE OF THE NUMBER OF AUTOMOBILES BEARING WOUNDED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE 15TH NEW YORK (369TH INFANTRY). MAJOR DAVID L. 'ESPERANCE (WITH HELMET) AND MAJOR LORRILARD SPENCER.

A REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF NEGRO OFFICERS OF "MOSS'S BUFFALOES" (167TH INFANTRY). THE LITTLE LADY WITH THE BOUQUET IS ONE OF THEIR FRENCH ACQUAINTANCES.

CAPTAIN JOHN H. PATTON, REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT, 8TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. FROM JUNE 26, 1916, TO SEPTEMBER 11, 1918. COMMANDING 2ND BATTALION, 370TH INFANTRY, FROM SEPTEMBER 11, 1918, TO DECEMBER 25, 1918. SAINT MIHIEL SECTOR FROM JUNE 21, 1918, TO JULY 3, 1918. ARGONNE FOREST FROM JULY 6, 1916, TO AUGUST 15, 1918. BATTLES FOR MONT DES SIGNES, FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO 30, 1918. OISE-AISNE OFFENSIVE, FROM SEPTEMBER 30, 1918. TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918. AWARDED THE FRENCH CROIX DE GUERRE FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE COVERING PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 11 TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918.

EMIL LAURENT, NEGRO CORPORAL OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY), A CROIX DE GUERRE WINNER, ENGAGED IN FIELD TELEPHONE SERVICE IN A FRENCH WOOD.

GROUP OF "HELL FIGHTERS' (369TH INFANTRY) WITH THEIR JEWELRY (CROIX DE GUERRE). FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT, "EAGLE EYE" EDWARD WILLIAMS, "LAMP LIGHT" HERB TAYLOR, LEON TRAINOR, "KID HAWK" RALPH HAWKINS, BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT, SERGT. M.D. PRIMUS, SERGT. DANIEL STORMS, "KID WONEY" JOE WILLIAMS, "KID BUCK" ALFRED HANLY AND CORP. T.W. TAYLOR.

DR. JOSEPH H. WARD ON TRANSPORT FRANCE. THE ONLY NEGRO ATTAINING THE RANK OF MAJOR IN THE MEDICAL CORPS OF THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.

CAPTAIN NAPOLEON B. MARSHALL, FAMOUS HARVARD ATHLETE, WHO HELPED ORGANIZE 15TH NEW YORK AND WAS ONE OF ITS ORIGINAL NEGRO OFFICERS. HE WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED AT METZ.

BRAVE NEGROES HOMEWARD BOUND FROM WAR. FIRST CALL FOR DINNER.

"MOSS'S BUFFALOES" (367TH INFANTRY), REVIEWED BY GOVERNOR WHITMAN AFTER FLAG PRESENTATION IN FRONT OF UNION LEAGUE CLUB, NEW YORK.

THE "BUFFALOES" (367TH INFANTRY), RETURNING TO NEW YORK AFTER VALIANT SERVICE IN FRANCE. THEIR COLORS STILL FLYING.

SOLDIERS WHO DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES AT THE FORTRESS OF METZ. GROUP BELONGING TO 365TH INFANTRY ARRIVING AT CHICAGO STATION.

HOMEWARD BOUND IN A PULLMAN CAR. NO "JIM CROWING THERE." THE NEGRO BEARS ON HIS SHOULDER THE CITATION CORD AND EMBLEM DENOTING VALOROUS SERVICE.

"To many of our people back in the 'States,'" wrote Mr. Tyler from France, "who saw our boys embark on fine American railroad coaches and Pullman sleepers to cover the first lap of their hoped-for pilgrimage to Berlin, the coaches they must ride in over here would arouse a mild protest. I stood at Vierzon, one of France's many quaint old towns recently, and saw a long train of freight cars roll in, en route to some point further distant. In these cars with but a limited number of boxes to sit upon, and just the floors to stand upon, were crowded some 1,000 of our own colored soldiers from the States. But a jollier crowd never rode through American cities in Pullman sleepers and diners than those 1,000 colored troopers. They accepted passage on these rude box freight cars cheerfully, for they knew they were now in war, and palace cars, downy coaches and the usual American railroad conveniences were neither available nor desirable.

"The point I wish to convey to the people back home is that did they but know how cheerfully, even eagerly our boys over here accept war time conveniences, they would not worry quite so much about how the boys are faring. They are being wholesomely and plenteously fed; they are warmly clothed, they are cheerful and uncomplaining as they know this is war and for that reason know exactly what they must expect. To the soldier who must at times sleep with but the canopy of heaven as a covering, and the earth as a mattress, a box freight car that shields him from the rain and wind is a real luxury, and he accepts it as such.

"There need not be any worry back home as to the maintenance of our colored soldiers over here. They receive the same substantial fare the white soldier receives, and the white soldier travels from point to point in the same box freight cars as afford means of passage for colored soldiers. In short, when it comes to maintenance and equipment, and consideration for the comfort of the American soldier, to use a trite saying, 'the folks are as good as the people.' There is absolutely no discrimination, and the cheerfulness of those 1,000 boys whose freight cars became, in imagination, Pullman palace cars, was the proof to me that the colored boys in the ranks are getting a fifty-fifty break."

"Two more stories have come to me," continues Mr. Tyler, "to prove that our colored soldiers preserve and radiate their humor even where shells and shrapnel fly thickest. A colored soldier slightly wounded in the Argonne fighting—and let me assure you there was 'some' fighting there—sat down beside the road to wait for a chance to ride to the field hospital. A comrade hastening forward to his place in the line, and anxious for the latest news of the progressing battle, asked the wounded brother if he had been in the fight; did he know all about it, and how were things going at the front. 'I sure does know all about it,' the wounded man replied. 'Well, what's happened to them?' quickly asked the trooper on his way to the front. 'Well, it was this way,' replied the wounded one, 'I was climbin' over some barbed wire tryin' to get to those d—n Boches, and they shot me; that's what I know about it.'

"A company water cart was following the advancing troops when a German shell burst in the ditch almost beside the cart. The horse on the shell side was killed, and the driver was wounded in the head. While the blood from his wound ran freely down his face, the driver took one look at the wreckage, then started stumbling back along the road. A white lieutenant who had seen it all stopped the driver of the cart and said:

"The dressing station is—"

"Before he could finish his sentence, the wounded driver, with the blood flowing in rivulets down his face, said: 'Dressing station hell; I'm looking for another horse to hitch to that cart and take the place of the one the shell put out of commission.'

"That was a bit of nerve, grim humor and evidence of fidelity to duty. A mere wound in the head could not stop that driver from keeping up with the troops with a needed supply of water."

"A colored soldier was buried at sea today. The flags on all the ships of the fleet have been at half-mast all day. It mattered not that the soldier came from a lowly cabin. It mattered not that his skin was black. He was a soldier in the army of the United States, and was on his way to fight for Democracy and Civilization.

"The announcement of his death was signalled to every commander and every ship prepared to do honor to the colored soldier. As the sun was setting the guard of honor, including all the officers from commander down, came to attention. The body of the Negro trooper wrapped in the American flag, was tenderly carried to the stern of the ship. The chaplain read the solemn burial service. The engines of the fleet were checked. The troop ship was stopped for the only time in the long trip from America to Europe. The bugle sounded Taps and the body of the American soldier was committed to the great ocean and to God.

"The comradeship of the solemn occasion was the comradeship of real Democracy. There was neither black nor white, North nor South, rich nor poor. All united in rendering honor to the Negro soldier who died in the service of humanity."

"I have come back with ten times the good opinion I had of our soldiers for the work they did. Everywhere I went I found that the American soldiers had left a good impression behind and there was nothing but the greatest praise for them.

"During the present voyage I have been among the colored troops on board and talked with them and learned what American soldiering has done for them. They are better men than they were when they went away."

CHAPTER XXIV.

THOSE WHO NEVER WILL RETURN.

"I know, mother," cried one youth broken on the field, whose mother found him in a hospital, "that I began to see over there how thoughtless, indeed, almost brutal, I had always been. Somehow, in spite of my loving you, I just couldn't talk to you. Why, when I think how I used to close up like a clam every time you asked me anything about myself——" He broke off and with fervent humility kissed the hand in his own. "Please forget it all, mother," he whispered. "It's never going to be that way again. I found out over there—I knew what it was not to have anyone to tell things to—and now, why you've got to listen to me all the rest of your life, mother."

"Man has labored through the ages that you might be born free. Man has fought that you might live in peace. He has studied that you might have learning. He has left you the heritage of the ages that you might carry on.

"Ahead are the children of the next generation. It's on, on, you must be going. You, too, are torch-bearers of liberty. You, too, must take your place in the search for freedom, the quest for the Holy Grail. 'Twas for this you, the children of America were born, were educated. Fulfill your destiny."

"To the colored soldiers of the United States Army.

"Hello, boys, what are you doing over there? Fighting the Germans? Why? Have they ever done you any harm?

"Do you enjoy the same rights as the white people do in America, the land of freedom and democracy, or are you not rather treated over there as second class citizens? And how about the law? Are lynchings and the most horrible crimes connected therewith a lawful proceeding in a democratic country?

"Now, all this is entirely different in Germany, where they do like colored people; where they treat them as gentlemen and not as second class citizens. They enjoy exactly the same privileges as white men, and quite a number of colored people have fine positions in business in Berlin and other German cities.

"Why then fight the Germans? Only for the benefit of the Wall street robbers and to protect the millions they have loaned the English, French and Italians?

"You have never seen Germany, so you are fools if you allow yourselves to hate us. Come over and see for yourselves. To carry a gun in this service is not an honor but a shame. Throw it away and come over to the German lines. You will find friends who will help you along."

"The result of this working together in these war activities brought the whites and Negroes into a more helpful relationship. It is the earnest desire of all Negroes that these helpful cooperating relationships shall continue."

"I earnestly hope that the state and city will not allow this splendid organization to pass entirely out of existence, but will rebuild around the nucleus of these men and their flags from which hang the Croix de Guerre, a 15th New York to which their children and grandchildren will belong; an organization with a home of its own in a big, modern armory. This should be a social center for the colored citizens of New York, and the regiment should be an inspiration to them. It should be officered throughout by colored men, though I and every other white officer who fought with the old 15th will be glad and proud to act in an honorary or advisory capacity. Let the old 15th 'carry on' as our British comrades phrase it."

CHAPTER XXV.

QUIET HEROES OF THE BRAWNY ARM.

BACK WITH THE HEROIC 15TH (369TH INFANTRY). LIEUT. JAMES REESE EUROPE'S FAMOUS BAND PARADING UP LENOX AVENUE, HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY. LIEUT. EUROPE SPECIALLY ENLARGED IN LEFT FOREGROUND.

SERGEANT HENRY JOHNSON (STANDING WITH FLOWERS), NEGRO HERO OF 369TH INFANTRY. IN NEW YORK PARADE. HE WAS THE FIRST SOLDIER OF ANY RACE IN THE AMERICAN ARMY TO RECEIVE THE CROIX DE GUERRE WITH PALM. NEEDHAM ROBERTS, HIS FIGHTING COMPANION, IN INSET.

RETURNING FROM THE WAR. MUSICIANS OF 365TH INFANTRY LEADING PARADE OF THE REGIMENT IN MICHIGAN BOULEVARD. CHICAGO.

SOLDIERS OF 365TH INFANTRY MARCHING DOWN MICHIGAN BOULEVARD. CHICAGO. THIS REGIMENT WAS PART OF THE CELEBRATED 92ND DIVISION OF SELECTIVE DRAFT MEN.

THE SEVEN AGES OF MEN. CURBSTONE GROUPS IN NEW YORK LINED UP TO GIVE THE HEROES WELCOME. THE SCENES WERE TYPICAL OF MANY IN CITIES AND TOWNS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

COLONEL FRANKLIN A. DENISON, FORMER COMMANDER OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY), INVALIDED HOME FROM FRANCE JULY 12, 1918.

FIRST COMMANDER OF THE 8TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, COLONEL JOHN R. MARSHALL, WHO INCREASED THE ORGANIZATION FROM A BATTALION TO A REGIMENT, EVERY OFFICER AND MAN A NEGRO. UNDER COL. MARSHALL THE REGIMENT SAW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

FORMER OFFICERS OF 370TH INFANTRY (OLD 8TH). LEFT, COLONEL FRANKLIN A. DENISON, COMMANDER UNTIL JULY, 1918; CENTER, COLONEL T.A. ROBERTS (WHITE). SUCCEEDING COMMANDER; RIGHT, LIEUT. COLONEL OTIS B. DUNCAN. APPOINTED COLONEL TO SUCCEED COLONEL T.A. ROBERTS.

CROWD ON THE LAKE FRONT IN CHICAGO ALMOST SMOTHERS RETURNING SOLDIERS OF "FIGHTING 8TH" (370TH INFANTRY).

"It is with many keen thrusts of sorrow that I am obliged to leave this camp and the men who have made up this organization. The men for whose uplift you are working have not only gained, but have truly earned a large place in my heart, and I will always cherish a loving memory of the men of this wonderful organization which I have had the honor and privilege to command."

"I had the pleasure and honor to shake hands with hundreds of colored stevedores and engineers while in France. The majority were from the South, where there is a friendly, warm sun many months of the year. When I talked with them no sun of any kind had greeted them for weeks. It was the rainy season when a clear sky is a rarity and a downpour of rain is a daily occurrence. Yet, there was not one word of complaint heard, for they were 'doing their bit' as expected of real soldiers. Naturally they expressed a desire to get home soon, but this was a wish I often heard made by a doughboy.

"Members of the 'S.O.S.' will not came back to America wearing the Distinguished Service Cross or the Croix de Guerre for exceptional gallantry under fire, but the history of the great world war would be incomplete and lacking in authenticity if writers failed to tell of the bloodless deeds of heroism performed by non-combatant members of the American Expeditionary Forces."

THE STEVEDORES

We are the Army Stevedores, lusty and virile and strong.

We are given the hardest work of the war, and the hours are long.

We handle the heavy boxes and shovel the dirty coal;

While soldiers and sailors work in the light, we burrow below like a mole.

But somebody has to do this work or the soldiers could not fight!

And whatever work is given a man is good if he does it right.

We are the Army Stevedores, and we are volunteers.

We did not wait for the draft to come, and put aside our fears.

We flung them away to the winds of fate at the very first call of our land.

And each of us offered a willing heart, and the strength of a brawny hand.

We are the Army Stevedores, and work we must and may,

The cross of honor will never be ours to proudly wear and sway.

But the men at the front could not be there, and the battles could not be won.

If the stevedores stopped in their dull routine and left their work undone.

Somebody has to do this work; be glad that it isn't you.

We are the Army Stevedores—give us our due.

CHAPTER XXVI.

UNSELFISH WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD.

"I wish to congratulate you," Mr. Roosevelt said, "upon the dignity and self-restraint with which the Circle has stated its case in its circulars. It is put better than I could express it when your officers say: 'They, (the Negroes) like the boys at the front and in the camps to know that there is a distinctly colored organization working for them. They also like the people at home to know that such an organization, although started and maintained with a friendly cooperation from white friends, is intended to prove to the world that colored people themselves can manage war relief in an efficient, honest and dignified way, and so bring honor to their race.

"The greatest work the colored man can do to help his race upward," continued Mr. Roosevelt, "is through his or her own person to show the true dignity of service. I see in the list of your vice-presidents and also of your directors the name of Colonel Charles Young, and that reminds me that if I had been permitted to raise a brigade of troops and go to the other side, I should have raised for that brigade two colored regiments, one of which would have had all colored officers. And the colonel of that regiment was to have been Colonel Charles Young.

"One of the officers of the other regiment was to have been 'Ham' Fish. He is now an officer of the 15th, the regiment of Negroes which Mr. Cobb so justly has praised, and when 'Ham' Fish was offered a chance for promotion with a transfer to another command, I am glad to say he declined with thanks, remarking that he 'guessed he's stay with the sunburned Yankees."'

"Many nice things were said at the meeting," commented the New York Age, "but the nicest of all was the statement that after the war the Negro over here will get more than a sip from the cup of democracy."

"On the semi-tropical island of St. Helena, S.C., the native islanders have, in times past, been content to busy themselves in their beautiful cotton fields or in their own little palmetto-shaded houses, but the war has brought to them as to the rest of the world broader vision, and now, despite their very limited resources, 71 of them have formed Unit No. 29 of the Circle. They not only do war work, but they give whatever service is needed in the community. The members knit for the soldiers and write letters to St. Helena boys for their relatives. During the influenza epidemic the unit formed itself into a health committee in cooperation with the Red Cross and did most effective work in preventing the spread of the disease."

CHAPTER XXVII.

NEGRO IN ARMY PERSONNEL.

Misc. Figures Sept. 3

Sept. 1    Sept 25  Upon        Draft

Occupation—                          Draft      Draft    59,826 Men  White

Mechanical engineer                      7         30        8           25

Blacksmith                             393         334     331          733

Dock builder                           ...         ...      15          ...

Carpenter                              862         571     670        2,157

Stockkeeper                            161         176     140          562

Structural steel worker                463         326     351          334

Chauffeur                            3,561       4,003   3,300        7,191

Chauffeur, heavy truck               1,304       1,356     987        2,061

Bricklayer                             189          99     132          223

Hostler                              3,351       1,433   2,062        3,559

Teamster or wagoner                  8,678      12,660   9,534       13,691

Transit and levelman                   ...           4       2           47

Axeman logger                        1,192       1,759   1,423        1,827

Clerical worker                        603         395     324        4,159

Baker and cook                       4,129       3,157   2,974        1,077

Musician                               105          17     115          160

Alto horn                               56          47      38           46

Baritone                                21          21      15           16

Bass horn                               35          21      18           16

Clarinet                                21          64      25           66

Cornet                                  98          56      67          132

Flute                                   21         ...       5           29

Saxaphone                                7          13      10           23

Trap drum                              217         197     100           46

Trombone                                42          69      40           67

Bugler                                  14          13      12           24

Saddler                                ...          26       3           12

Crane operator, hoistman                21          39      42           44

Crane operator, pile driver            ...          13      12            7

Crane operator, shovel                 ...          13       5           30

Oxy-acetylene welder                   ...          21       8           44

Rigger and cordage worker               49          77      57           40

Stevedore, cargo handler               161          34      68           10

Longshoreman                           652         664     651           15

----        ----     ----        ----

26,413      27,708  23,544        38,473

Figures are for general service drafts and do not include the enlarged

list of occupations for which both whites and Negroes were selected.

FIVE SEA TUGS PUSHING TRANSPORT "FRANCE" INTO DOCK. SHIP LADEN WITH MEMBERS OF NEW YORK'S "FIGHTING 15TH" (369TH INFANTRY) AND CHICAGO'S "FIGHTING 8TH" (370TH INFANTRY) NEGRO HEROES FROM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE KNOCKOUT BLOW.

"The conclusion of the fourth year of the war marks the passing of the period of crisis. We can now with added confidence, look forward to the future."

"The full fruits of victory in the counter offensive begun so gloriously by Franco-American troops on July 18, were reaped today, when the enemy who met his second great defeat on the Marne, was driven in confusion beyond the line of the Vesle. The enemy, in spite of suffering the severest losses, has proved incapable of stemming the onslaught of our troops, fighting for liberty side by side with French, British and Italian veterans. In the course of the operations, 8,400 prisoners and 133 guns have been captured by our men alone. Our troops have taken Fismes by assault and hold the south bank of the Vesle in this section."

"Thousands of American heavy guns fired the parting shot to the Germans at exactly 11 o'clock this morning. The line reached by the American forces was staked out this afternoon. The Germans hurled a few shells into Verdun just before 11 o'clock.

"On the entire American front from the Moselle to the region of Sedan, there was artillery activity in the morning, all the batteries preparing for the final salvos.

"At many batteries the artillerists joined hands, forming a long line as the lanyard of the final shot. There were a few seconds of silence as the shells shot through the heavy mist. Then the gunners cheered. American flags were raised by the soldiers over their dugouts and guns and at the various headquarters. Soon afterward the boys were preparing for luncheon. All were hungry as they had breakfasted early in anticipation of what they considered the greatest day in American history."

RETURN OF THE 15TH NEW YORK, 369TH INFANTRY. SHOWN SWINGING UP LENOX AVENUE. NEW YORK CITY WHERE THEY RECEIVED A ROYAL WELCOME.

CHAPTER XXIX.

HOMECOMING HEROES.

"The town that's always ready to take off its hat and give a whoop for a man who's done something—'no matter who or what he was before,' as the old Tommy Atkins song has it—turned itself loose yesterday in welcoming home a regiment of its own fighting sons that not only did something, but did a whole lot in winning democracy's war.

"In official records, and in the histories that youngsters will study in generations to come, this regiment will probably always be known as the 369th Infantry, U.S.A.

"But in the hearts of a quarter million or more who lined the streets yesterday to greet it, it was no such thing. It was the old 15th New York. And so it will be in this city's memory, archives and in the folk lore of the descendants of the men who made up its straight, smartly stepping ranks.

"New York is not race-proud nor race-prejudiced. That this 369th Regiment, with the exception of its eighty-nine white officers, was composed entirely of Negroes, made no difference in the shouts and flagwaving and handshakes that were bestowed upon it. New York gave its Old 15th the fullest welcome of its heart.

"Through scores of thousands of cheering white citizens, and then through a greater multitude of its own color, the regiment, the first actual fighting unit to parade as a unit here, marched in midday up Fifth Avenue and through Harlem, there to be almost assailed by the colored folks left behind when it went away to glory.

"Later it was feasted and entertained, and this time very nearly smothered with hugs and kisses by kin and friends, at the 71st Regiment Armory. Still later, perfectly behaved and perfectly ecstatic over its reception, the regiment returned to Camp Upton to await its mustering out.

"You knew these dark lads a year and a half ago, maybe, as persons to be slipped a dime as a tip and scarcely glanced it. They were your elevator boys, your waiters, the Pullman porters who made up your berths (though of course you'd never dare to slip a Pullman porter a dime). But, if you were like many a prosperous white citizen yesterday you were mighty proud to grasp Jim or Henry or Sam by the hand and then boast among your friends that you possessed his acquaintance.

"When a regiment has the medal honors of France upon its flags and it has put the fear of God into Germany time after time, and its members wear two gold stripes, signifying a year's fighting service, on one arm, and other stripes, signifying wounds, on the other, it's a whole lot different outfit from what it was when it went away. And that's the old 15th N.Y. And the men are different—and that's Jim and Henry and Sam.

"Col. William Hayward, the distinguished white lawyer and one time Public Service Commissioner, who is proud to head these fighters, was watching them line up for their departure shortly after 6 o'clock last evening, when someone asked him what he thought of the day.

"'It has been wonderful!' he said, and he gazed with unconcealed tenderness at his men. 'It's been far beyond my expectations. But these boys deserve it. There's only one thing missing. I wish some of Gen. Gouraud's French boys, whom we fought beside, could be here to see it.'

"The Colonel slapped his hand affectionately upon the shoulder of his dark-skinned orderly.

"'How about that, Hamilton, old boy?' he inquired.

"'That's right, Colonel, sir; Gen. Gonraud's boys sure would have enjoyed this day!' the orderly responded as he looked proudly at the Colonel.

"There's that sort of paternal feeling of the white officers toward their men, and that filial devotion of the men to their officers, such as exists in the French Army.

"Much as the white population of the town demonstrated their welcome to the Regiment, it was, after all, those of their own color to whom the occasion belonged. And they did themselves proud In making it an occasion to recall for years in Harlem, San Juan Hill and Brooklyn, where most of the fighters were recruited.

"At the official reviewing stand at 60th street, the kinsfolk and admirers of the regimental lads began to arrive as beforehandedly as 9 o'clock. They had tickets, and their seats were reserved for them. The official committee had seen to that—and nine-tenths of the yellow wooden benches were properly held for those good Americans of New York whom birth by chance had made dark-skinned instead of fair. BUT this was their Day of Days, and they had determined (using their own accentuation) to BE there and to be there EARLY.

"The first-comers plodded across 59th Street from the San Juan Hill district, and it was fine to see them. There seemed to be a little military swank even to the youngsters, as platoons of them stepped along with faces that had been scrubbed until they shone. Had a woman a bit of fur, she wore it. Had a man a top hat—origin or vintage-date immaterial—he displayed that. All heads were up, high; eyes alight. Beaming smiles everywhere. No not quite everywhere. Occasionally there was to be seen on a left sleeve a black band with a gold star, which told the world that one of the Old 15th would never see the region west of Columbus Circle, because he had closed his eyes in France. And the faces of the wearers of these were unlaughing, but they held themselves just as proudly as the rest.

"Few of the welcomers went flagless. No matter whether a man or woman wore a jewel or a pair of patent leather boots as a sign of "class," or tramped afoot to the stand or arrived in a limousine, nearly every dark hand held the nation's emblem.

"Nearly every one wore white badges bearing the letters: "Welcome, Fighting 15th," or had pennants upon which stood out the regimental insignia—a coiled rattlesnake of white on a black field.

"Those colored folk who could afford it journeyed to the stand in closed automobiles. Gorgeously gowned women alighted with great dignity beneath the admiring gaze of their humbler brethren. Taxies brought up those whose fortunes, perhaps, were not of such amplitude. Hansoms and hacks conveyed still others, and one party came in a plumber's wagon, its women members all bundled up in shawls and blankets against the cold, but grinning delightedly as the whole stand applauded.

"Children by the thousands lined the east side of the avenue—Boy Scouts and uniformed kids and little girls with their school books under their arms, and they sang to the great delight of the crowd.

"Just why it was that when Governor Smith and former Governor Whitman and Acting Mayor Moran and the other reviewers appeared behind a cavalcade of mounted policemen, the youngsters struck up that army classic, "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning," no one could tell, but it gave the reviewers and the crowd a laugh.

"With the state and city officials were the members of the Board of Aldermen, the Board of Estimate, Major Gen. Thomas J. Barry, Vice Admiral Albert Gleaves, Secretary of State, Francis Hugo; Rodman Wannamaker and—in a green hat and big fur coat—William Randolph Hearst. Secretary Baker of the War Department was unable to attend, but he did the next best thing and sent his colored assistant, Emmett J. Scott.

"The reviewers arrived at 11:30 and had a good long wait, for at that time the paraders had not yet left 23rd Street. But what with the singing, and the general atmosphere of joyousness about the stand, there was enough to occupy everyone's time.

"There was one feature which took the eye pleasingly—the number of babies which proud mothers held aloft, fat pickaninnies, mostly in white, and surrounded by adoring relatives. These were to see (and be seen by) their daddies for the first time. Laughingly, the other day, Col. Bill Hayward spoke of 'our boys' posthumous children,' and said he thought there were quite a few of them.

"'Some of our boys had to go away pretty quickly,' he reminisced. 'Some of them were only married about twenty minutes or so.'

"'O Colonel!' said the modest Major Little on that occasion.

"'Well, maybe it was a trifle longer than twenty minutes,' admitted Bill. But anyhow, there was the regiment's posthumous children in the stand.

"It was 11:26 when the old 15th stepped away from 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue. They looked the part of the fighting men they were. At an exact angle over their right shoulders were their long-bayonetted rifles. Around their waists were belts of cartridges. On their heads were their 'tin hats,' the steel helmets that saved many a life, as was attested by the dents and scars in some of them. Their eyes were straight forward and their chins, held high naturally, seemed higher than ever because of the leather straps that circled them. The fighters wore spiral puttees and their heavy hobbed hiking shoes, which caused a metallic clash as they scraped over the asphalt.

"At the head of the line rode four platoons of mounted police, twelve abreast, and then, afoot and alone, Col. Hayward, who organized the 15th, drilled them when they had nothing but broomsticks to drill with, fathered them and loved them, and turned them into the fightingest military organization any man's army could want.

"The French called them 'Hell Fighters.' The Germans after a few mix-ups named them 'Blutlustige Schwartzmanner' (blood-thirsty black men.) But Col. Bill, when he speaks of them uses the words 'those scrapping babies of mine,' and they like that best of all. Incidentally (when out of his hearing) they refer tenderly to him as 'Old Bill, that fightin' white man.' So it's fifty-fifty.

"The Colonel had broken a leg in the war, so there were those who looked for him to limp as he strode out to face the hedge of spectators that must have numbered a quarter of a million. But nary a limp. With his full six feet drawn up erectly and his strong face smiling under his tin hat, he looked every bit the fighting man as he marched up the centre of the avenue, hailed every few feet by enthusiasts who knew him socially or in the law courts or in the business of the Public Service Commission.

"'Didn't your leg hurt you, Bill?' his friends asked him later.

"'Sure it hurt me; he said, 'but I wasn't going to peg along on the proudest day of my life!' Which this day was.

"Behind the Colonel marched his staff, Lieut. Col. W.A. Pickering, Capt. Adjutant Robert Ferguson, Major E.A. Whittemore, Regimental Sergt. Majors C.A. Connick and B.W. Cheeseman, Regimental Sergts. L.S. Payne, H.W. Dickerson and W.W. Chisum, and Sergts. R.C. Craig, D.E. Norman and Kenneth Bellups.

"The Police Band was at the front of the line of march, but it was a more famous band that provided the music to which the Black Buddies stepped northward and under the Arch of Victory—the wonderful jazz organization of Lieut. Jimmie Europe, the one colored commissioned officer of the regiment. But it wasn't jazz that started them off. It was the historic Marche du Regiment de Sambre et Meuse, which has been France's most popular parade piece since Napoleon's day. As rendered now it had all the crash of bugle fanfares which is its dominant feature, but an additional undercurrent of saxaphones and basses that put a new and more peppery tang into it.

"One hundred strong, and the proudest band of blowers and pounders that ever reeled off marching melody—Lieut. Jimmie's boys lived fully up to their reputation. Their music was as sparkling as the sun that tempered the chill day.

"Four of their drums were instruments which they had captured from the enemy in Alsace, and ma-an, what a beating was imposed upon those sheepskins! 'I'd very much admire to have them bush Germans a-watchin' me today!' said the drummer before the march started. The Old 15th doesn't say 'Boche' when it refers to the foe it beat. 'Bush' is the word it uses, and it throws in 'German' for good measure.

"Twenty abreast the heroes marched through a din that never ceased. They were as soldierly a lot as this town, now used to soldierly outfits, has ever seen. They had that peculiar sort of half careless, yet wholly perfect, step that the French display. Their lines were straight, their rifles at an even angle, and they moved along with the jaunty ease and lack of stiffness which comes only to men who have hiked far and frequently.

"The colored folks on the official stand cut loose with a wild, swelling shriek of joy as the Police Band fell out at 60th Street and remained there to play the lads along when necessary and when—now entirely itself—the khaki-clad regiment filling the street from curb to curb, stepped by.

"Colonel Hayward, with his hand at salute, turned and smiled happily as he saw his best friend, former Governor Whitman, standing with his other good friend, Governor Al Smith, with their silk tiles raised high over their heads. It was the Governor's first review in New York and the first time he and Mr. Whitman had got together since Inauguration Day. They were of different parties, but they were united in greeting Colonel Bill and his Babies.

"From the stand, from the Knickerbocker Club across the street, from the nearby residences and from the curbing sounded shouts of individual greetings for the commander and his staff. But these were quickly drowned as a roar went up for Lieutenant Europe's band, with its commander at the head—not swinging a baton like a common ordinary drum-major, but walking along with the uniform and side-arms of an officer.

"'The Salute to the 85th,' which they learned from their comrade regiment of the French Army of General Gouraud, was what they were playing, a stirring thing full of bugle calls and drum rolls, which Europe says is the best march he ever heard.

"So swiftly did the platoons sweep by that it took a quick eye to recognize a brother or a son or a lover or a husband; but the eyes in the stand were quick, and there were shouts of 'Oh, Bill!' 'Hey, boy, here's your mammy!' 'Oliver, look at your baby!' (It wasn't learned whether this referred to a feminine person or one of those posthumous children Colonel Hayward spoke about.) 'Hallelujah, Sam! There you are, back home again!'

"Half way down the ranks of the 2,992 paraders appeared the colors, and all hats came off with double reverence, for the Stars and Stripes and the blue regimental standard that two husky ebony lads held proudly aloft had been carried from here to France, from France to Germany and back again, and each bore the bronze token with its green and red ribbon that is called the Croix de Guerre. Keen eyes could see these little medals swinging from the silk of the flags, high toward the top of the poles.

"At the end of the lines which filled the avenue came a single automobile, first, with a round-faced smiling white officer sitting in it and gazing happily from side to side. This was Major Lorillard Spencer, who was so badly wounded that he came back in advance of the outfit some weeks ago. There was a special racket of cheers for him, and then another for Major David L. 'Esperance, also wounded and riding.

"Then a far different figure, but one of the most famous of the whole war. Henry Johnson! That Henry, once a mild-mannered chauffeur, who to protect his comrade, Needham Roberts, waded into a whole patrol of 'bush Germans' with a lot of hand grenades, his rifle and his trusty 'steel' in the shape of a bolo knife, and waded into them so energetically that when the casualties were counted there were four dead foemen in front of him, thirty-four others done up so badly they couldn't even crawl away, and heaven knows how many more had been put to flight.

"And now Henry, in commemoration of this exploit, was riding alone in an open machine. In his left hand he held his tin hat. In his right he held high over his head a bunch of red and white lilies which some admirer had pressed upon him. And from side to side Henry—about as black as any man in the outfit if not a trifle blacker—bowed from the waist down with all the grace of a French dancing master. Yes, he bowed, and he grinned from ear to ear and he waved his lilies, and he didn't overlook a bet in the way of taking (and liking) all the tributes that were offered to him.

"A fleet of motor ambulances, back of Henry, carried the wounded men who were unable to walk, nearly 200 of them. But though they couldn't walk, they could laugh and wave and shout thanks for the cheers, all of which they did.

"Almost before the happy colored folk could realize at the official stand that here were their lads back home again, the last of the parade rolled along and it was over. With that formation and the step that was inspired by Lieutenant Europe's band—and by the Police Band which stood at 60th Street and kept playing after the music of the other died away—it required only seventeen minutes for the regiment to pass.

"From this point north the welcome heightened in intensity. Along the park wall the colored people were banked deeply, everyone giving them the first ranks nearest the curb. Wives, sweethearts and mothers began to dash into the ranks and press flowers upon their men and march alongside with them, arm-in-arm. But this couldn't be, and Colonel Hayward had to stop the procession for a time and order the police to put the relatives back on the sidewalks. But that couldn't stop their noise.

"The residents of the avenue paid fine tribute to the dusky marchers. It seemed inspiring, at 65th Street, to see Mrs. Vincent Astor standing in a window of her home, a great flag about her shoulders and a smaller one in her left hand, waving salutes. And Henry Frick, at an open window of his home at 73d Street, waving a flag and cheering at the top of his voice.

"At the corner of 86th street was a wounded colored soldier wearing the Croix de Guerre and the Victoria Cross as well. Colonel Hayward pressed to his side with a hearty handshake, exclaiming: 'Why, I thought you were dead!' It was one of his boys long ago invalided home.

"No, sir, Colonel, not me. I ain't dead by a long ways yet, Colonel, sir,' said the lad.

"'How's it going, Colonel?' asked a spectator.

"'Fine,' said the Commander. 'All I'm worrying about is whether my boys are keeping step.' He needn't have worried.

"The real height of the enthusiasm was reached when, after passing through 110th street and northward along Lenox Avenue, the heroes arrived in the real Black Belt of Harlem. This was the Home, Sweet Home for hundreds of them, the neighborhood they'd been born in and had grown up in, and from 129th Street north the windows and roofs and fireescapes of the five and six story apartment houses were filled to overflowing with their nearest and dearest.

"The noise drowned the melody of Lieut. Europe's band. Flowers fell in showers from above. Men, women and children from the sidewalks overran the police and threw their arms about the paraders. There was a swirling maelstrom of dark humanity in the avenue. In the midst of all the racket there could be caught the personal salutations: 'Oh, honey!' 'Oh, Jim!' 'Oh, you Charlie!' 'There's my boy!' 'There's daddie!' 'How soon you coming home, son?' It took all the ability of scores of reserve policemen between 129th Street and 135th Street, where the uptown reviewing stand was, to pry those colored enthusiasts away from their soldiermen.

"There was one particular cry which was taken up for blocks along this district: 'O-oh, you wick-ed Hen-nery Johnson! You wick-ed ma-an!' and Henry the Boche Killer still bowed and grinned more widely than ever, if possible.

"'Looks like a funeral, Henry, them lilies!' called one admirer.

'"Funeral for them bush Germans, boy! Sure a funeral for them bushes.' shouted Henry.

"The official reviewing party, after the parade had passed 60th street, had hurried uptown, and so had the Police Band, and so there were some doings as the old 15th breezed past 135th Street. But no one up there cared for Governors or ex-Governors or dignitaries. Every eye was on the Black Buddies and every throat was opened wide for them.

"At 145th Street the halt was called. Again there was a tremendous rush of men and women with outstretched arms; the military discipline had to prevail, and the soldiers were not allowed to break ranks, nor were the civilians (save the quickest of them) able to give the hugs and kisses they were overflowing with.

"As rapidly as possible the fighters were sent down into the subway station and loaded aboard trains which took them down to the 71st Regiment Armory at 34th Street and Fourth Avenue. Here the galleries were filled with as many dusky citizens as could find places (maybe 2,500 or 3,000) and so great was the crowd in the neighborhood that the police had to block off 34th Street almost to Fifth Avenue on the west and Third on the east.

"As each company came up from the subway the friends and relatives were allowed to go through the lines, and, while the boys stood still in ranks, but at ease, their kinsfolk were allowed to take them in their arms and tell them really and truly, in close-up fashion, what they thought about having them back.

"When the entire regiment was in the Armory, the civilians in the gallery broke all bounds. They weren't going to stay up there while their heroes were down below on the drill-floor! Not they! They swarmed past the police and depot battalion and so jammed the floor that it was impossible for the tired Black Buddy even to sit down. Most of the boys had to take their chicken dinner—served by colored girls, and the chow, incidentally, from Delmonico's—standing up with arms about them and kisses punctuating assaults upon the plates.

"'Some chow, hey Buddy?' would be heard.

"'Pretty bon.' You'd get the answer. 'I'd like to have beaucoup more of this chicken.' There was noticeable a sprinkling of French words in the conversation of the Old 15th, and, indeed, some of them spoke it fluently.

"'Sam told me,' one girl was heard to say, 'that he killed nineteen of them Germans all his own self, but nobody saw him and so he didn't get that Cross doo Gare.'"

CHAPTER XXX.

RECONSTRUCTION AND THE NEGRO.

Negro to rise

should share in its opportunities

"If there is any lesson more essential than any other for this country to learn, it is the lesson that the enjoyment of rights should be made conditional upon the performance of duty."

HOMECOMING HEROES OF 8TH ILLINOIS (370TH INFANTRY). FAMOUS NEGRO FIGHTERS MARCHING IN MICHIGAN BOULEVARD, CHICAGO.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE OTHER FELLOW'S BURDEN.

An Emancipation Day Appeal for Justice.

By W. Allison Sweeney.

Publisher's Note: At our request, Mr. Sweeney consented to the reproduction of this poem, which with the accompanying letter from the late Dr. Booker T. Washington, and the comment by the Chicago Daily News, appeared in that newspaper just prior to New Years Day, 1914. We regard it as a powerful argument, affecting the Negro's past condition and his interests.

The "white man's burden" has been   told the world, But what of the other fellow's— The "lion's whelp"? Lest you forget, May he not lisp his? Not in arrogance, Not in resentment, But that truth May stand foursquare? This then, Is the Other Fellow's Burden.        *       *       *       *       * Brought into existence Through the enforced connivance Of a helpless motherhood Misused through generations— America's darkest sin!— There courses through his veins In calm insistence—incriminating irony Of the secrecy of blighting lust! The best and the vilest blood Of the South's variegated strain; Her statesmen and her loafers, Her chivalry and her ruffians. Thus bred, His impulses twisted At the starting point By brutality and sensuous savagery, Should he be crucified? Is it a cause for wonder If beneath his skin of many hues— Black, brown, yellow, white— Flows the sullen flood Of resentment for prenatal wrong And forced humility? Should it be a wonder That the muddy life current Eddying through his arteries, Crossed with the good and the bad, Poisoned with conflicting emotions, Proclaims at times, Through no fault of his, That for a surety the sins of fathers Become the heritage of sons Even to the fourth generation? Or that murdered chastity, That ravished motherhood— So pitiful, so helpless, Before the white hot, Lust-fever of the "master"— Has borne its sure fruit? You mutter, "There should be no wonder." Well, somehow, Sir Caucasian, Perhaps southern gentleman, I, marked a "whelp," am moved To prize that muttered admission.        *       *       *       *       * But listen, please: The wonder is—the greater one— That from Lexington to San Juan hill Disloyalty never smirched His garments, nor civic wrangle Nor revolutionary ebullition Marked him its follower. A "striker"? Yes! But he struck the insurgent And raised the flag. An ingrate? Treacherous? A violator? When—oh, spectacle that moved the world! For five bloody years Of fratricidal strife— Red days when brothers warred— He fed the babe, Shielded the mother. Guarded the doorsill Of a million southern homes? Penniless when freedom came? Most true; But his accumulations of fifty years Could finance a group of principalities. Homeless? Yes; but the cabin and the hut Of Lincoln's day—uncover at that name!— Are memories; the mansion of today, Dowered with culture and refinement, Sweetened by clean lives, Is a fact. Unlettered? Yes; But the alumni of his schools, Triumphant over the handicap Of "previous condition," Are to be found the world over In every assemblage inspired By the democracy of letters. In the casting up what appears? The progeny of lust and helplessness, He inherited a mottled soul— "Damned spots" that biased the looker on. Clothed a freeman, Turned loose in the land Creditless, without experience, He often stumbled, the way being strange, Sometimes fell. Mocked, sneered at from every angle, spurned, hindered in every section, North, south, east, west, Refused the most primitive rights, His slightest mistakes Made mountains of, Hunted, burned, hanged, The death rattle in his throat Drowned by shouts and laughter And—think of it!— The glee of little children. Still he pressed on, wrought, Sowed, reaped, builded. His smile ever ready, His perplexed soul lighted With the radiance Of an unquenchable optimism, God's presence visualized, He has risen, step by step. To the majesty of the home builder, Useful citizen, Student, teacher, Unwavering patriot. This of the Other Fellow. What of you, his judges and his patrons? If it has been your wont In your treatment of him Not to reflect, Or to stand by in idle unconcern While, panting on his belly, Ambushed by booted ruffianism, He lapped in sublime resignation The bitter waters Of unreasoning intolerance, Has not the hour of his deliverance, Of your escape from your "other selves" Struck? If you have erred, Will you refuse to know it? Has not the time arrived To discriminate between Those who lower Those who raise him? You are shamed by your abortions, Your moral half growths Who flee God's eye And stain his green earth, But you are not judged by yours; Should he be judged by his? In his special case—if so, why? Is manhood a myth, Womanhood a toy, Integrity unbelievable, Honor a chimera? Should not his boys and girls, Mastering the curriculum of the schools, Pricked on to attainment by the lure Of honorable achievement, Be given bread and not a stone When seeking employment In the labor mart, At the factory gate Or the office door? Broadened by the spirit of the golden rule, Will you not grant these children of Hagar An even break? Is the day not here, O judges, When the Other Fellow May be measured in fairness, Just fairness?        *       *       *       *       * It is written men may rise "On their dead selves to higher things;" But can it be that this clear note of cheer To sodden men and smitten races Was meant for all save him? Chants an immortal: "He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all."

CHAPTER XXXII.

AN INTERPOLATION.

"Seattle, Wash., August 26, 1915.

"Hon. Lindley M. Garrison, Secretary of War,

Dear Sir: As an ex-officer of the Spanish-American war, having served as

Captain of Company "E" of the Eighth Illinois Volunteers, I am taking

the liberty to ask that, if you should recommend any increase in the

Army you give the Negro a chance in the manner, and for reasons I shall

further explain.

You will notice by my service with the 8th Illinois that I am a

colored man, and as such am offering these suggestions, which, in the

main, are just.

If the increase is sufficient, we should have:

TWO COAST ARTILLERY COMPANIES.

ONE REGIMENT OF FIELD ARTILLERY (In these branches we are not

represented at all).

ONE REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.

The above to be embodied in the Regular Army and to be officered as

you think fit.

But my main object is: Three Regiments of Infantry officered from

COLONEL DOWN WITH COLORED MEN. I should not have these Infantry

Regiments of the regular service for the reason that to appoint officers

to the rank of Colonel, Majors, etc., would not be fair to the regular

service officers, and would interfere with the promotion of the same,

but I would have them rank as volunteers. Give them the name of

"IMMUNES," "FOREIGN SERVICE REGIMENTS," or any other name that you

choose.

My further reasons are as to officering these regiments, that there

would be many misfits in such organizations and I would leave it so that

you or the President could remove them without prejudice from the

service, but to fill by OTHER COLORED MEN the vacancies that might

occur. I should officer these regiments with Spanish War veterans,

non-commissioned officers of the retired and regulars, but should

appoint all 2d Lieutenants from the schools of the country giving

military training.

The 2d Lieutenants upon passing the regular army examination could be

placed in the eligible list of the regular army, but NOT until at least

two years' service with these regiments. You could set a time limit on

these regiments if you so desire, say ten or twelve years duration;

either mustered out or in the regular service.

"Now Mr. Secretary, I have striven to meet any objections which might be

made by the Army on account of social prejudice, etc. With this thought

I should send these regiments to some foreign post to serve where there

are dark races; to the Philippines, Mexico, or Haiti. The object lesson

would be marked politically, both at home and abroad.

"The 48th and 49th Regiments organized in 1899 and sent to Philippines

were unsatisfactory because of there being three social lines of

separation in those organizations—THE FIELD AND STAFF of these

regiments WERE WHITE, and the LINE OFFICERS WERE COLORED. In a social

way the line officers WERE ENTIRELY IGNORED, and even officially were

treated very little better than enlisted men or with no more courtesy,

to such an extent as to cause comment by both soldiers and natives.

"Now as to the colored citizen of this country coming to its defense

there is no question, as he has always done so But, to use a late

phrase, he is beginning to want HIS "PLACE IN THE SUN"—he wants a

chance to rise on his merits AND TO KNOW WHEN HE SHOULDERS A GUN, THAT

IF HE IS DESERVING OF IT, HE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO RISE. He can fight

and will, but will fight better with an incentive than without one. He

is a, citizen regardless of all laws to the contrary; also he is the NEW

Negro, and NOT of the "Uncle Tom" class, the passing of whom so many

white citizens regret.

"He reads your literature, attends your theaters, goes to your schools,

observes you in his capacity as a waiter or porter, and is absorbing the

best you have in the ways of civilization, and in fact, in every walk of

life, he is a factor; and when he is asked to defend his country should

he not be given THE SAME CHANCE AS THE WHITE MAN?

"You will say that he should go to West Point. Well and good; but who is

to send him? Next, who will defend him while there against the

"Unwritten Law" of the white students not to allow him to matriculate?

"The first officers of such regiments could be easily picked, made from

Spanish War veterans and non-commissioned officers of the regular army,

and second lieutenants from graduates from colleges giving military

training. Such an organization officered in this manner would be ideal,

speaking from my experience as a veteran of the Spanish War.

"One thing you may have overlooked: We are twelve million in this

country, WITH AN ESTIMATE OF A MILLION MEN FIT FOR SERVICE.

"Suppose at such a crisis as is now transpiring in Europe, this country,

with its millions of foreign citizens, should suddenly find itself face

to face with a revolution. The presence and loyalty of these MILLION

NEGROES might mean much for the stability of this government.

"I have spoken plainly because I am a citizen; this is my country. I was

born here, and shall at all times be found with the flag; hence I ask,

that in your recommendations, looking to the betterment and enlargement

of the army, you give THE BLACK PATRIOT such consideration, as I cannot

but feel is due him, the thousands of young colored men who have passed

through colleges and schools in an effort to prepare themselves for

filling a place in the world.

"I am opposed to segregation, but as it seems, under the present

conditions of the races socially to be the ONLY way to a square deal, I

accept it. There are Irish regiments, German regiments, etc., let us

then have Negro regiments. The coming generations will look after the

rest. I am, very respectfully,

R.P. ROOTS

400 26th Ave., North, Late Capt. 8th Ill. Vol. Infantry."

"Seattle, Wash., Nov. 9, 1915.

"Hon Joseph Tumulty, Secretary to the President, Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:—I am enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the Secretary of

War, which I would be very much pleased to have you call the President's

attention to, and ask if he can approve of it.

"I was not fully informed as to the President's policy in regard to

Haiti at the time of writing, and am not now, except through such

information as received by the daily press. Taking that, in the main as

authentic, I wish to add that I think a Brigade of Colored Troops, such

as recommended in my letter to the Secretary for foreign service, would

be the proper thing for Haiti.

"It being a Negro Republic, the racial feeling as to the Negro's

treatment in this country, which I need not mention, has been enlarged

upon and not understood by the Negroes of other parts of the world, so

that as it seems to me, to organize a constabulary officered by white

Americans, would be inviting murder; for agitators from other

governments, if they so desired, would soon cause a rebellion, and then

you would have it all to do over again.

"Colored troops from this country, I mean officers as well, would tend

to cause a good feeling among the natives, not at first but later on as

each became used to the other. THE WHITE MAN THINKS HE IS SUPERIOR TO

ANY NEGRO, AND WOULD SHOW IT EVEN THOUGH HE TRIED NOT TO, and the

Haitian would be going around with a chip on his shoulder looking for

someone to knock it off.

"You have three men in the regular army who could supervise the

organization of these troops, and one who is already a Colonel of the

Eighth Illinois National Guard, also several others if you wished to

consider them.

"Hoping that you will see the advisability of such an organization for

diplomatic reasons and for JUSTICE TO THE AMERICAN NEGRO—who has been

loyal—and served from Bunker Hill until now, I am,

Very respectfully,

R.P. ROOTS,

400 26th St. N. Seattle, Wash., Late Capt. Eighth Illinois Volunteer

Infantry during Spanish War."

"There may be reasons deemed good and sufficient upon the part of

President Wilson and Secretary Garrison for not having replied to

the very courteous and finely conceived letters of appeal and

suggestion, having to do with a new deal—with justice and fair

play in the future towards the Negro soldiery of our country,

written them some weeks ago by CAPT. R.P. ROOTS of Seattle.

"It is not always meet, especially in times like these, of war and

stress, of worries and apprehension, reaching across the world, for

our rulers and servants facing great responsibilities and

perplexing situations, to respond to every query and satisfy all

curiosities. Much reticence must be permitted them. Much accepted,

as a matter of course, without pursuing curiosity to the limit.

"There may be ideas conveyed by Captain Roots to the president,

through his communications to Secretaries Garrison and Tumulty that

some people may not agree with, but there can be no disagreement

over the proposition that the lot of colored soldiers in the armies

of the United States—in the past, and at the present, is much

different than that accorded to white soldiers; very little to

really be proud of; very, very much to be ashamed of—much that is

humiliating and depressing.

"Because the present administration may be powerless in the matter,

afraid to touch it, fearing a live wire or something of that kind,

should OUR duty in the premises, TOWARD OUR OWN, be influenced

thereby?

"I wonder—is the time not NOW—right now, to commence an attack

upon this intrenched scandal—this dirty, HUMILIATING AMERICANISM?

"No other nation on earth, Christian or pagan, treats its

defenders, its soldiery, so meanly, so shabbily, as does this, her

black defenders; but whether the nation is more to blame, than we,

who so long have submitted without a murmur, is a question. 'The

trouble' shouted Cassius to Brutus, 'is not in our stars, that we

are Underlings, BUT IN OURSELVES.'

"Shall we, responding to the initiative furnished by CAPTAIN ROOTS,

commence an organized assault upon this national vice against the

soldiers of our race? Is this the time, readers of The Defender? Is

this the time, brothers and editors of the contemporary press?

R.S. ABBOTT."

"Officers in the regular army for the most part, are graduates of

West Point. They are commissioned second lieutenants at graduation.

No Negro has graduated from West Point in the past twenty-nine

years, and none has entered there in 32 years. Col. Charles Young

graduated in 1889, twenty-nine years ago,—he entered in 1884.

Henry W. Holloway entered in 1886, but attended only that year. In

all, only twelve Negroes have ever attended West Point and only

three have graduated. Of the three graduates, the first, Henry O.

Flipper (1877) was afterwards discharged.

"The second, John H. Alexander (1887) died in 1894. The third and

last graduate, Charles Young (1889) has but recently been returned

to active duty. We understand he has attained the rank of Colonel.

The Negroes of the United States, to the number of twelve millions,

have only one West Point graduate in the regular army. There are

however four regiments of Colored troops, two of infantry, and two

of cavalry, and these have been maintained for 52 years, (since

1866), and more than two hundred officers find places in the four

Colored regiments. These two hundred officers, with about three

exceptions are white officers. In all, only twelve Negroes have

held commissions in the regular army. Of this number seven were

Chaplains and two were paymasters.

"In 1917 there were two first lieutenants; and (then) Major Charles

Young in the regular army. Hence only two officers of the line and

only one of the staff (other than Chaplains), out of more than two

hundred who found places with the four colored regiments.

"We need not stop for the reasons why Negroes have not been

attending West Point, nor even admitted there for the past 32

years. Certain it is they have not been attending the nation's

great military school, and certain it is that in law, good

conscience and right, one cadet at West Point in every twelve

should be a Negro.

"The future lies before us. The four regiments of Colored Troops

have vindicated their right to be maintained as such by having made

for the army some of its finest traditions. Why not have the four

colored regiments officered by colored men from the Colonel down to

the second lieutenants?

"The United States is just making an end to a glorious

participation in the great world's war. In this war the Negro

soldiers played well their part. They laughed in the face of death

on the firing line; they have been awarded the 'Ribbon' and the

Croix de Guerre—with palms. Who were their officers?

"From the officers training camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, 639

colored men were commissioned. Since then 267 more have been

commissioned, not counting those in Medical Reserve Corps, nor the

41 Chaplains. Colored Captains and Lieutenants led colored soldiers

"Over the Top" and commanded them on march and in trench. Many

officers were given but three months in the officer's Training

camp; many of them had served as non-commissioned officers in one

of the four colored regiments. But not one word of criticism or

complaint of them has reached us. Their adaptability to their new

duties is beyond cavil. Their efficiency, bravery—leadership, are

all unquestioned and permanently established.

"The future lies before us. What will our country do? Surely it

will not retire all of these fine young colored officers, who

responded so nobly to the call of their country, to private life

and continue the discrimination which in the past deprived them of

admission to West Point and of commissions in the regular army. I

do not believe it. I believe that the sense of justice and fair

play is deeply rooted in the American people. I believe that our

four colored regiments in the regular army will in the future be

officered by colored men. That the doors of West Point will be

opened in accordance with justice and fair play to a proper number

and proportion of colored Cadets. But this is not all nor is it

enough.

"We believe that at present the nation owes the Colored people

certain legislation and that the nation being solvent and loud in

its protestations of kindness toward the Colored people for their

loyal and patriotic participation in the war both at home and on

the battlefield, should now pay its debt toward the colored people

and reward them to the extent that the best of the nearly one

thousand officers now serving in the National Army be transferred

to the Regular army, and assigned to duty in the four Colored

regiments, and that these be from colonel down to second

lieutenants. We also believe that in the future West Point and

Annapolis should 'lend a little colour' to their graduation

exercises in the presence of Colored graduates.

"No doubt legislation will be needed to this end. At present

commissions are granted first to the graduates of West Point, and

even a fair and more liberal policy in this regard in the future

will not meet present needs. What is needed now is legislation

providing for the transfer (or at least the opportunity to enter)

into the regular army of a sufficient number of our Colored

Officers now with commissions to officer in toto the four Colored

regiments we now have.

"Commissions are also granted at present to a limited number of

enlisted men who are recommended for these examinations, and who

succeed in passing. The candidates must be under 27 years of age

and unmarried. They must have had a certain amount of secondary

school, or college education which few privates or non com's

(colored) have had. This is the case because few young Colored men

with the necessary growth 'single blessedness,' and college

training, feel, or have heretofore felt that the door of 'equal

opportunity' announced by Mr. Roosevelt stands open to them in the

regular army. To trust the officering of four Colored Regiments to

this second mode of selecting and commissioning officers, would

prove fatal to our hopes and fail of accomplishment.

"The third method of selecting officers at present is by

examinations of civilians, certain college presidents and other

civilians being permitted to recommend certain civilians, (students

and others) for examination for second lieutenants.

"In this regard Negroes have met the same difficulties that they

have encountered in the past 32 years in their efforts to gain

admission to West Point. At best only a small percent of each

year's graduating class from West Point can get commissions in this

manner. Those selected have been white men, what we are after now

is a present day, practical way of utilizing the best material we

now have, holding commissions and making secure the opportunity for

other Colored men to enter the army as second lieutenants and by

dint of industry, close application, obedience, brains and time

gain their promotion step by step, just as white men have been

doing and can do now. This is the American—democratic, fair play,

reward and justice we seek for the twelve million Negro citizens of

our great republic. Congress could if it would, provide for the

present by an appropriate measure giving the right and opportunity

to our returning officers to stand examination for commissions in

the Regular army; Military experience and knowledge, and general

and special educational qualifications to determine the rank or

grade received.

"In this way our four colored regiments could be officered by

colored men. Otherwise, the fine talents and desire for service to

the country held by the one thousand intelligent and courageous

young Negroes who are officers, will be lost and rejected by the

country, and the 12 million Negroes in the United States will

continue, notwithstanding their patriotism and devotion, to be

denied of their just representation in commissions in the regular

army.

"We believe that once this is done the sense of fairness and

justice that, after all is said and done is so firmly imbedded in

the American people, will see to it that our proper and

proportionate number of young Colored men are admitted to West

Point and Annapolis annually and that the other avenues for gaining

admission in the army and navy will not be blocked, closed and

denied Negroes by the unreasonable race prejudice which has

heretofore done so.

"Our country is either a country of 'equal opportunity' or it is

not. It is either a democracy or it is not.

"Certainly the Negroes have failed to realize this 'equal

opportunity' in the matter of training at West Point and Annapolis,

and is gaining commissions in the Regular army.

"The great war in Europe is closed or soon will be. We have again

shown our country that 'our hearts are on the right side.' What

will our country do for us? We ask only that the door of 'equal

opportunity' be unbarred—that we may enter."

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE NEW NEGRO AND THE NEW AMERICA.

"THE OLD ORDER

Changeth, yielding place to new."

THROUGH THE

Arbitrament of war, behold a new and better America!

a new and girded Negro!

"The watches

Of the night have PASSED!

"The watches

Of the day BEGIN!"

THE PEACE TREATY

The League of Nations

Membership

Preventing War

The Mandatory System

International Provisions

Boundaries of Germany

Belgium

Luxemburg

Left Bank of the Rhine

Alsace and Lorraine

The Saar

German Austria

Danzig

Denmark

Russia

German Rights Outside of Europe

German Colonies

China

Siam

Liberia

Morocco

Egypt

Turkey and Bulgaria

Shantung

Armaments

Conscription

Control

Naval

Air

Responsibility and Reparation

Reparation

Devastated Areas

Coal

Dyestuffs and Drugs

Cables

Restitution

Finances

Contracts

Opium

Missions

Air Navigation

Freedom of Transit

International Labor Organizations

Guaranties

Eastern Europe

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR ***

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Table of Contents

* * * * *

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR

CHAPTER I.

SPIRITUAL EMANCIPATION OF NATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

HANDWRITING ON THE WALL.

CHAPTER III.

MILITARISM AND AUTOCRACY DOOMED.

CHAPTER IV.

AWAKENING OF AMERICA.

CHAPTER V.

HUNS SWEEPING WESTWARD.

CHAPTER VI.

THE HOUR AND THE MAN.

CHAPTER VII.

NEGROES RESPOND TO THE CALL.

CHAPTER VIII.

RECRUDESCENCE OF SOUTH'S INTOLERANCE.

CHAPTER IX.

PREVIOUS WARS IN WHICH THE NEGRO FIGURED.

CHAPTER X.

FROM LEXINGTON TO CARRIZAL.

CHAPTER XI.

HOUR OF HIS NATION'S PERIL.

CHAPTER XII.

NEGRO SLACKERS AND PACIFISTS UNKNOWN.

CHAPTER XIII.

ROSTER OF NEGRO OFFICERS.

CHAPTER XIV.

ACROSS DIVIDING SEAS.

CHAPTER XV.

OVER THERE.

CHAPTER XVI.

THROUGH HELL AND SUFFERING.

CHAPTER XVII.

NARRATIVE OF AN OFFICER.

* * * * *

ROSTER OF OFFICERS OLD 8TH ILLINOIS (370th Infantry)

ROLL OF HONOR

CHAPTER XVIII.

BLOOD OF THE BLACK AND WHITE IN ONE RIVULET OF DEPARTING LIFE.

CHAPTER XIX.

COMRADES ON THE MARCH. BROTHERS IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH.

HEROES OF THE 371ST AND 372ND. Cross of the Legion of Honor

Medal Militaire

Distinguished Service Cross

Croix de Guerre

CHAPTER XX.

MID SHOT AND SHELL.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE LONG, LONG TRAIL.

CHAPTER XXII.

GLORY THAT WONT COME OFF.

CHAPTER XXIII.

NOR STORIED URN, NOR MOUNTING SHAFT.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THOSE WHO NEVER WILL RETURN.

CHAPTER XXV.

QUIET HEROES OF THE BRAWNY ARM.

CHAPTER XXVI.

UNSELFISH WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD.

CHAPTER XXVII.

NEGRO IN ARMY PERSONNEL.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE KNOCKOUT BLOW.

CHAPTER XXIX.

HOMECOMING HEROES.

CHAPTER XXX.

RECONSTRUCTION AND THE NEGRO.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE OTHER FELLOW'S BURDEN.

CHAPTER XXXII.

AN INTERPOLATION.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE NEW NEGRO AND THE NEW AMERICA.

THE PEACE TREATY

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE