New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-05-21
INHALATION.

Following close upon the passage of the
resolutions Of tho Rebel Congre. concerning
negro troops aud their officers, comes the
announcement that the 5ith Massachusetts
La, been formally adopted into the military
fellowship Of the state by the presentation OF
ito colors from the hand. Of its Chief Mays.
traie. Ceremonies unusually impressive marked
the event. The regiment was psraded in
hollow square in iis camp ct Readville.
Thousands Of citizens, white and black, went
out from p'.'on 10 witness the solemDty.
Ar,tocrsts Of Beacon ss's-. whose sons were
in the line as officers, stood s'a- by
aid, with tho fathers and brothers and
wire. Of the coored prvate'. Governor
Andrew addressed the regiment at length, and IN
very remarkable words declared that his rcputa-
ton was identified with theirs. aud that both as
man and q magistrate he wHs to stand or fall
with them in tho future. He gave TO them
the white standard OF the Commonwealth,
yielding to the guardianship of their courage
and fidelity the flag which never yet ha, been
surrendered on the battlefield. And II Is known
that the regiment already has marching orders
and is just about to embark for some Southern
port What fate awaits it there
The resolutions of the Rebel Congress de-
clare that negro troops captured in the field
shall be delivered over to the State authorities
to be dealt with by State laws; of course to
be sold into Slavery or meet worse fatc-it
there be any worse fate than Slavery-whle
D It,o ham IN h, i'm m q
put 10 death. Long ago-so long ago as last
December-this doom was announced by
Jefferson Dayis's proclamation, and it ia
now only reailirmed by the act of what
calls itself a Congress in Richmond. DO
tho military authorities at Washington
propose that these edicts shall DO carried into
effect Does Gov. Andrew, giving to this
first colored regiment from, Tree soil the name
Of the Old Bay State, pledglng its faith aud
bis, by tho flag which he intrusts 10 IT, and
calls on it to defend uniting himself with It's
cause and namc-does be mean that It's officers
,hall be left 10 bo shot, and It's men TO be sold
as slaves
PROFESSIONALLY not. Neither will admit it for
Il moment. Gov. Andrew IN letter, which we
published the other day, ailirms that they ARE
to be protected just AS white soldiers are pro-
tec,ed. Secretary Stanton aiiirms the same in
behalf of tho Government. No man will
question the honesty OF the intention of either.
But neither is the Government; neither is
President OF Commander.in-Chi neither is
heard with an official voice in the lines Of the
Rebel army OF anywhere within the districts
that own the sway OF Jefferson Davis. Neither
has practically so spoken as to protect this
regiment or other regiments of blacks, aud the
Government is still silent on a question preg-
nant with momentous issues, and sure 10 de-
mand an answer with terrible suddenness if it
be left unanswered till asked amid the roar OF
battle or in the passion of victory, which has
placed black captyes at the mercy of yindic-
tive, maddened, ferocous slave masters.
IL is not enough that certain a" Instructions
for the government OF the armies OF the
United States in the field" have been issued
with the sanction OF the President, and
that by certain sections Of that elaborate pub
LEGATION the doctrine Of retaliation is abso-
htely announced. Those instructions affirm.
indeed, that no belligerent has u right to de-
clare that enemies Of o particular color or
class will not be treated as public enemies
when organized as soldiers, which is very
true; but then, the Rebels, who do all thing'
without right. have done this Also aud hare