Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-23
FOUGHT FOR THE FLAG.
The Naval Veterans OrEanise-Ths Colo
Question Settled.

hns naval Veterans OrganiEe-Ths Color
Question Settled.
Last evening a meeting was held at Union
Hall, 1902 Pennsylvania avenue northwest to
consider the question of the feasibility Of form
Ing battalion Of naval veterans of the war OF
lS61-'65. the organization to include veterans
OF the navy, the marine corps and the revenue
marine. Mr.. Isaac Newton presided and Mr..
John II. King was made the secretary.
The circular Of the national association
from Admiral W. 8. Wells Of New Haven, Conn.,,
was read, in which the objects are stated ITO
cherish the memory and associations Of the
war Of the late rebellion, to perpetuate the
glorious men and deeds of our navy, strengthen
the ties Of fraternal fellowship and sympathy
in advancing the best interests Of the associa-
tion. extending relief" &c.
After some debate. in which Messrs. ". 8.
Seymour, l. Newton. H. 8. Wetmore and others
took part it was determined to open the roll
and organize on November Is.
rHE ooLoRKp QUESTION.
While the enrolment was in progress Mr.. J.
r. Ballard, the only coiored man present.
asked to make some remarks. He stated that
there were number of colored sailors in the
District. and if they were admitted perhaps
it would not be to the best interests of the bat
tailon 30 far as securing white membership.
He knew, as others did, that there was q pref
udice between the races now, although not as
strong as in the past, though in the war when
black and white bailors fought together the
lines were not drawn. As a representative Of
the colored race he knew that white people had
their prejudices, and he, too, had them, not al
to race, but character and there were hundreds
of his own race he could not associate with.
He thought that the best way to conquer pref
udice was to live il down; to follow and initiate
the best and most intelligent Of the whites, and
thus by merit secure recognition. and what he
asked now was to be informed as tothe organi-
cation and be permitted to follow in organic
ing a colored battalion.
talon or two they would continue to be ship
mates, and he was glad to hear the sentiments
expressed by Mr.. Ballard
Mr.. O. E. Roberts said there was room for
the two organizations and while there was
prejudice existing it would be better that there
should be. The strongest reason was to pre-
vent clash and the best interests of both the
white and colored sailor required that there
should be two organizations.
MIR. Ballard said ne had taken philosophical
view of the subject and he did not think 1t was
IN unmanly one, for he knew that the prejudice
existed. Some would perhaps object to his
position, but as the 6. "A. X. had settled the
color question the veterans could do SO.
SEPARATE ORGANIZATION.
After Consultation between the chairman
and Mr.. Ballard the former announced that full
information had been given Mr.. Ballard and he
would apply for a charter for colored organ
ization. Mr.. Newton spoke Of what the naval
veterans had done in the past, and he spoke a
good word for the coiored shipmstes, saying
he expected to see strong battalion formed
by them.
A committee on organization was appointed
as follows: l. Newton, W. Seymour, C. E.
Roberts, F.Wolfe and g. E. Clagete, and one on
hall as follows J. G. Baker, T. H. Redgate, H.
s. Wetmore.
Messrs Wetmore and c. E. Roberts we're ap-
pointed to wait on Admiral Jouett for the pur-
pose of securing proper place in the G. A. X.
procession.
The meeting adjourned subject to the call OF
the president.