The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-11
TWO COLORED CAPTAINS
GOV. MOUNTS EFFORTS AT LAST ARE
PARTLY REWARDED.
War Department Listens to Senator
Fairbanks and Makes an Exc
ceptiOn i'm Indiana.

The situation with reference to the en-
listment of colored volunteers for service in
the regiment that is being organized by Col.
Higgins, at Louisville, KY, yesterday
cleared up very materially. Information
was received from Washington which indi-
Gates that the two colored companies which
have been allotted to Indiana will be ac-
cepted, with their own colored captains,
lieutenants and noncommissioned officers.
The information came to Governor Mount
from Senator Fairbanks, who has been con-
Quoting vigorous campaign 20 have modi-
fed the order of Colonel Higgins to the
effect that but two companies, with white
captains only" could be accepted. After
Colonel Huggins'S telegram announcing that
but two companies with white captains
could be accepted, Governor Mount made an
appeal to the President, who referred the
matter to Adjutant General Corbin, who
telegraphed the Governor that the plan of
forming the regiments with white officers
had been made after mature deliberations,
and that it was hoped the Governor could
see his way clear to act accordingly. Gov.
Mount replied that while there are many
cOlored men in Indiana who have had years
of military experience in the National
Guard, none of them would enlist unless
colored officers were accepted. telegram
similar in tone was sent to Senator Fair
banks. with the request that he urge the
War Department to secure a modification
of the decision of Colonel Higgins if posi-
ble AT noon yesterday the Governor re-
eeived the following telegram from Senator
Fairbanks:
Il had conference with the secretary
of war fAlPer) with reference to the enlist
ment of colored troops. l assured him that
we had plenty of good colored men for cap
tains as good as the service required. He
realizes this and 1 think will change the
order as applied TO Indiana If it can be done
without interfering with its operations in
certain quarters where he thinks 1t is neces-
sary.'
Later in the day another telegram was
received from the Indiana senator which
gave the Governor additional satisfaction.
inasmuch as it showed that the efforts
which have been made were successful, and
that concessions were to be made in favor
of Indiana that will not be enjoyed by any
other State in the organization of Colonel
Huggins's regiment, which is to be drawn
from Kentucky, part Of Tennessee and the
Ohio valley, including Indiana and Ohio.
Under the rule of the War Department the
companies from the other States will have
white captains. The understanding is that
the War Department decided on this policy
for the reason that but few, if any, of the
colored men from the Southern States have
had any military experience as they have
not had the opportunities for serving in the
militia of the various States that colored
men of Indiana have enjoyed. Without mil
itary experience the War Department con-
cluded that other States would not be able
to furnish competent colored officers and
even after Indiana'S claims were presented
1t was feared that to make distinction in
favor of the State would cause disruption
and dissatisfaction. Senator Fairbanks's
second telegram seems to settle conclusively
that colored captains, lieutenants and nom
commissioned officers are to be accepted
with the Indiana companies. 1t reads:
THE secretary of war has just wired me
that the colored companies accepted from
Indiana will be allowed to have colored Off
GERS from captains down.
While official notice has not been received
from Washington, it is believed that the
kilograms from Senator Fairbanks of yes
terday are final, and that no further COM
plications will ensue.
Colored men of indianapolis who heard of
the pleasing result of the Governors eff
forts were very well satisfied with the re-
suits last night. George l.. Knox said that
while he had not had a chance to discuss
the order from Washington, he felt that it
would be satisfactory.
1T shows" said he, that Governor
everything possible in the behalf of the col
ored people. Now is our opportunity. AS
1 understand the messages and the situa-
recognition denied to any other state. Inc
colored men, in my opinion, ought to take
advantage of the opportunity, and believe
that it will not be difficult to get company
here
This was the sentiment of other colored
men who were shown the kilograms from
Senator Fairbanks.
Efforts to have Indiana's allotment for
Colonel Huggins'S regiment increased 10
four instead of two companies Will continue.
1t does not appear likely, however, that the
allotment will be increased considering the
size of the territory from which the reg1-
ment is to be made up. Governor Mount
was not at his office yesterday AFTERNOON.
He was kept home by an accident Gov
Mount will tender the command OF one OF
M Porter to whom an informal tender or
the majorship was made when II seemed
assured that Indiana would be called on LOT
a colored battalion of four companies. Col.
Wilson yesterday afternoon tried to com
municate with Captain Porter by telephone,
but could not reach him. Captain Porter,
on a former occasion said to a Journal re-
porter that he was willing to serve In any
capacity that the Governor might be able TO
place him. AS the regiment is now being
formed at Louisville, 1t will be necessary
to begin the formation of the Indiana COM
panies as soon as official instructions are
received either from the War department
or Colonel Higgins.
Governor Mount said last night to a jour
nal reporter that he was sun nopeIul IhdC
Indiana would be permitted TO furnish four
colored companies. If this wish is not graf
flied it is possible that the two companies
will be made up OF men VINO were C0Inecleu
with the old National Guard. Governor
Mount regards this as situation where
colored men will have a chance to demon
strate that the prejudice against them is
not well founded, and that they are capable
of making not only good fighters, but good
commanders as well. For this reason he
will be careful to see that only the bravest
men are accepted and that competent line
officers are placed in command. He had
not determined last night just what would
he done in regard to the organization of the
colored companies. If the efforts to have
four companies are successful. two will
come from the southern half of the State
and two from the northern half. Governor
Mount expressed a hope that Captain Por-
ter would accept a commission, as he re-
CARDS him an excellent dlsc1pnnarlan
most excellent service by reason of his long