Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-27
TO ORGANIZE NEGRO TROOPS.
Col. MarshnIIs Plan Favored by the
AuthoriticS-tddit Volunteers.

WASHINGTON, d. c., April 2G.-(Spe-
ciaL)-Colone Richard Marshall. OF
Portsmouth, whose proposition TO organ
izc "a brigade or division Of negro troops
10 fight in the war with Spain was pub
lished in the Dispatch to-day, left for
home tonight, enthusiastic over the
manner I'm which his scheme was re-
coivcd boy the authorities here. Colonel
Marshall who was a gallant and brave
Confederate officer, takes strong ground
10 the effect that while the negro should
be allowed to battle for his country un-
der the call for the 12j,OOO volunteer
troops there is no possible way for ne
gro companies To get into any Of the
regiments which will be furnished from
the South. Neither is there possibility
of any negro regiments being admitted
into any brigade, division. or corps from
the South, or any other section Of the
country. If such a thing were possible
the very presence Of a negro military
organization. whether company, bat
talon. or regiment, in a white regiment
brigade. or division, would destroy. the
morale, efficiency. and esprit de co,ps of
both.
Colonel Marshall. accompanied by Sen
ator Martin called on Secretary AIger and
General Miles this evening, and had
most satisfactory conference with them.
Colonel Marshall presented letters from
Governor Tyler and General Lee, ans
made clear his views regarding the unlu-
territorial discrimination against the ne
gro troops in the call by the Presi-
dent for volunteers. The negro compa-
nles in Virginia, and all other States in
the South. had. he said, almost unani-
mously offered their services to the gov
crnors of their States, but there was no
way in which the State authorities could
avail themselves Of their services.
TO PROVE THEIR PATRIOTISM.
Colonel Marshall, who is a Democrat
of the extreme southern type. insisted |
that the negro troops from the South |
should be afforded the privilege OF |
proving their patriotism on the field of |
battle The negro wanted an opportunity |
TO demonstrate his right and title TO |
American citizenship. and now was the |
time TO give IT, TO him. lie proposed to |
orsanize a division Of negro soldiers |
from the States of Alabama, Georgia, |
South Carolina. North Carolina, and Nir-
giuia. numbering some 5000 or 1000, the
governors to appoint the company and /
rceimental officers and the President the
and brigade and division
staff.
Both Secretary Alser and General Miles
were most favorably impressed with the
proposal of Colonel Marshalls and they
viii give it an the support i'm their
power provided way can be found 70
organize separate and distinct negro bri-
eadcs and a division under the command
of q mljor-ecneral
just here is was suggested that Repre-
sentative Wheeler, Of Alabama had in
.roduced a bin authorizing the President
TO cau for 100l0 volunteers additional 70
the 125.0o0 already called for. ii is be-
icved that this bin can be passed and
that il may possibly open the way to
make Colonel Marshalrs novel plan ef-
.ecuve If the call under this bill is
made. there may be "A quiet understands
ng among the governors without saying
20 i'm as many words, that il is meant to
lUow the negroes of the South an oppor-
unity to fight a foreien foe, under the
stars and Stripes and prove that they
ire worthy Of being American citizens.
Colonel Marshall is satisfied that ne
an lead a negro division 70 victory on
,uhan soil.