Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-11-05
COLOR LINZ CONFLICT.
Virginia Volunteer Regiment Re-
fuses to Obey Orders.
OBJECTIONS TO WHITE OFFICERS.

Regiments From Onto and Michigan
Called Upon TO Subdue the Multi
necrS. when the Latter Promised TO
obey Orders and Present Grievances
Knoxville Tenn. Nov 5.--The camp
of the sixth Virginia tceloredl regiment
was yesterday the scene Of mutiny
among the men OF the command, men
in several companies refusing to obey
commands or orders issued by the
nine white officers who We're recently
assigned to the regiment by Governor
Tyler Of Virginia. The officers were
assigned to the various companies a
few days ago, and there has existed
during that time a feeling OF discon-
tent with some Of "a negroes, who
preferred to be commsaded by officers
of their own race. The feeling has
grown until II evidenced itself yester-
.day in a positive declaration against
the white officers.
The regiment was called for drill at
the usual hour and the white officers
assumed command To their surprise
and indignation the negroes refused to
execute the drills. and when pressed
for an explanation II was announced
that the presence Of white officers was
the cause. The officers were inclined
to the opinion that II was momentary
complaint. and accordingly sent their
companies out under colored lieuten-
ants. At police formation the same
open disregard for orders from the
white officers was apparent, and II was
then determined to report the matter
to higher authorities.
Colonel Croxton, commanding the
regiment, reported II TO Colonel Kuert
division commander, who in turn visit
ed the camp with Major General Bates,
who arrived in the camp for the first
time a few moments before the mutiny
began. 1t was evident that serious
trouble was in order if the riotous ne
groes were not queted and on that ac-
count Colonel Kuert at once ordered
the Thirty-frst Michigan and Sixth
Ohio regiments to the scene These
regiments were under arms, but the
Ohio boys were turned back before
reaching the camp. Colonies Kuert
and Croxton and also Major Johnson. a
colored officer of the regiment. adj
dressed the men. They explained that
HuGH dtlAbu " DIS III btiEAN NtpthAipl VI
the military laws and was punishable
by death, and that continuance Of
the same would bring the regiment into
most unfortunate disfavor. They as
sured the men that a complaint, II
such they rightfulv had, should be
forwarded to the governor of Virginia,
and they were assured that such a
complaint sent through the proper
channels would receive attention from
all officers concerned. Colonel Croxton
stated very emphatically that this re-
volt would mean rigid enforcement Of
the discipline covering such cases, and
said he demanded obedience and had
the power to enforce the demand.
The Michigan regiment, which had APP
peared on the scene in double quick
| time, and which was armed for battle.
was ordered back to its camp, and the
negroes agreed to send their COM
plants in through the military chan
nels and in the meantime to obey their
white officers.
1t is not believed here that the white
officers will be removed, because II is
"a fact the negro officers who preceded
them resigned on account Of incom-
potency The Virginia camp is quiet.
and no further trouble is anticipated,
at least for the present.