The herald., 1898-11-03
DREW the COLOR LINE
BY REFUSING OBEDIENCE TO
WHITE OFFICERS
MUTINY OF COLORED TROOPS
Is ouelled by Promises That Formal
Complaints Would Receive the
Attention of Officials
Associated Press Special Wire


CAMP POLAND, Tenn, Nov. 2.-The
camp of the Sixth Virginia regiment, col
ored, was. this morning the scene of a
mutiny among the men OF that command.
The men in several companies refused to
obey commands or orders issued by the
nine white officers who were recently as
signed to the regiment by Gov. Tyler OF
Virginia. The officers assumed command
of the various companies few days ago
and there has existed during that time u
feeling OF discomfort among some of the
negroes, who preferred to be commanded by
officers of their own race. The feeling has
grown until it evidenced itself this morning
in a positive declaration against the white
officers. The regiment was called for drill
at the usual hour and the white officers as
sumed command. To their surprise and in
dignation the negroes refused to execute
the drills, and when pressed for an explana-
tion it was announced that the presence of
the white officers was the cause. The of
tcers were inclined to the opinion that it
was momentaIy complaint and accord
ingly sent their companies out under col
ored lieutenants.
AT police formation the same open disre-
gard for orders from the white officers was
apparent, and it was then determined to
report the matter to higher authorities.
Col. Croxton, commanding the regiment,
reported it to Col. Kuert, division COM
mander, who in turn visited the camp with
Maj. Gen. John Bates, who arrived in the
camp for the first time few minutes be-
fore the mutiny began. 1t was evident that
serious trouble was in order if the riotous
negroes were not quieted, and on that ac
count Col. Kuert at once ordered the Thir
ty-iirst Michigan and Sixth Ohio regiments
to the scene. These regiments were under
arms, but the Ohio boys were turned back
before reaching the Virginia camp. Coils,
kuert and Croxton and also Maj. johnson,
a colored officer of the regiment, addressed
the men. They explained that such action
was in direct violation of the military laws
and was punishable by death, and that a
continuance of the same would bring the
regiment into most unfortunate disfavor.
They assured the men that a complaint, if
such they felt that they rightfully had,
should be forwarded to the governor of
Virginia and they were assured that such
a complaint, sent through the proper chan
nels, would receive attention from all Of
ficers concerned. Col. CroXton stated very
that a continuance of the 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 reg
iment, which had appeared upon 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 channels, |
and in the meantime to obey their white |
officers. 1t is not believed here that the |
white officers will be removed because it is |
a fact that the negro officers who preceded |
them resigned on account OF inrompetency. |
The Virginia camp is quiet tonight and
no further trouble is anticipated, at least
for the present,