The age-herald., 1898-11-03
NEGRO SOLDIERS
 IN OPEN MUTINY Refused to Obey the Commands .Ol
 White Officers. DISGRACE THEIR UNIFORM Were Told That They Must Do as
 Told OF Be Shot. ARMED REGIMENT ON THE SCENE The Thirty-First Michigan Was Prompt ly Dispatched to the Negroes Camp to Enforce Order and :
 Quell the Disturbance.
ARMED REGIMENT ON THE SCENE

Camp Poland, Knoxville, November D. The camp of the Sixth Virginia, colored regiment, was this morning the scene Of a mutiny among the men of that command. I he trouble was in the nature of the men of several companies refusing to obey com- mands or orders issued by the nine white officers, who were recently assigned to the regiment by Governor Tyler of Virginia. inc officers were assigned to their various companies few days ago. and there has existed since that time a feeling of dis content among the negroes. who preferred to be commanded by officers of their own race. The feeling has grown until it evi- denced 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 assumed command To their surprise and indigna- tion, the negroes refused to execute the drills, and when pressed for an explanation it was announced that the presence of white officers was the cause. The officers were inclined to the opinion that it was a momentary complaint, and accordingly sent their companies out under colored lieutenants. At this afternoons formation 1t was the same disregard of orders from the white officers that was apparent, and it was then determined to report the matter to higher authorities.
 Reported to Division Commander
 Colonel Croxton, commanding the regi- ment reported it to Colonel Kurtz, divis- ion commander, who in turn visited the camp with Major-General John R. Bates who arrived in the camp for the first time few minutes before the mutiny began. Major CaZiac, the division adjutant was also upon the scene. It was evident that serious trouble was in order if the riotous negroes were not quieted, and on that ac- count Colonel Kuert at once ordered the Thfrty-frst Michigan and Sixth Ohio regi- ments to the scene. These regiments were under arms, but the Ohio boys were turned back before reaching the Virginia camp. Colonel Kuert and Croxton and Major Caziac and also Major Johnston, 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 con- tinuance of the same would bring the regi- ment into most unfortunate disfavor. They assured the men that a complaint, if such they felt they rightfully 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 alls officers concern ed.
 Disgrace to Their Uniforms Major Caziac stated that the negroes were not only disgracing the blue in this open revolt, but were making themselves unworthy to wear it, and were besides their oaths as soldiers. Colonel Croxton stated very emphatically that continuation of this revolt 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 ap- peared upon the scene in double quick time and which was armed for battle, was or- dered back to its camp, and the negroes agreed to send in their complaints through the military channels, and, in the mean time, to obey their white officers. It Is not believed here that the white officers will be removed, because it Is a fact that the negro officers who preceded them re- signed on account of incompetency It has been suggested by some that all the offices in the command be given to white soldiers
 The Virginia camp is quiet tonight and no further trouble is anticipated at least for the present