The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-11-03
OBJECT TO WHITE OFFICERS
TWO REGIMENTS ORDERED TO
THE SCENE,
Firmness of Commanders Averts
Serious Trouble-When Told
About Death Penalties the
Negroes Weaken.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

CAMP POLAND, KNOXVILLE,
Tenn, Nov. 2.-The camp of the Sixth
Virginia Regiment (colored) was this
morning the scene of a mutiny among
the men of that command. The men
in several companies refused to obey
the commands or orders issued by the
nine white officers who were recently
assigned to the regiment by Governor
Tyler of Virginia. The officers as
sumed command of the various COM
panies few days ago, and there has
existed during that time a feeling of
dlscontent among some of the negroes
who preferred to be commanded by Of
ficers of their own race. The feeling
has grown until it evidenced itself this
morning In 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 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 lieuten-
ants.
At police formation the same open
disregard for orders from the white Of
ncers was apparent, and it was then
determined to report the matter to
higher authorities. Colonel Croxton.
commanding the regiment, reported it
to Colonel kuert, division commander,
who in turn visited the camp with
Major General John Bates, who ar
rived fOr no
rev minutes before the mutiny began
1t was evident that serious trouble
was In order if the riotous negroes were
not quoted, and on that account Col
oneI kuert at once ordered the Thirty
first 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. Colonies Kuert and
Croxton, and also Major Johnson, a col
ored officer of the regiment addressed
the men. They explained that such
actlon was in direct violation of 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, if such
they felt that they rtghtfuIly had.
should be forwarded to the Governor
OF Virginia. and they were assured
that such a complaint sent through The
proper channels would receive atten-
ton from all officers concerned.
Colonel Croxton stated very emphati
cally that continuation of this revolt
would mean rigid enforcement of the
qlsclp1ne covering such cases, and said
he demanded obedience and had the
power to enforce the demand. The
Michigan regiment, which had an
peared upon the scene in double time
ana which was armed for battle, was
ordered back to it's camp and the ne
sroeS agreed TO send their complaints
in through the military channels ana
IN the meantime to obey their white or
flcers.
1t is not believed here that the white
officers will be removed, because 1t is a
tact that the negro officers who pre-
ceded them resigned on account of in
competency. The Virginia camn 10
quiet tonight and no further trouble
Is anticipated, at least for the present