The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-22
BLACK BOYS
ARE OFF.
Brave Young COlOred Men March
Away to Sickly Cuba.
The 23rd Kansas Leaves in
Three Trains.
GOV. LEEDY SPEAKS
To the BattaliOns From State
House Steps.
Thousands of People Witness
the Departure.
GOV. LEEDY SPEAKS


Ored volunteers left Topeka for San
tiago. Cuba, by way of Chicago and
New York
The last night in camp was fully of
merrymal1ing and rejoicing over the
fact that the troops were to go to the
front. Col. Beck issued an order that
the first call would sound at o'clock in
the morning and that at that time the
work of breaking camp would COM
mence- Although the breaking of camp
was to commence so early in the morn
ing the gayety was kept up till after
midnight and an hour before the call
sounded the troops were awake and the
packing commenced.
1t took but a short time to strike the
dog tents and to roll blankets and
tent poles in them. Two soldiers are
assigned to a dog tent and each one
carries half the canvas and half the
poles. tent pins and guy ropes. Extra
clothing, and blankets are rolled in the
halves of the tent and the roll is then
Slung around the soldiers body over
one shoulder. Tin cups, knives, forks
and cooking utensils are tied on. By
O'Clock everything was in readiness for
the departure and a light breakfast
was had. Then the two battaIiOns
were formed and marched to the state
house where Governor Leedy was to re-
view them.
The troops marched into the state
mouse grounds at the west entrance and
were formed en- masse in front of the
south steps. The band played Aud
Lang Syne" and America" and as they
finished Governor Leedy was intro
duced by Col. Beck.
Governor Leedy said: Soldiers Of
the TWenty-third Kansas. It gives me
great pleasure to speak to YOU before
you leave for Cuba. wish to offer you
a few words of advice You viii not ar
rive in Cuba in time to take part in the
war with Spain but in times of peace
there are plenty of chances to try your
citizenship and sOldiership and for you
to show that you are worthy to be call
ed American citizens and worthy to
represent Kansas as soldiers.
In Cuba you will find yourselves
among people of your own race. They
have been under the oppression of
Spain and are not intelligent as you
are. Among you 95 out of every 100
can read and write but not so in Cuba
The years of freedom have lifted you
beyond what you will find there. The
natives of Cuba will foster a hate
against Spain. Your intelligence will
aid you to direct them and advise them
against overt acts. Recite your own
history to them. You can do much
toward bringing the state of affairs in
Cuba among your own people to that
point which will make Cuba a state.
Teach them the liberty upon which
state is founded. Teach them what you
can and you will perform a great ser
vice. There will be opportunities
awaiting you in Cuba that may open a
new field to your race.
mo troops that have been camped in
Kansas have behaved better than you.
You can be relied upon going into
foreign country. You will have the
same restraint as here and we will have
no fear of your conduct. You have the
thanks of every citizen of Kansas for
the way you have behaved"
Governor Leedy's speech was received
with cheers as the companies swung
into line ready to take up the march to
the depot. Battery B fired a salute OF
eight guns and with a delegation from
Lincoln post in the lead followed by
the band the column moved off.
Col. Beck rode at the head of the col
umn attired in a light brown canvas
uniform. Following him came Majors
Brown and Ford followed by the band
and the companies.
The line of march was east on Ninth
street to Kansas avenue, north on
Kansas avenue to Fifth and east on
Fifth to the depot.
At the depot the trains We're in wait
ing and the first section in command OF
Major Brown left at $50 The second
section under command of Major Ford
left at 9:45 and the third section in
command of Col. Beck and bearing the
band left at 10 o'clock.
I'VE expect a pleasant trip to Cuba"
said Col Beck. I'VE do not anticipate
fighting but probably some severe police
duty. We may find an opening in Gu
ba and may remain there. Every man
j
bring everyone back for we do not fear
yellow fever.
I wish to thank General Passenger
Agent Jerry Black of the Santa Fe for
the very courteous manner in which
he has looked out for all our wants. We
can ask no more. We have all we
want"
The platform and space between the
tracks was crowded with friends who
were there to bid fOreweI to the sol
diers. Girls were caught up and kissed.
Women were rushing here and there
with baskets of lunch, glasses of lem
onade, sacks Of smoking tobacco and
small boys took the canteens from the
soldiers in the cars and filled them at
the hydrants.
his eye I'm lookin' fer a Teller OATS
ere wearin' my daughters ring he
said. IF I kin find him I'll wipe up de
ground wild him till I wear de price of
dat ring out OBJ him. Jeff hunted till
the last but he could not find the man.
Wait till weuns get to Cuba" said
Bandmaster George Washington Jack
son. Wen make dem natives cut de
mustard when we play A Hot Time
All Coons Look Alike to Me and De
Bully We'se gwine to hab cake
walks right under the palm trees and
have a big cOcoanut cake for de prize.
[ expects to run for sheriff as soon as
there is a chance. Use had experience
enough in de justice court to make a
warm sheriff
s.Oh isaac cried a tall colored girl
who stood on the outer edge of the
crowd and looked over their heads to
where Isaac was in the car.
What is it, honey?' called Issac.
4 want ter kiss yer" and Isaac
made a rush through the crowd and it
was given and taken for several min
utes.
Good by. honey, you must wear your