The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-11-03
NEGRO TROOPS MUT|NY
Refused to Obey Orders of Their
White Officers.
THEY WOULD NOT DRILL
Two Regiments Ordered Out to Quel
tho Riot-They Objected to the
Discharge OF Incompetent
Negro Oficers.

Knoxville, Tenn, Nov. 2.-The camp
OF the 9Th Virginia regiment (colored)
was this morning the scene of a mutiay
among the men OF that command. The
men in several companies refused to
obey commands or orders issued 10y 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 a few lays ago, and there mas
existed during that time a feeling OF
discomfort among some OF the negroes
who preferred to be commanded by
officers OF their own race. The feeling
has grown until II evidenced itself this
morning In a positive declaration
against the white officers. The regi.
ment was called for drill at the usual
hour. and the white officers assumed
command. To their surprise and ndig-
nation, the negroes refused TO execute
the drills. and when pressed for an
explanation, IL was announced that the
presence of white officers was the
cause. The officers were inclined to
the opinion that IL was a momentary
complaint n 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 IL 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 visited the camp with
Major General John Bates. who ar
rived I'm the camp for the first time a
few minutes before the mutiny began.
IL was evident that serious trouble was
In order II the riotous negroes were
aAs ...aAta1 a.A -. that oaAn INnln-
mel Kuert at nee ordered The 3lst
Michigan Inc 9Th Ohio regiments 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 Major Johnson, a colored officer
of the regiment, addressed the men.
direct violation of the military laws
and was punishable by death. n that
a continuance of the same would bring
the regiment into most unfortunate dis
favor. They assured the men that a
complaint. II 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 channels would re-
ceive attention from all officers con-
cerned. Colonel Croxton stated very
emphatically h a a continuance OF this
revolt would mean rigid enforcement
OF the discipline covering such cases.
and said he demanded obedience n
had the power to enforce the de-
mand.
The Michigan regiment. which had
appeared upon the scene in double
time and which was armed for battle,
was ordered back to its camp n the
negroes agreed to send their complaints
in through the military channels. and
I'm the meantime to obey their white
officers. IL is not believed here that
the white officers will be removed. be-
cause IL is a fact hat the negro officers
who preceded them resigned on ac-
count Of incompetency. The Virginia
camp is quiet tonight and no further
trouble is anticipated. at least for the
present.