Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-10-29
THE REMOVAL OF CoLoRED oFFlo.
ERS-

The virtual removal OF the nine col
ored officers of the Sixth Virginia Reg
iment has produced profound sensa-
ton IN this state. The appointment
Of white officers to succeed them has
caused wave Of indignation, which
manifests itself upon the eountensnce
of every colored citizan with whom it
is ones privilege to talk.
Thai the so-called examination was
brought about for the purpose Of rid
ding the service of these colored ofic-
ers is apparent, and that Lieutenant
Colonel CRoxroN is directly RESPONSE
bic for the entire affair is too plain to
be denied.
II His Excellency, j. HoeE TYLER is
to be blamed at sI, it is for being de-
ceivei by the appointment OF an officer
to command the regiment, who Was
lopposed to the men and officers OF the
Sixth Virginia Regiment.
1t is well-known fact that the men
Of this regiment volunteered with the
understanding that they would be Of
ficered by men from the regiment
When the government violates that
obligation, either upon the recon-
mendation OF Col. CRoxroN or General
Anybody the regiment should be
permitted to decide whether it will
continue in or be mustered out OF SER
Lxice.
We are free to confess that we be-
lieve that our Governor, J. HoGs TY-
LER has dealt fairly and squarely with
us. We do not believe that he was in
any-wise q party to the trick by which
these colored officers were forced to
resign their commissions.
When he was Hotified of the action
of the men, he instructed that promo
tions be made from the ranks of the
respective companies. Instead of do
ing this. Lieutenant Colonel CRoxroS
is reported to have said that it could
not be done, inasmuch as none were
competent
bad been examiner 1t was plain that
he meant to say that he wanted white
officers, and as there were none in che
regiment. he would nos promote the
colsred men.
1t should not be forgotten that all of
these colored officers have been exam
med by the Virginia Military Board
and declared Co be competent.
The same body passed upon the com
retency of every white officer in the
volunteer service of Virginia. None of
them have been forced to resign, by
any such methods as those put INTO
practice by Lieutenant Colonel ORox-
TON.
Why should not the Secretary OF
War order an examination as to the
competency of the Lieutenant Colonel
Of the Sixth Virginia Regiment. Let
the board be made up of the faculty of
the military institute at West Point,
Ny.
Who believes that this prejudiced of
fcer would be able to undergo such an
examination upon short notice?
1t is authoritively stated that Lieu
tenant-Colonel CRoxroN is dissatisfied
" tn his colored officers. As the mat
ter now stands, Major J. B. JOHNSON of
this city is the ranking officer in the
regiment and he promises to be rid OF
him and the other colored officers by
the same methods.
The proper movement for the citi-
zens OF the state is to send memorials
to the Secretary of War, RUSSELL A
ALGER and the President of the United
States, WILLIAM McKINLEx that the
Sixth Virginia Regiment be mustered
out of service.
In the meantime, let every man of
the regiment, through his command
ing officer ask for his discharge, and
let Lieutenant-Colonel CROxroN come
home or take 9 command in the volun- |
teer army more to his liking.
1t is bad enough to fight the Spani- |
ards in the PHILIPPINES, it is worse to |
face the yellow-fever and smallpox in |
Cuka.
Make an effort to come home, boys, |
and we viii make an effort to get you