Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-26
USE COLORED TROOPS.
New Policy Suggested Regarding OPP
erations In the Philippines.
sta


A policy IS being discussed in regard to
the future military operation Of this gov
eminent in tho Philippines, which is at
tracing much attention among those TO
whose attention IL has been, brought, and
it will unquestionably be considered by
the administration in the near future.
This policy Is advocated with the idea
that certain racial affiliations may be
utilized I'm a way 10 defeat TebellOus acts
on the part OF Aguinaldo and his party
and 10 bring peace to the newly-acquirod
possessions OF the United states In the
East.
II is proposed TO utilize negro troops I'm
the Philippines TO a very large extent,
and it is suggested that the four negro
regiments now i'm this country be ordered
for this duty, and that they be followed
I'm the near future by five additional regi-
ments of volunteers made up Of cOlored
men. II is not generally understood that
about one-thrd of the population Of the
Philippines are negroes of the same race
as those Of the United States. They are
the aborigines Of the islands, who were
subdued by the Malay race now dominant
there among the natives. These natives
are not numerous about Manila, but on
some Of the islands they comprise nearly
the entire population. That is the case
especially on the Island of Negros.
WOULD YIELD TO NEGROES.
1t IS argued that If colored troops were
sent among these people they would more
readily succumb 20 their rule and prefer
them 10 the race of which Agunaldo IS
the leader. In short time It is thought
there would be an assimilation between
the negroes Of the Philippines and th.lr
Kindred from the United States
1t is believed by those who advocate this
plan that the colored men of the South
would gladly embrace the opportunity for
manly effort that would be given them
through the execution Of such a campaign.
There are considerable tracts Of land I'm
the Philippines that have never been set
tied and that would offer attractive
homes. Much Of this land Is i'm the pub
lie domain and under favorable conditions
that could be arranged would be available
for settlement
The colored men Of the United States
would have opportunities to get homes and
would have before them the possibilities
OF careers they could not hope for in the
United States. The highest political Offices
Of the islands would be within the grasp
Of any one who could become dominant
among men of his own race. Business
and other opportunities would be open
TO them, and there would be none OF that
racial prejudice 10 encounter that is 50
detrimental 20 their advancement IN this
country.
SOLDIERS WOULD BECOME COLO
NISTS.
1t is not believed that there would be
any retrograde movement among the coll
Ored race Of this country transplante1
10 the Philippines. They would have out
lined for them that same form OF rcpub-
lcan government TO (which they have
been accustomed at home, and they would
have better chance % enjoy the results
Of their ambition than they have ever
known in the United States. Those who
advocate the forwarding OF negro troops
10 the Philippines believe that their fam
lilies should be sent along with them
whenever desired, so that their long sep
aration from home might not make them
feel as exies. AS soon as hOstilities IN
the Philippines have ceased there VIII be
a great deal Of public work 10 be done,
and that would give desirable employment
TO large numbers Of people. The colored
men from the United states would have
opportunities 10 MI responsible places on
such works It is believed that once
tide Of emigration were started from this
so satisfactorily 10 the colored people that
large numbers Of them would seek a new
home i'm the islands Of the East.
The emigration Of colored men Is re-
garded as the natural outcome 81 mill
tary operations. which would involve their
use I'm suppressing instruction In the
Philippines. With a third OF the AlOpula-
ton OF those islands antagonistic TO Agui-
naldo and welcoming the coming OF coli
ored men Of their own race and OF intel
Iigence superior TO their own. IL Is be-
lieved that an enormous influence for
future peace would be secured.
ThSse who advocate this plan strongly
condemn the sending Of colored troops 70
Cuba, where. II is said. that race tends
to incite opposition instead OF being a
power for good.
Booker Washington on Lynchinss.