The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-04-30
Gossip from Washington

Washington. April 2s.-tspecial)-A for gotten incident of the civil war has come to light through the compilation of the muster rolls of the Confederate soldiers. as provided for by the last Congress. It will appear in the oficial records of the Union and Confederate armies that the only body of negro soldiers organized during the war for the Confederate army was in New Orleans. though it did not take part in any hostilities.
 This command of negro Confederates was organized in April. 1861, and was en- rolled as part of the militia of Louisiana to serve for the term of the war. It was composed of what was then known as Tree colored persons, residents of the city of New Orleans. Its officers were commissioned by the Governor of the State.
 The coiored "rebels' were excluded Legislature, approved January g. 1862. which was intended to ''reorganize the militia" Under the provisions of the act 1t was required that the militia of the State should be composed of all free white males capable of bearing arms be- tween the ages of IS and 45 years" The act went into effect February t5 1862.
 But on March 24. 1862, the Governor of Louisiana issued an order containing the following:
 "The Governor and commander in chief. relying implicitly upon the loyalty of tho free colored population of the city and State for the protection of their homes
 and believing that the military organization which existed prior to the 18th of February. 1882 : should ex- ist for and during the war. calls upon them to maintain their organization and hold themselves prepared for such orders as may be transmitted to them" Series
 The colored orea anizatiou was known a q the Native Guard" It did not leave New Orleans with it's evacuation by the Confederate forces. April 25 1862. though it is of record that General Butler. then commenting the Department of the Gulf, with headquarters at New Orleans. did on August 2. 1862, issue an order calling upon all members of the Native Guard to enlist in the service of the United States.
 There is no record of any response by the members of the colored command.
 Thinks Well of German.
 Repress ntative Marion Griffith. Demo- CT at. of Indiana, who succeeded the late William s. Holman, is of the opinion that Senator German is the strongest favorite for the Democratic nomination next year in Indiana.
 "rhe Democratic party in Indiana" said MT. Griffifth today, Ifs getting back into its old form: in fact I believe that is true of the party everywhere. I think column next year. and the general result will mean the election of Democratic President.
 As to the man to be nominated there seems to be considerable doubt among Democrats of our State. Indiana has been a pretty strong Bryan State, far stronger than is generally supposed. How ever there is not a Bryan man In Indiana who does not recognize that Bryan can not win. and. therefore, there is the ut most desire to harmonize and concentrate on some Democrat who can give the Re- publicans a serious race.
 Senator Arthur P. German of Mary land is probably the strongest man of any of those who have been mentioned l am satisfied that there is more sentiment for the Marylander in Indiana than there is for Judge Parker of New York or any other man who Is spoken of for the first