The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-22
NEGROES WILL NOT
 BE TAKEN IN ARMY
Captain Lanza, U, s. A, Talks Interestingly AbOutEnIiStment
ONLY 25 PER CENT TAKEN
Rroken.hearted Lovers, Criminals, Men Who Are Poverty-stricken and Ad- venturers Come to Recruit
 ing Station to Enlist.

Capt Conrad H. Lanza of the United States artillery corps and the new re- eruiting officer in Birmingham is already at work enlisting men into the service of the government. The new officer in this city is a man of fine appearance. hand some and of pleasing address and bids fair to become popular. He has been in the service for six years. He came from Grand Rapids and will be stationed here for two years, subject to change. Capt. Lanza is an interesting eonversationaist and in an interview yesterday stated that while there were many applicants for ad- mission into the srmy, about seventy five per cent were turned down. Many applicants never pass the sergeant. In order to enlist it is necessary to bear strict investigation as to character. Many apply whose appearance bars them from ever reaching the Captains room. Others again get as far as the medical officer, who has to refuse them on account of physical defects.
 Reasons for Enlisting.
 "The reasons for enlisting," said Capt. Lanza, "is generally because of lack of
  gry, despairing of ever obtaining decent employment comes to the recruiting sta- ton as a last resort. It is very pathetic to see such men when necessity compels me to turn them down. Their faces, when they come in, are set and deterrnin- ed, but when refused admittance the ex- pression often changes to that of blank dispair.
 "Of course there are some who enlist because of an earnest desire to become soldiers and that class of men are usu- ally contented and happy when they put on their uniform.
 "Then again the sentimental apply they have been disappointed in love, or perhaps a lover's quarrel leads them on the impulse of the moment to imagine their hopes have been blighted and noth- ing but a change of scene and environ ment can heal their wounded hearts.
 "The criminal comes too, but the laws are so strict that it is almost an impos- sibility for him to join. As a general thing he is easily known. Feeling he Is an Ishmaelite, with the world against him, he cannot help but betray himself.
 No Negroes Accepted.
 'No, the captain said in answer to an enquiry, I'm not taking any negroes unless they have served in the army be- | ceived notification from the govern ment that all vacancies in the colored regiments have been filled, so negroes need not apply.
 "One of the best opportunities offered in the army is in the electrical department have just received information that there are nineteen vacancies in that de- partment. The inducements are good, in- dependent of the $75 a month A special two months course of instruction Is given and man is made sergeant right away" Captain Lanza was three years in the Philippines and stated that that country afforded good opportunities to a man with some capital When l was there" said the captain, two years ago. the English and Germans practically controlled the mercantile business. A great many Amer . jeans when mustered out of the army re- mained There and started up some busi- ness and I understand that they are all doing well. It will only be a matter of short time before American progress and enterprise will forge ahead placing the United States commercially as well as physically the head of the Philippine Islands. .'