Franklin's paper the statesman., 1911-03-18

The departure OF the soldiers from
Fort Russell. Wyo., has centered the
Iritcrdst or the Negro citizens or INC
United States upon the maneuvers AT
San Antonio. Texas. no less than the
mobilization OF one-fourth of the Unit
ed States army has Interested our
white neighbors. The regiment num-
bers nearly COO men. and was en-
trained In four sections. II was near
" a week after the first orders for de-
parture were received before the rail
roads could furnish accommodations
for men and horses. During that time
after the first excitement of packing
was over. the men were on tiptoe
OF expectancy. whether the move TO
the Mexican border foreshadowed
simply maneuvers, Intervention in
Mexico or war with Japan. The tenn
per of the veterans or the Philippine
and Cuban campaigns and the Older
men OF the Indian wars. was that the
Ninth would acquit herself with cred
Il in any event The more adventur-
Gus looked forward with equanimity
to the worst as an opportunity for
glory and Advancement. and the more
sober prepared themselves to do their
duty ms became soldiers with ap-
proved reputation. The new recruits
with little knowledge of the hardships
of n campaign were full of wonder as
to what the outcome would be. They
alone furnish the problem OF the regi-
ment. for they are numerous and need
time for acquiring the rudiments OF
drill, ms well as imbibing the sterling
discipline which means GOODNESS under
fire and effectiveness. The reason for
this lies in the discharge a few years
ago OF n large number OF men at once
whose time of service neared three
years, so that the regiment while IN
the Philippines would not be deeimat-
ed by frequent discharges. However,
the hope Ia held that they will come
up to Ninth Cavalry standard.
1t was an inspiring sight to see the
veteran sergcants and other non-com-
missioned officers of the various
troops bring the chaos of preparation
Into order. SO that the debarkation
into. camp will be easy. Good humor
prevailed everywhere, broken only at
times by the sorrow of some loved one
left behind. The wives and sweet
hearts OF the men made a large throng
at the depot where they bid lorg
farewell Then with many tear.
many a cheer and universal waving
OF hands, they were of, maybe FOR
peace. maybe for the glory of war.
A larger interest rests IN the Ninth
Cavalry than in any other colored reg
iment, for 1t is the one with the only
commissioned officer of our race. Cap
tain Charles Young, og Troop |. com
manding the third squadron of the reg
iment. consisting of Troops l. X. l. and
M, by virtue of his seniority. was In
charge OF one section. His presence
will mean much for the morals of the
whole regiment, for. contrary to the
opinion much expressed that Negroes
do not fight well under officers OF their
own, the Statesman representative
found the opinion universal thta for
man OF the tried courage and ability
Of Captain Young. the last man OF the
regiment would lay down his life In
obedience to orders. Doubtless part
oe this high regard has come to the
captain from an appreciation OF his
qualities az man. for unlike many
men who rise to heights unusual for
members Of their class or race, he IL
an unassuming man. lover OF his
race, Z worker for It, whether It ID In