The Denver star., 1914-09-19
LIEUTENANT COLONEL IN
ARMY WAS ONCE A SLAVE.

Charles Alexander Tells Story Of OF.
fiesr Alisn Aliensworth's Struggles.
'The Battles and Victories Of Allen
Allensworth," Lieutenant colonel, Unit
ed States army, retired. il the title of
new book by Charles Alexander.
Like bold. clear voice out of will
derness Of conflicting and confusing
discussion comes this new volume re-
lating the story of one OF the most
unique characters in American his.
tory. 1t Is doubtful whether anything
finer is exhibited in our literature than
the heroic life and noble endeavors of
Allen Allensworth. Handicapped from
the start in the awful mire Of slavery,
but possessing n self consciousness Of
the difficulties before him, even at an
early age. he strove to live blamelessly
before his peers and to carve out a
destiny for himself that should reflect
credit upon his race.
Mr.. John Steven McGroarty, the
eminent playwright. whose mission
Play" has attracted so much attention
along the Pacific coast and whose
History Of California" has become a
text book, in his sympathetic foreword
says: 1.-The descendant of ancestors
who had been dragged from the jun
giles Of Africa into the slavery Of the
American cotton field. himself born in
slavery and sold as human chattel
on the block Of the slave market Of
Henderson. KY. this man fought his
way with a dogged persistence and a
sublime courage to q place Of peerage
in the affairs of the nation that had
shackled himself and his fathers.
''Withal he preserved throughout his
life nobility of character and
gentleness Of soul which saved him to
blithe and serene living and which
leaves him now. in the twilight Of his
days. at peace with the world, honor
ed by the community where he lives,
distinguished in the service he render
ed the nation which had enslaved him.
loved by all who know him without
regard to race or creed-:a man of
deeds and Christian charity"
This narrative is intended to refresh
better understand the enthralled con-
ditioniof the humble slaves during that
dark period. and likewise to bring to
his attention the strength Of the moral
force which was largely responsible
for the extinction Of the institution.
And further. to compel the recogni-
ton of meritorious characters who
still live among US, those who BY In
dustry, economy, thrift. enterprise.
truth telling and distinguished service
to others have won for themselves
an honored position in American life.
Colonel Allensworth has walked
among his fellows a modest. unob-
trusive. God fearing man. and with no
aid save his indomitable courage ho
has made his way to the very front In
the American army. The simplicity Of
his life and the splendid liberation of
, his spirit distinguished him as a good
| counsellor and wise leader.
The reader will fnd 1t dimcult to
fully estimate the variety and value OF
his services both in civil and military
life. for he has not only been force
full and eloquent preacher. an inde-
I1LlKAUI6 anu 0uCScboAuI 0NuVotS&0SnSss
but a gallant soldier, a ranking chap
lain and the founder of fourishing
Negro town. Chaplain Orville J. Nave.
who read over the manuscript of this
remarkable book, said Of it: ut sus-
tains ones interest from start to
finish. There Is no chapter In 1t that
abates ones desire to know what 10
coming next. 1t IL as fascinating a.
the best Of historical novels. with the
added charm that comes from the
knowledge that this is life starting
under dark slavery. but triumphing In
distinguished achievements"
This book has a mission. Its mis-
sion is to set forth the strength OF the
Negro character under adverse condi-
tions and to stimulate and inspire the
younger generation Of the Negro race.
And further, to show the progress OF
the race during the past fifty yeArs-a
progress quite remarkable in the an
mails Of the worlds history. This book
! will serve as textbook to students
| Of social and economic conditions
among the American Negroes.