The Denver star., 1917-04-28

We want history to show that the
time has once again come in the WORK
ings of Almighty Gods providence for
the freed slave along with his sons
and daughters, to dedicate themselves
to freedom, liberty and justice. Whlle
this new dedication is not for the free
dom of a race enslaved and only now
half free on our own soil, but dedicat-
ed to the freedom of all the peoples
everywhere. This dedication is not
limited to sectional, national boun-
daries, nor racial ties, nor to the con-
fines of a single continent, nor by the
shores of single hemisphere; 1t en-
braces a dedication to human freedom
for all the world, even to benighted
and backward Africa. Let history show
no towards, kneebenders, straddlers,
nor grinning shirkers were among
us. and let the world know that while
our president has approved by led
eral order segregation in the depart
ments; that tho it strikes at our very
souls and heartbeats of square deal
and justice, that, we, Negroes or this
nation, Negroes Of Colorado are be-
hind him and as firm as the rocks OF
snowcapped Pixies Peak, and with our
lives we are determined to support
him. as commander-in-chief of the
army and navy, until every menace to
our nation and the nations of the
world has been destroyed. Let history
record the fact that here in Colorado,
Negroes of Colorado wear our nation rs
colors, applaud Old Glory and rise IN
their seats and bare their heads when
our national airs are being played. For
Gods sake, Negroes, catch the spirit,
the hour Is pregnant with TOO many
future blessings for us.
The volunteer enlistment provision,
inserted in the new army bill, meets
the approval of all of America,s piack
citizenry Black men want universal
compulsory military service or volun-
teer enlistment. They are opposed to
the selective draft because they are
assured that in 1t there is motive OF
the South to quite largely fx the
military status OF American black men
during this world war.
It would not be very nice for his
tory to record that black men were
such reasonable and dangerous char
ters in the life Of this nation as TO
Justify the government in withhold
ing guns from our hands, and 1t is the
brave black boys who are rushing TO
the colors now who are going to save
the Negro from the ignominy that the
South hopes to heap upon us when
peace shall again come.
Black men want a place on the mr.
ing line; we want a gun in our hands,
and the volunteer enlistment provision
gives us that chance. OF course, II
the war lasts, conscription is bound
to come, but under this selective draft
it will be possible, and 1t is not un
likely, that most of the Negroes would
be selected for maintenance purposes.
In the far South-Georgia, Louisiana
and Mississippi-thousands OF Ne
groes would be put to work raising
crops and building fortifcations on
our coast lines. All of this we will be
willing to do, in addition to shedding
our blood on the firing line.
1t is to be regretted that in a great
national crisis like this any portion OF
our citizenship should have fear from
internal sources, but we want to re-
tain our status as citizens. When we
hear the South shouting about not
putting guns in black folks hands,
and then instantly putting their stamp
of approval upon the selective draft,
it looks as though some one were try
ing to fix it so that history will say.
I'VE were afraid to put gun In his
hands; we could only trust him with
a spade and hoe"