The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1917-09-29
THE PLATTsBuRe OF a RACE.
BY Rev. II. II. Proctor, d. D.,
Atlanta, Ca, Sept. 10, 1917.

a"'O ohNh Ihl I III ONOlN VOL VI III
country from the Revolution dowr
to the trouble with Mexico. But
the participation of the Negro in
the present world war in case il
continues much longer, will differ
from that of any other, in that
colored soldiers will be led by theii
own officers. In order that com
petent leaders might be prepared
for this new task, another training
camp a added to the sixteen al
ready established for the training
of officers for the army. This sew
enteenth camp does for the black
what others do for the whites. 1t
is the Plattsburg of a race.
1t would have been difficult to have
chosen a more beautiful place than
Fort DIS Moines. The climate for the
season was ideal. Then, too, the broad
minded people of Iowa, where there
is sc much grand army sentiment,
were just the ones with whom to
try out such an experiment. At
first, however, says Dr.. Kirbye,
there was perceptible a sense of sup
pressed fear, which soon changed
to a spirit of open hospitality. Now,
at length, the conduct of the men
has been so fine that they are re-
ceiving the praise of all. One man
of the street, whom | questioned,
vas led to contrast their conduct
with that of certain white soldiers
r-hn ho1 nrnanInI tIAr, ArArhogiy
ing the orderliness, quietness and
intelligence of these colored can
didates. fter spending some days
on the grounds l am compelled to say
| never found myself among a bigger
bunch of gentlemen.
And well it might be so, for these
1850 young men represent the
flower of the manhood Of their rae
They come from our schools, our
homes and our churches-the very
best we breed. Some are just out
of college, while others represent
the professions. Among these are
also the pick of the seasoned Negro
soldiers, who have done duty in
the Philippines, in Cuba, Mexico and
Hawaii.
One of the gratifying things of the
camp is the fine physical condition of
the men. OF the whole group, it is in
teresting to note the tallest is a Con-
gregationalist from Georgia, which
also contributes the largest quota of
any state to the encampment. This
company stands high in it's rating,
and regarded by many the best of the
twelve.
1t reflects great credit on their race
that of these 1850 men only five were
found to have venereal infection. Wo-
men of Des Moines have made no
complaint against these men. There
have been no outbreaks in the city.
Des MOines not only regards them
as an asset but looks on them with
pride, as is indicated by the demand
for their presence on such public DC
casions as the White Sparrow enter
tainment at the Stadium for the bene-
fit of the Red Cross, and the state
fair, where they made such fine i'm
pressiOns.
was glad or my visit to the guard
house this morning to find it empty.
All about there was much evidence
the hospital. But the grounds were an
animated scene. Some were march
ing, others were draughting, others
were digging trenches, all doing some
thing. Here they hustle. And wheth-
err they are meneuvering or digging
they are doing it happily. A smile
hangs N every face, and there is a
song in every mouth. They march
in rhythmic swing, and they look
like men of war.
One explanation of the fine success
of this camp lies in it's commander,
Col. C. c. Ballou, who was formerly
commander of the Twenty-fourth
United States Infantry of colored
troops. At the beginning of the en-
campment he impressed the men with
their exceptional responsibility. He
showed them that it was their oppor-
tunity to make a place for their peo-
pie in the sun. Their response is evil
dent. Examinations were only ~ per
cent. So pleased is Colonel Ballou,
who has now been promoted to a brig
adier-generalship, with the success of
his efforts that he urged anyone who
was skeptical of the Negroes ability,
loyalty or fidelity, to come and see.
Hundreds come every day and go
away convinced. 1t is an inspirin and
thrilling moment when the whole reg
iment stands at attention and sings
The Star ~Spangled Banner" while
the flag is being lowered, in the pres
ence Of many who come to witness
the impressive ceremony.
But the most significant thing of
the camp is the religious response,
True to the instincts of their race,
these men, though soldiers, still re-
tain their religious sentiments. 1t