The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1917-06-08
THE COLORED RACE AND THE
WAR.

There has been much speculation
as to the use to which the colored
men will be put in our military pre-
parations. There was come reason
to believe that the Federal Govern
ment did not contemplate their use
as soldiers, and even now nothing is
known Of a definite scheme to place
them in military organizations. How
ever, it is known that camp will be
organized for the instruction of some
colored men in the duties Of officers.
This is an indication that colored men
are to be used at least in some de-
gree.
The question is serious one from
several points of view. Certainly there
is no reason why a substantial pro-
portion of the citizens of the nation
who enjoy the blessings of its govern
ment in the same way as any other
citizens, and in many ways such as
expenditures for education far in eX-
cess of the amount contributed for
governmental support, receive spec
ial benefits, should not be called upon
to serve at the time of their country's
great need. Further a serious condl-
ton might we'll be brought about by
withdrawing a large proportion OF the
Younger white men from commun-
ity and permitting all the colored men
to remain.
On the other hand, suggestions
have been made that larger proper
ton of colored men than of whites be
taken, on the ground that they could
be spared better, or that they be reg
ularly enlisted and put under military
discipline, but for the purpose of do
ing agricultural and other necessary
work. Certainly, the first suggestion
cannot be taken seriously. Fighting
for ones country is not burden to
be avoided and put on someone else,
but privilege for those able to do so.
The white race would suffer more by
trying to shift its responsibility than
it will by suffering the proportion OF
loss which the war will entail upon
it.
The only solution is that the col
ored man should be called upon for
military service in the same proper
ton as the white man. Difficult Ques-
lions of organization, discipline and
use will arise, but they are not be-
yond proper settlement. Undoubtedly
d large proportion of the officers
would be white men, and experience
has shown that colored men make ex-
cellent soldiers when they are proper
Iy led. This has been the experience
of our own and other nations. In a
few cases, regiments might be entire
w Differed by men of their own race.
if exceptional men could be found as
leaders. Some of these could be EN-
ployed in military operations ana
guard duty if found efficient, and 9TH
ers could be used for any work that
was found necessary, as undoubtedly
some white troops may be used.
The organization Of colored units
and their reduction to discipline and
order should be of incalculable good
to the race. 1t has been shown that 1t
is possible to make splendid soldiers
of many of the colored men, and when
their service in over they return to
their homes with habits of orderl1-
ness, decency and efficiency that must
prove of benefit to their associates
One of the big opportunities Of the
present situation will be lost unless
colored men are used in the same pro-
portion as men of other races.-Ad-
vertiser Republican.
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