davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1917-08-23
By Col. G. G. Ballou
Commanding Officer Negro
Training Camp, Fort Des
MoineSl

Commanding Offlcer Negro
Training Camp, Fort Des
Moines).
So much has been written
about the II officers training
camps. that one can hardly hope
to contribute any original ideas
on the subject. The straw has
been pretty well threshed over,
furthermore the idea is simple
and logical.
National Camp.
In addition to the l6 local
training camps there was estab-
ished a seventeenth, not local,
but national. Its recruits were
not drawn from one divisional
area. but from the entire United
States, and every one of them is
negro.
The colored race constitutes
more than 10 per cent OF our
population. and has, since the
civil war, furnished more than its
quota Of fighting men of the regu-
lar army. At home or ON foreign
sell. the ranks of the col0red regi-
mentS are always full, while the
white regiments have with diff
Guilty been maintained at peace
strength. To question the valOr
of the colored soldier is to betray
ignorance of history.
To prove Fitness.
But his opportunities for lead
ership have been limited to the
grade Of non-commissiOned officer,
and a few scattering commits
slons. This is the first Opportuni-
ty given in his history to prove
on am adequate scale his fitness or
unhtness for command and lead
ership.
At Fort Des Moines, Iowa, on
June 18th, 1917. there assembled
the largest body of educated ne
groes ever brought together in
the world for a single purpose.
They came there to strive to
quaIlfy for the higher RESPONSE
mIlueS involved in the defense of
our country, and to thus demon
>'rate the fitness of their race fOl
citizenship in the fullest sense OF
the term.
They We're no ordinary lot Of
men, POO were non-commissioned
''ii'ers, sergeants, the pick of the
o'd noncom of the Twenty
fourth and Twenty-ffth Infantry
'Hd the Ninth and Tenth Caval-
ry.
Inc remainder was made up OF
men from almost every profession
aA' Nocation-lawyers, doctors,
merchants. teachers, clergymen,
dI We're represented.
Their Responsibility.
wen they were sworn into the
service of the United States. they
were briefly reminded that a
'P9'Iai responsibility devolved
P'h them. entirely above and be-
'hd that involved in securing to
'f country a few hundred lieu
aahts and captains. It devel-
90 upon them to prove or dis
owe the availability of 11.OOO,-
y 81 roIored people for full par
patton in the great and re-
4 'n'ible work of war. The sue
or failure of this camp
~" De accepted by the world
''rg4 as conclusive evidence in
peet to that question.
he old non-coms of the regu-
were also reminded of their
VIA. responsibility in helping
"ork along by being at all
II = living examples of the
''S' standards of soldierIv de-.
The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1917-08-23

Mr.. and Mrs. j A. Adkins
recently from Bessmer, AL is con
templating trip to Chicago to
do their fall and winter shopping
and visit friends.
The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1917-08-23
MILWAUKEE, WIS.

Miss Mary Hurdle we'll
known singer of Red Wing,
Minn., spent a few days as the
guest of Mrs. j. f. Potter. She
is enrOute to Detroit. Mich
where she will make her future
home.
Mrs. Adear, an old resident OF
the city is seriously i'll at her res
dence. 1913 9th st.
Miss Minnie Williams who has
been paralized for several months
left Saturday for Hot Springs,
Ark.
Milwaukee has lately been fav-
ored with the arrival of several
professional men. DIR. Vim. Giles,
Dentist. DR.. Earl X. Whilhiti
and Atty. Jas. A. Jeffris.
Mr.. j. f. Potter employed for
four wears at the March Refriger-
ator and Service Co.. broke his
finger last week. He is GONZALES
ing.
Miss Carrie Sutton is the guest
of Mrs J. f. Potter and is enjoy
ing her stay. She is the recipient
of many calls.
Mr.. and Mrs. Fred Johnson,
40 9th St, are happy parents OF
a fine baby girl.
Miss Louise Jackson of Chica-
go is in the city visiting her
father and many friends.
The Booker 7. Washington So
cial and Industrial center will be-
gin operation the early part of
September. Extensive prepara
tiens are being made to accomo-
date from three to -four hundred
people. The campaign for men,
bership is now ON. Rev. j. 5.
Woods. the warden, has already
received many applications.
A rare musical program will
be rendered by the choir and
other leading musical talent of
the city at st. Marks A. NJ. f.
church Sunday evening Aug.
26th.
Mrs. Maurice Bell and her ac-
complished daughter, Miss Bes-
sic of Chicago are the guests of
Rev. and Mrs. J. S. Woods.
Miss Bessie Baker of Glencoe
was the guest Of honor at a lawn
party given by Miss Marie Bur
gette and the host Of other young
people last Friday night. Miss
Baker has returned to Chicago to-
resume teaching school.
The Annual Barbecue Dinner
will he served at St Marks \. NJ.
+. church Labor Day.
Rev. j. s. Woods is wind
ng up his fifth year as pastor of
St. Marks \. NJ. f. church. The
last quarterly conference here
will be held Sunday Sept. 2nd
Mr.. Hovey Stith received the
sad intelligence Of the death Of
his mother at Gordon, Ind, and
his sister left to attend the fun
eral.
The funeral of Mrs. Maggie
Kinner was held at the Calvary
Baptist church Saturday after
noon. Rev. Russel, paster. offici-
ated. Many sorrowing friends.
Rev. Saml. Russell, pastor Of
Calvary Baptist church. preached
an excellent sermon last Sunday
II a. NJ. to the members and
friends Of Tabernacle Baptist
church. This IS one Of Milwau-
KEGS largest churches and the
deacons expressed freely their de-
sire to have Rev. Russell return.
His discourse was logical pointed
and soul reviving The members
Of Grace church are anxious that
he should pay them visit in the
absence of their pastor. Rev
Russell will. about the 2nd Of
The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1917-08-23
COL Ballou Praises General Fitness of Negro
Soldier to Lead and Command Men
in United States Army

and by working zealOusly in Ses-
sion in imparting the thousand
details of a soldiers life and du-
ties that can only be learned by
experience, to the candidates
from civil life. These old soldiers
were distributed equally among
the IA companies composing the
, training regiment.
Men are Loyal.
Practically every man, soldier
and civilian responded to this
presentation of their duty with all
the strength there was in them
Fortunately their commander
was personally known to many
of the old soldiers and they gave
him complete confidence that
was apparently speedily shared
by the entire regiment. The vari-
Gus army officers detailed as in
structorS We're no less loyal and
devoted t. the idea of success.
In the week preceding the
opening Of the camp, all plans
were perfected, barracks made
ready, cooks, walters, janitorS and
other employees secured, programs
Of instruction made out, supplies
and text books obtained up and
ready to start when the bell rang.
1t did 50 start. with wonderful
smoothnesS, and has run on sche-
duled time without serious hitch
or friction, ever since.
At the end Of the first month
the candidates were able to take
stock" of the results. many mis-
fits had been eliminated" and
returned to their homes. The re-
mainder began to experience the
confidence, elation and just pride
incident to having survived thru
fitness. Their commander had, in
the beginning. asserted them that
they might expect that mo per-
sCnal sympathy or consideration
would deter him from ruthlessly,
mercilessly, eliminating from this
camp any man that he found fall
ing short of established standards
Of honesty, morality and military
efficiency, and he had kept his
word. All who remained had
reason to feel a sense Of fitness.
New Officers Each Day.
As to progress already made,
we must remember that the camp
is not yet two months old. Most
Of the candidates didn t know a
rife from a smooth bore when
they came here. Today they are
acting as officers of the guard and
officers Of the day; rotating in
command Of companies and bat
talions in all manner of military
exercises: conducting battallOns
and regimental parades without
the presence of single instruct
or, and with officers and non
commissioned officers detailed by
daily roster from the candidates,
so that the ceremonies are han
died by complete new set OF
officers every day; mounting, IN
structing and supervising a post
guard, every man Of which, from
the officer of the day down, is a
colored candidates making very
creditable military sketches ;;
posting outposts conducting adj
vance guards target practice,
trench digging and always ad-
vancing. always moving forward
to increased responsibilities.
Let anyone who doubts this
progress visit Fort Des Moines
and see the work done. Let any
one who is skeptical as 20 ne col
ored man s ability as a soldier,
visit Fort Des Moines and see the
colored man s work.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
MARIPOSA
SAILS FOR SEATTLE

The steamship Mariposa arrived
from the westward at about $3.50 o.
clock this morning with the follow
ing passengers: Judge F. M. Brown,
Arthur Lang, Charles Wilcox, John
Miller, Ike Hamburger. Judge w. N.
Spence. H. Bennett, J. H. d. Bouse,
S. o. easier. Those leaving on the
Mariposa for southern points were:
Miss Cecile Wilson, Mr.. and Mrs.
Walter Pascoe, Axel Sasman, Mrs. ia
cob Young, j. H. Stephen, Mrs. R.
B. Peterson, Mrs. M. Ober, Peter
Black, Jacob c. Hepfinger, Mrs. ]. A.
Meals, Mr.. j. A. Meals, Pasquale De-
Marco, Geo. Frels, David Moberg, Pa
trich Hoard, Capt. Allen E. Ransom,
and three steerage.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
SEATTLE HAS
BIG PARADE
30 900 Unionists Led by Metal Trades
Council Of Fifteen Crafts, Pa
rade in Seattle.

SEATTLE, Sept. a. Beneath
leaden skies, Labor paraded today,
fully 10000 strong, led by the Metal
Trades Council of fifteen crafts. A
great number of women were in line.
and all marchers carried United
States flags and were interspread by
numerous bands Of music.
One of the features of the day was
a telegram received from President
Samuel Gompers. as follows:
Maintain a clear vision and stand
true and loyal in order that before
another Labor Day shall come de-
sirable permanent peace shall have
been established according to the
concepts of justice, freedom and hu-
manity."
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
ADVOCATES
HOLD MEETING
Despite Governors Orders Meeting is
Pulled on and Adjourned Be
fore Troops Arrive

CHICAGO, Sept. 4-Despite the or
ders of Governor Lowden to the con-
trary, and after being driven from
three States. The Peoples Council OF
America for democracy and terms OF
peace, perfected its organization and
held a public meeting in Chicago. The
session was held under the protec-
tion of a large squad of police. act
ing under orders from Mayor Thomp-
son, in direct defiance Of Governor
Lowden, who had ordered four COM
panies of militia to the scene, with
the command to disperse the meet
ing at any cost. The guard, which con-
sisted Of four companies of the Sec
ond, Seventh and Eighth Regiments
of the Federalized National Guard,
under orders from the War Depart
ment, was rushed to Chicago on a
special train, hut arrived after the
meeting had adjourned and its pur-
pose accomplished.
Congressman William E. Mason, of
Illinois, addressing the Council, said
there was more misery in the coun-
try today than at any time since the
historic days of Bunker Hill, "But
no worse thing has ever happened in
the history of the United States than
is happening now, when people like
you are branded as criminals and de-
MED your constitutional rights of
free assembly.
Congressman Mason declared the
only people in the United States who
welcomed war were bankers and edi-
tors. He bitterly denounced conscrip-
tion and sending troops to France in
violation of the constitution.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
Strong ENEMY
TO PARTY
Points Out That The Re-appOintment
Would Injure Party Work
In Territory

Attorney Tom Donohoe. Democrat
is national committeeman for the
Territory. arrived on the Alaska last
evening, accompanied by Mrs. Dono-
hoe, who will be the guest of friends
while Tom is looking after some leg
al matters at this session of the court.
Donohoe is of the opinion that Gov.
Strong will not be re-appointed, prin-
cipally because Of the blow that such
an appointment would be to the
Democratic organization of Alaska.
In his recent appointments the
governor ousted an able man In
Southwestern Alaska and replaced
him with Republican," said Dono-
hoe, just because the Democrat in
question made a rather inspiring
speech in nominating Sulzer at the
last convention.
Governor Strong's most recent Of
fense against the party is to nominate
J. j. McGrath, from the editorial de-
partment of the Juneau Dispatch, a
Republican organ, to a place as ter
ritorial publicist.
"It looks as though the governor
were going out of his way to be de-
fiant against members of the party.
'As to that letter to Mr.. Boyle.
Governor Strong's defense that it was
private letter is no defense at all,
as it indicates that he was striking
at the future of the party on the
quiet. The chairman of the National
Committee so informed Strong when
he was in Washington.
"It ought to be enough for Alas
kans to note the papers which are
supporting Strong, and then at their
connections, to see who is back of
the Strong campaign and also back
of Wickersham. Gateway.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
10000 UNION MEN
STRIKE TOMORROW
Employers Refuse to Accede to Terms
of Shipbuilders and They Will
Walk Out Sept. 5.

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-Officers of the
Seattle Metal Trades council, after q
meeting of the organization last night
announced that unless their demands
for increased wages were granted in
the shipyards here by next Wednes-
day, they would issue a strike order.
Twelve thousand union men, affiliat-
ed with the different metal trades.
and all shipyards. would be affected
by the proposed strike.
The wage scale under which the
men are working in the shipyards
now expired August /, and since then
negotiations have been under way in
an effort to agree on new wage
scale. The unions demand an increase
in pay averaging about 35 per cent.
The Skinner and Eddy corporation,
before August l, agreed to accede to
the new wage scale provided it were
accepted by other large shipbuilding
plants. but refused to pay the high
er wages otherwise. AS consequence
the Skinner and Eddy yard. as we'll as
other yards, will be involved in the
strike if it is put into effect.
Either members or representatives
of the recently appointed federal
board to mediate labor trouble in
shipyards are expected here this week
to investigate conditions.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
GERMANS ADVANCE
ON TOWN OF RIGA

PETROGRAD, Sept. 4.-German
tro6ps crossed the Dvina river today,
to the southeast of Riga, and are ad-
vancing in a northerly direction on
the city, successfully smashing the
Russian counter attacks. A German
offensive has also been announced in
the northern sector of the Russian
front in the region of Mitau south
and southeast of Riga, where a bat
tie is in progress.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
WINS
SECOND PRIZE
aluminium PistOns Bind in Racing
Car and Forces Driver to Waste
Three Minutes

A telegram received today from
Bob Sheldon, who left here Friday
in his new racing car to take part
in the auto races at Fairbanks Labor
Day states that he lost the race by
only forty seconds on account of the
new aluminium pistons sticking in
the cylinders, causing him to lose two
laps After repairs the car ran beau
tifully regaining all but half lap,
giving him second prize. Had Mr.
Sheldon not had motor trouble he
would have won by several laps. He
is now on his way back to the coast
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
ITALIANS HAMMER
At AUS7R|ANS
Many Imprisoned in Galleries Near
Gorilla Which Were Crumbled
by Artillery Fire

UDINE, Sept. 4.-Fighting along
the Italian line continues desperate
ly, according to information given out
by the war Office today. Thousands
of Austrians have been imprisoned in
the huge galleries inthe mountains,
the mouths of which were closed by
the heavy artillery fire of the Ital-
ians. 1t is reported that the Austrians
have been slowly forced back, and
that it is but a question of days until
the Italian forces occupy Trieste.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
EDES PARTY ARRIVES OVER
TRAIL FROM INTERIOR

Chairman of the Alaska Engineer
ing Commission, William C. Edes,
Andrew Christensen of the Land De-
partment of the Commission, Bridge
Engineer Foglestrom, and c. S. Ma
son, Secretary to Chairman Edes. ar
rived in Valdez Sunday evening, three
days out from Fairbanks. The party
were loud in their praises of the won
derful scenery along the route and
stated the trail was in excellent con-
dition. The party will leave for the
westward on the steamship North
western.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04

KILLED BY MOB
Discovered placing Explosives on kiev
Railway and Trampled to Death
BY Mob of Soldiers

PETROGRAD, Sept. 1.-Two for
eigners, supposed to be Germans,
were discovered placing cylinders
containing explosives on the tracks
of the Kiev-Vronesh railway today.
and when they refused to answer
questions put to them they were
knocked down and trampled to death
by a mob of infuriated soldiers and
civilians.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04

Capt. Allen e. Ransom, who had
been in town the past few days, left
on the Mariposa this morning for
Skagway, where he will 60 by the
White Pass railway to Whitehorse.
thence by steamer to Dawson. Capt.
Ransom is an electrical engineer of
note and has been In the Kuskalina
country installing a plant on the Nc
Dougall property. He Investigated the
local plant while here.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
FULTON WINS
OVER MORRIS


CANTON, o., Sept. FIRED Full
ton defeated Carl Morris. the Okla
homa heavy weight on points here
yesterday, being given the decision in
the sixth round of what was to be a
fifteen round go thru the disqualifi-
cation Of Morris, who continually
butted hisopponent, despite the warn
ings of the referee. The victory gives
Fulton the right to fight Jess Will
lard.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04

Earl Kinds secured the contract
for slashing and clearing road from
the span bridge on Mineral Creek to
McIntosh's roadhOuse, a distance of
about three miles, let Saturday by
Road Commissioner James E. Wilson.
Mr.. Wilson stated that the contract
for the Shoup Bay trail was not let,
as we'll as a contract at Cordova, on
account of the bids being too high.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
SAM KNCDSEN JUDGE
AT POULTRY SHOW

Word comes from Anchorage that
Sam knudsen, who recently left on
a round trip to the westward has been
captured by the Fair committee and
forced to be judge of the poultry
show. Freight Clerk Blain of the
Mariposa said chickens" instead OF
poultry, and if that is the case our
Sam is a good judge, or so the VAL
dez girls say.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
POPE WILL TRY
AGAIN FOR PEACE
Reports Indicate that Pope Benedict
Will Promulgate Germany's Last
Word for Peace

WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. A.
That Pope Benedict now has Ger
many's maximum and minimum
terms for peace is the report reaching
official sources today. 1t is couched
in set terms and reports indicate that
they have been approved by the Pope.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
FORMER ALASKAN
DIES IN GREECE
Message to Daughter Who is Nurse
In Seattle Hospital Con-
veIs Sad News

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-George Ky
rage, for many years a resident of Ju-
neau and other towns of the Territory
died in Greece recently, according to
received here by his
daughter Clara, who is nurse in
Seattle hospital, details of his death
were not given.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
SHIPS BUTCHER
JUMPS OVERHEARD

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-G. Borgford,
aged so years, ships butcher on the
steamer Admiral Watson, committed
suicide last Monday night by leaping
overheard from the main deck Of the
vessel while she was navigating
Queen Charlotte sound.
The body was recovered and brot
to Seattle.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
DOES ADVERTISING PAY?
ASK COMMISSIONER LOVE

Last week Commissioner Love ad-
vertised that he had just received a
new stock Of marriage licenses and
that he was representing Cupid at
the old stand Monday, he solemnized
a wedding, the first for several days,
and is now convinced that advertising
pays.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
SH|PYARD MEN
WILL STRIKE
Orders Issued to Quit Work Septem.
per 2 Unless Their Demands
Are Granted

PORTLAND, Ore. Sept. AFTER
a long session here Sunday, the work.
men of every shipyard in the state
were ordered to strike Friday, Sep
tember 7, In case their demands for
a shorter workday and more wages
were not granted by the shipbuilders.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
SAILS FOR
SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-The steam
ship Alameda sailed at $3.50 o'clock
Sunday afternoon with the following
passengers for Valdez; r. L. Vining.
who is "a thru passenger for Fair
banks. Mrs. Jos Dieringer, H. E.
FitZ,
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04

The road to the glacier is now in
fine shape, Commissioner Wilson
having a crew of five men at work on
it the past few days. Mr.. Wilson re-
ports that while at point near the
Ramsay-Rutherford mine, he found
the remains of a wild goat which had
been killed by a snowslide this sum-
mer.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
RUSSIANS FORCED
ABANDON RIGA
After Vain Attempt to Stem Tide Of
German Offensive-Evacuate
Key to PetrOgrad

PETROGRAD, Sept. 4.-The Rus
SLAMS have been forced to abandon
Riga, according to information is
sued by the war office today. After
vainly trying to stem the German Of
fensive the city was evacuated and
the way to Petrograd Is open.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
COMMISSIONERS LEAVE FOR
ANTI.STRIKE CONFERENCE

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-Commission-
ers Wiley, Duthie and Ames left again
for Washington today to join a con-
ference to prevent the proposed ship
yard strikes.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
ALASKA PAYS
INCOME TAXES
Fiscal Year just Closed Shows Many
Alaskans Paid Income Taxes
Washington Taxes High

WASHINGTON, d. c.. Sept. A.
The report of the collector Of inter-
nal revenue for the fiscal year just
passed shows that corporation and in
comes taxes paid in Alaska amount
ed to s1O9,9OO. Washington, altho a
dry state. paid in liquor taxes over
s2,OOO,OOO.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
GERMANS AGAIN RAID
COAST OF ENGLAND

LONDON, Sept. 4.-Another Ger.
man air raid on the coast Of England
was announced by the war Office.
Bombs were dropped from airplanes
on the coast of Kent.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
HAVE
VERY POOR SEASON

SEATTLE, Sept. 4.-The schooner
Wilson from the Bering sea, reports
that the codfishing this season has
been unusually poor and that the
whole fishing fleet is returning from
northern waters with only partial
cargoes.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
BrakOvich-GOugh Nuptials

Mike Brakovich and Miss Helen
Cough, both of Ellamar, were unit
ed. in marriage by United States Com
missioner George ]. Love, at his Of
fee, Monday. September 8. The young
couple will make their home at Ella
mar.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
BERTHA KALICH IN
ISLANDER" TONIGHT

Tonight at the Empress theatre,
Bertha Kalich will appear in the mod
ern society photo-drama, ISLANDER" i"
Every woman should see this great
play. Introductory picture Of travel.
Thursday Madam Petrova In what
VIII People Say"
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
FOUR NINE SWEEPERS
SUNK BY BRITISH

LONDON, Sept. 4.-Four German
mine sweepers were sunk by the Brit
ish naval forces, while working off the
coast of Jutland recentry.
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04
PRESIDENT REFUSES DUTCH
SHIPS GRAIN LICENSES

WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. A.
President Wilson today refused to
grant licenses to one hundred Dutch
ships seeking to carry food to Hol-
land,
Valdez daily prospector., 1917-09-04

(Continued on Page Three)