The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1917-06-08
Secretary Of War Writes
Colonel Boyd.

Last week the Post Adjutant Gen.
eral of the Uniform Rank, X. of P,
received letter from the War De-
partment coming from the Adjutant
Generals office. This letter was in
reply to one that he had just written,
in which he made strong appeal for
the Negroes to be given an oppor-
tunity to serve the United States in
these perilous times. Both letters
are given to the Nashville Globe for
information.
May Is, 1917.
Hon. Woodrow Wilson, President,
Washington, D. G.
Dear Sir:
We feel, in simple justice to
loyal, patriotic citizenry, that some
provision should be made for the Ne
groes to enlist in the United States
Army. We mean in addition to the
four regular regiments already now
in the service.
While we are doing our hsare in
the Army of the burrows, we feel
sure there are hundreds of thousands
who are smarting under the refusals
OF being allowed to form regiments
and to help put up a noble defense
for this our Flag and our Country.
The United States Government can
i'll afford to turn deaf ear to the
stalwart, brave men of the race, who
nave done so much on every battle
held, not only in modern, but ancient
times. They have never known what
1t was to retreat or to turn traitor.
The Secretary of War should join in
with the Commander-in-Ch of the
Army in seeing to it that these OPP
portunities are given.
Yours Truly,
HENRY ALLEN BOYD,
Cor. Secretary National Negro
Press Association.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
The Adjutant Generals Office,
Washington.
May 20, 1917.
Mr.. Henry A. Boyd,
447 Fourth Avenue, NJ,
Nashville, Tenn
Dear Sir:
The Secretary of War directs me to
acknowledge the receipt of your let
ter of the 18th instant addressed to
the President, in which you express
the hope that some provision may be
made so that Negroes may enlist in
the United States Army.
The Secretary of War also directs
me to advise you that he wholly
agrees with the statements in your
letter concerning the general fitness
of the Negro for the military service
and his ability to render faithful and
efficient duty in time of war.
With regard to the number of reg
iments Of cOlored men in the Regular
Army, matter to which you refer
in your letter, you are no doubt
aware that the matter is regulated
entirely by legislation and that the
Department is restricted, under the
terms of existing law, in raising only
such organizations as Congress may
authorize.
Organizations of state militia are
controlled by the authorities of the
states in which they are raised and
the War Department exercises no
supervision. over the character of the
personnel Of those organizations
whether white or colored. The only
militia under the direct control of
the Department is that of the District
of Columbia. The First Separate
Battalion of the District of Columbia
National Guard is colored organiza-
tion-botha officers and men.
1t seems probable that in the op-
GRAFTON of the new CONSUMPTION Law
ample provision will be made for
military service by Negroes through
out the country and if you wish de-
Unite information regarding the mat
ter it is suggested that you cores
pond directly with the Provost Mar
shall General, Washington, D. C.
Very Respectfully,
w. 7. MILAN,
The Adjutant General.