The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1912-1921, 1918-09-24
THE CoLoRED MAN IN THE WAR.
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One Of the glorious things about our share in
he great war is the attitude of our men and
the way in which they enter into it. There is
a spirit Of dedication, of devotion and enthus-
iasm as well as deep rooted determination, that
is glorious to behold.
A few days ago General Pershing addressed
a colored regiment in France and in the course
of his talk he took occasion to compliment them
on the splendid way in which the colored people
Of the United States have jumped into the thing
and done their level best. He told the colored
men that he was proud of them and the work
they were doing
1t is true. Ever since the war began our col
cred men have been working enthusiastically to
help the United States government in the pros
|ecution of the war. In all branches of war ac-
Invites they have had prominent part and they
are worthy of great deal of praise They have
responded to every call in cheerful way and
we cannot but admire their spirit.
The colored men seem to like soldering May
be it is camp life that appeals, or maybe it is
the uniform, or the love of adventure. We al
ways hear them singing as they march away
and their happy go-lucky attitude toward life
helps them over many rough spot in camp and
army life.
Commissioner BroWnlow, of the District of
Columbia tells a good story of the humorous
attitude of one coored draftee. He says:
Nearly all have gone to camp with enthusiasm
| and rare good humor Some weeks ago | was at
Union Station dispatching bunch of colored
men. They were having a jolly time, most of
them poking their heads out of the windows to
wave good-by to the boys on the platforms A
red cap at the depot recognized friend who
had his head out of the window. The station
man rushed up to the draftee and saluted him
Where you gwine, Sam, he said TO Camp
Meade?
mot long ago l happened to be at the rail
reply, Use gwine to Berlin. amt bothered bout
dem way stations %
| Another story goes to show that the colored
man is not Sinking his duty as a citizea. A Bal
| tinoreans tells the. following story:
| mot lon gago happened to be at the rail
road station when a number of colored men
| were going abroad the train for the training
camp, They marched down the station platform
shouting and singing. Among them was stout
| dark man of 35, perhaps more One of his eyes
was completely gone. In some manner he hac
passed the examining board after registratio:
had been designated for the training camp
Among the men at the depot overlooking the
lraftee was a draft officer He observed the one
eyed man, and, Of course, Immediately went III
to him.
What are you doing in line? asked the man
| You know you cannot be soldier, having only
one eye. How did you pass the examining board
i lou had better step out now There's no chance
for you to get by Yes, l WILL returned tht
negro. When you get to camp and the officer
see you, they will send you back at once in
sisted the official. They won't send me back
confidently answered the clored man. 'Whei
Il tell the officers | was cook at the Maryan.
Il Club twelve years they won't send me back
i Sure enough, they didn't send him back, an
he's in France now"
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