Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-14

PRAISES THE NEGRO
Southern Congressman Tells OF
the Many Evidences of 10y
atty of Colored Race.

The attitude Of the Negro toward the
war has been the subject of much com
mcnt in Washington, writes II. r.. ~
BRYANT from Washington IN the hariolU'
NC, Observer. Continuing, he says: ne
German propagandsts tried to influence
tho Southern Negro bat failed, and the
call for men was answered by Negroes with
natriotic enthusiasm In many localities
The Negro has subscribed literally TO
government loans.
In the House. last week Representa-
tive +. W Pou. of North Carolina, praised
the Negro for his loyalty.
The other day, SAID MIR fon, /
read an announcement that an orgahlza-
ton of Negroes in the South mad SUD
scribed for 100000 of Liberty bonds,
and that announcement reminded me of
the splendid course of the Negro race IN
America from the very beginning of the
war in Europe, even before America
entered the war
Il thank God that Mt last America
is united In purpose We are resolved
to win at all costs. but there were sug-
gestions here and there of dIsoyalty,
among a very few people II is true, IN the
early davs of America participation. |
rise now to pay this tribute TO the Negro
race
80 far as | have heard. so far ms
know. SO far as | have read, IN not one
Negro home in America Is there even
a suggestion of disloyalty 1t is pleasant
indeed TO pay this tribute 10 tins race
of people because they deserve IT. They
are dong their utmost 10 support their
country, in this great world Crisis, hey
arc subscribing to Liberty bonds They
are giving to the Red Cross and their
Young men are chcrfully responding % the
draft call This attitude of the Negro race
Is not surprising 20 the people 81 inc
South who probably know the Negro
character better than any people IN the
world
"The Southern people saw him tried
in the memorable DAYS Of the war between
the States They saw him tested as few
people have ever been tested IN the history
OF the world His very soul was wrung IN a
struggle between love of freedom and love
Of friends and the love for those who had
been kind to hlm won the victory The
helpless women and children Of the
South during those four memorable
wears were left to the mercy of the Negro
race. Be il said to their everlasting credit
that in not one instance did they prove
treacherous.
Some dav | hope TO see monument
OF pure white marble erected IN this city
50 high that its summit plerCes the clouds;
50 enduring it Will outllve the ages That
monument should be built, and some day
viii be built by the Southern people as
tribute 10 the fidelity Of the Negro race
in protecting and caring for the helpless
Southern people during the war between
the States
And now. Mr. Chairman, in this
great world crisis the Negro Is being
tested again | think ] know how he
feels. He is ready 10 risk all He Will
20 wherever he is sent cheerfully and
without question. In the early days
Of the war | read that German agents
had been sent among the Negroes Of
the South to stir up sedluon. In com
mon with other Southern men | felt
no concern for the result Of the work
Of these agents knew perfectly We'll
that if these German agents ever went
among the Negroes they would bc taken
care az in q very proper and effective
manner without any assistance Whatever
from the Department Of Justice or any
other government officials
The above is apropos Of the Flag Day
parade Of Wilmington Negroes 70 be held
tonight. which viii demonstrate the
LOYALTY Of Wilmington Negroes 70 their
country