The Colorado statesman., 1918-05-18


~ with its quarter of a billion of
sS black population. is one of the
stakes for which the war is
being waged When the war is over
there will be the question of policy
toward the black peoples of the earth
How shall they be treated? What
methods for improving them shall be
used?
Two important results of this World
War are already apparent. One of these
is a marked increase in efficiency
along all lines: the other is wider
extension of democratic principles and
ideas 1t is probable that these two
will be the greatest after-effects of
the war. 1t would appear that the
problem of efficiency and the problem
of democracy are the two problems, of
all those growing out of the war. which
most vitally concern the Negro. VIII
the Negro peoples of the world be able
to attain that efficiency which VIII
enable them to hold their own in the
fierce struggle. commercial and indus
trial. that will take place in the years
following the coming of peace? Again.
will the principles OF democracy be so
applied to Negroes that they will be
able to take part in this struggle on
the same basis as other peoples?
The darker peoples of the earth have
had this war thrust upon them; they
have been compelled to participate in
1t. The qualifications of this worlds
struggle have reached the remotest
corners of the earth There is scarce
ly a tribe or a group of people, how
ever obscure, which in one way or an
other has not been affected by it.
Since this is a war for the vindica-
tion of democratic principles. the ques-
tion arises in regard to the darker peo-
ples: on what basis shall they partic-
ipate? This problem comes prominent
ly to the front in America. in Europe
and in Africa. In the United States
it was raised with reference to the mi
grafton of the Negro to the North.
Should he, as any other citizen of the
nation, be permitted to move freely
from one section of the country to an
other. and without let or hindrance be
allowed to engage in any occupation in
which any other people are engaged?
1t was suggested by some that this be
not permitted; and there We're others
who by force attempted to prevent 1t.
These suggestions and repressions
were made in spite of the fact that the
war has demonstrated that the Negro
is one of the most dependable ana
fruitful sources of labor supply that
the country has. He is not hyphen,
his loyalty is unquestioned.
The problem of democracy likewise
arose in connection with the use of
the Negro as a soldier. When it was
suggested that he be used, the ques-
tion was raised as to the basis on
which he should be accepted. When the
call for volunteers was sent out, he
INIT o.
tent. There was the problem of the
disposition of the Negro regiments,
battalions and companies of the Ma
tional Guard. There was the question
as to the basis on which the Negro
should be drafted. The final result
was that he was placed on the same
basis as other men and drafted in the
same manner.
Turning next to Europe, it is found
that France has used her black SOL
diers on about the same basis as her
white ones are used. Before the war
began, Germany raised strong objec-
tions to the possible use of black sol
diers on European battlefields. ON the
other hand, Germany did not hesitate
to use black troops in Africa. The
great difficulties which the British ex-
perienced in conquering German East
Africa We're caused by the stubborn re-
sistance offered by the Kaisers black
soldiers.
The British policy with reference to
black soldiers thus far appears to be
that in the crown colonies, such as
Jamaica and Sierra Leone, regiments
of Negroes are enlisted for fighting.
In the self governing states of Canada
and the Union of South Africa, the pol
icy with some exceptions was until re-
Gently to enlist black men for labor.