The Phoenix index., 1941-05-10
The Bottleneck
In Appointment
OF Negro Youths
By MACK C. NANCE

IF WE, THE NEGROES, con-
tinue to follow the line OF least
resistence, by admitting that we
cannot graudate one of our youths
from Annapolis or West Point we
are also admitting the inferlorlty OF
the Negro race as a whole. Ihls 10
the precise position OF a oeteatlSC'
Such a position forms bottlenecK
10 the forward movement of Negro
youth in every walk of LIE.
NV observations have convinced
me, that the Negro, if given
chance, will measure up, should
TO shoulder, with any race tnat ever
hreathed. If Chinese, Philippines,
Moros and races of South ana
Central America can graoua.o
from the institutions, why is IL
that the Negro cannot make tiie
grade? Remember, there IS iio
doubt on the part of those re-
snonsible for admittance to tneSe
institutions, that the Negro car
not make the grade; but tnefe
grave fear that if given equa.
ppnortunity, the Negro youth wiz
excell in the art of Naval anu
military science.
strong proof of this has been eA-
rosed wherever the Negro is gwen
equal opportunity to compeCe
aqainst the other fellow. since We
rnow the other fellows weakness
Set us work on that weakness, Ny
giving Negro youth, with the oaSio
Qualities. (regardless of the posi-
rion of his mother or father)
chance to not only compete put W
excel in this SPECIAL line OF serV-
ice. 70
= have mentioned what seems 10
be an inferior complex OF Negro
norents ain obtaining appointments
70 these two Institutions. TINS .
hottleneck No.. 1. The second pos-
{ x1enec,y Is the material tweS PICK d.
<,nn,icants to Annapolis and WesV
point No effeminate cream pull
.sissie no mental interrogatives' no
,,hvsical derelicts, reGaroiess OF
race. need apply for entrance W
anranolis or West Point. One must
he an all he-man to remain SUI
don't in either of these institu-
tions.
ro make an appointment. be-
ca,,se of the suburban fViltH"i
etatus Of father or mother is not
,crfficient proof or basical mllltafy
reoujreraents. It is my firm pehei
that for military adaptapiiity, oil0
m,,st be born to command, but en-
couraged to expect and look 1or-
ward to a sergeancv only. 1t was
&be custom in Napoleon's army 10
commission men from certain walks
of life, such as nobility. the rlcil'
the sons of political leaders, etc.
Napoleon. on closer opserVatioii'
saw natural born military leaders
in the rank and file of his great
army He. therefore. had publish
ed a bulletin as follows: EVERY
Man In my army carries WITHIN
his knausack the baton of tlelo
marshaP.
Tn orr armv the above Is ap-
plicable to the white race cnly' u
we. the Negro. are stupid enough
tn except and follow this line Oh
Thought that our youth is only
fitted for sergeancv in the mill
tarv branch of service, then. we
nav lust as we'll take low, an in
ferior complex status and call Tor
another deal. For some reason.
cannot retain the idea, that Me-
groes of the Southwest will accept
position of an inferior.
Some where in the southWeS
there are Negro boys. well educated,
possessing a natural born inclina-
ton to the art of military science
These boys should be given a
chance to follow their natural in
clination.
This. in total disregard of the
social Of POI ITIChL STATUS OF
PARENTS. We must then cease
picking appointees of the basis Of
spiritual. political or the soclai
status Of parents. A sergeant. war
rant officer or a commissioned Of
ficer NAV produce a moron or an
imhecile which is certainly not 3
basic requirement for enhance to
either of these institutions. So far
IT would seem. that we get milliner
mixed with military in that many
Negro applicants to Annapolis OF
West Point. are best fitted for 9
millinery shop rather than military
service. Therefore be it resolved
that we as race. get behind an
outstanding physical and in
tellectual herman, a voufh tha'
does not finch. A youth that fees
that he is not only as good, bu'
that he is superior to any and al
Of his ccmpetitors.
We want a youth that is no
satisfied with doing as well al
others. but one that will excel. Z
crv-baby NAV pick cotton bu
never possess the qualities requir'
(Ccrt;rued or pscL psse)