“And over against this scene of the cowboy and the college graduate, the New York man about town and the Arizona bad man united in one coherent war machine, set the picture of the Tenth United States Cavalry-the famous colored regiment.  Side by side with Roosevelt’s men they fought-these black men.  Scarce used to freedom themselves, they are dying that Cuba may be free.  Their marksmanship was magnificent, say the eye witnesses.  Their courage was superb.  They bore themselves like veterans, and gave proof positive that out of nature’s naturally peaceful, careless and playful military discipline and an inspiring cause can make soldiers worthy to rank with Caesar’s legions or Cromwell’s army.”

“The Rough Riders and the Black Regiment.  In those two commands is an epitome of almost our whole national character.”

THE NEGRO AS A SOLDIER.

HIS GOOD NATURE—­HIS KINDHEARTEDNESS—­EQUALLY AVAILABLE IN INFANTRY OR
CAVALRY.

The good nature of the Negro soldier is remarkable.  He is always fond of a joke and never too tired to enjoy one.  Officers have wondered to see a whole company of them, at the close of a long practice march, made with heavy baggage, chasing a rabbit which some one may have started.  They will run for several hundred yards whooping and yelling and laughing, and come back to camp feeling as if they had had lots of fun, the white soldier, even if not tired, would never see any joke in rushing after a rabbit.  To the colored man the diversion is a delight.

In caring for the sick, the Negro’s tenderheartedness is conspicuous.  On one of the transports loaded with sick men a white soldier asked to be helped to his bunk below.  No one of his color stirred, but two Negro convalescents at once went to his assistance.  When volunteers were called for to cook for the sick, only Negroes responded.  They were pleased to be of service to their officers.  If the Captain’s child is ill, every man in the company is solicitous; half of them want to act as nurse.  They feel honored to be hired to look after an officer’s horse and clothing.  The “striker” as he is called, soon gets to look on himself as a part of his master; it is no “Captain has been ordered away,” but “We have been ordered away.”  Every concern of his employer about which he knows interests him, and a slight to his superior is vastly more of an offence than if offered to himself.  Indeed, if the army knew how well officers of the colored regiments are looked after by their men, there would be less disinclination to serve in such commands.  After years with a Negro company, officers find it difficult to get along with white soldiers.  They must be much more careful to avoid hurting sensibilities, and must do without many little services to which they have been accustomed.

* * * * *

MRS. PORTER’S RIDE TO THE FRONT.

For many years she has known and admired Miss Barton and against the advice of her friends had resolved to help Miss Barton in her task of succoring the sufferers in Cuba.