of
the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, has been billeted at
Domfront from the 28th of December, 1918, to the 22nd of
January, 1919, and that during this period the officers
as well as the men have won the esteem and sympathy of all the population. 
The black officers as well as the white officers have
made here many friends, and go away leaving behind them the best remembrances.  As to the private soldiers, their behavior during the whole time has been above all praise. 
It is the duty of the mayor of Domfront to bid the
general, officers and men a last farewell, and to express to all his thanks and gratitude for their friendly intercourse with the civilian population. 
F. Berlin, Mayor.

After such testimony who can doubt the Christianlike behavior and soldierly qualities of the black man?  It has been noted that the artillerymen were in education considerably above the average of the Negro force abroad, but no severe criticism has been heard concerning the conduct of any of the Negro troops in any part of France.  The attitude of the French people had much to do with this.  The unfailing courtesy and consideration with which they treated the Negroes awoke an answering sentiment in the natures of the latter.  To be treated as Men, in the highest sense of the term, argued that they must return that treatment, and it is not of record that they failed to give adequate return.  Indeed the record tends to show that they added a little for good measure, although it is hard to outdo a Frenchman in courtesy and the common amenities of life.

This showing of Negro conduct in France takes on increased merit when it is considered that the bulk of their forces over there were selectives; men of all kinds and conditions; many of them from an environment not likely to breed gentleness, self restraint or any of the finer virtues.  But the leaders and the best element seem to have had no difficulty in impressing upon the others that the occasion was a sort of a trial of their race; that they were up for view and being scrutinized very carefully.  They made remarkably few false steps.

CHAPTER XXIII

NOR STORIED URN, NOR MOUNTING SHAFT

Glory not all spectacular—­brave forces behind the lines—­325th field signal battalion—­composed of young negroes—­see real fighting—­suffer casualties—­an exciting incident—­colored signal battalion A success—­Ralph Tyler’s stories—­burial of negro soldier at sea—­more incidents of negro valor—­A word from Charles M. Schwab.