Negroes respond to the call.

Swift and unhalting array—­few permitted to volunteer—­only national
guard accepted—­no new units formed—­selective draft their
opportunity—­partial division of Guardsmen—­complete division of
selectives—­many in training—­enter many branches of service—­negro
nurses authorized—­negro Y.M.C.A.  Workers—­negro war
correspondent—­negro assistant to secretary of war—­training camp for
negro officers—­first time in artillery—­complete racial segregation.

When the call to war was sounded by President Wilson, no response was more swift and unhalting than that of the Negro in America.  Before our country was embroiled the black men of Africa had already contributed their share in pushing back the Hun.  When civilization was tottering and all but overthrown, France and England were glad to avail themselves of the aid of their Senegalese, Algerian, Soudanese and other troops from the tribes of Africa.  The story of their valor is written on the battlefields of France in imperishable glory.

Considering the splendid service of the—­in many cases—­half wild blacks from the region of the equator, it seems strange that our government did not hasten sooner and without demur to enlist the loyal Blacks of this country with their glowing record in former wars, their unquestioned mental attainments, their industry, stamina and self reliance.  Yet at the beginning of America’s participation in the war, it was plain that the old feeling of intolerance; the disposition to treat the Negro unfairly, was yet abroad in the land.

He was willing; anxious to volunteer and offered himself in large numbers at every recruiting station, without avail.  True, he was accepted in numerous instances, but the condition precedent, that of filling up and rounding out the few Negro Regular and National Guard organizations below war strength, was chafing and humiliating.  Had the response to the call for volunteers been as ardent among all classes of our people; especially the foreign born, as it was from the American Negro, it is fair to say that the selective draft would not necessarily have been so extensive.

It was not until the selective draft was authorized and the organization of the National Army began, that the Negro was given his full opportunity.  His willingness and eagerness to serve were again demonstrated.  Some figures dealing with the matter, taken from the official report of the Provost Marshall General (General E.H.  Crowder) will be cited later on.