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THE AMERICANNEGRO'SRECOR D IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR LOYALTY VALOR ACHIEVEMENT

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Date 1919. The Crisis is sent without further charge to members paying two dollars or more OSWALD GARRISON VILLARD, Treasurer, 70 Fifth Avenue, New York. SIR: I enclose $ in payment of membership dues for one year in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with the stipulation that one dollar of any amount remitted herewith in excess of one dollar is for one year's sub­ scription to THE CRISIS.

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President Chairman of the Board MOORFIELD STOREY ' MARY WHITE OVINGTON Vice-Presidents O. G. VILLARD, Treasurer ARCHIBALD H. GRIMKE DR. W E. B. Du BOIS. Director of Publica- REV JOHN HAYNES HOLMES cations and Research BISHOP JOHN HURST JOHN R. SHILLADY. Secretary CAPT ARTHUR B. SPINGARN JAMES WELDON JOHNSON, Field Secretary OSWALD GARRISON VILLARD WALTER F. WHITE Assistant Secretary FIRST WAR HISTORY NUMBER - EDITION 100,000 TH E CRISIS A RECORD OF THE DARKER RACES

PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND COPYRIGHTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE, AT 70 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY. CON­ DUCTED BY W. E. BURGHARDT DU BOIS; AUGUSTUS GRANVILLE DILL, BUSINESS MANAGER

Vol. 18—No. 1 MAY, 1919 Whole No. 103

PICTURES Page COVER. Drawing. By Lorenzo Harris. NEEDHAM ROBERTS 15 RED CROSS NURSES, CAMP GRANT 22 A SESSION OF THE PAN-AFRICAN CONGRESS 32

ARTICLES PREJUDICE. A Poem. Georgia Douglas Johnson 14 DOCUMENTS OF THE WAR. Collected by W. E. Burghardt Du Bois 16 THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE. Lillian A. Turner 25

DEPARTMENTS OPINION 7 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE 23 THE LOOKING GLASS 27 THE HORIZON 33

THE JUNE ISSUE

The June CRISIS will contain a supplement with a complete history of the Negro Soldier in the World War. It will be a revelation. Order your copies early. The July CRISIS will be Education Number. The August CRISIS will be Labor Number.

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FOREIGN SUBSCRIPTIONS TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EXTRA RENEWALS: The date of expiration of each subscription is printed on the wrapper. When the subscription is due, a blue renewal blank is enclosed. CHANGE O F ADDRESS ; The address of a subscriber can be changed as often as desired. In ordering a change of address, both the old and the new address must be given. Two weeks' notice is required. MANUSCRIPT S and drawings relating to colored people are desired. They must be accom­ panied by return postage. If found unavailable they will be returned Entered as second class matter November 2. 1910, at the post office at New York, New York, under the Act of March 3, 1879. THE CRISIS Vol. 18-No. 1 MAY, 1919 Whole No. 103

Opinion of W. E. B. DuBois M Y MISSION be nations, like the Letts and Finns, I WENT to Paris because today the Armenians and Jugo-Slavs, Irish the destinies of mankind cen­ and Ukrainians. Not only groups, ter there. Make no mistake as but races have come—Jews, Indians, to this, my readers. Arabs and All-Asia. Great churches, Podunk may easily persuade itself like the Greek Orthodox and the that only Podunk matters and that Roman Catholic, are watching on the nothing is going on in New York. ground. Great organizations, like the The South Sea Islander may live ig­ American Peace Society, the League norant and careless of London. Some to Enforce Peace, the American Fed­ Americans may think that Europe eration of Labor, the Woman's Suf­ does not count, and a few Negroes frage Association and a hundred may argue vociferously that the others are represented in Paris to­ Negro problem is a domestic matter, to day. be settled in Richmond and New In fine, not a single great, serious Orleans. movement or idea in Government, But all these careless thinkers are Politics, Philanthropy or Industry in wrong. The destinies of mankind for the civilized world has omitted to a hundred years to come are being send and keep in Paris its Eyes and settled today in a small room of the Ears and Fingers! And yet some Hotel Crillon by four unobtrusive American Negroes actually asked gentlemen who glance out specula­ WHY I went to help represent the tively now and then to Cleopatra's Negro world in Africa and America Needle on the Place de la Concorde. and the Islands of the Sea. You need not believe this if you But why did I not explain my rea­ do not want to. They do not care sons and mission before going? what you believe. They have the Because I am not a fool. Because I POWER. They are settling the knew perfectly well that any move­ world's problems and you can believe ment to bring the attention of the what you choose as long as they con­ world to the Negro problem at this trol the ARMIES and NAVIES, the crisis would be stopped the moment world supply of CAPITAL and the the Great Powers heard of it. When, PRESS. therefore, I was suddenly informed Other folks of the world who think, of a chance to go to France as a news­ believe and act;—THIRTY-TWONATIONS,paper correspondent PEOPLE, I diS dan nod tRACES talk , have permanent headquarters in Paris. —I went. Not simply England, Italy and the What did I do when I got there? Great Powers are there, but all the First, there were certain things that little nations; not simply little na­ I did NOT do. I did not hold an tions, but little groups who want to anti-lynching meeting on the Boule­ vard des Italiens. I would to God I

7 8 THE CRISIS could have, but I knew that France What could a Pan-African is still under martial law,—that no Congress do? It could not agitate the meeting can be held today in France, Negro problem in any particular anywhere or at any time, without the country, except in so far as that prob­ consent of the Government; no news­ lem could be plausibly shown to be paper can publish a line without the part of the problem of the future of consent of the Censor and no indi­ Africa. The problem of the future vidual can stay in France unless the of Africa was a difficult and delicate French consent. question before the Peace Conference But it did not follow that because —so difficult and so delicate that the I could not do everything I could do Conference was disposed to welcome nothing. I first went to the advice and co-operation. American Peace Commission and said If the Negroes of the world could frankly and openly: "I want to call have maintained in Paris during the a Pan-African Congress in Paris." entire sitting of the Peace The Captain to whom I spoke smiled Conference a central headquarters with ex­ and shook his head. "Impossible," perts, clerks and helpers, they could he said, and added: "The French have settled the future of Africa at a Government would not permit it." cost of less than $10,000. "Then," said I innocently: "It's up As it was the Congress cost $750. to me to get French consent!" "It Yet with this meagre sum a Congress is!" he answered, and he looked re­ of fifty-eight delegates, representing lieved. sixteen different Negro groups, was With the American Secret Service assembled. This Congress passed at my heels I then turned to the resolutions which the entire press of French Government. There are six the world has approved, despite the colored deputies in the French fact that these resolutions had two Parliament and one is an under-secretary paragraphs of tremendous signifi­ in the War Department. "Of course, cance to us: we can have a Pan-African Congress," he said — "I'll see Wherever persons of African de­ Clemenceau." He saw Clemenceau, and there scent are civilized and able to meet was a week's pause. Clemenceau saw the tests of surrounding culture, they Pichon, and there was another pause. shall be accorded the same rights as Meantime, our State Department their fellow citizens; they shall not chuckled and announced that there be denied on account of race or color would be no Congress and refused a voice in their own Government, jus­ Negroes passports. England fol­ tice before the courts and economic lowed suit and refused to allow the and social equality according to abil­ Secretary of the Aborigines ity and desert. Protection Society even to visit Paris, while Whenever it is proven that African the South African natives were not natives are not receiving just treat­ allowed to sail. ment at the hands of any State or But there are six Negroes in the that any State deliberately excludes French House and Clemenceau needs its civilized citizens or subjects of their votes. There were 280,000 Negro descent from its body politic and black African troops in the war be­ cultural, it shall be the duty of the fore whom France stands with un­ League of Nations to bring the mat­ covered head. The net result was ter to the attention of the civilized that Clemenceau, Prime Minister of world. France, gave us permission to hold Precisely the same principles are the Pan-African Congress in Paris. being demanded today by the Jews OPINION 9 and the Japanese. And despite the by the N. A. A. C. P. and THE CRISIS enormous significance of these de­ to gather the historical facts concern­ mands, Colonel House of the ing Negro troops and to call a Pan- American Peace Commission received me African Congress. and assured me that he wished these On the night before Dr. Moton resolutions presented to the Peace started out a colored man of national Conference. Lloyd George wrote me reputation and unquestioned integ­ that he would give our demands "his rity who had been in France six careful consideration." The French months took him aside and told him Premier offered to arrange an audi­ frankly the situation: the rampant ence for the President and Secretary American prejudice against black of the Conference. Portugal and troops and officers and the bitter re­ Belgium, great colonial powers, offered sentment of the victims. Dr. complete co-operation. Moton's letters gave him every oppor­ The League for the Rights of Man, tunity. A special Army Order pre­ which freed Dreyfus, appointed a ceded him, which read: special commission to hear not only Dr. R. R. Moton, President of of the African, but the facts as to the Tuskegee University, will be present in American Negro problem. the Divisional area for the next few We got, in fact, the ear of the civil­ days. The Division Commander di­ ized world and if it had been possible rects that commanding officers ren­ to stay longer and organize more der all possible assistance in any visit thoroughly and spread the truth,— or inspection Dr. Moton desires to what might not have been accom­ make. They will also see that he is plished ? accorded every opportunity to make As it was, we have organized the any observation he may wish to make. "Pan-African Congress" as a perma­ What did Dr. Moton do? He rushed nent body, with M. Diagne as presi­ around as fast as possible. He took dent and myself as secretary, and we with him and had at his elbow every plan an international quarterly moment that evil genius of the Negro BLACK REVIEW to be issued in race, Thomas Jesse Jones, a white English, French and possibly in man. Dr. Moton took no time to in­ Spanish and Portuguese. vestigate or inquire. He made a few The world-fight for black rights is speeches, of which one is reported by on! a hearer as follows: ROBERT R. MOTON The address delivered by Dr. NEITHER R. R. Moton nor W. Moton to the men consisted of one or E. B. DuBois had the slight­ two jokes by a colored preacher, the est idea that the other was assurance that the people at home planning to sail for France, were proud of them and the manner December 1, until they met in in which they should act upon their Washington on a quest for passports, November 30.return They sailedto the together United on States, dwelling the Orizaba and frankly discussed almost entirely upon the phrase "Not their agreements and disagreements. to be arrogant." After he had spoken When they reached France, each went to the men the Major informed the about his own business. officers that Dr. Moton desired to hold secret conference with them. Dr. Moton was sent by the All officers congregated in the office. President of the United States and the After being presented to the officers Secretary of War to see and talk to Dr. Moton stated that he had been Negro troops. Dr. DuBois was sent sent to France by President Wilson 10 THE CRISIS

and Mr. Baker for the purpose of TO MR. EMMETT SCOTT speaking to the colored troops. He THE Negro world and you will bear us witness that THE also stated that he had just left Paris CRISIS and its Editor has where he had been in conference with given you loyal and unselfish President Wilson and had asked the co-operation, even at the cost of sus­ President his views as to the prac­ picion and criticism. We have done tical application of democracy toward this, FIRST, because the war de­ the colored man in the United States, manded, and had a right to demand, unswerving loyalty and unity on the but ending by saying: "I was very part of the Nation and its constitu­ much pleased with his reply; but, gen­ ent groups; and, SECONDLY, be­ tlemen, I cannot quote the President." cause we believed that you were do­ After Dr. Moton finished his talk ing all that was possible under very difficult circumstances. A visit to no opportunity was given to the of­ Europe has, however, revealed to the ficers to inform him of the conditions Editor a state of affairs in regard that had existed in France, and he to Negro troops which is simply did not seek any information relative astounding! Some of these facts we to same from any of the officers after are publishing this month and others the conference ended. we shall reveal later. Meantime, we are withholding judgment in your Dr. Moton then returned to Paris case and simply asking you publicly and met Colonel House, General three questions: Pershing and others. Colonel House 1. Did you know the treatment told the writer that he urged Dr. which black troops were receiving in Moton to remain in Paris and that if he France? would, Colonel House would give him 2. If you did NOT know, why did an opportunity to appear in person you not find out? before the Peace Conference to speak 3. If you DID know, what did you for the black world. Dr. Moton re­ do about it? fused to stay, but promised to return. He then went to England and se­ THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS A LEAGUcuredE anO audiencF NATIONe withS Lloyis d George, Prime Minister of England. The absolutely necessary to the destiny of the black race today is in salvation of the Negro race. the hands of England and the destiny Unless we have some super- nationalof powerEnglan to curbd is the in anti- the hands of Lloyd NegroGeorge . Yet,policy Dr. Moto n diofd not keepthe United States and his appointment; but rushed to catch South Africa, we are doomed eventu­ his boat in order to be present at the ally to fight for our rights. The pro­ Tuskegee Conference. He sailed, with posed internation will have over­ Thomas Jesse Jones still watching whelming influences around it which him, and did not return to Paris or will oppose the doctrines of "race" to the Pan-African Congress, which antagonism and inferiority. It will he said he favored and promised to from the beginning recognize Negro support. nations. It will be open to the larger No one questions the personal in­ influences of civilization and culture tegrity of Robert Russa Moton or his which are ineffective in the United kindly disposition, but no one, friend States because of the prevailing bar­ or foe, can look these facts in the face barism of the ruling classes in the and not feel bitter disappointment. South and their overwhelming polit­ OPINION 11

ical power. What we cannot accom­ eration of Mr. Emmett Scott and plish before the choked conscience of others. Neither he nor Mr. Scott America, we have an infinitely better wished to change their plans and chance to accomplish before the or­ neither would accept co-operation, ganized Public Opinion of the World. except upon terms which we deemed impossible.Peac Mr.e foC.r G. u sWoodson, is not simpl y Peace from Editor Wars likof e the pastThe, but relieJournalf from of Negro History, the spectre of the Great War of Races refused to co-operate except as Editor-in-Chief. which will be absolutely inevitable unless the selfish nations of white Unity being thus plainly impos­ civilization are curbed by a Great sible, Dr. DuBois disposed to drop the World Congress in which black and project as far as he was personally white and yellow sit and speak and concerned and leave the work to act. The refusal to adopt the Japan­ others. ese race equality amendment is de­ plorable, but it is an argument for The Executive Officers of the N. A. and not against a Nation of Nations. A. C. P., however, thought it best for It is the Beginning of a mighty End. Dr. DuBois to proceed to France and look over the field especially with re­ gard to a Pan-African Congress and HISTORY the facts obtainable there concerning MOST American Negroes do Negro troops. not realize that the impera­ tive duty of the moment is The result of this trip is that we to fix in history the status are convinced: 1. Thatof theou truthr Negr concerningo troops . Already sub­ Negroestle influencein s are preparinthis g awar fata l must be told im­ attack. It is repeated openly among partially and entirely. influential persons: "The black la­ 2. That no person in official posi­ borers did well—the black privates tion dare tell the whole truth. can fight—but the Negro officer is a 3. That notwithstanding the un­ failure." This is not true and the fortunate duplication of effort and facts exist to disprove it, but they multiplying of histories, it is the plain must be marshalled with historical duty of the N. A. A. C. P. and THE vision and scientific accuracy. CRISIS to compile and publish a com­ Sensing this some months ago, the plete history of "The Negro in the RevolutionNational of the AssociationTwentieth for the Century."Advancement of Colored People com­ missioned Dr. DuBois to prepare a Such a history is, therefore, pro­ history and appropriated $2,000 to­ jected in three volumes, preceded by ward the expense. Dr. DuBois im­ a brief forecast. The forecast will be mediately sought to associate with issued as a supplement to the June him — not as subordinates, but on CRISIS. It will be a short but com­ terms of full equality — a board of plete history of the Negro in the war. It will bethre followede or fouthis ryear editor by s and a large con­ Volumesultin g boarI d of coloreof d menthe. It im­full history; Volumes II mediately developed that co-opera­ and III will appear in 1920 and 1921. tion was impossible. Every reader of THE CRISIS is A white man, Mr. F. P. asked to help in the compilation of Stockbridge of New York, had already this history. Please write us imme­ planned and was preparing a popular diately and let us know what co-op­ history and had secured the co-op­ eration we may expect. 12 TH E CRISIS

RAPE St. Die (Vosges) THE charge of rape against "Very excellent conduct." colored Americans was in­ Bourbonne les Bains (Haute-Marne) vented by the white South "Pleasant remembrances and ir­ after Reconstruction to ex­ reproachable conduct." cuse mob violence. No such whole­ Liverdun (Meurthe-et-Moselle) sale charge was dreamed of in slav­ "Excellent conduct — no com­ ery days and during the war black plaints." men were often the sole protection Rayon l'Etape (Vosges) of white women. "Fine character and exquisite After the war, when murder and courtesy." mob violence was the recognized Fresne (Haute-Marne) method of re-enslaving blacks, it was "No complaints concerning their discovered that it was only necessary conduct." to add a charge of rape to justify Domfront (Orne) before the North and Europe any "Won the esteem and sympathy treatment of Negroes. The custom of all the population." became widespread. In vain have Marbache (Meurthe et Moselle) Negroes and their friends protested "No complaint — well disci­ that in less than one-quarter of the plined." cases of lynching Negroes has rape Bordeaux (Gironde) been even alleged as an excuse. And "No unfavorable comments." in the alleged cases guilt has not been Serqueux (Haute-Marne) even probable in the vast majority of "Well-conducted-—no crimes." cases. Chamberey (Savoie) We do not for a moment deny or "Proud to welcome them." seek to deny that Negroes are guilty Brest (Finistere) of rape and of other horrible crimes. "Not qualified to give informa­ What we do deny and what the facts overwhelmingly prove is that as a tion." race they are less guilty of such St. Nazaire (Loire Inferieure) crimes of violence than any other "Cannot give any information." group similarly oppressed by poverty Docelles (Vosges) and compulsory ignorance. "Good conduct, good discipline Today the nasty and absolutely and fine spirit." false charge returns to justify the Couptrain (Mayenne) outrageous treatment of Negroes by "Perfect propriety without com­ Americans in France. plaint." What is the truth ? Gezoncourt (Meurthe-et-Moselle) I have written to twenty-one "No complaint as to conduct or Mayors of towns and cities in all morals." parts of France where Negro troops Frouard (Meurthe-et-Moselle) have been quartered asking them as "Well-regulated conduct." to the conduct of black troops. These We have, too, official figures cover­ are some of their replies: ing the Ninety-second Division, con­ Montmorillon (Vienne) sisting of Negro troops, with largely "They have earned our high re­ Negro company officers. gard by their discipline and Only ONE soldier of the Ninety- their faultless behavior." second Division in France was con­ Le Mans (Sarthe) victed of rape, while TWO others "They have been accused of no were convicted of intent to rape. crimes or misdemeanors." It is doubtful if another Division OPINION 13 of the U. S. Army in France has a "Five months ago today the Ninety better record. -second Division landed in France. What was the real animus back of "After seven weeks of training it this wholesale accusation? It was took over a Sector in the Front Line the fact that many Americans would and since that time some portion of rather have lost the war than to see the Division has been practically con­ a black soldier talking to a white wo­ tinuously under fire. man. For instance, the Mayor of "It participated in the last battle of Bar-sur-Aube issued this Order, on the War with creditable success, con­ June 26, 1918: tinually pressing the attack against According to orders given by highly organized defensive works. It American Military authorities, it is advanced successfully on the first day strongly recommended that no French of the battle, attaining its objectives women receive visits from colored and capturing poisoners. This in the soldiers or talk tvith them on the face of determined opposition by an streets. alert enemy and against rifle, ma­ On the other hand, what is the of­ chine guns and artillery fire. The ficial American opinion of Negro issue of the second day's battle, was troops ? rendered indecisive by the order to General Pershing in his address to cease firing at eleven a. m., ivhen the the Ninety-second Division at Le Armistice became effective." Mans, France, January 29, 1919, A report from the officer in charge said: of Leave Area, November 6, 1918, "The Ninety-second Division has, says: without a doubt, been a success in its "Nothing but the highest praise can work at the front, and I desire to be given the colored soldier for the compliment the officers and men upon manner in which he conducted him­ the discipline and morale which has self while in France. He conducted existed in this command during its himself in a gentlemanly manner in stay in France." every sector in which the Division Brigadier-General Hay, 184th Bri­ operated, and won for himself the gade, Ninety-second Division, said: love and commendation of the French "I have been with colored troops people." for twenty-five years, and I have never seen a better soldier." RETURNING SOLDIERS Captain Willis, Supply Officer, are returning from war! 365th Infantry, said: TH E CRISIS and tens of "The troops of the Ninety-second thousands of black men Division are the best disciplined and were drafted into a great best saluting soldiers I have seen in struggle. For bleeding France and France." what she means and has meant and Brigadier-General Sherburne said: will mean to us and humanity and "The Brigade Commander wishes against the threat of German race ar­ to record in General Orders the entire rogance, we fought gladly and to the satisfaction it has given him to have last drop of blood; for America and commanded the first brigade of her highest ideals, we fought in far- Negro Artillery ever organized. This off hope; for the dominant southern satisfaction is due to the excellent rec­ oligarchy entrenched in Washington, ord the men have made." we fought in bitter resignation. For Allen J. Greer, Colonel, General the America that represents and Staff, signs this order of General gloats in lynching, disfranchisement, Ballou: caste, brutality and devilish insult— 14 THE CRISIS for this, in the hateful upturning and our savings. It reduces our wages. mixing of things, we were forced by It raises our rent. It steals our vindictive fate to fight, also. profit. It taxes us without represen­ But today we return! We return tation. It keeps us consistently and from the slavery of uniform which universally poor, and then feeds us the world's madness demanded us to on charity and derides our poverty. don to the freedom of civil garb. We It insults us. stand again to look America squarely It has organized a nation-wide and in the face and call a spade a spade. latterly a world-wide propaganda of We sing: This country of ours, de­ deliberate and continuous insult and spite all its better souls have done defamation of black blood wherever and dreamed, is yet a shameful land. found. It decrees that it shall not be It lynches. possible in travel nor residence, work And lynching is barbarism of a de­ nor play, education nor instruction gree of contemptible nastiness unpar­ for a black man to exist without tacit alleled in human history. Yet. for or open acknowledgment of his in­ fifty years we have lynched two feriority to the dirtiest white dog. Negroes a week, and we have kept this And it looks upon any attempt to up right through the war. question or even discuss this dogma It disfranchises its own citizens. as arrogance, unwarranted assump­ tion and treason. Disfranchisement is the deliberate This is the country to which we theft and robbery of the only protec­ Soldiers of Democracy return. This tion of poor against rich and black is the fatherland for which we against white. The land that disfran­ fought! But it is our fatherland. It chises its citizens and calls itself a was right for us to fight. The faults democracy lies and knows it lies. of our country are our faults. Under It encourages ignorance. similar circumstances, we would fight It has never really tried to educate again. But by the God of Heaven, we the Negro. A dominant minority are cowards and jackasses if now that does not want Negroes educated. It that war is over, we do not marshal wants servants, dogs, whores and every ounce of our brain and brawn to monkeys. And when this land allows fight a sterner, longer, more unbend­ a reactionary group by its stolen po­ ing battle against the forces of hell in litical power to force as many black our own land. folk into these categories as it possi­ We return. bly can, it cries in contemptible hypoc­ We return from fighting. risy : "They threaten us with degener­ We return fighting. acy ; they cannot be educated." Make way for Democracy! We It steals from us. saved it in France, and by the Great It organizes industry to cheat us. Jehovah, we will save it in the United It cheats us out of our land; it cheats States of America, or know the rea­ us out of our labor. It confiscates son why. PREJUDICE

GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON

THESE fell miasmic rings of mist, with And fling the soul insurgent back into its ghoulish menace bound, shell of clay: Their noose-horizons tightening my little Beneath these crusted silences a seething world around, Etna lies, They still the throbbing will to sing, to The fire of whose furnaces may sleep but dance, to speed away, never dies! NEEDHAM ROBERTS, 369th U. S. INFANTRY, FORMERLY 15TH N. Y. N, G., DECORATED WITH THE CROIX DE GUERRE, WITH PALM, AND WEARING TWO SERVICE STRIPES AND TWO WOUND STRIPES.

15 DOCUMENTS OF THE WAR

CoLLECTED BY W. E. BURGHARDT DUBOIS

HE following documents have come into the hands of the Editor. He has absolute T proof of their authenticity. The first document was sent out last August at the request of the American Army by the French Committee which is the official means of communication between the American forces and the French. It represents American and not French opinion and we have been informed that when the French Ministry heard of the distribution of this document among the Prefects and Sous-Prefects of France, they ordered such copies to be collected and burned.

MISSION MILITAIRE FRANÇAISE FRENCH MILITARY MISSION près l'Armée Américaine. Stationed with the American Army Le 7 août 1918. August 7, 1918. SECRET INFORMATION CONCERNING CONFIDENTIEL BLACK AMERICAN TROOPS AU SUJET DES TROUPES NOIRES AMERICAINES 1°. Il importe que les Officiers Français 1. It is important for French officers who appelés à exercer un commandement sur les have been called upon to exercise command troupes noires américaines, ou à vivre à leur over black American troops, or to live in contact, aient une notion exacte de la situa­ close contact with them, to have an exact tion des nègres aux ETATS-UNIS. Les idea of the position occupied by Negroes considérations exposées dans la note suivante in the United States. The information set devraient donc leur être communiquées, et forth in the following communication ought il y a un intérêt considérable, à ce qu'elles to be given to these officers and it is to soient connues et largement diffuses. Il ap­ their interest to have these matters known partiendra mémo aux Autorités Militaires and widely disseminated. It will devolve Françaises, de renseigner à ce sujet par likewise on the French Military Authorities, l'intermédiaire des Autorités civiles, les pop­ through the medium of the Civil Authori­ ulations françaises des cantonncmonts de ties, to give information on this subject to troupes américaines de couleur. the French population residing in the can­ tonments occupied by American colored 2°. Le point de vue américain sur la troops. "question nègre" peut paraître discutable à bien des esprits français. Mais il ne nous 2. The American attitude upon the Ne­ appartient pas, à nous Français, de discuter gro question may seem a matter for dis­ ce que certains appellent un "préjudice." cussion to many French minds. But we L'opinion Américaine est unanime sur la French are not in our province if we under­ "question noire," et n'admettrait pas la dis­ take to discuss what some call "prejudice." cussion. American opinion is unanimous on the "color question" and does not admit of any Le nombre élevé de nègres aux ETATS- discussion. UNIS (15 millions environ) créérait pour The increasing number of Negroes in the la race blanche de la République un danger United States (about 15,000,000) would de dégénérescence si une séparation inexor­ create for the white race in the Republic a able n'était faite entre noirs et blancs. menace of degeneracy were it not that an Comme ce danger n'existe pas pour la impassable gulf has been made between race française, le public français s'est them. habitué à traiter familièrement le "noir" et As this danger does not exist for the à être très indulgent à son égard. French race, the French public has become Cette indulgence et cette familiarité bles­ accustomed to treating the Negro with fa­ sent profendément les Américains. Ils les miliarity and indulgence. considèrent comme une atteinte à leurs This indulgence and this familiarity are dogmes nationaux. Ils craignent que le matters of grievous concern to the Ameri- contact des Français n'inspirent aux noirs cans. They consider them an affront to américains des prétentions qu'ils considèrent their national policy. They are afraid that comme intolérables. Il est indispensable que contact with the French will inspire in tous les efforts soient faits pour éviter black Americans aspirations which to them 16 DOCUMENTS OF THE WAR 17

d'indisposer profondément l'opinion améri­ [the whites] appear intolerable. It is of caine. the utmost importance that every effort be Bien que citoyen des ETATS UNIS, made to avoid profoundly estranging Amer­ l'homme de couleur est considéré par ican opinion. l'Américain Blanc comme un être inférieur Although a citizen of the United States, avec lequel on ne peut avoir que des rela­ the black man is regarded by the white tions d'affaires ou de service. On lui re­ American as an inferior being with whom proche une certaine inintelligence, son in­ relations of business or service only arc discrétion, son manque de conscience civique possible. The black is constantly being cen­ ou professionnelle, sa familiarité. sured for his want of intelligence and dis­ Les vices du nègre sont un danger con­ cretion, his lack of civic and professional stant pour l'Américain, qui doit les ré­ conscience and for his tendency toward un­ primer sévèrement. Par exemple, les troupes due familiarity. noires Américaines en France ont donné The vices of the Negro are a constant lieu, à elles seules, à autant de plaintes pour menace to the American who has to repress tentatives de viol, que tout le reste de them sternly. For instance, the black Amer­ l'Armée, et cependant, on ne nous a envoyé ican troops in France have, by themselves, comme soldats qu'une élite au point de vue given rise to as many complaints for at­ physique et moral, car le déchet, à l'incor­ tempted rape as all the rest of the army. poration a été énorme. And yet the [black American] soldiers sent CONCLUSION us have been the choicest with respect to 1°. Il faut éviter toute intimité trop physique and morals, for the number dis­ grande d'officiers français avec des offi­ qualified at the time of mobilization was ciers noirs, avec lesquels, on peut être cor­ enormous. rect et aimable, mais qu'on ne peut traiter CONCLUSION sur le même pied que des officiers blancs 1. We must prevent the rise of any pro­ Américains sans blesser profondément ces nounced degree of intimacy between French derniers. Il ne faut pas partager leur table officers and black officers. We may be et éviter le serrement de mains et les con­ courteous and amiable with these last, but versations ou fréquentations en dehors du we cannot deal with them on the same plane service. as with the white American officers with­ 2°. Il ne faut pas vanter d'une manière out deeply wounding the latter. We must exagérée les troupes noires américains, sur­ not eat with them, must not shake hands or tout devant des Américains. Reconnaître seek to talk or meet with them outside of the leurs qualités et leurs services, mais en requirements of military service. termes modérés conformes à la stricte ré­ 2. We must not commend too highly the alité. black American troops, particularly in the 3°. Tâcher d'obtenir des populations des presence of [white] Americans. It is all cantonnements qu'elle ne gâtent pas les right to recognize their good qualities and nègres. Les Américains sont indignés de their services, but only in moderate terms, toute intimité PUBLIQUE de femme blanche strictly in keeping with the truth. avec des noirs. Ils ont élevé récemment des 3. Make a point of keeping the native véhémentes protestations contre une gra­ cantonment population from "spoiling" the vure de la "Vie Parisienne" intitulée Negroes. [White] Americans become great­ "l'Enfant du Dessert" représentant une fem­ ly incensed at any public expression of in­ me en cabinet particulier avec un nègre. Les timacy between white women with black familiarités des blanches avec les noirs sont, men. They have recently uttered violent

du reste, profondément regrettées de nos protestsi against a picture in the "Vie coloniaux expérimentés qui y voient une Parisienne" entitled "The Child of the perte considérable du prestige de la race Desert" which shows a [white] woman in blanche. a "cabinet particulier" with a Negro. Fa L'autorité militaire ne peut intervenir miliarity on the part of white women with directement dans cette question, mais elle black men is furthermore a source of pro­ peut influer sur les populations par les found regret to our experienced colonials Autorités civiles. who see in it an over-weening menace to (Signé) LINARD. the prestige of the white race. Military authority cannot intervene di- 18 THE CRISIS

rectly in this question, but it can through the civil authorities exercise some influence on the population. (Signed) LINARD.

The following document is a specimen C. That the opportunity be afforded to of the numerous and continuous re­ transfer the remaining colored combat offi­ quests made by white commanders of col­ cer personnel to labor organizations or to ored regiments to get rid of colored officers. replacement units for other colored combat It will be noted that at the date this docu­ organizations according to their suitability. ment was sent Colored officers had had very 3. Reference letter No. 616-3s written by little chance to prove their efficiency. Commanding General, 157th D. I. on the G. H. G., A. E. F. subject August 21, 1918, and forwarded to 8/25/1918 your office through military channels. 11440-A124 (Signed) Herschel Tupes, Headquarters 372nd Infantry Colonel, 372nd Infantry. S. P. 179, France Received A. G. O. August 24, 1918. 26th Aug., 1918, From: The Commanding Officer, 372nd G. H. Q., A. E. F. Infantry. 1st Ind. [Endorsement.] To: The Commanding General, American E. F. G. H. Q., A. E. F., France, August 28, 1918 Subject: Replacement of Colored Officers by —To Commanding Officer, 372nd Infantry, White Officers. A. E. F. 1. Request that colored officers of this 1. Returned. regiment be replaced by white officers for 2. Paragraph two is approved. the following reasons: 3. You will submit by special courier First: The racial distinctions which are requisition for white officers to replace offi­ recognized in civilian life naturally con­ cers relieved upon the recommendation of tinue to be recognized in the military life efficiency board. and present a formidable barrier to the ex­ istence of that feeling of comradeship which 4. You will submit list of names of offi­ is essential to mutual confidence and esprit cers that you recommend to be transferred de corp. to labor organization or to replacement Second: With a few exceptions there is units for other colored combat organiza­ a characteristic tendency among the colored tions; stating in each case the qualifications officers to neglect the welfare of their men of the officers recommended. and to perform their duties in a perfunc­ By command of General Pershing: tory manner. They are lacking in initiative. (Signed) W. P. Bennett, These defects entail a constant supervision Adjutant General. and attention to petty details by battalion 2nd Ind. [Endorsement.] commanders and other senior officers which Hg. 372nd Infantry, S. P., 179, France, Septemberdistrac 4, 1918—Tot thei Commandingr attentio n from their wider dutiesGeneral,; A.wit E.h F„ harmfu France. l results. 2. To facilitate the desired readjustment 1. Requisition in compliance with par. of officer personnel it is recommended, 3, 1st. Ind. is enclosed herewith. Special A. That no colored officers be forwarded attention is invited to the filling of two or­ to this regiment as replacements, or other­ iginal vacancies by app. wise. B. That officers removed upon recom­ * * * mendation of efficiency boards be promptly THE following letter was sent contrary replaced by white officers of like grade. But, to military regulations to a U. S. if white officers are not available as re­ Senator by the man who was Chief of Staff placements; white officers of lower grades of the colored Ninety-second Division; in be forwarded instead. other words, by the man who more than any DOCUMENTS OF THE WAR 19 other single person was responsible for the French and our white field officers did' all morale and efficiency of this Division. We that could possibly have been done; but the shall prove later that every essential state­ troops were impossible. One of our majors ment made in this letter against Negro commanding a battalion said "The men are troops is either false or misleading. rank cowards there is no other word for it." Headquarters VI Army Corps Next we were withdrawn to another de­ American Expeditionary Forces fensive sector where we remained until the Dec. 6, 1918. armistice; having some minor engagements M y Dear Senator: against any enemy who had no offensive Now that a reorganization of the army intentions. is in prospect, and as all officers of the tem­ During our career, counting the time in porary forces have been asked if they desire America, we have had about thirty cases to remain in the regular army, I think I of rape, among which was one where twen­ ought to bring a matter to your attention ty-two men at Camp Grant raped one wo­ that is of vital importance not only from a man, and we have had eight (I believe) re­ military point of view but from that which ported in France with about fifteen at­ all Southerners have. I refer to the ques­ tempts besides. There have been any num­ tion of Negro officers and Negro troops. ber of self-inflicted wounds, among others I have been Chief of Staff of the 92nd one captain. (Colored) Division since its organization, There have been numerous accidental and shall remain on such duty until it starts shootings, several murders, and also several its movement in a few days back to the cases of patrols or sentinels shooting at United States, when I go to the 6th Corps each other. And at the same time, so strict as the Chief of the Operation Section of that had been the supervision and training that unit. My position has been such that I many officers passing through our areas can speak from intimate knowledge and would remark that our men actually had the what I have to say is based on facts which outer marks of better discipline than the I know fully and not from secondhand in­ other divisions. They were punctillious formation. about saluting, their appearance was excel­ To start with: all company officers of in­ lent. They kept their animals and equip­ fantry, machine guns and engineers were ment in good condition. General Bullard, Negroes; as were also most of the artillery commanding our Second Army, asked me my lieutenants and many of the doctors. estimate and I said they could do anything Gradually as their incompetence became perfect­ but fight. They have in fact been danger­ ly evident to all, the engineers and artillery­ ous to no one except themselves and women. men, were replaced by white officers. They In these organizations where we have remained with the infantry until the end, white company officers, namely the artillery and also with a few exceptions with the and engineers, we have had only one case machine guns. of rape. The undoubted truth is that the The record of the division is one which Colored officers neither control nor care will probably never be given full publicity, to control the men. They themselves have but the bare facts are about as follows. been engaged very largely in the pursuit We came to France in June, were given of French women, it being their first oppor­ seven weeks in training area instead of the tunity to meet white women who did not four weeks in training area usually allotted, treat them as servants. then went to a quiet sector of the front. During the entire time we have been op­ From there we went to the Argonne and in erating there has never been a single op­ the offensive starting there on September eration conducted by a colored officer, where 26, had one regiment in the line, attached his report did not have to be investigated to the 38th French Corps. They failed there by some field officer to find out what the in all their missions, laid down and sneaked real facts were. Accuracy and ability to to the rear, until they were withdrawn. describe facts is lacking in all, and most Thirty of the officers of this regiment alone of them are just plain liars in addition. were reported either for cowardice or fail­ The foregoing is just to give you an in­ ure to prevent their men from retreating— sight into the facts. Should any effort be and this against very little opposition. The made to have Negro officers, or for that 20 THE CRISIS

matter Negro troops, the career of this di­ here, the roads have been improved quite vision should be asked for; and every offi­ a bit (due to the work of the 92nd div.) and cer who has been a field officer of the 92nd you do not have to wade in ankle deep Division should be summoned before the mud. Board walks here to nearly all the Committee to give his experience and opin­ tents and barracks. There is so much talk ions. Their statements, based on a year's about the rotten conditions that the Camp experience should certainly carry a great Officials are making feverish efforts to be deal of weight, and all of them state the ready for the proposed inquiry. same thing, only varying in extremes. The work of each organization is graded With best wishes, I am by the Camp Officer in Charge of details, Sincerely yours, and if not satisfactory, the organization (Signed) Allen J. Greer, may be placed at the bottom of the sailing Colonel, General Staff, U. S. A. list or removed temporarily. Commanding Hon. Kenneth D. McKellar, Officers of separate units or regiments are United States Senate, practically helpless and if they complain too Washington, D. C. much against the treatment accorded them, * * * are kept here until the Commanding General THE following letter written by a Negro sees fit to let them go. officer to an American friend illus­ I am beginning to wonder whether it will trates the temper and difficulties of the sit­ ever be possible for me to see an uation in France. American (white) without wishing that he were 19 Feb., 1919. in his Satanic Majesty's private domain. I I have been hoping that you would be able must pray long and earnestly that hatred to drop in on us here before our departure. of my fellow man be removed from my heart We are slated to leave here at 4 A. M. on and that I can truthfully lay claim to be­ the 21st supposedly aboard the Aquitania. ing a Christian. It was my desire to talk with you about the offer to officers and men in the A. E. F. to attend a school in France or England. I NOTES made application and was shown the en­ THE following instances of color dis- dorsement by the Regt. Commander, that crimination are taken at random the offer did not apply to transient officers. from, among numbers of similar cases. The knowledge was obtained from a tele­ This memorandum was sent to the gram received from Hdq. One of our offi­ Commanding Officer, 367th Infantry: cers went to the Commanding General of 1. Company "D" of your organization has this Camp to obtain a copy of the telegram been designated by the Central Embarkation which could not be or was not produced. Office as a coaling detail for U. S. S. Virginia.Capt . went in person to the General and requested permission to at­ 2. This detail with all officers and men tend stating that he volunteered for serv­ will report at Naval Surgeon's Office, foot ice, left his practise and family at a sacri­ of Rue de Siam, Brest, at 8:30 a. m., fice and that he thought the Govt, owed it Februaryto him to giv9,e him a chanc1919.e and attenDetaild will march from school here. The General took his name and camp not later than 7 a. m. the Organization to which he belongs prom­ 3. All equipment and officers' hand bag­ ising to let him hear from him, but as yet gage will be taken. You will arrange for nothing has been done. This Camp is prac­ truck with Camp Transportation Officer tically a penal institution and prejudice Building No. 2, Camp Headquarters. Truck against us is very strong. Some day there will be furnished at 5 a. m. is likely to be some grave disturbance here. 4. All embarkation regulation will be fol­ The conditions are simply awful: mud every­ lowed. The detail will be checked aboard where, leaky tents and barracks and lack of the vessel by an officer from the Central sufficient and proper toilets. The men are Embarkation Office. The detail will not re­ worked quite hard, some at night and others turn to camp. in the day, rain or shine. As a conse­ By Command of Brig. General Butler, quence there are quite a number of sick L. S. SCHMIDT, men in our organization. Since our arrival Major A. G., Adjutant. DOCUMENTS OF THE WAR 21

There was an order issued from the whereupon he issued an order that no officer Central Embarkation Office to the effect that of the 167th Brigade Detachment would be when troops were designated as a coaling permitted to attend a dance where a fee detail, they would go on board with all reg­ was charged. The 167th Brigade ulations for embarkation completed and Detachment was composed entirely of Colored of­ would not return to camp, but would proceed ficers, so that the order referred only to to the United States on board the ship that them, but had no effect upon the white of­ they had coaled. When the Executive ficers who were in attendance at the school. Officer of the Virginia discovered that these * * * troops were Colored, he requested Admiral Headquarters, Area "D," Halstead to have these Colored troops taken January 25, 1919. off board, after having coaled the vessel, as MEMORANDUM it was a precedent in the navy that no To C. O. 367th Infantry: Colored troops had ever traveled on board of White officers desiring: meals in their a United States battleship. This request quarters will have their orderlies report to was then sent by Admiral Halstead to the Lieutenant Williams at the Tent adjoining Central Embarkation Office, and the Colored Area Headquarters for cards to present at Troops were placed on board a tug and sent Officers' Mess. back to Brest. When they arrived in Brest, Al l colored officers will mess at Officers' it was late at night, they had no orders Mess in D-17. as to where to proceed, were without a place F. M. CRAWFORD, to stay and anything to eat. First Lieutenant Infantry, Before leaving the ship the Colored com­ Area "D." manding officer of the troops received the =i= * * HEADQUARTERS FORWARDING CAM P following letter from the officer under whom AMERICAN EMBARKATION CENTER the men worked: A. P. O. 766, A. E. F. U. S. S. Virginia, January 21, 1919. Brest, France, Memorandum: No. 229, E. O. 11 February, 1919. To All Organizations: 1. I take pleasure in commending you 1. For your information and guidance. and the officers and men under your com­ Program Reference Visit of General mand in connection with the coaling of this Pershing, 9:30 A. M. Arrive Forwarding ship, and at the same time wish to express Camp. Al l troops possible, except Colored, my appreciation of the good conduct and the to be under arms. high state of discipline of your command. Formation to be as designated by H. J . ZIEGMINE, General Longan. Only necessary supply work Captain V. S. Navy, and police work to be performed up to time Commanding. troops are dismissed in order that they may * * * prepare for reception of General Pershing. During November, 1918, Colored Artillery As soon as dismissed men to get into work­ officers were in school at Vannes; a number ing clothes and to go to their respective of dances was given by the French ladies tasks in order that Commander-in-Chief which were called the Franco-American may see construction going on. (Work of dances. These dances were given for char­ altering' dry delousing plant not to be in­ ity and a fee was charged for admission. terrupted). Colored troops who are not at The Colored Officers, who composed what work to be in their quarters or at their was known as the 167th Brigade tents Detachment, attended several of these dances, and By command of were entertained by and danced with the BRIGADIER-GENERAL LONGAN. French ladies of the town. The matter was RICHARD I. LEVY, then brought to the attention of General Major, C.A.C., U.S.A. Camp, Horn, who was in command of the school, Adjutant.

WIL Levery Negro officer and soldier who reads these documents make himself a committee of one to see that the Editor of TH E CRISIS receives documents, diaries and information such as will enable THE CRISIS history of the war to be com­ plete, true and unanswerable? RED CROSS NURSES, BASE HOSPITAL. CAMP GRANT. ILLINOIS.

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