Should not his boys and girls, Mastering the curriculum of the schools, Pricked on to attainment by the lure Of honorable achievement, Be given bread and not a stone When seeking employment In the labor mart, At the factory gate Or the office door? Broadened by the spirit of the golden rule, Will you not grant these children of Hagar An even break? Is the day not here, O judges, When the Other Fellow May be measured in fairness, Just fairness? * * * * * It is written men may rise "On their dead selves to higher things;" But can it be that this clear note of cheer To sodden men and smitten races Was meant for all save him? Chants an immortal: "He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all." CHAPTER XXXII. AN INTERPOLATION. HELD BY DISTINGUISHED THINKERS AND WRITERS, THAT THE NEGRO SOLDIER SHOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE FOR PROMOTION AS WELL AS A CHANCE TO DIE--WHY WHITE OFFICERS OVER NEGRO SOLDIERS? Ever since the conclusion of the conflict of '61-'65, in which Negro troops numbered by thousands, took an active part upon behalf of the Union, there has been a growing and insistent wonder in the minds of many, why, given a chance to die in the military service of the nation, they should not also at the same time be given a chance for promotion. Subsequent affairs engaged in by the government requiring the intervention of its military arm, the Spanish-American war, the Philippines investiture incident thereto, the Mexican disagreement, the whole crowned by the stupendous World War; its frightful devastation and din yet fresh to our sight, still filling our ears, as it will for years; in all of which they have contributed their share of loyalty and blood--of LIVES!--have but added to, strengthened the wonder mentioned. Up to the beginning of the European muddle it was discussed if at all, not so much as a condition demanding uncensored condemnation, as one to continue to be patient with, trusting to time and an awakened sense of fair play upon the part of the nation at large to note the custom complained of, and banish the irritation by abolishing the cause. However, there has not been lacking those who have spoken out, who have raised their voices in protest against what they deemed an injustice to the loyal "fighting men" of their race, and so feeling, have not hesitated to make their plea to those above empowered to listen, regardless of the mood in which they did so.