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History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With MexicoSweeney, William Allison

History

History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With Mexico

Name: History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With Mexico
Author: Sweeney, William Allison

Sweeney, William Allison

African American soldiers; African Americans -- History -- 1877-1964; World War, 1914-1918 -- Participation, African American

As long ago as the summer of 1915, or to be exact, August 26th of that
year, Capt. R.P. Roots of Seattle, Washington, addressed a letter to
the Hon. Lindley M. Garrison at Washington, at the time Secretary of
War, directing his attention to the discrepancy of assignment complained
of, accompanied with certain suggestions; having to do with a condition
that the government must eventually face; that will not down, and must
sooner or later be abrogated. Captain Roots' communication to the
Secretary of War, also one addressed to the Hon. Joseph Tumulty, private
secretary to President Wilson, follows:

                                     "Seattle, Wash., August 26, 1915.
     "Hon. Lindley M. Garrison, Secretary of War,
     Dear Sir: As an ex-officer of the Spanish-American war, having served as
     Captain of Company "E" of the Eighth Illinois Volunteers, I am taking
     the liberty to ask that, if you should recommend any increase in the
     Army you give the Negro a chance in the manner, and for reasons I shall
     further explain.
          You will notice by my service with the 8th Illinois that I am a
     colored man, and as such am offering these suggestions, which, in the
     main, are just.
          If the increase is sufficient, we should have:
          TWO COAST ARTILLERY COMPANIES.
          ONE REGIMENT OF FIELD ARTILLERY (In these branches we are not
     represented at all).
          ONE REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
          The above to be embodied in the Regular Army and to be officered as
     you think fit.
          But my main object is: Three Regiments of Infantry officered from
     COLONEL DOWN WITH COLORED MEN. I should not have these Infantry
     Regiments of the regular service for the reason that to appoint officers
     to the rank of Colonel, Majors, etc., would not be fair to the regular
     service officers, and would interfere with the promotion of the same,
     but I would have them rank as volunteers. Give them the name of
     "IMMUNES," "FOREIGN SERVICE REGIMENTS," or any other name that you
     choose.
          My further reasons are as to officering these regiments, that there
     would be many misfits in such organizations and I would leave it so that
     you or the President could remove them without prejudice from the
     service, but to fill by OTHER COLORED MEN the vacancies that might
     occur. I should officer these regiments with Spanish War veterans,
     non-commissioned officers of the retired and regulars, but should
     appoint all 2d Lieutenants from the schools of the country giving
     military training.
          The 2d Lieutenants upon passing the regular army examination could be
     placed in the eligible list of the regular army, but NOT until at least
     two years' service with these regiments. You could set a time limit on
     these regiments if you so desire, say ten or twelve years duration;
     either mustered out or in the regular service.
          "Now Mr.

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