Colonel Roosevelt said that the conduct of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry reflected honor upon the whole American people, especially on their own race.

He could hardly say otherwise in view of the splendid support given by those two regiments that--such is, and will continue to be the verdict of history, saved him and his "Rough Riders" from annihilation at San Juan Hill.
Cuba, in her struggles for freedom, had among her own people two splendid Negro leaders, Antonio and Jose Maceo.
Following the Cuban campaign, Negro troops saw distinguished service in the Philippine Islands uprisings.

They have from time to time since garrisoned and preserved order in those possessions.

A very limited number of Negro officers have been attached to their racial contingents in the Philippines, and there will be found but a few of competent military authority in this country, who will deny that educated, intelligent and qualified Negroes, are fitted for positions of leadership and command.
The Negro of this country is primarily and essentially concerned with the destiny and problems of his race.

His work encouraged as it must be, by the laws and spirit of the age, will determine his future and mark the commencement of the elimination of the shameful prejudice against him in the land, for which, from Lexington to the bloody trenches of France, he has given of his blood to preserve.
Before leaving the subject of the Negro in previous wars, it is highly fitting to review the heroic incident of June 21, 1916, at Carrizal, Mexico.