CHAPTER VII.
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.