rance and England, can only be judged by the rebuke which
President Wilson gave when his chance came.

It was in the Spring of 1918 when Germany struck through the British
forces in Picardy. Then came the allies' "Hurry up!" call. The enemy
opened a tremendous drive against the British front, bombarding,
storming and attacking along fifty miles from Croiselles to La Fere. On
the first day, 16,000 British prisoners were taken. The shelling might
be heard across the Channel in Dover. The German penetrated to the third
British line, taking 25,000 more prisoners. William Hohenzollern,
himself, directed the drive from his headquarters at Spa. Peronne, Ham
and Chauny fell. Vast stores and war material was lost, including tanks.
At the Lotos club dinner, Lord Reading gave voice to a message from
Lloyd George urging the United States to rush men to fill the gap.
Albert fell. The real need of England and France became a question of
reserves. John J. Pershing, drawing no color line, offered the whole
American army.

Germany separated France from her ally. Apprized of America's
preparations, she sought to destroy both France and England before the
new enemy might hold place. Acceleration of all fighting forces to
overseas service became the imperative duty. Not a moment was to be
lost. The American Expeditionary Force must be expeditious. Casting
about to find those ready to answer the call, America could not deny the
preparedness of her 92nd Division of colored troopers.

On Germany came! On to Montdidier! To Amiens! To Hazebrouck! To Paris!
Montdidier gone! "Hurry! Hurry!" cried Clemenceau. "Hurry! Hurry!"
pleaded the aged Premier. He could no longer study the possible effects
of any action of his office upon the future. His concern was the very
present need. He wanted men, regardless of what adjustments their
presence might upset in future world relationships.

So came a day when the Negro troopers could no longer be gainsaid. "Give
me these men!" cried Joffre. "I am ready for the 92nd," announced
Pershing. "We submit that they are men without honor, and of inferior
American status," warned some Americans. "We shall test them," was
Foch's laconic reply. "But they are black men with but 35 ounces of
brain--a sub-species of mankind," America warned again.

And all France cried: "Send us men--men without fear of mortal
danger--men of intrepid heart--men of audacity--men of fortitude--men of
resolution--men of unquestioning, u