the Negro's most formidable foe--prejudice. That official
very unceremoniously forwarded the papers to the navy department with
the following endorsement: "Respectfully forwarded to the secretary of
the navy--disapproved. The explanation of disapproval will be found in
the applicant's descriptive list."

However, this slur did not deter Jordan in his determination to go
higher, for at the battle of Manila he was a gunner's mate of the first
class, and his record was so conspicuous that it could not go unnoticed
by the officials in Washington.

FINAL RECOGNITION.

The following letter was then addressed to Jordan's commanding officer
by the bureau of navigation: "The Bureau notes that John C. Jordan,
gunner's mate first class, has served as such with a creditable service
since August 6, 1899. The chief of bureau directs me to request an
expression of opinion from the commanding officer as to whether Jordan
possesses that superior intelligence, force of character and ability to
command, necessary for a chief petty officer and particularly as to
whether he is in all respects qualified for the position of chief
gunner's mate of a first-class modern battleship."

[Illustration: COLORED YEOWOMEN.

Employees of Navy Department, Washington, D.C.]

[Illustration: ROBERT McCRAY.

Seaman. Lost on the U.S.S. ALCEDO, November 5, 1917.]

[Illustration: LEWIS H. HARDWICK.

Mess Attendant, 3c, U.S.N. Lost on U.S.S. CYCLOPS, June 14, 1918.]

[Illustration: ERCELL WILLIAM MARTIN.

Mess Attendant, 3c, U.S.N. Killed when shell exploded on board U.S. Von
STEUBEN, March 5, 1918.]

[Illustration: PRINCE A. JOHNSON.

Mess Attendant, 2c, U.S.N.R.F. Died from exposure after Lake Moor was
sunk, April 11, 1918.]

[Illustration: HUBERT ALFRED JOHNSON.

Mess Attendant, 2c, U.S.N.

Lost when U.S.A.C.T. TICONDEROGA was torpedoed and sunk, September 30,
1918.]

[Illustration: LYNN COCHRANE.

Ship's Cook, 1c, U.S.N.R.F. Lost when U.S.A.C.T. TICONDEROGA was
torpedoed and sunk September 30, 1918.]

[Illustration: E. HARRISON.

Mess Attendant. Lost on the U.S.S. ALCEDO, November 5, 1917.]

[Illustration: HERMAN STALLINGS.

Ship's Cook, 2c, U.S.N.R.F. Accidentally drowned while in swimming, May
19, 1918.]

[Illustration: WILSON C. SAMPSON.

Fireman 1st Class, U.S.N. Commended for seamanlike conduct and services
rendered when boiler was disabled. S.S. MacDONOUGH, Oct. 27, 1916.]

[Illustration: ANDREW THEODORE ASKIN.

M