the Croix de Guerre, a 15th New York to which their children
and grandchildren will belong; an organization with a home of its
own in a big, modern armory. This should be a social center for the
colored citizens of New York, and the regiment should be an
inspiration to them. It should be officered throughout by colored
men, though I and every other white officer who fought with the old
15th will be glad and proud to act in an honorary or advisory
capacity. Let the old 15th 'carry on' as our British comrades
phrase it."

It is to be hoped that we never have another war. Nevertheless these
Negro military organizations should be kept up for their effect upon the
spirit of the race. If they are ever needed again, let us hope that by
that time, the confidence of the military authorities in Negro ability,
will have so gained that they will coincide with Colonel Hayward's view
regarding Negro officers for Negro units.

CHAPTER XXV.

QUIET HEROES OF THE BRAWNY ARM

NEGRO STEVEDORE, PIONEER AND LABOR UNITS--SWUNG THE AXE AND TURNED THE
WHEEL--THEY WERE INDISPENSABLE--EVERYWHERE IN FRANCE--HEWERS OF WOOD,
DRAWERS OF WATER--NUMBERS AND DESIGNATIONS OF UNITS--ACQUIRED SPLENDID
REPUTATION--CONTESTS AND AWARDS--PRIDE IN THEIR SERVICE--MEASURED UP TO
MILITARY STANDARDS--LESTER WALTONS APPRECIATION--ELLA WHEELER WILCOX'S
POETIC TRIBUTE.

Some went forth to fight, to win deathless fame or the heroes' crown of
death in battle. There were some who remained to be hewers of wood and
drawers of water. Which performed the greater service?

For the direct uplift and advancement of his race; for the improved
standing gained for it in the eyes of other races, the heroism, and
steadfastness and the splendid soldierly qualities exhibited by the
Negro fighting man, were of immeasurable benefit. Those were the things
which the world heard about, the exemplifications of the great modern
forces and factors of publicity and advertising. In the doing of their
"bit" so faithfully and capably, the Negro combatant forces won just
title to all the praise and renown which they have received. Their
contribution to the cause of liberty and democracy, cannot be
discounted; will shine through the ages, and through the ages grow
brighter.

But their contribution as fighting men to the cause of Justice and
Humanity was no greater, in a sense than that of their brethren:
"Unwept, unhonored and unsung," who