school, or college education which few privates or non com's
(colored) have had. This is the case because few young Colored men
with the necessary growth 'single blessedness,' and college
training, feel, or have heretofore felt that the door of 'equal
opportunity' announced by Mr. Roosevelt stands open to them in the
regular army. To trust the officering of four Colored Regiments to
this second mode of selecting and commissioning officers, would
prove fatal to our hopes and fail of accomplishment.

"The third method of selecting officers at present is by
examinations of civilians, certain college presidents and other
civilians being permitted to recommend certain civilians, (students
and others) for examination for second lieutenants.

"In this regard Negroes have met the same difficulties that they
have encountered in the past 32 years in their efforts to gain
admission to West Point. At best only a small percent of each
year's graduating class from West Point can get commissions in this
manner. Those selected have been white men, what we are after now
is a present day, practical way of utilizing the best material we
now have, holding commissions and making secure the opportunity for
other Colored men to enter the army as second lieutenants and by
dint of industry, close application, obedience, brains and time
gain their promotion step by step, just as white men have been
doing and can do now. This is the American--democratic, fair play,
reward and justice we seek for the twelve million Negro citizens of
our great republic. Congress could if it would, provide for the
present by an appropriate measure giving the right and opportunity
to our returning officers to stand examination for commissions in
the Regular army; Military experience and knowledge, and general
and special educational qualifications to determine the rank or
grade received.

"In this way our four colored regiments could be officered by
colored men. Otherwise, the fine talents and desire for service to
the country held by the one thousand intelligent and courageous
young Negroes who are officers, will be lost and rejected by the
country, and the 12 million Negroes in the United States will
continue, notwithstanding their patriotism and devotion, to be
denied of their just rep