Of course, the question naturally arises as to how efficient the colored man and the colored woman are when given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability.  No better answer can be found than that given by the splendid work of the majority of our colored people during the war.  On the firing line, in the camps behind the line, and in civil life our colored population has done well indeed.  Four hundred thousand Negroes offered their lives for their country.  Many more made noble sacrifices in civilian life.

It was my privilege not only to observe the work done in civil life by colored persons in this country during the war, but to visit colored troops in France during hostilities.

There is no question that the Negro has given a splendid account of himself both as an exceptionally fearless fighting man and as a member of non-combatant troops.  I made diligent effort to ascertain the manner in which the Negro troops conducted themselves behind the lines.  It is much easier for a man to become lax in his conduct there than in actual fighting.  Without exception every officer I questioned stated he could not ask for more obedient, willing, harder working or more patriotic troops than the Negro regiments had proven themselves to be.  Every account I have read regarding the engagement of colored men in fighting units and every case in which I had the opportunity to inquire personally regarding the bravery of colored troops has led me to believe our colored men were as good soldiers as could be found in either our own army or the armies of our allies, regardless of color.

One needs only to scan the records of the War Department and the official reports of General Pershing to find positive proof of the valor, endurance and patriotism of the colored troops who battled for liberty and democracy for all the world.  The entire nation notes with pride the splendid service of the 365th to the 372nd Infantry units, inclusive.  When historians tell the story of the sanguinary conflicts at Chateau Thierry, in the Forest of Argonne, in the Champagne sector, Belleau Wood and at Metz, the record will give reason to believe that the victories achieved on those memorable fields might have shown a different result had it not been for the remarkable staying and fighting abilities of the colored troops.  French, English and American commanding officers unite in singing the praises of these gallant warriors and agree that in the entire Allied Army no element contributed more signally than did they to the final downfall of the German Military Machine in proportion to their numbers.

Not only did the combatant units of the colored troops win laurels across the sea, but the 301st Stevedore Regiment was cited for exceptionally efficient work, having broken all records by unloading and coaling the giant steamer “Leviathan” in fifty-six hours, competing successfully with the best stevedore detachments on the western front of France.  Everywhere, behind the lines as well as when facing shot, shell and gas, the colored soldiers have given a most creditable account of themselves and are entitled to the product of their patriotism and loyalty.