Lieut. David J. Gilmer, of the Forty-ninth Volunteer Infantry
(colored), commanding a detachment at Linao, was crediting his men for
some good work they had done.
When he concluded, one of his men asked the lieutenant if he
thought the Forty-ninth would be sent to China. The lieutenant
said: “I don’t know, but I hope so.” Then some other soldier
said: “Why, lieutenant, don’t you think we are doing enough?”
The lieutenant said: “No! I wish that we could take part in all
wars for our country; for the more good work we do the more
benefit our race derives from it. If to sacrifice my life would
cause our race to receive the same consideration in public
affairs in the United States as other races, I would gladly walk
out to any selected place and accept the death penalty.” (Text.)
(2606)
=Race Prejudice Overcome=--See CIVICS.
=Race-track, The=--See GAMBLING.