The value of the Negro as a soldier is no longer a debatable question.
It has been proven fully in one of the sharpest fights of the past three years.
* * * * * "OUR BOYS," THE SOLDIERS.
"What Army Officers and Others Have to Say of the Negroes Conduct in War"-- "Give Honor to Whom Honor is Due"-- "Acme of Bravery." It has been said, "Give honor to whom honor is due," and while it is just and right that it should be so, there are times, however, when the "honor" due is withheld.

Ever since the battle of San Juan Hill at Santiago de Cuba nearly every paper in the land has had nothing but praise for the bravery shown by the "Rough Riders," and to the extent that, not knowing the truth, one would naturally arrive at the conclusion that the "Rough Riders" were "the whole thing." Although sometimes delayed, the truth, like murder, "will out." It is well enough to praise the "Rough Riders" for all they did, but why not divide honors with the other fellows who made it possible for them, the "Rough Riders," to receive praise, and be honored by a generous and valorous loving nation?
After the battles of El Caney and San Juan Hill, many wounded American soldiers who were able to travel were given furloughs to their respective homes in the United States, and Lieutenant Thomas Roberts, of this city, was one of them.

Shortly after Lieutenant Roberts arrived in the city he was interviewed by a representative of the _Illinois State Register_, to whom he gave a description of the battle of July 1st.

He said: "On the night of June 30th the second squadron of the Tenth Cavalry did outpost duty.

Daylight opened on the soon-to-be blood-sodden field on July 1st, and the Tenth was ordered to the front.