the course is equally thorough. The men get a
high grade of instruction, regardless of cost of material and tools. The
best text books that can be had are available for their use.

This liberality in order to get machinists and electricians in the Navy,
argues that some change of attitude towards the Negro is contemplated.

It may evolve into the establishment of "black ships." The Negro sailor
has been pleading for years that his color has been a bar to him. With a
ship of his own, would come his chance. He would strive; do all within
his power to make it a success and would succeed.

CHAPTER IX.

PREVIOUS WARS IN WHICH THE NEGRO FIGURED.

SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD--CRISPUS ATTTUCKS--SLAVE LEADS SONS OF
FREEDOM--THE BOSTON MASSACRE--ANNIVERSARY KEPT FOR YEARS--WILLIAM NELL,
HISTORIAN--3,000 NEGROES IN WASHINGTON'S FORCES--A STIRRING
HISTORY--NEGRO WOMAN SOLDIER--BORDER INDIAN WARS--NEGRO HEROES

Our American school histories teach us that the "shot which was heard
around the world",--the opening gun of the Revolutionary war, was fired
at Lexington in 1775. The phrase embodies a precious sentiment; time has
molded many leaders, the inspiration for almost a century and a half of
the patriotic youth of our land. This is as it should be. All honor and
all praise to the deathless heroes of that time and occasion.

But why has not history been more just; at least, more explicit? Why not
say that the shot which started the Revolution--that first great
movement for human liberty and the emancipation of nations--was fired
five years earlier; was fired not by, but at, a Negro, Crispus Attucks?
The leader of the citizens in that event of March 5, 1770, known as the
Boston Massacre, he was the first man upon whom the British soldiers
fired and the first to fall; the pioneer martyr for American
independence.

It is perhaps fitting; a manifestation of the inscrutable ways of
Providence, that the first life given in behalf of a nation about to
throw off a yoke of bondage, was that of a representative of a race;
despised, oppressed and enslaved.

Botta the historian, in speaking of the scenes of the 5th of March says:

"The people were greatly exasperated. The multitude ran towards
King street, crying, 'Let us drive out these ribalds; they have no
business here.' The rioters rushed furiously towards the Custom
House; they approached the sentinel, crying 'Kill him, kill him!'
They assault