Disillusionment in the ranks
Patrick Mason, Twenty-fourth Infantry, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, November
19, 1899, from The Gazette (Cleveland), September 29, 1900. Mason's
brief letter reveals the ideological difficulties of a black American soldier
in the Philippines for the purpose of taking up the "white man's burden."
Editor, Gazette.
Dear Sir:
I have not had any fighting to do since I have been here and don't care to
do any. I feel sorry for these people and all that have come under the control
of the United States. I don't believe they will be justly dealt by. The first
thing in the morning is the "Nigger" and the last thing at night
is the "Nigger." You have no idea the way these people are treated
by the Americans here. I know their feeling toward them [Filipinos], as they
speak their opinion in my presence thinking I am white. I love to hear them
[white Americans] talk that I may know how they feel. The poor whites don't
believe that anyone has any right to live but the white American, or to enjoy
any rights or privileges that the white man enjoys. I must stop. You are right
in your opinions. I must not say much as I am a soldier. The natives are a
patient, burden bearing people.
Patrick Mason
Sgt., Co. I, 24th Infantry
In its editorials, the Cleveland Gazette took a strong stand against
American annexation of the Philippines and suggested that under American rule
the Filipinos would receive the same treatment accorded Negroes in the United
States.
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