The New York herald., 1876-03-12
GENERAL BABCOCK.

WHAT ARMY OFFICERS THINK OF HIS SITUATION.
The Babcock case, although settled by the OF
law that the exsecreary of tho President has been
judged not guilty by jury Of the people, is still
matter OF considerable discusso ion among army officers
especially those who have graduated at West Point
There perhaps class OF jealous of their
honor than army and navy officers graduates of West
Point and Annapolis, and ;he esprit du corps which
binds them all together also makes them very sens-
tive TO the slightest mputation against the honor OF
of their number Notwithstanding the verdict of
the court there still some people who believe
Babcock guilty; and that there should be such
belief a suspicion, Is very CALLING
to army officers. There is feeling among
them that Babcock has treated the case too
lightly, and although he has been acquitted by the law
they would have preferred that he should have then
demanded military investigation out OF respect for
the service to which he belongs There has been no
demand however, for such inquiry, and cOnse-
quenty army officers have expressed themselves
very strongly the matter. blaming Babcock for not
seeking that OF inquiry which could not now be
enforced since the civil had disposed of the point
Army officers talk very freely the subject
and although some that personally acquainted with
Babcock express themselves perfectly satsncd OF his
innocence there are others that 90 not hesitate 10 say
that some OF the evidence very strong against hm.
HERALD correspondent had a short conversation
the other day with army officer OF high rank, in
which the latter expressed himself as iollows:-'I
have known General BabcOck Tor great many years
and have always found hun 10 be one Of those good
fellows generous TO fault who would put himself to
any Inconvenience TO oblge friend aavc often
had to telegraph 10 him al Washington Tor
advice particular point, and the prompt man
ner IN which the response made plainly showed
the cxortion he willing To make TO obge friend
firmly believe that when ne received despatch ask
ing HIM Tor information on certain pOint lie would
hasten TO answer II at once, never stopping
for one minute 10 think what the object OF the
inquiry might BE- In his generous haste 10 serve
friend. ! do not think Tor moment that General
Babcock would be guilty OF dshouOrabe action, but
nc might have been careless enough TO allow his good
judgment 10 be overruled by his generosity. The
all over but probably army olccis not person
ally acquainted with General liabcock would have been
better satisfied If he had oil his own accord ceuanGed
military court OF inquiry. myself think that he
fortunate IN having his trial decided before the expos
use OF the Beknap bribery case, as IN The excitement
OF the moment he might have been sacrificed we
tim to public sentiment Again, he WAS fortunate IN
being judged before evil court as would prefer To
take several chances before cv court rather than 10
be arragned once before such stern guardians OF the
honor OF the service Sherman sheridan and Terry.
Another onicer, graduate OF West Point speak king
OF the case, said "Ba0cock u placed IN very rniortu
nate position and WILL probably have cause TO regret
that he has not insisted on military investigation.
Officers think that he should nave taken such action
of respect for the fair lame Of the service and he
viii probably be made feel IN what delicate position
any post where there Is largo force on duty Evcry
body that has associated with or served IN the
regular army must be well aware how sensitive army
officers any reflection on one OF the corps. We
not rich and In most instances possess only our
commissions and our honor, both of which We esteem
with IA sacred respect. IL General Babcock had gone
clean hands he would have been welcomed with Joy as
political influence and money can have no power before
such tribunal"
It appears, however that there is very little prob
ability OF any further inquiry, General Bdbcock has
taken Steps toward that end and such measure
cannot be forced upon him.