The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-01
MILITARY HHONOR.u

Much of the comment upon the Swain
CASE both before and since the findings of the
court were made known, is based either open
ly or tacitly upon the theory that higher
standard of gentlemanly conduct is held by
regular army officers than any which the ordi
nary civilian can be expected to maintain,
either by reason of his West Point education,
or some mysterious advantage arising there
from, which he is supposed to possess. The
idea that the military mans code Of behavior
not only comprises severer morality and a
keener sense of honor than that by which his
neighbor is ruled, but that it places him. in
consequence, on more elevated plane has
gained more ground than is warranted by
facts. The impression may have grown out
of the belief that high principles are instilled
into the pupils at the governments
military school, along with their daily
drill; that intolerance of all that is
dishonorable and unworthy the best manhood
is absorbed together with knowledge of the
science of war. By implication the youth not
favored with admission to this institution is,
according to popular opinion less likely to be-
brother; it is, in fact, not expected that he
will reach such standard. The lofty scorn
expressed by the army man for any disreputa-
BILE act, particularly if the perpetrator be a
''plebeian," has, perhaps done something to
give rise to the common opinion. 1t is not
sought to prove here that army officers have
no right to the proud old name of gentle
man." far from it. Some of them are shining
lights, not only in military, but in moral
and social point of view; some of them the
country delights to honor for their merits of
head and heart as well as their genius for
war. These are the few. All of them attain
polish Of manner which makes them rivals of
Turyeydrop in department, but which too Of
ten is veneering that passes for the genuine
article. The events of recent years do not
bear out the claim that army men, as class,
are moro honorable in business or social inter
course than any other citizens. The boosted
sense of honor has not prevented jealousy of
the meanest type making itself manifest from
one to another, as we'll as toward civilians,
who chance to stand in their way; no one in
the least familiar with army circles can deny
this. The high sense of honor has not pro-
cd ind IN, or&
overdrawing or duplicating of accounts. The
gambling propensities of the military men is
one Of the scandals of Washington society.
"Honor" has not prevented impecunious
young warriors from following in the trains
of heiresses as fortune hunters; it has not
hindered the obtaining Of divorces under dis
graceful circumstances In at least one no.
torious case, 'honor' was not so outraged by
the shameful conduct Of doubly married
colonel but that it refused to dismiss him
from the army. 1t was once said that no liar
could be graduated from West Point, but
there is no longer anything to substantiate
the claim. The high principles inculcated
there aid not restrain distinguished official
from venting petty personal spite in the
House of Representatives and injuring the
man who was once his superior officer, and
whose shoes he is not worthy to unloose The
sensitiveness to virtue has not prevented the
members of the ourt-martial in the Swain
| case from stultifying themselves. Either
Swain was guilty of conduct unbecom-
ing an officer and gentleman or he
was not. II not, he should have been
cleared of the charges against him; IL guilty,