The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-18
He Claims to Be Able and Willingto Discharge
His Duties in Case He Is Pardoned-Po-
litical Reasons for His Retirement.
Arguments For and Against Admitting
Utah to Privileges of Statehood.
The President VetoeS Bill to Reimburse Of
fcials for Money Expended in the Public
Seryice-General Washington News.
SWAIM'S CASE.

Predictions to the Result of the Hearing
Before the Army Retiring Board.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.-It is no disrespect
to the retiring board of the army that con-
vened to-day TO examine Judge Advocate
general Swain to state that. although that
officer said, under oath, this afternoon. that
he was not unable to perform the duties of
his office, and was willing to perform them
if he was pardoned by the President he
will be found incapacitated. pardoned and
placed on the retired list, barring unfore-
seen incidents. 1t has been decided
that General Swain shall be re-
tired for two reasons: First, to make a
place for Democratic politician; secondly,
to smooth the consciences OF those who
were responsible for placing him in the po-
sition he now occupies. So points will be
stretched to meet the exigency. 1t has
been common comment among all classes
here, ever since General Swain was found
guilty by court-martial of conduct un-
becoming an officer and gentleman" in not
paying a deficit in his stock speculation ac-
count with broker, that if he was guilty
he should have been dismissed the army,
and, if innocent, acquitted. 1t was one of
those cases where the accused could not
have been modified" culprit.
There are all sorts of stories in circula-
tion about who will be appointed to the va
cancy if General Swain is retired. 1t is
not believed that either Generals Black or
Rosecrans is eligible, inasmuch as the
former is drawing pension for total dis
ability, and the latter has just had bill
reported favorably in both houses of Con-
gress to place him ON the retired list of the
army. Thus both are made eligible to the
retired list before they would receive the
appointment. The Senate would undoubt-
edly refuse to confirm the nomination of
Black or Rosecrans on political if no
other grounds. Black is responsible for
many of President Clevelands vicious
and abusive pension vetoes, and Rosecrans
abused General Grant around the halls or
Congress in the vilest language tongue can
utter. Both believe no good could come
from Republicans, and hence 1t would De
qualification for a Republican Senate to
confirm the nomination of either.
The Meeting of the Retiring Board.
To the Western Associated Press;
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.-Judge Advocate
general David G.. Swain, now under sem
tence of suspension from duty, to-day ap-
peared before an army retiring board, at
the War Department, for examination for
retirement, in obedience to an order by the
Secretary of War. General Swain
stated, in answer to an inquiry, that
he had requested the President to
restore him to his former status, after
which he would be willing to retire, but
that he did not care to be examined Sefore
being pardoned. He thought that he was
perfectly healthy, and not incapacitated
for active duty. Drs. Baxter and Green
leaf made a physical examination, and re.
ported to the board that they had found
evidences of disease of the kidneys, re-
questing twenty-fours to complete the ex-
animation. In their opinion the disease in
dicated would render him incapacftated for
active duty. The board then adjourned un-
| til tomorrow afternoon.
General Grosvenor, of Ohio, who acted as
| counsel for General Swain at the court
| martial. and who has looked after his eli
| ent's interests ever since the conclusion of
| the trial, said, to-day, that the order direct
| ing General Swain to appear before board
| and be examined for retirement had been
| made at General Swaim's request and with
his full concurrence General SWAIN 8
| friends considered the movement, so far as
| it had in view the remission OF the court
| martiaps sentence and the Generals retire.
ment on half pay, as in the best interest OF
l Genera1 Swain