The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-09

not only his army, but his government, by
supplies drawn from the enemy. This wax
illustrated by his career in New Orleans.
He found the CITY sullen and unwilling to
accept the situation. Its streets were filthy,
its levees were honeycombed, and a pesti-
The city was sunk in detection. Lawless-
ness prevailed.
that a code of municipal regulations was
drawn up. A tax was levied upon the bust
ness men. Those who took the oath of al
taxed as heavily rs those who did not take
it. The taxes. however. were rigldly ex-
acted, All manner of supplies for the con-
federacy were confscated. A fund was
quickly established to clean tie streets and
maintain municipal regulations. But this
war not all. Over $4,000 was expended for
a hospital, and money was used to buy
army and other supplies.
The regular army officers were aston
ished. They had never before seen a legis-
lating general. Butler waited for no orders
from Washington. but took the reins in his
" hands and drove ahead regardless OF
protests. One day he sent for General God
frey Weitzel.
~ want you to 90 down to Fort Jackson"
he said, land repair the fort"
General Weitzol demurred.
"This is not the way to do" he replied.
The proper way is to seek an approprla-
tion from Washington. hen you want
the authority of the war department upon
a recommendation OF the board of engi-
neers. There is no une1pended appropria-
ton made for the repair of Fort jackson,
and You have no authority to make the
repairs
down and repair the fort. The safety of
tae city requires it. will take care of the
appropriation
Weitzel again demurred. Butler urged:
and finally Gen. WeitZel said that he would
resign before he would undertake such a
work without law.
Butler knew Weitzel's worth as an en-
gineer officer. There was no better in the
army.
Now, Weitzel.' said he, sit down at
that table. Write the strongest protest
that you can make. saying that you only dc
his by my imperative command, and upon
the distinct understanding that l alone am
responsible"
After much hesitation Gen. Weitzel sat
down and wrote the protest. Butler in
dorsed it as correct. and the engineer officer
thereupon promised to 60 down and see to
the repairs at Fort jackson.
Nevertheless, he was still doubtful as tc
his course. He went over to General Strong.
who held a prominent position under Gen
eral Butler. and who, like WeitZel. was q
West Point graduate. Strong afterwards
fell in the assault on Fort Wagner, and was
buried by the confederates under the bodies
of his black troops.
WeitZel explained the situation and i'm
plored Strong to go over and reason with
Butler. Strong did so on the instant. But
Ter listened to him for several minutes, anG
then broke in with the words. Strong, I've
had trouble enough with WeitzeI. DOM
bother me with your advice. | don't neeC
it. You are not ordered to Fort jackson
WeitZei. try to attend to your own duties
and allow other officers to attend to theirs
Fort Jackson must be repaired and Weitze
is the man to do it,
Strong departed crestfallen, and reported
to WeitZel. The latter made no furthe
protest. He gathered his men. went dow
to Fort Jackson. and put the fortificatiol
in complete repair.
pleted, Gen. Butler returned to Washing
ton. His books showed every cent that h
had received while in command at Ne,
Orleans and every cent that had been ez
pended. For all his expenses he ha,
vouchers. He appeared before Secretar
Stanton, one day, with his ledger and hi
vouchers. Stanton gaZed at his cooked ha'
his shoulder straps and his sword, an
asked him what he wanted.
1--WE Just come from New Orleans" sal
the general. Il want to settle my az
counts. Here are my vouchers and Al
ledger"
Stanton sent him over to the proper a,
counting officer in the war department
That officer was a trim West Pointer, wit
an elegant moustache. a manly form and
polite bearing. The general threw dow