Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1891-12-02
LYNCHED THE CORPORAL.
British Soldiers Attempt to Harg an Off


Ger.
LONDON, Nov. 27.-There was much
excitement at the Horse Guards to-day,
upon the receipt of intelligence from
Aldershot, whereas situated a great mil
tary camp and barracks, that spirit of
murderous characterization is prevalent
in one of the regiments stationed at that
place. Taken in connection with the
INSTRUMENTATION which has been dis
played in the Guards, which some time
ago resulted in the practical deporta-
ton to Bermuda of a whole battalion of
the Grenadier Guards, and which was
followed by revolt in the Coldstream
Guards, the affair at Aldershot might be
construed as another exhibition of
discomfort which is alleged to prevail
in all branches of the British service.
But it is believed that this last affair was
not due to any feeling against the army
regulations or the 1atlons served, as was
the case in the troubles in the
Grenadier Guards and Coldstreams.
On the contrary, those who are best
informed as to the Aldershot outbreak
claim that it was the result of the feel
ing entertained by the privates of the
regiment concerned against petty Of
ficer, who had taken advantage of the
little authority entrusted to him to
make life as unpleasant as possible for
those unfortunate enough to be placed
under him.
1t appears that corporal of the Sec
Ond Battalion of the Prince of Wales
Leinster Regiment, the Royal Cana
dams, which battalion is at present do
ing duty at Aldershot, had by his petty
tyrannies rendered himself an object of
peculiar aversion to the men. For a
long time the soldiers have made many
bitter threats among themselves against
him. taking care, however, that their
discomfort did not reach the ears of the
higher officers. More complaints were
made in the usual military form against
the obnoxious corporal, but they
seemed to have no effect except to
render him more overbearing and
tyranica1. Finally the men became
convinced that they would find
no relief by complaining and de-
termined to rid themselves of the
corporal. So bitterly angry were
they against him that they concluded the
kill him. A number of the men thought
that the best and quickest manner of
putting the corporal away would be to
hang him, and this was finally decided
upon.
AS the corporal was going his rounds
he was seized by the men. He at
tempted to call for assistance, but his
cries were speedily silenced by gag.
He was then informed of the fate in
store for him, and despite his struggles
he was dragged without ceremony to a
convenient spot. Here a moose was
thrown around his neck and willing
hands soon had him suspended in the
air. The free end of the rope was made
fast and the selt-appointed executioners
decamped. Fortunately for the cor
pOral he had been hanging only short
time when sergeant discovered him.
The latter Immediately cut the rope and
hastily notified the surgeon of the reg
iment, who hurried to the place.
The corporal was nearly dead, and it
required the most strenuous efforts on
the part of the surgeon, assisted by 9th
ers, to resuscltate kim. Finally he was
brought around, but it is believed that
it will be some time before he again
takes up his military duties. In any
event, it is the opinion of the privates
that he has been taught lesson that
will have lasting effect upon him.
Who the perpetrators of the deed
were has not vet been discovered. The
military authorities are making search
ing investigation into the affair, and it
will go hard with the culprits when they
are discovered.