San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-01-26

well, well, DR.. Ingersoll, it is mat
ter in which we cannot be too careful
You haven't the faintest conception, sir,
to what this most unfortunate affair may
lead. 1t is infinitely better that we
should be imposed upon by shirk than
that the public should get to look upon
us as this mans prosecutors. The Pal
ladium that came yesterday was bad
enough, in II conscience, but here's an
other telegram from department head
quarters demanding immediate investi-
cation and report upon the allegations
contained in the second days issue of
the SERIES How many. are there to be,
in heavens name? Mr. Hearn, have you
submitted your explanations" said the
colonel. turning abruptly upon the young
lieutenant, who was sitting in panied
silence by Capt. Lane.
1T is in the hands of the adjutant.
sir" answered Hearn, rising.
Il have not seen it have not seen it.
hope you have been full and explicit.
Mr.. Hearn."
The lieutenant's pale face flushed with
a sudden sense of Indignation:
II have never yet been accused of any
attempt ct concealment of my actions,
Col. Morris. Gentlemen present who
have known me nearly six years will tell
you that"
I'm not accusing you of anything,
Mr.. Hearn. Pray keep your temper, sir.
But you do not seem to appreciate in the
least the very trying and unpleasant po-
sition in which you have, however I'M
Willingly, placed every officer at this
post, especially me, on whom the bur
den of responsibility must fall. If !
had known four coys ago that you had
used violence--or at least force-in eject
ing that soldier from the barroom, ]
should certainly have discountenanced
his further punishment. This sort of
thing cannot be tolerated, Mr.. Hearn.
And, gentlemen, | say it to You one aud
all, this sort of thing cannot be allowed
1t creates a wrong impression among the
people. 1t gives the press an opportu-
nifty to criticise our methods of discip-
line. 1t makes q martyr of the man in
the eyes OF the public, and we can't
stand it. I have felt compelled to re-
lease him from confinement and to di-
rect the quashing of the charges against
him."
There was moment of dead silence
Hearn was struggling to control himself
and to protest that he had used neither
violence nor any force worth speaking
of. But Capt. Brodie took the floor:
Il must ask your pardon, Col. Morris,
but was witness to that transaction
from beginning to end, and myself or
dered Welsh taken TO the guard house.
1t was after that, not before, that force
was used. Welsh cursed and resisted
the corporal of the guard
"Never mind, Capt Erodia. What
seems to have Infatuated the man, and
what has given rise to all this uproar of
the press. is the fact that Mr.. Hearn. as
they say. dragged him out. Of course
that may be exaggerated.
Its a ID lie," muttered old Ken
yon, under his breath. But all the |
more it goes"
Il do not wish to be unjust to Mr..
Hearn in this matter" continued the |
colonel. But cannot too strongly de- |
plore the consequences Of his--of his |
action. And then in threatening to ex-
pei civilians from the garrison! What |
earthly right had you, Mr.. Hearn, to
arrogate to yourself the faculties of COM
officer? | am the only man to
say who shall and who shall not be kept |
on or OF the reservation. And now, of
all men on earth that you young gentle I
men should have been particularly care
full not to antagonize, it turns out that
one Of them is representative Of the
press"
And, in the full realization Of cir
cumstance so calanitous, the colonel
sank into his chair. Hearn would have
that he had made no personal
threats, but Lanes restraining hand was
laid on his knee.
Patience, lad!" he whispered. Say
nothing now 1t win all come right in
the end"
"rm sure took the utmost pains to
be civil to the gentlemen" drawled