The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-02-19
THE ROUTE SELECTED
GENERAL CARR'S PROTEST.
he Objects to Being Retired from the Active
List of the Army Against His Wish.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 1a-Brigadier-g gener al
Carr. whose retirement is alleged IN some
quarters to nave been brought about with
purpose. has filed with the President q
vigorous protest. In his letter, after quot
Ing the orders sent him at the time of his
promotion. he says:
In accordance with the aLove 1 reported on
The lst day OF August, and saw General Schofeld
In person. He then told me that he had PROM
lsed you that should. If promoted, retire from
active service in time for you TO fill the vacancy
0ccasioned by such retirement. was astOunded
at the statement, and told General Schofeld that,
had known OF such promise, would not have
accepted the appointment or brigadier- general.
When learned OF these promises from the con-
yersations referred 10, my place as colonel Of the
Sixth Cavalry had been filed by appointment,
and was. therefore. unable 10 decline the COM
miseion or brigadiorgeneral for that would have
put me entirely out or the army. /, therefore,
bad no alternative but to take the oath OF Office
Vow am called upon TO carry out the bargain
made without my knowledge or consent. and,
when ] decline. L am threatened by General
schofield with forcible retirement.
have been in the military service OF the
United States for fOrty-six years, and feel just
and soldierly pride In the services have rem
uered the country. never sought promotion
on any ground other than that of merit, and
eeem myself too good a soldier to accept adj
tancement for any other reason. l had sup
posed that my promotion was due TO that service
and TO your appreciation thereof and OF my abil-
1ty 70 command. am fully able to perform the
QullcS anu 10 eNeIclse the IhnctlOQS OF NY ONCE.
As TO my ability TO command. anu the numbers
commanded. and when and where commanded
refer 10 the records in the War Department.
Had not intended and felt competent to exc
cute all the duties OF brigadierg rgeneral, / would
never have accepted or taken the oath.
My record in the army Is the only legacy 1
have TO transmit 10 my posterity, and am de-
termined that no act OF mine, by accepting pro-
motion secured by unauthorized promises OF
Immediate retirement, shall be part OF that
record. II am 10 be retired for the purpose OF
giving place TO another man under law at least
questionable, and which was never intended to
De used for such a purpose, have made up my
mind To stand To what conscientiously believe
TO be the due OF a soldier. and that Is not TO be a
party To or ratify any agreement that would in
the slightest manner affect my standing among
the oincers or the army, with whom have
Served so long.
Touching the power to compel my involun-
tary retirement from the active list of the army
on account of my having reached the age of
sfxty-two years, / beg to suggest that the dis
cretion lodged in you by law was never intend
ed To be exercised, except where the officer
sought to be retired unit to perform the
duties or his office. | know of no precedent
where this discretion has been exercised by the
President for any other cause appeal to YOU
there'ore, Mr.. President, 10 consider the situa-
ton In which have been placed without my
knowledge or consent, and have also to re-
epectfully but earnestly protest against any
action being taken looking To my involuntary re-
tfrement from the active list of the army with
ont at least full hearing OF my side of the case
which has SO far been but imperfectly pre-
sented.