The record-union., 1894-08-25
a soIdler Asks tor a Hearing.


EDS. RECoRD-UNIoN In reference TO
the feeble attempt of new evening sheet,
in column of seurrility devoted to ex-
posing to the public the misdeeds (?) Of
the United States troops, write to say l
think that most of the statements will
admit of correction. First, "that 70 per
cent. of the United States troops are of
foreign extraction.n That is erroneous,
as statistics show that over 20 per cent.
are American born; and what is more to
the point, majority OF these Americans
can probably trace back their genealOgi-
cal tree long before the family OF the
genius who wrote that column was born
or arrived in America. l have yet TO
learn that it is offensive TO be OF foreign
birth.
It is charged that no man of any ambi-
ton would join the army. That is also
erroneous. There are many of these
same soldiers who are as ambitious as the
writer Of the slander. Why, it would not
be saying too much to say that the ma
jority of these same unambitious men Of
the United States army would have
great reluctance in exchanging places
even with their caIumniator, whatever
his ambition may be. But if he is q man
of age-which from his remarks l doubt
the fulfllment of his hopes and ambi-
ton must be long way OF.
He lthe wrlterj has gone to great pains
to partieularize and give in detail the
enormous number OF ten men who were
gathered in by the police. There has
been an average of 450 regulars here, and
for one in fOrty-dve men to get into trouble
is an awful ~ example OF the abuse of
intoxicants as INDUCED ia by United
States troops, is it not2 Can civilians
show even as good a record in city OF
800 saloons?
Still another error is in stating that
twenty-five men were in the guard-house
here; about twelve is nearer the truth,
and for offenses the majority of which
are not recognized as ottenses under civil
codes of law, and many young men OF
Sacramento we see daily commit worse
with impunlty.
The required standard Of enlistment in
the army is higher than ia generally sup
posed. Under the existing law, Of recent
enactment, and if our slanderer is fairly
informed American, which his article
casts doubt upon, he ought 10 know the
American soldier has to be a citizen now.
He has to come up to standard that only
the few can reach-not one In nifty who
apply is able to pass.
If some OF US are Of foreign extraction
ss this asssilant charges, is that crime
or credit TO our parents for coming 10
this free land? And how long since all
Americans were foreignersl
Again, If our unAmerican aSsailant is
giving to thinking, he would probably
allow little margin Tor a body of men
who do not claim to be saints, but men,
and with very few exceptions good men,
too, belonging to an army which has en-
abled the pioneer to make his home in
what not millennium ago was practically
an unknown country; little army that
has had hardships and trials, and fewer
comforts, than any in the civilized world
has known, and to-day comprises men of
good worth-men who, without excep-
ton, do not regret serving their flag.
But If such scurriIous assaults were
frequent, upon force Americans should
be proud OF, because Of the human weak
ness Of the iew-snd such are with US in
all classes and orders of men-then, in
deed, the Boys in Blue might regret en-
listing TO protect The lives, property and
honor of Americans.
The infamous assault upon US from the
source named also specifies that some of
our men, possibly half q dozen, have
smiled upon the allurements of the demi-
monde of L street. Is it possible? Yes,
it must be that this slanderer is well in
formed by personal experience concern
ing the quarter referred TO.
But TO close, Messrs, Editors, it is
shameful and disgraceful that our little
band OF regulars, who, under the liberal
laws may rise from the ranks, should be
Iampooned as the sheet has US.
Without boasting, undertake to say
that men of observation and justice will
bear witness that the American soldier is,
all around, more peaceable and law
abiding man on the averags-the proper
ton of numbers being taken into account
than the American civilian. The sta
tistics will prove this.
If the hbeler referred to will come into
our camp and investigate, we will guar
antee to him courteous treatment, nor
viii we say to him that we have seen
some other citizens drunk, and heard of
others on L street; and he will find that
our men are men Of average intelligence,
well-informed. that they read and think,
aud have friends and those they love the
same as other men, aud that such assaults
as this touch them as SANDER would other
men.
Thanking you for the insertion of this
in your valuable paper. very respect
fully. JOSEPH GREEN,
a Private Soldier.