The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-15


The Post-rntsIligencer is constrained
10 indorse as timely, wholesome and
patriotic the advice given by the self
styled anti-gold standard leaders in
that fervid telegram appealing TO Col.
Lewis 10 go TO the front. II must ex-
press Its regret that IL was not invited
10 utter Ia that noble manner rs deep
and abiding conviction that the front
has been too long deprived OF the slim
ulating presence OF Washington's fair
flower OF chivairy. II is small comfort
10 reflect that the front does not knew
what IL Is missing
There are powerful reasons why Lieut.
Col Lewis should put on his cooked hat
and buckle on his property sword and
actually undertake the great work Of
subduing the Spanish. II has not yet
passed out Of public remembrance that
an entire regiment OF Washington mil
tia was some weeks since recruited
amidst the tinkling of cymbals and the
sounding of brass. They We're enlisted
for the war, and many brave boy
marched forth with his knapsack on his
back and his heart in his mouth, re-
muzzie. For reasons best known 10
himself. the secretary OF war found
that these brave young gentlemen
might be more Drofitably employed in
splitting wood and checking the too
exuberant growth Of grass at Vancou-
yer barracks than in stopping Spanish
bullets. and their march 10 glory and
the Philippines was rudeIy interrupted.
But that is another story.
Word Of the valorous conduct and
beiiigerent purposes of his militant con-
stituency penetrated the halls of con-
gress. where the Washington states
man. true TO his historic military train
ing, was busy spiking the guns Of the
administration and leading a wordy as
sauit on the regular army. What did
he do? What would any patriot
do? Enlist? Yes. Therefore he wrote
TO a friend soliciting appointment
as al officer in the regiment. But the
pink-hued statesman's impulsive and
demonstrative loyalty did not stop
there. He wanted to go as a private,
he said, If no commissions were avail
able. The letter found its way into
print and was received with great APP
plause and no smiles that is to say,
very few smiles. Only few million.
Ii was serious business
Time went on and the Spanish re-
manned unwhipped, and the vociferous
volunteer-by the newspaper route
unaccouniably stuck to his good thing
in Washington. The public began 10 get
IL trifie impatient. Why did not the
colonel so and end this tiresome and
expensive war? Congress adjourned in
the midst OF hostilities, and the colonel
turned his face 10 Seattle and, neces-
enemy. This unexpected direction of
things seemed TO require explanation,
and II was therefore limited that he had
rendered his services for thirty days to
Adjt. Gen. Corbin. OF course carping
critics might be disposed 10 remark
that thirty days Is precious short
time to devote To the service OF ones
country In the great arena OF "A great
war; but it should be remembered that
it Is Col. Lewis who Is putting down
this war. and he's a wonder when it
comes TO putting down wars.
Considering all these things it is not
difficult TO suppress the rising inquiry
as to what Adjt. Gen. corbin has to 10
with army appointments. anyway
IL has not Vet been explained. and it
may therefore be left to Cob Lewis e.
explain, why he did not make good his
original spectacular bluff about enlist
ing. No doubt there were sound rea-
sons. \ sufficient restraining cause
might have been the presence on The
bloody field Of Santiago. lighting vali-
antly. steynly. aggressively. unyield-
insly FOR their country and dying 81
lently. braSely, sloTiously for It's honor
and Ter the Nindjcatiou Of it, great par
poses in this most righteous war. Of "A
dusty. begrimed and victorious army in
which were many 'tasseled society sap
heads" and "silded military satrap<."
some steyedores and a few lawmakers
RErt BtItsNs AND ~tf,ru