Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1898-08-06
The W00dbury-PrOctor Controversy.

Ihe W00dbury-PrOctOr Controversy.
Like all Vermonters the First Vermont
regiment at Chickamauga had much rather
wear out than rust out. Ever since beng
qaartered where they now are they have
been exceedingly anxious to get into the
thickest of the fight. A great deal Of
pressure has been brought to bear on Sec
retary Alger to send this regiment to the
front and 1t is reported that Alger prom
ised to do SO and is going to keep his
promise even though the end of the war is
in sight.
1t became pretty evident last Saturday
at the regiment would be ordered to
Porto Rico. Hearing of this ex-Gov.
Woodbury. telegraphed Secretary Alger as
follows:
Burlington, July 81.
Hon. Russell A. Alger, Secretary of War,
Washington, D. c.:
respectfully protest against sending the
Vermont troops to Porto Rico unless their
services are actually needed there. Those
OF US who bade our sons God speed when
they enlisted in their country's service
were prepared for any sacrifice they might
make even to life itself, and they are now
OF the same mind. But when the war is
over we feel that their place will be at
home with their families and in their wonted
places OF business. An excursion to Porto
Rico after the war is over cannot add to
their honor nor to the honor Of Vermont,
URBAN A. WOODBURY..
In reply to this Senator Proctor gave
out the following letter:
While in Washington last week was
informed that the government was contem-
plating sending another army corps of
about ID regiments to Porto Rico and that
some regiments from Chickamauga we're
to be sent. The question then was whether
1T was best for our regiment to 20 with the |
expedition or stay in camp at Chicka-
mauga. 1t seemed to me that they had |
stayed in that camp altogether too long for
tier good and that if possible they better
be part of that expedition and my reasons
for urging this were:
First-I felt sure from letters received
from Col. Clark and others of the regi-
ment that if other regiments in their COM
mand we're sent On new expedition they
would feel it keenly to see their comrades
selected and they left behind. In letter
Of July 26, Col. Clark wrote me: "The
command is getting tired of waiting and
will be very glad when ordered somewhere
!. Second : Many people in the state,
having, like Gov. Woodbury., son, in the
regiment, have expressed to me the same
Feeling and believed that the sentiment of
The state and the regiment would be the
same on this point.
Third believed that the health of the
regiment would be greatly benefited by
change. 1t has been long time in camp
At Chickamauga and with the American
nothing is so dishearteniDg
Dr. conducive to Sickness as long stay in
'ne camp without active service. We saw
{ during our civil war in terrible mortality
n the -4tb, 9th and 9th Vermont regiments
md I'd Vermont brigade while they re-
named tor months IN one camp during the
irst OF their service. When active service
n the field began sickness rapidly dis
'ppeared.
1t had not occurred to me that President
Mckinley and Secretary Alger would send
IN excursion to Porto Rico 'safter the war
vas over" or anywhere else, unless in their
Judgment their services were actually
'eeded." Gov. Woodbury's patriotism and
experience in military matters have been
90 well tested to be questioned and had
le been In my place with all the facts be- ,
ore hun his conclusions, trust, might not
ave differed materially from mine.
Very respectfully yours,
REDFIELD PRoCroR.s