Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1898-03-18

IL ~ &sA AS ~ AS ~ ~ e. AASSS
and other statements brought forward
as arguments have nothing to do with
the one question at issue. Did General
Custer disobey General Terry's order?
If he did, where is and what was the
order he disobeyed? 1t has not been
produced. Its existence has never
been shown. General Terry never af-
irmed it. His papers have never shown
any reference to it.
"The only known order in the case is
General Terry's well-known order of
June %, 1876. He was sending against
an enemy of unknown numbers and in
an uncertain location a column of troops
which for a time must be entirely self
sufficient and liable to come in hostile
contact before support could be had.
General Terry himself was to be out of
reach for instructions in any emergency.
He vas sending in command an officer
of the very highest distinction for
trained ability, professional experience,
practiced judgment, personal GOODNESS
and bravery and every soldierly quail
ity, to whom, after ample discussion and
mutual conference, he gives, as to one
possessing his entire confidence, the
direction necessary to the guidance Of
such a n commanding a column
which General Terry must have pre-
sumed sufficient for whatever he OK
pected to meet in any considered con-
tingency. That Was the order of June
23. 1876. 1t developed General Terry's
plan and was the official record OF his
purpose for the guidance of his subor-
dinate, whose responsibility was
gounded therein and measured thereby.
The regulations of both men were con-
cerned in the matter. General Terry
was not only an officer of high rank and
distinguished for ability and long SER
vice, but he was also q trained man of
affairs and he knew what was necessary
Tor his protection in so important a
movement and for his subordinates pro-
lection and guidance.
sit is impossible that there should
have been IN order ~contravening this
one in any part, or in any way modify
ing it, without it's leaving a clear record.
Any suggestion to the contrary is a dis.
tinct disrredit to the capacity, training,
experience and personal character of
General Terry. His order Of June %
1876, directs General Custer to take his
regiment and pursue the Indians up the
Rosebud. Then he says: "It is, OF
course, impossible to give you any def.
mite instructions in regard to this move.
ment, and, were it not impossible to dc
SO, the department commander places
too much confidence in your zeal, en-
ergy and ability to wish to impose upon
you to precise orders, which might ham
per your action when nearly in contact
with the enemy. He will, however. in
dictate to you his own views of what
you action should be, and he desires
that you should conform to them unless
you shall see sufficient reasons for de
parting from them"
). "The follow his views and plans, the
execution OF which, rs far IA they may
may be possible of execution, and sub
ject to chances of all war, he commit
to a man in whose zeal, energy anl
ability he places too much confidence t.
wish to impose him precise orderl
which might hamper his action whel
nearly in contact with the enemy
These were Clusters orders up to til.
moment of his coming nearly in con
tact with the enemy. When did he dis
obey them: When he came nearly il
such contact all things were at his dis
erection, and unless he failed to play tn,
soldier and the man at that momen
there is no longer a question of disobedi
ence of ORDERS"
Elk State Treasurer Nomland sees tn
handwriting on the wall. In an inter
view in the Normanden he says he is il
favor of lying low this year and adds
"What "a we populists do? The time
are fair; the prices on our products ar
very satisfactory. I am in favor of lynn
low this year. Perhaps something will
turn up In 1900, that will furnish cam
paign material. I expect there will
But at present there is not the slightes
show of victory--at least not in Nortl
Dakota. We will undoubtedly gain
few seats in congress, bn,, not enough
to control that body. What good woull
it do, if We did control congress? I
would only make some mistakes an
) hurt our chances for 1900"