The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-06
DESERTER TAKEN TO TYBEE.
PRIVATE JONES LEFT THE GUARDS,
BATTALION AT TAMPA.

Claims He Is on FurIOugh, But His
Arrest Requested Nevertheless.
His Wife and Child Left PenniIess,
and without Prospect of Bread or
Catch Five Deserters, Who Went
Through Savannah From Jackson
vile, en- Route TO North Carolina.
William A. Jones, aged about % years,
formerly an apprentice with the Central
Railroad, was taken to Tybee yesterday
by Capt. H. K. Bailey, charged with de-
sertion from the United States volunteer
army at Tampa. Jones has been in Sa-
vannah since Tuesday, having left Tampa
Sunday, and coming direct here to join
his family.
Detective Clarity made the arrest on in
structions from Chief McDermott who
had been advised by Lieut. Col. William
Garrard that Jones was here. The arrest
being requested, 1t was but a short time
until the man was located in a house
at the east end of Williamson street. He
was~ aroused at midnight and taken 20
the barracks, leaving his wife and child
in a penniless condition.
When told he was wanted for desertion
Jones seemed surprised. and stated he left
on furiough. Besides, he said he was suf-
fering with a sore leg. and also number
Of other ailments which untitled him for a
soldiers duties. He stated there was no in
tenton on his part to leave clandestinely,
a & a e
captain of his departure, informing him of
his whereabouts. Not only this but he
had been all Over the city looking for work.
a thing he said he would not have done
had he feared detection Just before enlist
ing with company of the Guards, Jones
was employed by q Savannah brewery but
Was temporarily dismissed, which may ac-
count in a measure for his enlisting.
Unfortunately he seems to be one of the
many who jumped into the volunteer
forces, Obvious of the fact that helpless
ones depended on him for bread. He has a
wife and child. alone at their home, with
no prospect of sustenance. When seen by
Morning News representative the woman
stated that her husband is a physical
wreck and that she could not understand
how he passed tile examination for enlist
ment. She has no relatives, she said. TO
whom to look for aid, her child is too
young to admit her leaving home to earn a
living, and BESIDES she considers 1t a diff
tcult task to find employment
My father and mother are dead, there
are no relatives to whom I can go for help
and there is no prospect of getting food for
myself and child, the woman said
Inc circumstances touched Detective
Garrity who said he deeply regretted hav-
ing to carry out his Instructions When
Jones returned, his wife rejoiced in the
thought the family was to be taken care
Of, but when he was arrested for desertlon,
the woman lost hope.
Capt. Bailey win probably hold Jones
pending orders from Col. Brown, in whose
regiment he was enlisted. AS there are
others who have been arrested here on the
same charge and from the same regiment,
1t is not unlikely a court martial will be
held in Tampa soon. For desertion to the
enemy the penalty is death, but In a case
of back-sliding, 1t is not known with what
seriousness a court Will consider it. There
was an effort in making up the rolls to ex-
clude men of families, especially if they
were left without means of support.
Where men of this class succeeded in get
ting through the lines, however, without
disclosing domestic circumstances to re-
cruiting officers, mitigating facts may not
count for a great deal.
Chief McDermott received kilograms yes
terday TO be on the lookout for five de-
serters, expected to go through Savan-
nah on their way 10 North Carolina. Close
attention was given the matter, but il
was learned last night that the men had
passed through before the chief got the
information. It is understood they trav
eled together on a passenger train. and
did not evidently fear being captured. The
Geserters are likely heading for their
homes, and as the places are known 20
the officers, the men may be captured by
officers farther ahead. Since deserving is
becoming a serious matter to officers. il
Is likely efforts will not be spared to
catch the men and make an example Of
them for those who contemplate desert
ing. All deserters thus far captured in
Savannah have alleged that they are
physically disabled, are under age. or have
other disabilities which relieve them from
service, Knowing this, they doubtless
leave with the hope of being released BY
the government, even if caught.