The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1898-09-01
ron THOSE WHO n n /HLE STRENUOUS efforts are being made to
eAaI SPaAktgk secure the discharge Of the First Mississippi
THEMSELVES, regiment. ana the desire or the men and their

TWW TWU-G "W- Y ~ WTIH 7TW0TU0U0 1TTU nv 01T16 ""'V
CAN'T SPEAkFgR M secure the discharge Of the First Mississippi
THtmsaVtS' 4 regiment, and the desire Of the men and their
friends is generally made known through the press, but little Is said o. the
equally strong desire Of the second to be dlsbanded. IL $ aWeh known fact
tbat ne GrenyHIe contingent OF this regiment, atIeast, is exceedingly anx-
ios t. return home, and would regard an order to so to Cuba for garrison
duty simply as condemnation. The reports OF all who have returned on
ulongh, or written letters home, prove this to be the case, although they
are prevented from taking any active steps to secure their release n make
ther wishes known. It must be borne in mind that private soldier Is In
something like the situation Of a convet-that IS MS individual freedom o.
action Is taken away from him. Whatever may pc ms pefsohai aesHe' ne y
forced 10 silence and obedience to whatever orders may be- given him.
The company which went from GreenvDle is composed 10 a great meas
pre. Of different material from the rank and file OF the army. Many Of the
Young men. In the enthusiasm Of The moment gave up honorable and lucfa
tive podtions-places which paid them $50 to s75 a montn-and subjected
themselves to the prIyatton and paTy pay Of private soldiers under ofceTs
who we're 10 no way their superiors in educaton' brains muscle Q social
position. That these young men should be restrained from returning 70
their homes and work, and compelled Instead to go for nearly two years TO
cuba, there to do police duty and clean up that pest hole on a salary Of sl5
A month is very grleyous to them and their friends and efforts to rescue
them from such d fate viii be left uutred, Numerous plans have been re-
sorted to already. A petition has been signed by all the parents Of the
Young soldiers and innnmarabe letters written on the subject to those Ia
authority. The NEST active and systematic work Is being done by Capt NJ,
*. Gldart whose efforts ere untHing, and are earnestly supported by the
.GreeuvTie public generally. Capt Gldarts present project II 70 :, e Az n Jaf Is
viii be the bearer OF a letter to Cen. Lee from a gentleman here who is a
Iknsman and personal friend Of the general and IL these means fall viii
Join Col VIM. G. Yerger and Gen. Catchings in Washington, where person
al appeal viii be made to the president by them.
I'll understood here that Capt Irys with a justice and generosity for
which he Will have the thanks % the whole community has expressed pub
Ilicy bis wish to leave the decision to his men themselves but thata meet
ling 1t the 9mcers Of the Second regiment has been held, at which they de-
clded that the regiment was willing to go to Cuba. This has created indig-
nation throughout the community. Tie officers may wish to 10 but tie men
do not. On the contrary, they are strenuousy opposed to going, and II they
are forced into 1t by the setlnterested representations OF Officers, It viii be
an outrage upon helpless men aud upon their friends and families. It arr
gued that these priyates are good material. Their superior intelligence and
conscientious regard for duty makes them desirable soldiers. Very likely
but must their liberty and lives be sacrificed for the profit Of a fewwerpaid
odceFs whose only claim TO the position they hold is a political punf tt
will probably be publicly announced by the officers that the men will 90 to
solemnly that they win not. The Times speaks OF course for the company
known as the Delta Guards-the men from Greenylh. II this company
goes to Cuba It Will be against the will and under the urgent protest OF the
men themselyes, and in defiance Of the strongest efforts their friends can
make to secure their eease.-Greenvin Times