, 1898-10-05
DISCHARGES
LIGHT ON A QUESTION THAT IS
BOTHERING THE SOL
DER BOYS
AS Well as Their Friends at Home and
the War observation-disclosures
Warren Writes OF the Matter and
Presents the Latest Instructions
Issued.

In reference to the applications for
muster out of troops, and for discharges
OF individual soldiers, which causes so
much trouble and anxiety at the var
department, we quote from a letter re-
ceived from Senator Warren. in which,
among other things. he says:
Not a day has passed for a long
time that I have not received from one
to a dozen letters-often more desir-
ing the discharge Of regular or vol
are from the men themselves, OTHERS
are from their fathers, mothers, broth
ers. ETC., and 1t seems that what has
been true with me has also been true
with other senator's and members OF
congress- and the pressure on the de-
partment has become such that some
system is absolutely necessary to pre-
vent 'swamping' the whole subject OF
discharges.
"a moments reflection will convince
anyone that wholesale discharges ask
ed for by outsiders. without reference
OF the same to the captains Of the COM
panies and superior officers for their
endorsement, have a demoralizing and
disorganizing effect. Proper discipline
cannot prevail in the army unless me-
thodical plans are pursued. therefore,
| cannot blame the department. for be-
ing SO severe In the application OF the
rules which you have noticed promul-
gated the past week or SO through the
press.
II enclose herein from this evenings
Star, copy Of a telegram that has gone
out to the different regiments, which
will not only inform the men Of their
duty. but the officers as well, SO that
all applications of the men to their
commanding officers for discharges
must be promptly forwarded to the ad-
jutant generals Office.
Il also enclose copy Of the letter just
now being sem out to senator's and
members Of congress when they apply
for the discharge of soldiers"
Inclosed In Senator Warren's letter
is the following circular of instruc-
tions to senator's and representatives:
War Department, Office OF the As
sistant Secretary, Washington, D. c.
Sir: 1 have to acknowledge the re-
ceipt of your esteemed favor of recent
date and beg to advise you that enlist
ed men OF the regular and volunteer
army who desire to procure their dis
charge from the United States service,
should address a letter to the adjutant
general Of the army, setting forth the
reasons upon which they base their ap-
p~lications. and hand or mail it to the
captain Of their company, who In turn
is required to forward it through regi-
mental, brigade, division and corps
headquarters with his recommends
ton. Applications that do not come up
in this mamne will not be entertained.
You are further advised that the de-
partment will not, at this time, enter
tain applications for discharges Of en-
listed men belonging to regiments serv-
ing in the Philippine islands. Honolu-
lu, Cuba on Porto Rico"
The following item from the Wash
ington Star gives supplementary de-
tails on the whole subject and y of
special interest to the enlisted men,
who have made applications for dis
charge:
Assistant Adjutant General Ward,
who is directly in charge Of the en-
listing service at the war department.
has dispatched the following telegram
to the commanding officers Of the mill
tary camps and departments:
War department is overrun with
applications for discharges OF enlisted
men from members Of congress, gov
ernors OF states. mayors of cities, rela-
tives, friends and others. Acting Sec
rotary of wal desires that you issue
general orders today to your command
calling attention to paragraphs 1852 and
7G5, army regulations, and to the ta0
that the war department will not en-
terrain applications for discharge e1-
eepttng they reach 1t through military
channels
Colonel Ward has also found 1t
necessary to send the followine In
.struction by telegraph to hasten action
under that order: s.
Department is advised that COM
handing Officers are holding back ap-
plications of enlisted men for dis-
charge. Acting secretary Of war d.
reefs that you instruct all company,
troop. battery and regfmental COM
manders Of your command. by tele-
graph, that such cases must be for
warded Immediately, approved or dis
approved as provided In army Tegu1a-
tions 1855. through regular military
channels. for action q war department-
Acknowledge receipt and report ack3oa..
at was probable tie war departmant
was dnspired to hasten the action Of tass
department commanders IN theas casss
by reason Of the numerous inquifas
received At the department Of hts from
prominent persons, Including aeoaAors
and -rpressntativea for tnformsHm
as to its intention respsctiag aupliea-
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