The age-herald., 1898-09-30
FALSE STATEMENTS PRINTED
Sets at Rest the Fear of Yellow Fever in
 the Command.
N A HEALTHY CONDITION
Assertion That Enlisted Men Proceed ed to Pillage and Rob the Houses When It Disembarked Pro-
 nounced Basely False.

The people of Alabama and Mississippi who knew the men who composed the Fifth United States volunteer regiment of inn munes have never for one instant believed the reports that have been sent out from Santiago from time to time since the regi- iment has been at Santiago, to the effect that the men of the regiment had, as soon as they landed, started to pilaging and robbing all the houses, and other reports of similar character. Everybody who knows the officers and men who compose the regi- ment, knows that there is not a better behaved or a more gentlemanly regiment in the United States army than the Fifth immunes.
 But these reports which have circulated through the country reflect seriously on the regiment, and to correct such impressions the following card, which was received from Captain William M. Walker of that regiment, yesterday, is printed As will De seen, it was written only a few days ago, and besides denying the charges of miscon- duct that have been made against the regl- ment the letter also sets at rest the re- ports concerning yellow fever in the regi- ment
  Camp, Near Santiago de Cuba, September 20, 1S9S
 To the Editor of The Age-Herald, Birming-
 ham, Ala:
 A mail which reached this camp few days ago brought a great many letters newspapers and newspaper clippings from our friends in Birmingham and elsewhere, in which the conduct of the Fifth regiment of United States volunteer infantry shortly after it's arrival at Santiago was harshly criticised. These false statements arc a re- f1ecton upon the commanding officer of the regiment, Colonel Herbert H. Sargent, whose reputation as an excellent discip- lnaran, a fine officer, a soldier and per feet gentleman, is above reproach. These statements also reflect upon the other offi- cers and the men of the regiment many of whom are from Birmingham.
 I feel it my duty to deny the statement that the Fifth regiment of United States volunteer infantry was guilty of any d1s- order upon it's arrival here or since, and to brand every report thereof as utterly raise and without foundation. As matter or fact, the conduct of this regiment has been exemplary ever since its organization. The citizens of Columbus, Miss, can vouch Tor the good conduct of the men of the regi- ment while it was being organized there and up to the date of it's departure.
 The statement that the enlisted men of the regiment broke ranks at the wharf and proceeded to pilage the city committing robbery and rape, is also basely false. The First and Third battalions of the regiment were unloaded from the transport on the morning after it's arrival at the wharf and promptly marched without breaking ranks and without the slightest disorder some dis tance from the city, where they went into camp. The Second battalion landed a day later and marched out to the First and Third battalions without breaking ranks or creating any disorder.
 There is absolutely no foundation for the charge that rape was committed by any Of the men of this regiment
 have written the above in order that the people of Birmingham and of Alabama may know the truth.
 The officers and men of the regiment have cast no stain upon the country, or the flag, under which they are now serving.
 Please have this printed in justice to the officers and enlisted men who are members of the Fifth regiment of the United States volunteer infantry from Birmingham and Alabama. VIM. M. WALKER.
 SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION.