The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-09-29

NUMBER 81.
lead the men into responding along the
line of the sentiments he had expressed,
particularly as he knew they were sur
rounded by conditions which would re-
quire almost superhuman endurance to
keep them from falling into the trap
and uttering bitter complaint. Warne,
Stover and Bates seem to have been
caught, and it is too much to expect
that these were all who, amid the
calsmities that surrounded the regi-
ment during its four months on the
firing line, resisted the insidious
establishments Of Pettigrew. Doubt
less he has other letters which he in
tended to use later in his campaign,
but the damnalion that has come to
him for what he did use will perhaps
make him understand that it isn't a
safe proceeding to betray men into ex-
pressions when they are in distress,
and then use them as declarations OF
permanent convictions, made in cold
blood.
81 finally got Col. Frost, Maj. Wsrne,
Lieut.. Col. Stover and Lieut.. Bates
together, and the mattor was all talked
tarily proposed to make the written
statements which subsequently ap-
peared exonerating Col. Frost from
such charges as they had made in their
letters, and denouncing the falsehoods
contained in articles appearing in the
Sioux Falls Press inspired by Senator
Pettigrew, and based on no commr nica-
tion ever written by them to him. Col.
Frost stated that the retraction was
more ample than anything in that line
which he would ask of them, but they
| said they wanted to go to the fullest
length in their statements, which they
did.
Gen. Shafter Consented.
"As result of this conference with
the officers, went ashore and Satur-
| day morning went with Congressman
Burke and Maj, Stewart to consult with
| Gen. Shafter, to whom the charges
formulated by Col. Frost had been for
warded. We laid before him our in
terview with the officers, and finally
were successful in inducing him to con-
sent to withdrawal of the charges,
aud to allow the matter to be adjusted
between the officers themselves, in
stead of taking it into courtmartial.
Later we had consultation with Gov.
Lee and other representatives of the
state, and it was agreed among US all
that the arrangement as suggested by
the parties themselves ought to be car
ried out, for the credit of the regiment
and the good name of the state, and to
save the protraoted bitterness which
would ensue unless this opportunity for
adjustment was improved. The letters
of retraction as prepared in pursuance
of this arrangement have been pub
lished, and l am gratifed to be able to
state that the relations among the off,
oers are harmonious and cordial.
after all that I heard concerning
the alleged dissatisfaction among the
men concerning the fact of their hay
ing been held longer than their term
of enlistment, l was proud to hear the
assurances of the officers and the rank
and file that they want that the war
shall be prosecuted to successful issue
and the Filipino rebels taught that noss
body can fire on the American flag and
escape punishment. The overwhelm-
ing majority of the regiment are sup-
porters of the administration in its de.
termination to put down the rebellion.
know this from personal conversation
with the men during the whole day I
spent with them aboard the Sheridan.
had with me copy OF the speeches
delivered by President Mckinley at
Pittsburg, and the boys felt proud OF
the recognition it gave their work. 1t
was natural that some of the details OF
the prosecution of the war did not meet
with approval, the principal criticism
being directed against Gen. Otis. But
so far as the the general policy is con.
cerned, the conflict has the indorse.
ment Of the First South Dakota volun'
teers.
81 was delig hted to see the general
,, good health shown by the men of the
regiment. OF course, they looked
worn, as might be expected after such
, campaign; but they were not the
: gaunt skeletons which some of the
: opponents of the war have sought te
make them appear They bad splendid
quarters on the Sheridan during the
voyage, and in their camp at Sar
, Francisco they have superb accommo
f dations. Their tents all have ioors
. . ard sidewalks lead through the camp
y and every body is we'll fed, and th.
. = hospitals are fitted for most excellen
!. care of those whom it is necessary t,
send there, The men are recuperatin&
y rapidly. and are heartily enjoying tn,
honors which are being 80 cordial,
: bestowed on them in recognition OF tn
i service they have given the nation.
2 Soon to be Mustered Out.
a "It is expected the regiment will b
:. mustered out about the 5th of October
4 and it is likely the soldiers will reacl
y Sioux City on the 9th or 10th. The
4 are anxious to get home, OF course, an
"a look forward with great pleasure to tn
- greetings which have been arrange
il for them at various points in their ow
:, state and elsewhere"
Of
" A Generous Vote of Thanks.
l. At the close of the regular meetin