The Saint Paul globe., 1899-04-19
AGAIN THE THIRTEENTH MINNIE

The position taken by the Globe In
calling attention to the present condition
of affairs with reference to the Thirteenth
Minnesota has attracted universal at
tention, and has, as it should have done,
resulted in a well directed movement
touching the return of the regiment The
fact that it is now conceded that the fur
ther holding of this regiment in the serv-
ice of the United States is illegal. that
service having expired by its terms, and
the additional fact that the regiment
unanimously desire to be returned, has
called public attention to the attitude of
the administration with reference to them
and to the other volunteers. The people
have been indeed exceedingly patient in
this matter, and their patience has
been emulated by that of the volunteers
at Manila. While there was a shad-
ow Of legality in their further deten-
tion, or while the conditions there called
for active service upon the part Of this
organization, nothing was said. On the
contrary every confidence was extended
to and was expressed about the admins
tration, but when desire had finally rip
ened into request and that request was
evasive replies given to direct inquiries
that were rightfully made, the request
very naturally ripened into demand
upon the part OF those who were legally
entitled to make 1t.
According to the dispatches received
last evening by the G o b e, the admins
tration does not feel itself longer at lib
erty to wholly ignore this demand, and
1t would now seem as If orders had been
actually received at Manila for the dis
charge of the men as early as transporta-
ton can be furnished by the government
to their homes. AS long apparently as It
was deemed entirely safe, the administra-
ton has thought proper to disregard the
rights Of the men who are now fighting,
not the battles Of their country. but of
that administration
The period Of debarkation must not be
delayed. The point has now been reached
when appeal must be made, not to any
disposition on the part Of the admins
tration at Washington to avoid the conse-
quences of it's violation Of the terms of
these mems enlistment, nor to any dispo-
sition on it's part to do voluntarily what
it has so long delayed and avoided doing;
but to the absolute constitutional princi-
| pie that our citizens shall not be wrong
| fully restrained Of their liberties by any
! power, state or national. We are not as
| yet living under an autocracy; and there
is no power, civil or military, which can
be allowed with impunity to infringe on
these mems dearest civil rights.
The volunteers have been returned from
| Cuba in contemplation of the unhealthy
season there. The Astor battery has
| long been withdrawn from Manila appar-
emily for the same reason Eastern VOL
| unteers are all returned to their homes
| The same treatment and same measure
| of justice surely ought to be awarded to
| the Western volunteers. Every day
| brings them nearer to the season which
| will decimate their ranks. 1t is not too
time of twenty-four hours may represent
| lives of those bravo men; and in view of
the necessities of the situation the ad
ministration will be held strictly account
| premises.