The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-03-07
PRIVATE B. F. J0SLIN
TOO FREE WITH T0NGU
MAKES STRONG CHARGES AND
THEN REGRETs IT.

Private B. F. Joslin, a member of the
Third Heavy Artillery, stationed at Alca-
traz Island, has created no end of trouble
for himself his immediate superiors and
Major General Shafter by too free use
of his tongue. About two weeks ago he
attended a class meeting in the First M
E Church and voluntarily informed
Pastor ITrmy and those present that he
had been maltreated by the officers of
his battery He stated that while in hos
pitaI at Fort Mason he suffered from
lack of food and was compelled to send
SO to the city for the necessaries of life,
and. further when he returned to his
battery he was compelled to serve in the
canteen against his expressed wish, and
was threatened with imprisonment II he
declined to obey orders.
The statement was reiterated to DR.
Urmy after the meeting, and the latter
told his fellow-pastors at the next meet
ing of the Methodist Ministers Union the
facts as he knew them. a committee,
consisting of the reverend gentleman, Dr..
Wilson and Dr. Beard, was appointed to
wrote letter to General Shafter, stating
the facts, and in answer received the tol-
lowing letter. which was read at the
weekly meeting yesterday;
Headquarters Department of California,
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. Is. 1899.
Rev W Urmy. Pastor First NJ E. Church,
San Francisco-Dear Sir: Referring to your let
ter of recent date enclosing statement OF com
mittee with reference to the service Of Private
B. F. Joslin in the canteen at AlcatraZ
island. / have to say 1 Immediately sent one
Of NV stan to investigate the case cautiQning
him to do so in such a manner as not TO give
Lee ~ a belief that Private Joslin had made
anv complaint Private Joslin on being ques-
toned stated that he had no objection what
to working in the 'Ganteen or ha aIG ing
object to being detailed for the duty. He was
Informed that as the duty was not strictly IN
ferhf he for 1nd m a
duty he had a perfect right to object to per-
forming the duties. That as he was paid ex-
mont the service was voluntary on his part,
and that he would not be compelled to per
form, the duties II he wished to avoid doing so.
He replied that he understood the situation,
but that he had no objection whatever to per-
forming the duties.
treatment while in the hospital. He said that
II was his opinion that the reason why he was
not given more TO eat while in the hospital was
because the surgeon in charge wished him to
have light diet That he had not applied TO
friends for food but that when they visited
him they offered to send things to him, and
that they did. He did not have to pay for what
hone this will be satisfactory to you and
the other members of the committee. Ihere
to have been some nhsapprehensSlo . OF
who are interested in him. He stated in the
course of the investigation that some person
in the city might object to his working in the
.'canteen' but that he had no objection him
self. very respe WILLIAM NJ. SKATER.
Major General U. S. V, Commander
1oeun was seen on AlcatraZ Island yes
terday, and made the following state
ment: ,.,- -
brother Urmy was mistaken When ne
saidI was given no food while in the hos
nitaI II was furnished me, but was of
the poorest quality. l was detailed to
work in the canteen, and stayed there one
reIiaious principles l asked and was
given permission by Lieutenant Haynes
to return to my company. l am sorry
STR emf -