The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-04-09
BRIG GEN. IRTISG HALE.
Record of Ono of the Commanders Win
ming Honnrs in the Philippines.

Brig. Gen. Irving Hale. United States Nolun-
te"rs. whose name has Teen so honorably
mentioned of late as the commander OF one Of
Gen. MacArthur's victorious hrigades. is a SOL
iicr of thorough and scientific training. He
was born in the State Of New York. and when
a child went with his parents to Colorado.
His father became superintendent OF the pub
lie schools Of Central. in that State. When about
Is Young Hale secured an appointment as
cadet at the United States Military Academy.
and reported at West Point in June. 1881.
At the first semi-annunl examination Hale
stood near the top Of the class. a cadet who had
the advantages Of several months at one OF the
preparatory schools on the Hudson carrying
of first honors. A classmate, relates the fol-
lowing, incident connected with. the publica-
ton Of the results Of this examination which
serves to illustrate" the true estimat" that Hale
had made Of his. own capabilities. and the
sued tho lines laid down by himselffor work in
his West Point course. 1t seems that the mem
Der, OF the class who passed number one was
tothe classmate who relates the incident:
He will never be number one again
believe that YOU reserve that honor fer your.
self, DO YOU intend to be number one
not only intend I? be humber one" Hale
highest standing ever made at the Academy"
OF course. this elected some retorts from the
s ssrs n IN hnH Jm remq iss4, rfhS aWeIeE, H whsp a., r.,
class was graduated. Hale's intention to be
1H%Her :" one ys had been YGn ]IhM ,shss1 as s,, had also hi his
made in the history Of tho Academy, He had
gathered to himself class rank number one in
his sole competitor so hard that there was only
the fraction Of one per cont. between them.
idly built ,muscularand athletic, He had thick.
curly hair, Of SO light II shade that he was fire.
blue eyes; and his nose was q decided pug. His
mind is OF exceptional qualities. rendering him
capable OF, mastering a great variety Of sub
Jects equally well and enabling HIM 70 excel in
many lines Of effort. His habits while al the
Academy, were as regular as clockworE. and
and application necessary for the accomplish
mGnt OF his eelf,allottcd task.
Hale habitually showed n serious turn Of
mind, though he had IA linn sense of the humnr-
Gus, and Joined heartily in sports and amuse-
ments. and he seldom neglected wholesome
scrihrd for release from quarters. With all his
"arnestn"sS and iiN"dnesS Of purpose he was n
with the Academy officers he was respected
and trusted. and was. in turn Corporal, First
Sergeant aI!d Captain in the Cadet Battalion.
furnished the almost unprecedented number
q seven Second Lieut"nnnts to the Corps of
Engineers. at the head OF which numhhr was
Hale. II" was assigned TO station N Willets
Point for III" curse IN the torpedo school. and
| daughter Of the commandamt Of tho school
Gen. King, whom he aIterwurd married. He
was later detailed us instructor in tho depart
~ ~ W Us i'A''l us ~ Nv wv ' " v
and served for some time in tins capacity.
A few years after graduation Haze resigned
from tho arm and settled in Denver, where he
b"rlmo identified with IA large electrical plant,
holding a prominent and active Office with the
corporation. In Denver he became Interested
in the Colorado National Guard. lie was able
to give tho organization the benefit of his mill
tary knowledGe aud scientific training. and was
rewarded hv rapid advancement. When the
war with spain began he was the Brlgadicr-
General OF tho state forces and in supplying
Co!orado's quota of volunteers Hale was cuul-
mlssionei Colonel. the highest place within the
appointing power ot the Governor.
ten. HaI"'s part in the Manila campaign is
well known. He was promoted Brigndier-Gen
"ral Of Volunteers for gallant and merit 1rious
services in the SHIRT campaign which resulted
q the cant are Ot Manila. In operations since
that time he has been frequently mentioned
for his energy and activity, and in the fighting
ofthc past two weeks he has been consniru.
opsiy in, the thick Of il. He is only -. years
old. is 81. the robust type ana tough fibre 50
essential to the rough work and harGships Of
campaigning, and with. such mental qualities
as he possesses and such special training as he
has had tor the position he holds it would be
dlnlcuIt 70 imagine better material for the
commander ot a brigade for the trying and i'm.
portant work at hand.