The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-29

rank fayoritism. He was ordered before
an army board in due form for mental
examination. and failed. Notwithstanding
this, and in violation of the regulations
made for the common herd, he was ap-
pointed. He is fat. lazy, good natured
boy
IF our interrogated officer is talkative
he will add that of late it has become
common practice to appoint the sons or
relatives of influential men who fail in
their examination. while holding the rule
of successful examination operative for
the general applicant.
But let us return to the register and
further examine the record Of the Senator 5
son:
Appointed first lieutenant. 1885 This
is all right: this is in due form. Cap
tain and assistant quartermaster. Sep
tember. 1897 Captain and transferred to
the stan with it's safety and special priYi-
leres And why this promotion?
Had he distinguished himself in battle
Not at all.
Had he acquired especial proficiency
through painstaking experience? Not at
ALL He had had no experience as quar-
termaster.
Did his rank entitle him to promo
tion? Not at all. At the day of his ap-
pointment 1OS first lieutenants ranked
him in his arm of the service. of. whom
eighty-seven were educated West Point
ers; while 42S firs. lieutenants ranked
him in the army. Of whom more than
three-fourths were graduates of the Mill
tary Academy.
"Why. then, was Robert Sewell made
captain and quartermaster? Why was ne
passed over 42S deserving officers? Let
justice answer. His father is United
States Senator and filled to oyerflowing
with patriotism
And what about this patriotism which
volunteers at the firing of the first gun
for appointment as brigadier general or
staff officer, with high rank and ample
safety?
.'And what about the bestowal OF briga-
dier generalships. colonelcies. and MAORI
ties upon the sons of fathers and children
OF society?
What about this patriotism which
walks hand in hand with a high ranking
military appointment. this patriotism and
spot pay? Here are a few of sWh ap-
pointments made since the commencement
of the war with Spain. with their position
ard recommendation:
William J. Mckee. brigadier general, father of
"Baby Mckee"
C. A. Whittier, brigadier general, child OF
wealth.
John A. Hull, lieutenant colonel, of Rep
resentative Hull.
John j. Astot. lieutenant colonel, child of
society.
r. b. Harrison. major. son of President Harr-
son.
George A. Hobart, major, nephew of Vice Pres
ident.
P. B. Strong, major. son of Mayor Strong.
William B. Schoheid major, son OF General
schofsld.
C. c. Webb major, child OF society.
James G. Blaine, captain, son OF father.
Stuart NJ. Brice, captain, son of Ssnator Brice.
D. Van Vuorhis, captain, son OF Representative
Van Yoorhs.
William 4. Harper, captain, child Of society.
G. d. Coudcrt, captain, child Of society.
Fred ~ Algcr. captain, son of Secretary Alger.
William b. Allison, ir., captain, son Of Senator
Allison.
Harry S. New, captain, son of Representative
New.
Webb Hayes, lieutenant colonel, son of Prcsi-
dent Hayes.
None Of the above had military experience
prior to appointment.
Seriously, were those appointments
made because of patriotism and military
efficiency CT because of corrupt partisan
promptings?
ASK any returned soldier. any officer or
private returned from the Philippines and
not obligated by an undeserved appoint
ment. and he will tell you that the con-
hict with the Filipinos came as the natural
result of our own work in attempting to
subdue a people to whom we had given
arms and encouraged to rise and fight for
their freedom.
ASK any patriotic Senator whose son
holds a high commission without possess-
ing military education or merit and he will
tell you that the conflict with the Filipinos
was caused by the disagreement of certain
Senator'S with the policy of the Admins
tration. Out upon such canting hypocrisy"