New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-10
| SMITH CASE .STTR.S OFFICERS.
COLONEL HOPPER RAISES QUESTION OF
VERACITY REGARDING LIEUTENANT
COLONEL STRONG'S DENIAL.

When Colonel Frederick Hopper. formerly of the
list Regiment, learned yesterday that Lieutenant
Colonel Putnam Bradlee Strong Of the 69th Regi-
had denied that he had ever reported Governor
Roosevelt having originally disapproved of the
dismissal of Major Clinton H Smith, of the list
Regiment, he became greatly perturbed When
at his home, No. SIS West End-ave. Colonel
Hopper made the following reply TO the denial of
Lieutenant Colonel Strong:
The statement attributed to Lieutenant Colonel
Putnam Bradee Strong in the papers this morning
denying that he had said that Governor Roose-
welt originally disapproved the report of the Board
of Examination in the case of Major Smith raises
a question of veracity between Colonel Strong and
my informants. 1 did say that Colonel Strong
had made the statement to me; indeed, have
not the honor of knowing him. merely said ne
was authority for it. Now am prepared to repeat
my original decla ration Colonel Strong was quoted
as authority for the statement in the presence of
a number of officers of the Guard at thet Park
Avenue Hotel Memorial Day after the parade
Among the officers then present were Brigadler-
General George Moore Smith, several members or
staff and number of officers of the list Resl-
The statement which Colonel Strong Is quoted as
denying was made publicly at that time by one of
the officers of the brigade staff. SO far from TINS
being the only occasion on which this statement
with its authority has been made 1t has been cur
rent among military men.
When Colonel Strong learns of the circumstances
I have Just related trust he will no longer hnd 1t
truth as if forced do so. l am prepared to
furnish indsputable evidence of the correctness or
nv statement even If necessary TO bring IN those
high in authority. whom I would gladly spare
My purpose has not been to drag Colonel strong
into any controversy. but merely to make II clear
that Governor Roosevelts original intention was 10
deal Justly with Major Smith. and that some uhuue
influence caused him TO devate from this course.
Lieutenant-C Colonel Strong reached his home, NO
u West Fifty-seventh-st., last night about O'Clock
after his return with the troops of the 69th Regi
rent from the State camp at Peekskhl' faueueu
with the duties of the day. he refused 70 discuss
the statement OF Colonel Hopper further than 10
re!terate that he had made such state
ment as attributed him by Colonel Hopper.
The report printed yesterday that Major smith
might take his case into the civil courts was com
mented upon freely at the armory of the regiment
last night. Such possible action generally de-
plored. since it would only keep alive it was said.
those intestine troubles which every member of
the regiment has to view with aversion.
The invectives which Major Smith has recently
been hurting Governor Roosevelt also
garded by members who We're by
Tribune reporter only hurtful to the cause os
the dismissed officer.
1t was rumored at the armory last night that
jor Smith had received official notification of his
dismissal but all efforts to the Major proved
futile.
Several officers of the regiment who have been
reported friendly 10 Major Smith. and "a having
arranged for meeting In his defence wished that
II be understood that no action OF any kind would
Bates who is said to be opposed to further discus
sion of the subject.