The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

The report of the trial board which was
| convened to hear the charges against
Colonel May made by General Harries. OF
the District of Columbia National Guard,
| was laid on the desk of the commanding
| general late yesterday afternoon. As he
! did not return to his office, it was net en-
| by him and Will be taken up this morning.
1t is known, however, that the report says
that Colonel May failed to present himself
before thetrial beard in accordance with
the orders of the general commanding
that while it is true he was physically
present, in the eyes OF military law, mas
much as he did not consider himself within
| the Jurisdiction of the court, he was TO al
intents and purposes absent.
The trial board convened at 10 o'clock
yesterday morning at the National Guard
headquarters, and Colonel May appeared
before it with counsel. He stated he did
not consider the court legally organized
/ because ii was composed of officers, all of
whom were his juniors, and declined 10
testify before them or submit to eXamina-
ton by them. The report, in substance, as
given above, was then drawn up and the
board adjourned.
Colonel May said to Times reporter
after the session of the board: Il was ad-
vised by Regular Army officers not TO ap-
pear at all before the board, but I felt
that il would be a breach of discipline not
to be present as directed by my superior
officer The board was very nice TO me,
and they are all gentlemen. l declined
TO be examined before board constituted
of my junior officers, and was detained
only few moments.
no oh
in the Chisholm affair. General Harries
said that my testimony was open to criti-
cism, and that my memory had failed on
that occasion. II seems to me that the
proper charges would have been for per-
jury. The General took exception to my
testimony under oath. / do not understand
how that applies to unfitness in military
affairs. This whole business is humorous.
The ladies say that everyone is having
fun with me.
Colonel Urell was not appointed on the
board for reasons unknown to me- The
colonel and are very warm friends, and
that may be the reason. Besides Colonel
Urell and General Harries got into some
difficulties in Cuba. / don't think they
are on speaking terms at present.
IF the report of the board should find
against me, and be approved by the Presi-
dent, / should have no recourse In any
event, / cannot be removed from my posi-
ton except by act of the President or my
own resignation, unless the regiment were
disbanded, and that could only be done
by act of Congress. General Harries has
not the power himself by the present law.
Il think come one intends to bring the
matter before the Secretary of War. and
put a stop to the proceedings. General
Harries cannot be allowed To prosecute me
forever
Brig. Gen. George H. Harries said, when
seen by a reporter: Under no circum
stances will ! allow myself to be inter
viewed. 1t would be entirely opposed 10
military etiquette. ! understand the proper
method Of procedure in this matter, and
shall act in accordance Herewith. This
is not personal matter. 1 consider Colo--I
mel May unfit to command the regiment
but outside of his connection with the
Guard he has my esteem"
1t was stated at headquarters that Cen
eral Harries had full authority to disband |
the regiment If he saw fit to take that |
course. The disbanding of the first COM
pany of Colonel Mays regiment would |
have the result of retiring Colonel May. |
This would interrupt the regular forma- !
ton Of the regiment, which would be re- |
as battalions, retiring the colonel |
and other officers. The following sections |
of the regulations governing the District |
National Guard are supposed to give the |
required authority:
Section II. That in time of peace the National |
Guard Shall consist OF not than twenty |
eight companies Of infantry, which shall be ar. |
ranged by the commanding officer into such |
battalions and unattached companies |
as he may deem expedient.
Section p. That commanding officer may be |
honorably discharged upon distandment Of the |
organization TO which he belongs