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

The report Of the trial beard which was
convened to hear the charges against
Colonel NAV. 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 ii was net en-
Iy him and viii be taken up this morning.
Ii is known. however that the report says
that Colonel May failed to present himself
before thetrial board 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 il with counsel. He stated he did
not consider the court legally organized
because il 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 a Times reporter
after the session Of the board; I was ad-
yised by Regular Army officers not to APP
near at all before the board, but ! 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. declined
10 be examined before a board constituted
Of my Junior officers, and was detained
only a few moments.
The charges are based on my testimony
In the Chisholm affair General Harries
said that my testimony was open to criti-
cism. and that my memory had failed on
that occasion. Il seems to me that the
proper charges would have been for per-
'ury The General took exception to my
testimony under oath. ! do not understand
how that applies to unflness 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
UreH and General Harries got into some
difficulties in Cuba. I don't think they
are on speaking terms at present.
IF the report Of the board should find
against lit. anu At q lFAAfNA ~ NV ANsa
dent. I 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.
u think some one intends to bring the
matter before the Secretary Of War. and
put a stop 10 the proceedings. General
Harries cannot be allowed 10 prosecute me
forever"
Brig. Gen. George II. Harries said, when
seen by a reporter: Under no circum-
stances will ! allow myself to be inter
viewed It would be entirely opposed 70
! military etiquette. ! understand the proper
method Of procedure in this matter and
shall act in accordance Herewith. This
I is not a personal matter / consider Colo
mel May unfit to command the regiment,
but outside Of his connection with the
Guard he has my esteem.
II was stated at headquarters that Gen
eral Harries had full authority to disband
the regiment If be saw fit to take that
course. The disbanding Of the first COM
pany Of Colonel Nays regiment would
have the result Of retiring Colonel May.
| This would interrupt the regular fOrma-
/ ton Of the regiment, which would be re-
| organized 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 ia time o. peace the National
Guard shall consist O not more than twenty
/ eight companies oi infantry, which shall be ar
| ranged by the commanding officer into such
| regiments. Iattalious, and unattached companies
! as hc may deem eNred'cut
Section g. That ID commanding officer may be
/ hduorhly discharged upon di~iludmcut Of the
] organization to which be belongs