Waterbury Democrat., 1901-04-27
WATERBURY EVENING DEMocRAT SATURDAY. APRIL 27 1eor

guard the following day Officers of rank and soldiers from the ranks, in rusty blue, in gleaming white, in dingy khaki rubbed shoulders and elbows ill the crowded courtyard.
 In the presence of death the Amer ican remembers that men are born equal and forgets the ceremonious observance of military courtesies. All voices were lowered, all discussion hushed. There was a spontaneous movement when the division com snander entered and all made way TOT him without word, but stur- dily stood the rank and file and held their ground against all others, for the preliminary examination, as it might be called, was to take place at ten o'clock.
 The dead man was of their own grade, and an ugly story had gone like wildfire through the barracks and quarters that his slayer was a commissioned officer, an aid-dc- camp of the general himself, scion of a distinguished and wealthy fam fly of the greatest city of America, and all official influence, presumably, would be enlisted in his behalf. Therefore, silent, yet determined, were they present in strong force, not in disrespect, not in defiance, but with that calm yet indomitable reso- lution to see for themselves that jus tice was done, that soldiers of no other than the Anglo-Saxon race could ever initiate, or that officers not American could ever. understand, appreciate and even tacitly approve.
 The dead man had died instantly, not in the flush and glory of battle, but in the lonely, yet most honor able, discharge of the sacred duty of the sentinel. Murder most foul was his, and had he been well-nighN a pariah among them-a man set apart from his kind-the impulse of his fel- low soldiers would have been to see to it that his death at such time and on such duty went not avenged. As it was, the man who lay there, al- ready stiff and cold was known among them as one of the bravest, brightest spirits of their whole ar ray, lad of birth probably more gentle than that of many an officer, of gifts of mind and character supe- rior to those of not few superiors. fellow who had won their fellow ship as easily. as he had learned the duties of the soldier.
 A whole battalion in the regulars and dozens of gallant boys in the Idahos and North Dakotas knew Billy Benton and had been full of sympa- thy when he was picked up one night some three weeks previous, his head laid open by powerful blow from some blunt instrument, bleeding and senseless. Even when released from hospital fortnight later he was dazed and queer, was twice reported out of quarters over night and ab- sent from roll call, but was forgiven because of previous character" and the belief that he was really not re- sponsible for these soldier solecisms.
 One thing seemed to worry him, and that was, as he admitted, that he had been robbed of some papers that he valued. But he soon seemed 'all right again. said his fellows, at least to the extent of resuming duty, and when, clean Shaved and in his best attire, he marched on guard that glad October morning they were bet ting on him for the first chevrons and speedy commission.
 All that his few intimates, the one or two who claimed to know him, could be induced to admit was that his real name was not Benton, and that he had enlisted utterly against the wishes of his kindred. And so, regulars and volunteers alike, they thronged the open patio and all ap- breaches thereto, and no officer would now suggest that that court be cleared. It was best that "rhink- ing Bayonets" should be there to hear and see for himself.
 NO, indeed, don't do anything of the kind!" said the general, prompt ly when asked half hesitatingly by the captain of the guard whether he preferred to exclude the men. And in this unusual presence the brief, straightforward examina tionwent on
 First to tell his tale was the cor poral of the second relief. He had posted his men between S:30 and g.: 45, Private Benton on No. at the cor ner of the Calle Real and Parde Faura. That post had been chosen for him as being not very far away from that of the guard, as the young Heller" had not entirely recovered his strength, and the officer of the day had expressed some regret at his having so soon attempted to resume duty, but Benton had laughingly said that he was "all right" and he didn't mean to have other men doing sentry go for him.
 Soon after nine," said the cor poral, T went round warning all as directed by the officer of the guard, The officer of the guard himself went round about that time personally cautioning the sentries. There was a good deal of fun and excitement just then down the street. No. in the Calle Nueye had shot twice at some fleeing natives who nearly upset him as they dashed round the corner . from the Bagumbayan, and he had later mistaken Col. Brent in his white suit for Filipino and nervcusiy fired. Nos. 2 and in the side streets mistook the shooting for fire alarm, and Private Benton repeated, in accordance with his orders, but when l (the corporaD saw him was laughing to kill himself over the Ma