The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1901-03-21
RAMP ROASTS THE MILITIA.
Recalls Alleged Ruffianism at Spring
field Encampment.

Jefferson City, March 13.-Spring-
field had its inning in the senate to-
day and Senator Ramp of Greene. in
a scathing speech. roasted the
National Guard of Missouri for the
rutfianism which he alleged charac-
terlzed the last encampment. The
senate was in committee of the whole
considering the general appropria
ton bill. The bill as reported from
the house provided for anappropria-
/ ton of $4,000. Senator Rubpy,
chairman of the senate committee on
appropriations, moved that the
amount be increased to $50. 900.
1t was in connection with this
amendment that Senator Ramp took
the floor III opposition to anpropri-
ating any money for the militia I'M
less restrictions We're thrown around
the organization. The encamp-
ment at Springfield" he said. "wasa
disgrace to the national guard and
the state. Had the citizens of
Springfield known that such an ire
sponsible gang OF toughs We're gath
cred into that organization 40 invi-
tatiOn would have been extended for
the encampment. | do not say that
the majority of the militia are
toughs, but enough of the scum OF
the earth were in the organization as
represented at the Springfield en-
campment to make the encampment
q travesty on decency. Scenes OF
rutfianism and debauchery marked
the proceedings. The entire episode
was a disgrace Two years ago
voted for the highest possible appro-
priatiOn, but since the experience
through which we people at Spring
people greater than the laws of hos
pitality. The discipline in the EN-
campment was not what it should |
have been. Soldiers thought that |
they were not amenable to the civil |
laws. One street ear line was com
PEELED to discontinue the service |
Peddlers had their property taken |
away from them.
''These laWless acts were commit |
ted by men supposed to represent |
the spotless urity of the flag. In |
stead, no woman was safe from in |
suit by day or night unless accompa-
MED by male escort, and even then |
before the week was ended men were
compelled to carry firearms in order
to protect themselves and compan- |
ions from the brave boys of the |
state. | do not mean by these re-
marks to cast a single reflection on
the name of any gentleman But |
do speak against the aggregat ton of
toughs that accompanied the ma
tional guard and was a part of the
that encamped at |
Springfield.
Senator Jewell of Kansas City, fol-
lowed Senator Ramp. He laid the
blame for the orgies on the boys
of the Second regiment, in which the
Springfield boys are enrolled. Sena-
tor Jewell believed that no Kansas
City, st. Louis or St Joseph soldiers
were concerned in the riots.
Senator Thomas of Jasper, rose to
state his position. The statements
made by Senator Ramp are facts
he said, L have always been in favor
OF giving the national guards large
| am still in favor
OF increases, but l want to enter nv
protest against any such actions as
those at Springfield"
Senator Lee, of Carter. said: Il
was in favor or large appropriations
for the militia, but since hearing the
statements made by Senator Ramp
L cannot do so. A member of the
guard should be a gentle
man, whether sober or drunk