New-York tribune., 1901-04-23
THE CASE OF COL. ROBERT.
HIS PROMOTION TO THE RANK Uf
CHIEF OF ENGINEERS BEFORE HIS
RETIREMENT URGED AS AN
ACT OF SIMPLE
JUSTICE.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
At West Point forty-four years ago young man
graduated into the engineer corps Of the
United States Army He has been officer IN
active service since. In point of length OF
service he is the veteran OF the veterans, for no
other officer in the entire army has served his
country long. and could the variety and mag
nitude of this mans services to his country be fully
stated 1t might also with moderation be said
that living officer of the army has served his
country better. Hazardous explorations of the Far
Western public domain then inhabited only by hos
tile Indian tribes. among his early assignments
Valuable fertilization work credited to him
during the Civil War. After that the vast gov
ernmcrt activities Of rapidly growing country ex-
pressed by action at almost every session Of Con-
gress calling for the building of harbors, the
deepening Of channels. the erection of coast de-
fences and similar work. involving the safe, rru-
dent profitable investment of not millions. but
hundred OF millions. Of public moneys, were IN
trusted to the administration of the engineer corps
OF the army, of which. in late years at least. this
has been without question most potential
individual factor.
Because Of his remarkable dominating grasp of
great engineering problems. his cooness OF judg
ment. his tremendous capacity for work. and
reputation for integrity that Is ideal in its emf
nence, the Government OF the United States has
from time time piled aabors and responsibilities
this mans shoulders such have been
borne. perhaps. by any other man In this any
other country. He has been and is the president
Of the Board OF Engineers for Fortifcations-
that small body Of bright officers who have planned
and planning modern defences Of the United
States the Atlantic. Pacific and Gulf coasts.
He has been and is president Of the Harbor Line
Board for New-York and vicinity. which has
-cessfully performed the delicate aud difficult work
which has resulted in notifications OF fifteen miles
of harbor Ines. so as to adapt the greatest Ameri
port to the needs OF modern shipping. He has
been and Is division engineer, southwest division.
responsible for the plans Of all engineering projects
connected with river and harbor improvements In
territory extending from the headwaters OF the
Ohio River the Gulf OF Mexico In addition
these great duties and responsibilities. dealing
with the proper expenditure of public appro-
priations he has been called on. because OF his
superior accomplishments. to act president OF
the Board of Examination OF Engineer officers for
Promotion and president OF the Board OF Visitors.
United States Engineer School, Wlllets Point
His activity. tirelessness and devotion public
work have been marvel even to his hardworkins
associates in the engineer corps. II he ever had
rest a vacation, It is forgotten when. 1t is
certain that he never asked for any. During the
last ten years, the most active Of his public life
this man has held the rank of colonel, and has
received for the services that he has given to the
people of United States salary ST. 500 year
less than IS earned month by less distin
guished engineers in the employ OF private
porations.
This mans name is Henry NJ. Robert. While
the highest honors and greatest labors and re-
sponsiblites of his corps have been laid upon
him. the highest rank. that of chief of engineers,
has been withheld from him About four years ago
tired. Colonel Robert was then the senior officer
pr pope 5ng to- President ap the me and
which constituted no reflection whatever upon the
made for him by his friends Che would make none
wilson a junior in the service by two years. was
made chief of & corps oSe ff he has rank a1a Of eg
II Both Colonel Robert and General Wilson are now
IN their last OF active army service. each
Of them will be sixty-four years Of age in short
upon the army retired rec list IT,, celonsl Robert will
Now n order % permit the doing % Of simple Jus
ereusy offered voluntarily to retire from the army
peint coionel Robert to the POSITION of chief Of
engineers thus permitting him to end his days
r tired brigader bril- ieiS general anu '''OlDe''' 0i re-
It is said that the Secretary OF War Is acquainted
cupies in the army and with the value of his
favor the plan for Colonel Roberts retirement
While acquainted it is believed, with the essential
facts about the matter, is indisposed. 1t seems
Suggested for fear of unfavorable public criticism
Of the act II Is true It that M "a pGhc a opinion formed
promotion apparently made only for the purpose
st Of upon Is ad
unique cr Mothng h ry IKE 1t has m occurred or may
manner suggested cannot offend Sentiment in the
army, because inquiry. on the part of any one may
the facts BELIEVES this act Of Simple asce should
be done, and far as the general public is con-
cerned, If the facts could be made known to the
newspaper press. IL is safe enthusiasts
commendaton rather than unfavorable criticism
would follow the Presidents action in this partic
ular
That the facts may be made known this COM
munication is addressed to the Editor of The Trib-
une by friend OF Colonel Robert and without his
knowledge.
CHARLES O'CONNOR HENNEssY
New-York. April %. 1901
GRAND OPERA IN CHICAGO.
Chicago, April 22-The Metropolitan Grand Opera