The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-08-27
The American Soldier and the Amer
iean Civilian

rather timOrous in his dealings with Of
iicers of the army and navy. This re-
proach cannot be brought against the
Iowa Congressman, who knows his
rights, and knowing. dares maintain
them. The circumstances under which
Congressman Hull routed our naval and
military heroes in the Philippines have
been described briefly. The newspapers
Of the Philippine metropolis give the de-
tails in full. Aiter reading their descrip-
tions one cannot help feeling that Mr..
Hull took desperate chances, the odds
against him being many thousands to
one.
From the Manila Times it is learned
that Mr. Hull, who ia chairman of the
House Committee ON Military Affairs, at
tended the installation of the Civil Gov
ernor OF the Philippines on July 1 last.
The authorities had provided a special
platform for high officials, and near by
another stand for their families Mr.
Hull didn't like this arrangement, accord
ing to our Manila contemporary, but in
sisted upon bringing his family into the
section set apart exclusively for officials
The usher, carrying out his instructions,
refused admission to Congressman Hull 5
party, urteouslyexplaining that wives,
sisters. cousins and aunts OF the greatest
men in the archipelago were treated just
like the relatives Of humber men and
must occupy seats in the quarters pro
yided for them. The Congressman stern
ly refused to accept this explanation
pointed ont that in the United States he
was man of credit and renown, and in
sisted upon occupying seats with his
family on the platform reserved for the
Civil Governor and high functionares.
The usher was equally firm, and finally
Mr.. Hull and his family retired from the
grand stand and took seats in the quart
ers allotted To those who were not en-
titled to "A place among the mighty But
he had his revenge. Gen. Barry sent an
army officer to invite him TO the official
platform. \ naval otliceralso approach
wrath. Mr.. Hull Immediately turned his
heaviest hafteries nnnn them anenr.ii~.-
tn the Manila Times. DO you know
who am2' he thundered. " am Con-
gresham Hull, chairman Of the Commit
tee on Military Affairs. have made lots
OF officers and can unmake them. fnd
the army here very different from what
thought it was. The officers, terrified
at discovering that so great a man had
been offended. hastily withdrew, and Mr..
Hull was left in possession of the field,
victor in hotly-contested war oi
words.
Ii is to be regretted that the Manila
newspapers do not understand and ap-
preciate Mr.. HulIs vindication OF the
maiesty Of American citizenship. The
Manila Times. in the course OF an extend
ed criticism of Mr.. Hull's performance,
sneeringly observes: at is strange 10
find man of 80 much reputed ability,
by which, it is to be presumed, he has
risen to his place in the State, posing III
such ridiculous and childish light. Now,
this is not jIst to Congressman Hull. lie
had a solemn duty to perfOrm-namely,
to prove to the Military Governor, Civil
Governor and the officers OF the army
and navy that there was man among
them bigger than old TAFT, or old Chai'
fee" or any of their satellites. When such
statesman as the Representative from
Iowa visits our colonies the men in au
thority must not put on airs or estab
lish ceremonious regulations or set any
restrictions upon the august visitor. Il
they attempt such tyranny with Mr.
Hull, let them bear in mind that he can
not be triled with. 81 have made lot'
Of officers" he warns them, land car
unmake them" That's the way, ac
cording to the great man from Iowa, tt
terrorize the army officer and reduce hin
to the proper state OF humility.
There are captious people who viii say
that Mr.. Hulls conduct was not deco
rous: that a gentleman does not force
himself into places in which he is not wei
come: and that he does not presume upoI
his official station to demand privileges
which are not granted to Others. Pos
sibly this criticism in most cases IL wei
founded. It ought not to be forgotten
however. that for many years the Amer
can civilian has been ground under tn
heels of army officers and that Mr. HUI
had many scores to pay of. lie mlgh
have settled his account with overbear
ing military and naval officials in NOR
dignifed way, it is true, but, after all
results must determine the wisdom OF hi
conduct. Aman whoean make and IN
make officers" iscOnscious OF his strengtl
and is apt to use it like a giant when hei
"taking the starch" out Of military ant
civil Governors. What will the ayerag
citizen think of an army whose ofhcer
are made" by Mr.. Hull and men OF hi
type? That is the most important cor
sideration, after all. The men who hob
commissions in our military service ar
far from perfect, but is it not posSipl
that their defects are partly due 10 IN
system which the Iowa Congressman d'
scribed in one sentence-"l haV
made lots of officers and can unmak
them? With different sort OF create
the army officer might not require tn
..humbling" to which the chairman OF tf
House Committee on Military Affail
thinks he should be subjected.-Baltimo
Sun.
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