The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-03
THE DUE REWARD OF VALoR.
expected Presidential Action I'm the
Case of Cunfaiu Ayrcs.

Ease of Captain Ayres.
1t is expected that within a few days
President Mckinley will reward one OF
| the best fighters and most accomplished
officers in the Regular Army with nomi-
nation to one of the vacant brigadier
seneralships. AS generally understood.
the honor will fall upon the shoulders of
Capt. Charles G. Ayres. of the Tenth
cavalry. whose conspicuous service and
personal gallantry at the Battle Of San
Juan Hill will be recalled by all Amer
lcahs who took an interest in the stirring
events in Cuba just before the capture
of Santiago.
captain Ayres conduct on the occasion
referred to has been the subject of UNI
stintcd praise from brother officers, who
were near him in the Cuban campaign,
and recognized the skill with which he
handled his command, and the splendid
nerve and courage he displayed in rush
ing through n storm of Spanish bullets
to the rescue of Major mow Brigadier)
General Bell, who had been wounded on
the crest of San Juan. The same act, if
performed in the British service, would
entitle the performer to that highest of
military distinctions in Great Britain, the
Victoria Cross, which even princes of the
to earn it by deeds of heroism just as any
subaltern or enlisted man may. The Hon.
Theodore Roosevelt, Vice President-elect
of the United States, in a strong letter
to President Mckinley. urges Captain
Ayres' appointment as brigadier general
The former colonel of Rough Riders
writes:
II saw repeated instances of his GOODNESS. his
gal L lie
commend him for the place. If ! had regiment
IL world give me the greatest pleasure to serve
IN brigade under Captain Ayrcs. for | know
that he would take care of and fight to
finish.''
1t was after the Spanish war when, in
March, 1899. being stationed in Texas,
Captain Ayres suppressed a violent civic
outbreak in Laredo and earned the graf
itude of its municipal government and
townspeople, by pacifying the mob and
restoring order without bloodshed. The
mayor and all the other city officers of
Laredo have written joint letter to the
President. earnestly recommending the
gallant line officer for Executive recog-
nition
In May, 1899, Captain Ayres was again
in Cuba, and was placed in command of
the Holguin district. which was then
overrun by outlaws His orders were
to suppress them. In one month he
hanged or shot thirty-two of the bandits.
and so terrorized their companions that
lioiguin has been peaceful and law-abid-
ing ever since. While in the active SER
vice, General Wheeler recommended Cap
tain Ayres for the highest promotion
that could he given him" A petition
signed by all the enlisted men of the
Tenth Cavalry who survived the Santi-
ago campaign, asking Mr.. Mckinley to
honor their favorite officer. is on file at
the War Department. as is also one from
prominent citizens of Arkan-
sas to similar effect.
Captain Ayres has been three times rec
for the Medal of Honor for |
heroic conduct in Cuba. He comes of a |
and celebrated military |
stock. His father was the late Maj. |
Gen. X. B. Ayres, and he is also de- |
scended from General Dearborn who |
the United States Army in |
the war of 1917. His Is a clear case OF |
blood will tell"
In promoting Captain Ayres to the rank |
Of brigadier general, the Government he |
has served SO efficiently and nebly will |
once more demonstrate the country's ap-
probation of military achievements like |
those of this worthy officer. who has
spent twenty-six years in the service, all |
out two of which have been passed with
The coiors. mostly In the Indian coun-
ny, and in war or other i>rduous duty
His nomination will afford President Nc
<inley another of the chances he delights
IL TO reward modest merit. a more pop
liar selection to fill one OF the vacant
tiers could not be made.