The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1901-10-19
LIEUT.. WELLS
HAS A STORY
Speaks Highly Of the Brav-
cry Of Admiral SChIey

Washington, D. c.. oct. 19.-
President Roosevelt has indicated a
disposition to withhold interference
with the rulings OF military courts
martial, and intends to sustain the ae-
ton Of all military courts. except where
these hos been apparent injustice. In
this purpose to uphold military courts
he win closely follow the principle laid
down by Secretary Root, that outside
influences should not be allowed to in
terfere with military law
a case soon to come before She presi-
dent for his action win. in a measure.
furnish an opportunity to put this de-
termination in practice. It is that OF
Lieut. James p. Howell, Of the Sixth
artillery. tried some menths ago In the
Philippines on the charge or drunken
ness on duty The court found him
guilty and was compelled, under the
lew, to fix his punishment at dismissal
from the army The pepers in the case
were endorsed by the department conn
uander. with recommendation for
leniency on the part Of the president.
Upon ereznination BY the Judge Adj
vocate Of the Army, the proceedings
were found to be correct. and were so
reported. Both General Miles ard Adj
jutant General corbin concurred in the
..,,.....a d.. tt..t th.,. L., -. l...fotf,..,
from the principle laid down by secre-
tary Root and they recommended that
the action OF the court martial be APP
proved.
It now remains for the action of
President Roosevelt. Il is certain that
strong influence will be brought to
bear to save the young officer, as he
comes from an influential Iowa family.
He was appointed to the army July
9, 1895 from Iowa and assigned to the
Sixth artillery. He had no previous
service in any Of the volunteer regl-
ments, but since entering the service
up to the time of the offence for which
he was tried his record was gcad. SEN
ator Allison, who is said to be interest
ed in the case. will probably make a
strong appeal for him. In view OF the
disposition Of the war department Of
ncials and the president 10 insist upon
( the approval Of the action Of the court
martial Il is thought that his dismissal
viii stand.
There are other cases which win go
TO the presideht with Recommendation
for leniency The yare the cases OF
Lientenant Townley OF the marine
corps and Captain Reed. OF the COM
/ misary department of the army, both
found guilty. AS yet Secretary Long
! Irregularities in the Philippines and
of whom We're tried in connection with
has not acted upon the Townley case.
as he is waiting to see what disposition
is made by Secretary Root IN the Reed
case. In connection with the principle
laid down by Secretary Root It has
justco me 20 light that it is proposed
70 adopt stringent measures to improve
the personnel OF the army. a careful
/ investigation has disclosed the fact thar
there are officers in the army who have
maintained their present positions sim
ply by reason Of avoiding any gross err
rors which might call for their trial.
I Secretary Root is determined to get
r.d Of dead timber.
One OF the measures under considera-
ton for accomplishing this Is to mako
the examination by the army bosrds on
| promotion more stringent than hey
have been IN the past. Officers ara
constantly being ordered before bolrds
for promotion and the records show
that seldom If ever are any officers re-
iected. Il Is now proposed TO mako
the examination more difficult. and as
part of the examination of officers
general fitness will also be enqured In
to,
Failure 70 pass examination for pr)-
| motion under the law means that tie
officer must leave the service Stripg,
ent axtcness. II is thought. viii natir-
ally induce greater study and activity
on the part Of officers, who might 9TH
erNvise be content 10 remain on the list,
and walt for time ana seniority Tor pro.
notion