New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-03

they imagined ne limited at in his somewhat re-
markable report to the Military Governor OF
the Philippines. When the Republicans OF the
committee refused to request the Secretary Of
War TO order Major Gardener home at the be-
hest Of the Democrats, Senator Patterson, of
Colorado. carried the matter TO the floor of the
Senate in the form of resolution directing Mr..
Root 10 issue an order bringing the Major to the
United States. The Republicans at the time of
the Introduction Of this resolution opposed its
adoption on the ground that Major Gardeners
regiment had been ordered home. and would
leave the Philippines at almost any time be-
tween this Gate and the middle of June; hence
IL was entirely useless to send for him now.
Not satisfied with this. the Democrats clamored
for a better explanation Of the apparent reluc-
tance Of the Republicans to have Major Gard
ener brought home. They will learn in few
days the fun reasons for the attitude of the Re
publicans toward Major Gardener who then will
appear less OF a hero. even 70 his Democratic
idolators.
THE MAJOR WAS DISAPPOINTED
II seems that Major Gardener made his re-
markable report concerning the conduct of Of
hcers and soldiers toward native FIlipinos as
a sort of political campaign document for use
only En- the Philippines. The gallant major.
with what nobody denies was a commendable
ambition, desired TO be elected Governor of the
province which ne had ruled for a time pro-
visional governor. and announced his candidacy
for that office when the Taft Commission ~au-
thorlzed the election OF officers in the pacified
provinces He appeared to think that a little
harmless criticism OF the American army would
enhance his popularity among the natives and
land him in the Office he sought beyond a Doubt.
But his ambition was not realized. for he wos
defeated by Captain II. H. Bandholtz, of the I'd
Infantry and now an he has for his mains and
MS peculiar campaign methods is the criticism
he passed on the army.
When President Roosevelt learned Of Major
gardeners sensational report he directed that
the major be ordered to make a more complete
statement 10 his military superiors regarding
the abuses he alleged to exist in the military
administration in the islands, and Secretary
Root instructed General Chaffee to have Major
Gardener specify the names of officers and men,
together with dates and places, who witnessed
or took part In the maltreatment of the natives
The object Of the President was to have a full
investigation made of the ma jor's charges, If
he really had any specific charges 10 bring
Presumably. Major Gardener is working
on this supplemental report. II he is not doing
that il is presumed he is explaining to General
thafTee that his first report for campaign
purposes only, and that he has no specific
charges 70 make. At any rate. until Gardener
completes the work, he will not come home.
MAJOR Gardener, ii is interesting TO recall,
learned what ne knows of politics from the late
tdazen 3 Pingree TO whose staff the army Of
hcer was assigned under the system then in
vogue while Pingree was Governor of Michigan.
When there were no military duties to perform
for Governor Plngree. Major Gardener superin-
tended the famous Pingree potato patches in
Michigan 1t is only fair TO the major. how
ever, TO say that he has excellent record in
the army, Is a notably strict disciplnarian and
At the same time. it cannot be claimed that his
nllltary supeTiors in Washington approve the
majors efforts to Pingreeize the Philippines,
and they hope that in future Major Gardener
VIII eschew politics.