Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-04
SMITHS TRIAL AT AN END
Court Martial Of American General Con-
oludes Its Inquiry Of Charges.
FORWARDS FINDINGS TO WASHINGTON
Counse for Defense ExtoIs Client
as Brave and Humane, and
Smiths AcquittaI f.
Looked For.
FINDINGS TO WASHINGTON

MANILA, May 3.-The trial by court
martial Of General J. II. Smith ended to-
day. The findings OF the court will be
forwarded to Washington. The general
impression here is that he will be
acquitted.
The closing address Of Colonel Charles
A.. Woodruff for the defense, was a remark
able oratorlcal effort that drew tears from
his hearers. He dramatically sketched
General Smiths career and declared he
conducted a remarkable and successful
campaign in a manner which reflected
credit on his Yalor, humanity and kind
ness.
I'VE claim continued the colonel, that
the samar campaign just brought to a sue
cessful termination. while pushed actively,
was ever conducted within the limits OF
war. During the last few months IL has
seemed popular to critlcise the army In the
Philippines. People seem to have forgot
ten its magnificent service for Americas
honor and glory, through sunshine, mud and
dust, across rivers and over mountains.
through tangled underbrush, in sickness and
health, it has reflected nothing but glory
upon our flag and country.
Political Abuse of Army.
I'VE have been worthy members OF the
army, whose bayonets never flashed except
in the defense Of the law and whose tramp
has carried comfort to those in danger, yet
today we are apparently disgraced. Why
] cannot imagine that people at home ex-
pect to gain glory and political advance
ment by abusing the army"
Colonel Woodruff, during his address, re-
viewed the evidence at length, showing the
necessity for making Samar a "howling
wilderness and comparing the campaign
in the island with the strenuous march to
the sea, whose route was marked by q
"cloud OF smoke by day and a pillar OF fire
by night"
The colonel said 1t had been proved by
the evidence that native boys s years of age
were capable Of welding bolos. He cited
numerous instances Of military law, Roman,
English and American, in behalf Of the de-
Tense, and dramatically portrayed General
Smiths military career from the time he
enlisted in 1851 to 1901, when he was APP
pointed brigadier general, and described his
wounds, heroism and devotion to duty.
Lauds Smiths HerOIsm.
Colonel Woodruff added: Now, after
wearing for forty-one years the uniform Of
the United States with honor to himself
and to the government, at the close Of a re-
markedly successful campaign in which he
accomplish what Spain was unable TO do
in 400 years. returning, as his friends
thought, covered with glory, he was halted
and taken of a transport to face charges
growing out of the language used in giving
instructions for the conduct OF a successful
campaign. The defense feels that the gov
eminent has only done this In Difference to
overwhelming public sentiment based on
rumors fostered for unknown and ignobie
purposes. until hysteria was produced. Then
this gray, wounded, victorious general was
exposed to the indignity of a trial, in de-
Tense Of hysterical public opinion"
Colonel Woodruff alluded to the Balinigaga
massacre I'm Samar as furnishing splendid
testimony to the soldiers heroism, and con-
cluded with saying:
General smith faces the conscience OF
the court and people with the full knowl-
edge that he did his duty as an honorable
soldier"
The Judge advocate, Major Harvey c.
Carbaugh, In closing for the prosecution.
declared the defense had admitted every
thing, and that 1t only claimed Justification.
He said General Smiths orders, given 10
Major Waller on the bloody battle-ground OF
Balinigaga, were such as to cause men TO
act ruthlessly in a spirit Of revenge.