Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-05-01
CHEERS ARE GIVEN
FOR Gen, FUNSTON
CURTIS, OF KANSAS, SAYS THE
DARING KANsAN EXECUTED
THE GREATEST FEAT
OF ARMY. ...,

WASHINGTON, April 2S.-This was
District Of Columbia day in the house un-
der the rules, but the regular order was
postponed until Monday next in order that
the house might proceed with the consid-
Grafton of the agricultural bill. The naval
appropriation bin was reported and the
house then resumed the consideration Of
the agricultural appropriation bill.
Mr.. Curtis, Of Kansas, made brief
but -fervent defense of General Funston
against the criticism 70 which he had
been subjected.
''The people Of Kansas" he began, ARE
proud OF the brave and daring record Of
gallant Fred Funston. applause on the
Republican side.) He has been criticised
here for an act which for daring Of con-
coption and execution ranks with the
greatest feats OF arms-he captured the
new George Neutrality-suspicious.
'If another had accomplished what Cen
eral Funston did, he said. the deed
would have made him their candidate for
president"
f.And his commission" he added, was
signed by the greatest president we have
ever had-by the soldier, statesman and
martyr. William Mckinley" (Applause)
Mr.. Feeley, OF Illinois. submitted some
remarks in support of the contention that
the laws Of neutrality were being vio-
lated by this government in allowing the
shipment Of mules and horses to South
Africa for use by the British In the war
against the Boer republics.
Mr. Sfbley, of Pennsylvania, followed
with a bitter denunciation Of General ia
cob Smith. lie said he had always de-
Tended the course OF the administration
and had believed I'm expansion. but when
Il came TO orders such as had been issued
by General Smith humanity seemed 70
have marched backward.
IT have heard OF Timer. the martyr,
and the Saracen scourge.' but, thank God,
Il took eighteen centuries after Calvary
20 produce a General Smith"
He declared that General Smith should
be discharged in disgrace.
He admits that he issued the order to
make Samar a bowling wilderness" said
Mr. Sibley, land TO kill all over ten years
of age Such a man should not be per-
United 10 stay in the army until the sun
goes down. He Is a disgrace not only
TO himself but TO every man who wears
the uniform Of HIS country. No man can
justify such orders. no matter how adroit
may be the plea Of his lawyers and de-
tenders. He admits he issued the order
and hope there Is enough courage. patri-
otisn and Christianity at the other end of
the avenue to see that he is stripped of
his uniform within IS hours"
Mr.. Sibley was vigorously applauded by
the Democrats and some Of the Repub-
licans.
Mr. williams, Democrat Of Mississippi,
heartily endorsed Mr.. Sibley's onslaught
upon General Smith, whom he described
as "a brute in uniform"
But am little afraid he continued,
that he does not strike the evil in the
right quarter. II is the principle that
should be struck at, not the man. who un-
consciously carries out the spirit of the
system. Wherever there is war of con-
quest against a weak and inferior colored
people. deeds Of brutality naturally occur.
The chief danger is not the injury to the
weak race, but that the temptation to ty-
ranny viii react upon the strong race and
make brutes Of fits soldiers. For that rea-
son such wars should be avoided.