Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-08-04
JAKE, BURNER,
ARRIVES At
HOME
AUTHOR OF THE "KILL, BURN
AND WILDERNESS" ORDER,
INTEARS WHEN TOLD OF HIS
DISGRACE.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2.-Standing on
the bridge Of the Thomas, eagerly waiting
with the ships captain for a glimpse OF
his native shore, General Jacob II. Smith,
tried by courtmartial for having ordered
the island of Samar transferred into
bowling wilderness. was doomed yesterday
morning to first learn that the president
had retired him from the active list
The pilot boat which met the Thomas
Just outside the heads at yesterday
morning, brought to General Smith the
first news of the presidents action.
In the light of pinnacle lamp. the vet
eran read the message apprising him of
his fate.
An hour later the dawn came and with
Il the sight of land but General Smith
had retired to his cabin, where, with his
wife and chief aide. ]. H. Shields. of the
18th infantry, he discussed the outcome
of the long ordeal through which he had
passed.
Six hours later, when the Thomas reach
ed the quarantine station in the harbor,
Major Duval, of the transport service,
boarded the ship with his secretary and
met both General Smith and Lieutenant
Shields at the door of the general s
cabin.
A sealed document from the war depart
ment was handed General Smith. 1t con.
tanned the official notification of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's action, and upon reading
1t General Smith retired, overcome with
emotion.
. General Smith was not seen again until
the United States custom house tender,
the Hartley, was ready to land the party
ashore. He denied himself to all inter-
viewers, who were met by Lieutenant
Shields. Together with his wife and aide,
General Smith proceeded to the Occidental
hotel, repairing thence to army headquar-
tiers in the Philan building, where he re-
manned during the morning.
General Smith has absolutely nothing
to say for publication" said Lieutenant
Shields to a representative of the Asso-
ciated Press. "He is not at liberty to talk
and Furthermore has nothing to say. He
has been hopeful that the president would
not take action against him and, Of
course, feels keenly the force of the blow
he received.
1.-THE general admitted to the courtmar-
tial trying him that he ad'issued orders
which in effect expressed his desire that
the enemy If obdurate and unconquerable,
be not spared-in fact that the country be
laid waste and no prisoners be taken. The
literal construction of these orders and
their exact Interpretation made up the
bulwark Of evidence against the general
at the court martial There is no doubt
but that General Smith did not mean all
he said. He certainly did not expect the
action which the president has TAKEN"
General Smith, who is wearing civilian
attire, appeared exceedingly nervous and
worn. His sixty-two years are plainly
read in his every action and his intimate
friends fear he is breaking down under
the severe strain to which he has been
subjected In recent months,
1t is not yet known when General
Smith will proceed east. His sealed or
ders require him to report to the adjutant
general at Washington and It is likely
he will lose no time in starting for the
national capital
Repeated efforts made during the day
TO induce General Smith to discuss his
campaign in the Philippines and his court
martial failed entirely. He even declined
TO take up the subject with intimate
friends.
The transport Thomas brings portions of
the Twenty-F1fth and Twenty-Sixth in
fantry regiments and Tenth cavalry.