New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-04
GEN. SMITHS TRIAL OVER.
EXPECTATION THAT THE COURT MAR
TIAL WILL ACQUIT HIM
COLONEL WOODRUFF MAKES A STRONG
PLEA FOR THE ACCUSED GENERAL,
DRAWING TEARS FROM THOSE
IN COURT.

Manila. May 3.-The trial by court martial of
General Jacob H Smith ended to-day. The
findings of the court will be forwarded to WASH
1nston The general impression here is that he
VIII be acquitted. as ii is not believed anything
has been proved against him contrary to Cen
eral Order No. 100.
The closing address of Colonel Charles A.
Woodruff for the defence was a remarkable ora
torical effort, which drew tears from his hear
ers. He dramatically sketched General Smiths
career, and declared he had conducted a remark
able and successful campaign in a manner which
reflected credit on his valor, humanity and kind
ness.
The court was crowded during the closing
guments. The judges of Manila suspended the
sessions of their court in order to attend the last
sitting of the court martial. There were many
women present.
Colonel Woodruff. speaking in impassioned
tones, said in older times victorious generals
tied captives to their chariots. In this case the
general finds himself tied. Sentiment an
excellent thing. but there place for 1t in
war
We ciaim" continued the colonel that the
Samar campaign just brought to a successful
termination, while pushed actively, vigorously
and energetically was ever conducted within
the limits of war. During the last few months
it has seemed popular to crticse the army in
the Philippines. People seem to have forgotten
its magnificent services for Americas honor and
glory, through sun, rain, mud and dust, across
rivers and over mountains through tangled I'M
derbrush. in sickness and in health, which have
reflected nothing but glory upon flag and
country. We have been worthy members of the
army, whose bayonets never flashed except in
the defence of the law. and whose tramp has car
ried comfort to those in danger Yet to-day We
apparently disgraced. Why? I cannot i'm
agine that people at home expect 70 gain glory
and political advancement by abusing the army.
1t was tried after the Mexican War It was
tried after the Civil War. with the result that
Grant. the Butcher was elected President and
died loved and honored by every American
While the campaigns in the Philippines have
not been conducted to meet the views OF senti-
mentalists and troublesome busybodies in the
United States they have been conducted on lines
which have reflected credit upon the valor,
pluck humanity and kindness Of American SOL
diers. many Of whom have freely laid down their
lives on their country's altar"
Colonel Woodruff during his address reviewed
the evidence at length, showing the necessity for
making Samar wilderness and comparing the
campaign in that Island with the strenuous
March to the Sea. whose route was marked by a
cloud Of smoke by day and pillar OF fire by
night"
The colonel said it had been proved by the
evidence that native boys eight years Of age
were capable OF welding bolos. cited numerous
instances of military law. Roman, English and
American in behalf of the defence, and dra-
maticalIy portrayed General Smiths military ca
reer from the time when he enlisted, in 1861 to
when he was appointed brigadier general. in
1901 and described his wounds herosm and de-
votion duty.
Colonel woodruff also quoted Governor Tafts
speech al Dagupan, eulogizing General Smith.
and added:
Now. after wearing for forty-one years the
uniform Of the United States. with honor 10 him
self and TO the benefit OF the government. 1T the
close OF a remarkably successful campaign. in
which he accomplished what Spain was unable
TO do in two hundred years, while returning. as
his friends thought, covered with glory. he was
halted and taken off a transport to face charges
growing out Of the language used in giving in
structione the conduct OF successful cam
paign IL fence feels that the government
has only done this in Difference to overwhelm-
ing public sentiment, based rumors fostered
for unknown and ignobe purposes, until hys-
terra produced. Then this gray wounded
victorious general exposed 10 the indlg-
nifty Of trial in Difference to hysterical public
opinion" ,,
massacre in Samar as furnishing splendid testi
mony to the soldiers herosm, and concluded by
saying:
court and people with the full knowledge that
he did his duty as an honorable soldier"
The Judge advocate. Major HarveyC. CarbauGh.
I'm closing for the prosecution. said that the de
fence haG admitted everything. and that II only
claimed Justification He said General Smiths
orders, given to Major wafer on the pIoouy pat
tleground of Balangiga were such as TO cause
men to act ruthIessly in spirit of revenge.
Washington Nav 3-Nothing is known the |
War Department to the findings Of the court
martial in the case Of General Jacob H. Smith, and
II is said that officially nothing be known for