New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-07-06

But ACQUITTED OF DIRECT COMPLETELY
IN CRUELTY TO FILIPINOS.

Washington, July 5-The War Department to-day
MADE public the results of the inquiry made by
Colonel CrowdeI into the case of Lieutenant Fred
erick T Arnold. 4th Cavalry, acquitting him of
olrect knowledge OF or completely in the iI-treat-
ment Of Filpinos by United States soldiers This
is the case referred TO by Mr. Cuberson on the floor
OF the Senate short time ago, and in which Cen
eral Miles was suspected OF furnishing the pa pers
The case grew out of charges made by ex-Private
"eH against Lieutenant Arnold, alleging cruel
treatment OF prisoners of war within his command
whlle serving in the Philippines. II understood
mat General Miles had recommended to Secretary
Root that the charges OF character TO justify
d court martial The action of the War Depart
ment is embodied in the following extract from
letter TO Lieutenant Arnold through the command
ing general of the Department of the Missouri:
The Secretary OF Wsr. while concurring in the
evidence aoquits You Of direct Knowledge Of or
[oH1pnciy IN the Infection Of the Punisnments shown
mana Is of the opinion that these abuses were
you exercised that high degfes Of vigilance ~hic6
Was inperailyely demanded by the unusual condi-
that your failure do this is only measurably eX-
cused by the numerous and exacting civn duties
imposed upon you and justly exposes you to Official
cehsqre for neglect OF duty. the direct result of
OF GTue treatment Of prisoners which were Of
COUNTED occurrence within your command the mill
5af sTc6 geneay has incurred unjust criticism
your personal and Official relations win the natives
you uniformly exhibited Kindness and considera-
ton for them and worked assiduousy and with
eAceI4eht results for the betterment OF conditions
among them, particularly in the establishment of
municipal government and in the maintenance of
PUolc schools In this connection. further
nuenclng the action taken. the Secretary of War
peasec 10 recognize the special commemorate for
galantry in action extended you by your regi-
mental and division commanders
The War Department also furnishes the follow
ing statement Of the facts developed:
The evidence taken in the course of the investi-
gat o9 w SHOWS thst the charged by Pr
ministered by three native policemen of the town
OF Fasay, directed ano assisted by Sergeant James
=. towards, Troop II, 4th United States Cavalry
in the quarters CT the detachment commanded by
Lieutenant Arnold. and was witnessed by several
non-commissioned officers and privates of the de-
tachment six of whom testify in substantial
ferred by Weir. state that no serious injury
suited from this punishment 1t appears that with
the exception OF Sergeant E2WarOS, none OF these
men had anything 10 do with the administration OF
tators
Private Wer's allegations Of severe punishments
command a, Calaca. Luzon. were stated by him
upon hearsay evidence he disclaming all direct
knowledge as to these punishments The evidence
taken completely refutes these charges, but does
establish the fact that punishments OF E lesser de-
gree OF cruelty, but wholly unjustlha bic, were Sc
crety nticteo by Sergeant EDWARDS and the native
In the quarters separately occupied by them
at Calaca, and behtnd closed doors.
The evidence of guilt against Sergeant Edwards
administered in greater part all the punishments
above referred 70 is reported as conclusive by Col
trial therefor. If now possible would OF necessity
be followed by conviction and severe punishment
Sergeant Edwards cannot be had for the reason
that upon publication in the daily press OF the
fact that such CHARGES had been MADE aganst MN;
preliminary action looking to his trial ordered by
the Secretary OF War; he deserted the service on
been apprehended.