The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-08-02
SMITH WEEPSVER FATE
"HELL ROARING" JAKE GIVES
WAY TO EMOTION.
Author Of the Famed "Kill and
Burn" Order Learns of His
Disgrace on Arrival at
San Francisco.

San Francisco. Aug. 1.--Standing on the
bridge of the Thomas. eagerly waiting
with the ships captain for a glimpse OF
his native shore. General Jacob H. Smith
tried by courtmartiaI for having ordered
the island of Samar transferred into a
bowling wilderness, was doomed this
morning to first learn that the Presiden,
had retired him from the active list.
The pilot boat which met the Thomas
just outside the heads at o'clock this
morning, brought to General Smith the
first news of the Presidents action.
In the light Of a pinnacle lamp, the vet
eran read the message apprising him of
his fate.
An hour later the dawn came and with
it the sight of land. but General Smith
had retired to his cabin where, with his
wife and chief aide, ]. p Shields, of the
18th infantry, he discussed the outcome
of the long ordeal through which he had
passed.
Six hours later, when the Thomas
reached the quarantine station in the har-
Dor. Major Duvall of the transport SER
vice. boarded the ship with his secretary
and met both General Smith and Lieu
tenant Shields at the door of the Cen
erals cabin.
A sealed document from the War De-
partment was handed General Smith. 1t
contained the official notification of Pres
ident Roosevelt's action, and upon read
ing II. 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 Oc-
cidental Hotel, repairing thence to army
headquarters in the Philan building.
where he remained 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 Pres
ident 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 had issued orders
which In effect expressed his desire that
the enemy II ondurate ana uncOnQueraDie,
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 Gen.
eral at the courtmartial. 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
General Smith. who is wearing civilian
attire, appeared exceedingly nervous and
worm 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 Ad-
tutant-General at Washington and it IS
likely he will lose NJ 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 portion OF
the 25th and 18th infantry regiments and
10th cavalry.