The Delta independent., 1902-08-01
ANTI-lMPERiALISTS.
Address an Open Letter to President
Roosevelt.

Lake George, n. Y. July 27.-At a
meeting of representative anti-imper-
ialists held in New York City last
spring committee was appointed to
investigate army conditions in the Pull
ippines That committee has since
then been prosecuting its inquiries.
President Roosevelt's recent review Of
the courtmartial of Gen. Jacob H.
Smith seemed to the committee to de-
mand some reply. and at meeting
Just held at Lake George an open let
ter was signed by Charles Francis Ad-
ans, chairman: Carl Schurz, Edwin
Burritt Smith. Moorfield s. Torey and
Herbert Welsh. 1t says In part:
1--WE desire to express qualification
afforded us by your review of the 14th
instant, as commander-in-ch chief, OF the
findings of the courtmartial in the case
of Gen. J. H. Smith. Taken in connec-
tion with the previous memorandum OF
April 18th, that review will. provided
it be followed by corresponding general
action, in our opinion do much toward
the re-establishment Of the national
prestige and the restoration Of the NOR
ais Of the army.
while thus, however, expressing our
sense Of obligation, we wish most re-
spectfully to call your attention to GER
tain conclusions which we have in the
course of our own inquiries found our
selves compelled to reach.
Coming directly to the point. AMI
speaking historically, our investiga-
tions have led us to conclude that the
Generalization of officers and soldiers
OF our army in the Philippines, includ
ing all branches of the service, and all
Of fur
as well as pronounced, than mighs lie
Inferred from your review Of the court
martial findings in the case of General
S'Iith. The essential facts charged in
this case, we believe we have reason
to say, were rather notorious than ex-
ceptional. DemoraliZing influences,
prejudicial to any high standard OF
military morals, were, under The cir
cumstances inevitable. This led to Ia
mentable results, calling for the firm
fand and stern correction found, and
most fortunately applied, in you: or
dcrs of April 18th and July 14th.
Meanwhile. we would respectfully
submit that the good Of the army and
the future of our eastern Dependencies
demand that investigation should not
stop at this point, or with results nj.
ready reached. The inquiries we us
committee have made, necessarily I'M
perfect, have yet been sufficient to sat
isfy us that General Smith and Major
Waller were not the sole culprits. nor
should they suffice in the character of
scapegoats."
The letter discusses the "kiJ anC
turn" order, and says:
LAS the not unnatural result of r,ili-
tary operations SO inspired, an official
report indicates that, out Of total
population in a single district of 30O.-
600, not less than 100000 perished."
The letter closes with the following
statement:
"Wa hold ourselves ready to direct
your attention to concrete cases. the
investigation of which would demon
strate the following criminal acts, con-
trary to all recognized rules and
usages of warfare, on the part ~ the
officers and soldiers Of the United
States:
''First-Kidnaping and murder, under
circumstances Of aggravated brutality.
"Second-Robbery.
"Third-Torture, both of men and
women, and rape of the latter.
"Fourth-The infliction of death on
other parties, on the strength of evil
dence elected through torture"