Gilpin observer., 1902-05-08
GENERAL SMITHS TRIAL ENDED.
Court Will Forward Its Findings to
Washington.

Manila, May 4.-The trial by court
martial of Gen. Jacob II. Smith ended
yesterday. The findings of the court
will be forwarded to Washington. The
general impression here is that he will
be acquitted.
The closing address of Col. sCharles
a. Woodruff for the defense, was
remarkable oratorical effort that drew
tears from his hearers. He dramatic
ally sketched General Smiths career
and declared he had conducted re-
markable and successful campaign in
a manner which reflected credit on his
valor, humanity and kindness.
Speaking in impassioned tones,
Colonel Woodruff said that in olden
times victorious generals tied captives
to their ch2riots. In this case the gen.
eral finds himself tied. Sentiment was
an excellent thing, but there is no
place for it in war.
I'VE claim" continued the colonel,
that the Samar campaign, just
brought to a successful termination,
while pushed actively, vigorously and
energetically, was ever conducted with
in the limits of the rules of war. Dur
ing the last few months it has seemed
Philippines. People seem to have for
gotten its magnificent services for
Americas honor and glory. We have
been worthy members of the army,
whose bayonets never flashed except
i'll the defense of the law. Yet, to-day,
we are apparently disgraced. Why! l
cannot imagine that people at home
expect to gain glory and political ad-
yancement by abusing the army. 1t
was tried after the Mexican wal. 1t
was tried in 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 Phil
ippines have not been conducted to
meet the views of sentimentalists and
troublesome busybodies in the United
States, they have been conducted on
lines which have reflected credit upon
the valor, pluck, humanity and kind
ness of American soldiers"
Colonel Woodruff reviewed the evil
dence at length, showing the necessity
for making Samar Il 'howling wilder
ness and comparing the campaign in
that island with the strenuous march
to the sea, whose route was marked
by u cloud of smoke by day and by a
pillar of fire by night"
The colonel cited instances of mill
tary law in behalf of the defense and
dramatically portrayed General
Smiths career. Now" continued
Colonel Woodruff, after wearing for
forty-one years the uniform of the
United States with honor to himself
and to the benefit of the government
ut the close of Il remarkably success
full campaign, in which he accom-
plished what Spain was unable to do
in 200 years, while returning, as his
friends thought, covered with glory
he was halted and taken off trans
port to face charges growing out Of
the language used in giving instruc-
tons for the conduct of successful
campaign. The defense feels that the
overwhelming public sentiment, based
on rumors fostered for ignoble and un-
known purposes, until hysteria was
produced. Then this gray, wounded
victorious general was exposed to the
indignity of trial, in Difference to
hysterical public opinion"
Colonel Woodruff. continuing, said:
General Smith faces the conscience
of the court and the people with the
full knowledge that he did his duty as
an honorable commander"
The judge advocate, Major Henry c.
Carbaugh, in closing for the prosecu-
ton, declared the defense admitted ev.
erythihg and that it only claimed JUS
titication. He said General Smiths or.
ders, given to Major Waller on the
bloody battle ground ut Balingiga,
We're such as TO cause men to act
ruthlessly, in n spirit of revenge.