The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-07-28
ANTI-IMPERIALISTS PRESENT
 STRONG CASE TO PRESIDENT
Continued from First Paae)


 excited in us as a people the deepest in- dignation, combined with the most pro found sympathy for those thus unmerci- fully dealt with When resorted to by our officials in the Philippines these camps are represented as a species or recreation grounds, into which the inhab- itants of large districts reJofced to be drawn and from which they departed with sorrow. Reports to which we lean, on the other hand refer, give of them accounts not essentially different from the account received of similar camps es- tablished elsewhere"
 Quotes Secretary Root.
 The letter then quotes a communica- ton to the senate by Secretary Root on February IA, in which Mir Root said "The war in the Philippines has been conducted by the American army with scrupulous regard for the rules of civil ized warfare, with careful and genuine consideration for the prisoner and the non-combatants with self-restraint and with humanity never surpassed, if ever equalled, in any conflict worthy only of praise and refecting credit upon the American people,
 "These words" continues the letter, "of sweeping commendation and unqualified endorsement were written by the honor-
  facts since brought to light were within his official eognizance. You nave given public assurance that the secretary is more desirous than yourself even, if that be possible, to probe to the bottom every responsible allegation of outrage and torture, to the end that nothing be con cealed, and no man be for any reason favored CT shielded. The draft on our credulity thus presented IS large, but we ,lla init us to point out that such very sweep ing and somewhat uncalled for commen- dation and approval, so far as we are advised, altogether unprecedented in character coming directly and in the midst of active operations, from the fountain head of military authority, Is scarcely calculated to keep a moral check over acts of an improper charac- ter by subordiNates.' It Is charitable to assume tkat the pressure of official busi- ness, at the time of the communication referred to, was such that the secretary failed to recall what correspondents had bro ught to his notice, or fully to advise him as to what the files of his depart ment might nave to disclose.
 Such are certain of the conclusions reached us from as careful study as it has been in our power to make of facts thus far procurable. We have endeavored to supplement and perfect the evidence; but our efforts to that end have en- countered obstructive endorsements.
 Allegations Are Grave.
 "The allegations we make are grave; the condition of affairs we describe is serious. As a national record it is dis creditable. The good name of the coun- try Is implicated, also Is the professional character of the officers of the army, some of them retired, many still in high command We stand ready to cooperate directly, in the most good faith to the end that all offenders may be brought to justice and the guilty punished In this communication we have made references, the personal application of which Is obvi- ous, and of record. To those thus re- ferred to, courts of military inquiry are open and if demanded, would doubt less be by you at once accorded. Before such courts, if once convened, we will hold ourselves prepared to substantiate any or all charges here advanced
 we find ourselves, though with deep regret, compelled to take issue with you on one important point
 Tn your review of July IA you say al- most universally the higher officers have so borne themselves as to supply the necessary check over acts of an improper character by their subordinates. We. on the contrary, have found ourselves i'm pelled to the belief that the acts referred to were far more general--the demoraliz- ation more all-persuasive. We hold our selves ready to direct your attention to concrete cases, the investigation of which we would demonstrate the following criminal acts contrary to all recognized rules and usages of war, on the part of officers and soldiers of the United States: "First-Kidnaping and murder under circumstances of aggravated brutality. ..Second-Robbery.
 "Three-Torture both of men and women. and rape of the latter.
 .sFourth--The infiiction Of death on other parties, on the strength of evidence