The Elbert County tribune., 1902-05-08
GENERAL SMITHS TRIAL ENDED.
Court VIII Forward Its Findings to
Washington.

Manila, May 1.-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. Charles
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 n re-
markable and successful campaign in
manner which reflected credit ON his
valor. humanity and kindness.
Speaking ia lInpassioned tones.
Colonel Woodruff said that in olden
times victorious generals tied captives
TO their charlots. In this case the gen
eral fines himself tied. Sentiment was
an excellent thing. but there Is no
place for 1t in war.
I'VE claim continued the colonel,
that the SaInar campaign, Just
brought 10 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 ii has seemed
popular to criticise the army in the
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
in the defense of the law. Yet, to-day,
we are apparently disgraced. WhyI L
cannot imagine that people nt home
expect to gain glory and political ad-
vaDcement by abusing the army. 1t
ssis ssff II Ffsssara
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 hSve not been conducted to
meet the Views of sentlmentallsts 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 "howling wilder
ness and comparing the campaign in
that island with the strenuous march
to the sea, whose route was marked
by cloud of smoke by day and by u
pillar of fire by night"
Inc cOlouel clteu luhlhHces OF mil
tary law In behalf of the defense aud
dramatically portrayed General
Smiths career. Now contluued
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 remarkably success
ful 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 of tfans-
port to face charges growing out Of
the language used in giving instruc-
tions for the conduct Of a successful
campaign. The defense feels tim; the
Overwhelming public sentiment, bnsed
on rumors fostered for ignoble and rn-
known purposes, until hysteria wis
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 prOseeu-
tion. declared the defense admitted ev-
erything and that it only claimed JUS
tification. He said General Smiths or
ders, given to Major Waller ON the
bloody battle ground at Ballngl- IA.
were such as TO cause men TO act
ruthlessly, in spirit Of revenge.