The Springfield herald., 1902-05-09
GENERAL SMITHS TRIAL ENDED.
Court VIII 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. Charles
\. 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 chariots 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 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. Why: |
cannot Imagine that people at home
expect to gain glory and political ad-
h,- al. h.4
was tried after the Mexican war. 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 cloud of smoke by day and by
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 10 the benefit of the government,
at the close of n remarkably success
full campaign, in which he accom-
plished what Spain was unable to do
in POO years, while returning, as his
friends thought, covered with glory,
he was halted and taken Off Il trans
port to face charges growing out of
the language used in giving iustruc-
tions for the conduct Of Il successful
campaign The defense feels that the
overwhelming public sentiment, based
ON rumorS fostered for ignoble and un-
known purposes. until hystera was
produced. Then this gray, wounded,
victorious general was exposed 10 the
, indignity of Il 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-
erything and that it only claimed jus
tification. lie said General Smiths or
ders, given to Major Waller on the
bloody battle ground AT Ballnciga.
We're such us to cause men to act
ruthlessly, in spirit Of revenge.