The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-22
RUNCIrS ATTACK on BROOKS
A. Statement Purporting - Express me
Views Of the war Department.

VloW0 OF tu0 war O0pobtuctlss
From the Army and N oyy Jou,1dlof Saturday.
II the vociferation against Gen. Wood
which continues In other papers can be
silenced long enough TO permit u to have
a hearing, We should Like to state what,
as we are informed, u tho understanding
Of the War Department In tho matter, and
this we present without prejudice or favor.
It Is true, according to this understand
Ing. that Major Runoie was In close rela-
lions with Gen. Wood at the time the article
referred to was written, and that 1t con-
tains a correct expression Of opinions on
the subject of tho military administration
In Cuba which It's author had derived from
Gen. Wood. 1t Is denied. however. that
Gen. Wood had any hand In preparing the
article for publication, that he saw 1t IN
manuscript, or had any knowledge Of Major
Runcie's intention to publish 1t a. he did.
We are informed that . representative OF
the North American Rsviev applied to Con.
Wood for information concerning Affairs
In Cuba, to be included In the series en-
titled @The United States a. Colonizer.'
The applicant was referred to Major Runcie,
who, in reply to his request. prepared the
article published, not expecting, however,
that 1t would be used in the form 1t was,
or that it would bear his signature.
As Gen. Leonard Wood succeeded Gen.
John r. Brooke In command Of the Division
OF Cuba, Dec. 20, 1890, 1t Is evident that the
view Of Gen. Brooke's administration pre-
sented by Major Runcie was the one which
had been adopted in substance by the War
Department before the appearance OF
Major Runcie's article In the following
February. A change was decided upon,
and the question arose as to who should
succeed Gen. Brooke. President Mcktn-
ley, who was then alive, favored the choice
Of Gen. James H. Wilson. Objection was
made to him on the ground that he was
man Of somewhat eccentric temper who
held pronounced opinions on the subject
OF the government OF Cuba which might
get the Administration into trouble, II he
were to undertake to carry them out. The
selection Of Gen. Wood as successor to Gen.
Brooke might have passed without serious
criticism had 1t not been for his promotion
from the Medical Department OF the Army
to the position OF a general officer Of the
line, with better prospect before him for
promotion to the head Of the army than
any other officer. This naturally, and very
properly, was objected to by officers Of
the line. and 1t has disposed many to accept
with equanimity, IL not with open approval,
the criticisms OF Gen. Wood which have
been set on foot, through the medium OF THE
New YORK Sun, by an officer serving In
Cuba who was especially injured by the
favor shown to the friend OF the President.
In the same quarter originates the attempt
to make Gen. Wood responsible for the
English adventurer Bellairs.
As we have before stated, tho time for
these attacks upon Gen. Wood does not
appear to be well chosen, as he Is where
he cannot answer them, or even learn Of
them. We have accordingly presented
the facts as we understand them. Leonard
Wood is now rigadier-General in the SER
vice OF the United States; chosen, as all
general officers are, by tho favor Of the
President, with the approval OF the Senate
of the United States. Beyond that, it does
not concern us to inquire, as he IL entitled
to all Of the respect and confidence his
position demands. In our judgment those
who are prompting these newspaper at
tacks upon him are only strengthening
his position, though 1t Is possible that this
may not be their purpose
1t will be time enough for us to determine
the character and Importance Of the state
mente Major Runcie Is said to have made
about Gen. Wood when they appear over
his signature, or are presented in the form
of communication to the War Depart
ment. The attempt to put Con. Wood
upon his defence by attacks upon him. for
which no one is willing to make himself
responsible, should not succeed. We have
had quite enough for the present of In
vestigation going outside Of that routine
Of the military services which calls for the
presentation Of specific charges by some
responsible person The intention is no
doubt to lay foundation for Congressional
talk. This will come in due time. Mean
while "let us have peace