Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-08-05
FROM WASHINGTON
Special Correspondents of the cOrnrrn.
Washington, Aug. 4


in and around the War Depart
ment these days when the name of
Leonard Wood is mentioned in
the hearing of some of the old
veterans.
Ofthose whom love of Roosevelt
hath singled out the name of Wood
overtops ell the slate of army Off
GERS intended for promotion. There
is pathos as well as injustice in the
fact that scores of gallant and ac-
complished officers of the civil war
are TO be retired and denied forever
the chance that is marked out for
the Presidents playground pal.
Simply because Wood has been the
friend, confidant and playfellow of
the playful young man who hap
pens to be Pres ident of the United
States, Leonard Wood, FIVE years
ago an army doctor, with the rank
of Captain. has been continually
and rapidly advanced in rank, pay
and power over the heads of older
and better soldiers, whose lives
have not only been faithfully de-
voted to the service of their country,
but who have been imperilled in
every crisis that has confronted it
in forty years.
1t matters not if the old veterans
shed their blood for the Union and
are entitled by every precedent of
military usage, every mede of
honor and all logic of Justice To
rank above this little-while-ago
army apothecary. From Colonel of
volunteer regiment To major
general of volunteers and then
brigaoier general i'm the regular
service. Then to governor general
of Cuba, a position in which he was
allowed unlimited power along with
the privilege of discussing 800
O00. 900, for which he has been held
accountable TO nothing and nobody
save himself and his own sweet
will. 1t has mattered not that accu-
sations so grave against General
Woods conduct in Cuba as TO
provoke an effort to have his adj
ministration investigated. Wood
was supremely Indifferent To his
accusers. Had not President Roose-
welt in public speech denounced
them as branded with infamy -
So Roosevelt's Congressman and
Roosevelt's administration blocked
absolutely all inquiry as to Wood's
conduct in Cuba. Wood S notorious
acceptance of costly gifts from the
"Jai Alai, a well-known Havana
gambling concern, was published
everywhere. 1t was all right with
Roosevelt if Wood did il. When
the question of Cuban reciprocity
was pending before Congress
Wood busted himself seeking TO in
fuence legislation. employing
Cuban funds to promote reci-
procity. Ii happened ut the same
time that the beet sugar people of
the West appealed TO Secretary of
the Department of Agriculture
James Wilson, as their friend, TO
say a word to congressman. Not
regarding il as proper for an exec
utive officer to appear to NEEDLE
with the affairs of the Legislative
branch of the government, Mr.,
Wilson declined. But il was differ
ent with Wood. He could do what
no other officer dared TO attempt.
Wood had no sooner become COVER
nor general of Cuba than he al
once consOrted with certain news.
paper writer's TO discredit the adj
ministration of his predecessor,
General Brooke, and to boast the
administration of General Wood
One of Woods favored proteges
in the exploitation Of his aptoGratli
glaries was one Hellairs, a former
convict in the Florida penitentiary
Wood, through this fellow anf
others who Stopped over about hin
continually and complaoently, tool
credit for what was duo others an6
laughed at every had thing tina
was imputed 10 him, Returning Il
Washington NJ the close of ths
American occupation Of Cuba
Wood loafed at and around thu
White House. Although an office
of the army and liable to duty, fol
months and months he was Above,
10 idle In Washington, doing moth
Ing, unassigned, doing ptterl!
nothing of which tho public eoulI
learn except to chase across coNn
tpy with Roosevelt and play slap