The Savannah morning news., 1904-10-16

officer. Fighting was going on at the
| time at the Court House.
Argument Begun.
At 1890 o'clock argument was open
ed by Col. Napier. He stated that he
would show that the charge of quit
ting his post was proven. and that the
defendant knew that the prisoners
were to be lynched, and wanted to be
In at the death"
In presenting Lieut.. Griner's view
OF the case. Mr.. II. l.. Moore declared
that the lieutenant tried to get to the
Court House because there was fight
ing there. If even ne left without
leave IL was a case OF urgent neces-
slty.
1t was urged that the charges did
not allege that he was at the scene OF
the lynching, as detailed by Mr.. Guer-
ry and that he thought anyway that
| another person must have been mis-
taken for Lieut.. Griner.
In discussing the telegram PROPOSE
ton. counsel admitted that the first
message had been ordered sent, but
claimed that the circumstances justi-
fed the act.
stntesbore Heroes.
IF the judge advocate ever names
an heir, / advise that he chose the
name OF a dead hero"
Col. Napier: Yes, l don't think
could pick out but very few suitable
ones from those who took part at
Statesboro."
yes, there was all kinds OF bravery
and grit there" resumed Mr.. Moore
What was needed was an aggressive
commander. We are inclined to Judge
by results"
The speaker accused the Judge advo-
cate OF changing the attributes OF his
military heroes for each case. Once Il
was the Russian soldier who was burn
ed In a temple rather than leave his
post without orders. Again the Amerl-
can military hero was the soldier who
acted on his own initiative. First he
censured one officer for not staying at
his post, regardless Of what was go
ing on elsewhere, and then another Of
ficer for leaving and trying to get into
the fight. The insinuation that the
charge OF cowardice or desertion OBJ &.
tanned against the defendant was re-
PEELED.
Judge Advocates Speech.
Col. Napier, In beginning his speech.
complimented Mr.. Moore for the able
address he had made. He claimed that
he had been entirely consistent In his
various kinds Of military heroes. A
tribute was paid to certain soldiers at
Statesboro who had apparently earned
praise.
Il have repeatedly spoken OF some
OF that gallant band who held the
rear stairway, and who would, II they
could have done II, broken the leashes
which held them"
Lieut.. Griner was cenBured for ask
Ing TO leave on urgent private business
and then loafing around the camp for
half hour. The defendant went TO
the telegraph office without permission.
Lieut.. Nell denied having given per-
mission TO leave. The speaker held that
the contradictory statements made by
the witness tended to throw dlscredit
on his credibility.
A Psychological Mystery.
ut would take a psychological court
OF inquiry 20 tell just why Lieut.
Griner sent that telegram" said Col
Napier HE must have thought, !
will make chance shot though this
was about the only one that was fired
| He will at least perpetuate his name
IN the military history OF Georgia
Perhaps he wanted some notoriety and
some glory, when everybody had beer
captured except sergt. Jones and one
member Of his command, commits
stoned officer
and admiration. / will not presume
10 discuss with these military men ant
lawyers the details Of the case. II
remains for tho court. seeing all ol
the circumstances before ~, to admin
ister whatever punishment n sees ne.
The court took the case under ad
vlBement shortly after o'clock, ant
completed It's findings within nft,